Archival Component
Oral history interview with D. D. (Ethel Dolores) Cotton conducted by Claytee White on February 14, 1997 and March 21, 1997 for the Women's Research Institute of Nevada (WRIN) Las Vegas Women Oral History Project. In this interview, Cotton discusses the beginnings of her dance career in New York City, New York. Later in the interview, Cotton discusses working in Las Vegas, Nevada at the Cotton Club and her interactions with other African American entertainers. Cotton also discusses race relations and her experiences as an African American dancer in Las Vegas. Cotton later goes on to discuss her career change in the service industry.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with J. D. Smith conducted by Albert Hewitt on October 31, 1979 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Smith begins by discussing his move to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1927 after buying an office for his dental practice. He describes life in Las Vegas at the time, how the city has expanded and changed, and his career as a dentist. Smith also talks about his time as president of the Nevada State Board of Education. He concludes by elaborating on other aspects of Las Vegas history, such as the crash of Carole Lombard's plane, the Helldorado Parades, and nuclear weapons testing.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Juan Saa conducted by David G. Schwartz on November 21, 2016 for the Slot Operations Oral History Project. Saa discusses his start in the technical side and his eventual move into an operational role in the casino industry. He talks about his experience as a director, specifically the responsibilities involved, and the type of staff being supervised. Saa then describes what he believes are the biggest changes in the slot industry, specifically with ticket-in, ticket-out (TITO); and slot analysis.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Victoria and Brad Babich conducted by Claytee D. White on November 22, 2013 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, the Babich couple describe their family histories and life in Las Vegas, Nevada during the mid-twentieth century. Brad Babich discusses his father's work in the gaming industry of Las Vegas, the prevalence of organized crime in the city, the influence of Howard Hughes and the federal government, and other aspects of Las Vegas history. He also talks about nuclear weapons tests at the Nevada Test Site and the health problems some employees acquired there. The two talk about recreational activities of the time, as well as the entertainers that performed on the Las Vegas Strip. Other topics of discussion include race relations in Las Vegas, casino history, and changes that have occurred over the years in the city.
Archival Collection