Oral history interview with Muriel Parks conducted by Judy Drappo on February 26, 1979 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Parks discusses her personal history and the history of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). Parks discusses her career working at UNLV as the Director of Admissions and Records, and how the university has changed over time. Parks also discusses the career of Maude Frazier and their personal relationship.
Oral history interview with Gayle Wallace conducted by Steven Stover on February 13, 1972 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Wallace discusses his personal history and the history of Las Vegas, Nevada. Wallace begins by describing his father's career as a mechanic working on the construction of Hoover Dam (Boulder Dam). Wallace then describes moving to North Las Vegas, Nevada, what life was like in the developing city, and living in a tent. He talks about his career as a floral designer, how Las Vegas has changed, and recreational activities in the city.
Oral history interview with Don Payne conducted by Mara E. Vernon on March 19, 1997 for the UNLV University Libraries Oral History Collection. In this interview, Payne discusses his career with the Las Vegas News Bureau. He talks about his role as Head of the Bureau and his work in promoting Las Vegas through media outlets. Payne remembers the Bureau’s partnership with the Union Pacific Railroad and the beginning of corporate ownership in Las Vegas hotels and casinos.
Oral history interview with Gene Collins conducted by Claytee D. White on July 16, 2009 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. Collins discusses the job market in Las Vegas, Nevada and delineates his work experience and career as culinary employee, operation engineer, and finally as electrician at the Nevada Test Site. He then talks about becoming a Nevada State Assemblyman and helping to bring diversification, jobs, and businesses to the black community. Collins details the accomplishments of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) during those years and discusses the means by which they were met, including marches and protests.
Oral history interview with Marjorie Pierce conducted by Andres Moses on January 17, 2006 for the Living to Dance: Tapping in Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Pierce discusses her early life in Kansas City, Missouri and becoming a dancer at a young age. She talks about moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1951, performing at the Desert Inn Hotel and Casino and the Dunes Hotel and Casino, and being cast in the musical Tenderloin. Pierce describes tap dancing techniques and unions for professional dancers.
Oral history interview with Jean Rambo conducted by Mary Fitzgerald on April 29, 1977 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Rambo discusses her career as a nurse in Las Vegas, Nevada. She describes her initial impressions and responsibilities as a nurse in Las Vegas, as well as the construction of Southern Nevada Memorial Hospital (University Medical Center). Lastly, Rambo discusses her experiences in nursing school.
Oral history interview with Charley Schneider conducted by Sherryl Weber on March 13, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Schneider discusses his personal history and growing up in Boulder City, Nevada and Las Vegas, Nevada. He then describes recreational activities, education, and recalls the population growth of both cities. Lastly, Schneider goes on to discuss his employment at Farmers Insurance Company.
Oral history interview with Greg McCurdy conducted by Claytee D. White on March 7, 2013 and August 21, 2013 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. McCurdy discusses growing up in the early Westside neighborhood as a boy and his work as a police officer with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD). He then talks about retiring after 30 years of service and his following career overseeing the Homeland Security and Law Enforcement Investigations Group at the LVMPD.
Oral history interview with Jimmy W. Newman conducted by Maureen Kelly Ryan on March 06, 1977 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Newman discusses arriving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1947 and his employment as a card dealer at various casinos. Newman then describes his move to the Sahara Hotel, his promotion to shift boss and purchasing a small percentage of the hotel. He goes on to discuss equal rights and workers rights for women and African Americans at casinos, significant people visiting the Las Vegas Hilton, and becoming the Executive Vice President and Casino Manager for Hilton Casino Incorporated.
Oral history interview with John Cannito conducted by Stefani Evans on April 03, 2018 for the Building Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Cannito discusses his early life and constantly moving to different states during his youth. He talks about his father’s employment with Amtrak, train transportation, and joining Perini Construction in Phoenix, Arizona. Cannito describes the role of an engineer in a construction company, and co-founding a software development company. Later, Cannito recalls joining The PENTA Building Group, the projects he was involved with, and becoming Chief Operating Officer. Lastly, Cannito discusses the company’s relationship with Native American-owned casinos, and the importance of maintaining long-term relationships with clients.