Oral history interview with George Albright (born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on December 6, 1909) conducted by Deborah J. Cox on February 16, 1980 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas.
After living in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Reno, Nevada, Albright relocated to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1931. A former county commissioner, Albright discusses the Las Vegas Convention Center, Clark County Recreation Board, tourists and conventioneers, the land, and the Las Vegas economy.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with William (Bob) Bailey conducted by Claytee White on November 19, 1997 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. William H. “Bob” Bailey discusses how he arrived in Las Vegas, Nevada in 1955 to become the emcee at the Moulin Rouge and how he entered a black community that used his talents in the fight for equality and justice. He then discusses how the closing of the Moulin Rouge after a few months of operation propelled him into services on the Equal Rights Commission as well as a career in the television industry, ownership in several local gaming establishments, and formation of the NEDCO (Nevada Economic Development Company).
Archival Collection
Oral history interviews with James Dean Leavitt conducted by Claytee D. White on September 27 and October 4, 2022 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Leavitt recalls his role in establishing a medical school at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), now known as Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine. Leavitt was elected to the Board of Regents in 2004 while Jim Rogers was interim Chancellor of the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE), and he suggested the creation of an ad hoc committee Health Science Center Committee. In 2009, Leavitt became Chairman of the Board of Regents, Dan Klaich became Chancellor, and in the following year, Dr. Mark Doubrava joined the board. In May 2014, the planning dean was hired, Dr. Barbara Atkinson, and the UNLV School of Medicine was officially established on August 22, 2014.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with William F. Kelsey conducted by James M. Greene on January 20, 1975 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Kelsey discusses his life, from being born in Pasadena, California to becoming a businessman in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Allan Kelly conducted by David Crawford III on March 28, 1976 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Kelly talks about living and growing up in early West Las Vegas, Nevada in the 1940s and 1950s. He specifically talks about his experiences growing up in a predominantly white neighborhood.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Jonce T. Clement conducted by Terrance L. Fairchild on March 07, 1975 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Clement discusses social and economic changes in Las Vegas, Nevada. Clement then shares the development of the Las Vegas Strip and the first casinos to begin operating.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Wilford "Witt" C. Olive conducted by Gordon R. Brusso on April 13, 1977 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Olive discusses local live entertainment venues during the 1930s and 1940s in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Midge Innis conducted by James Thomas Griffin on May 8, 1976 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. The two discuss her occupational history as well as how she met her husband. Innis discusses the changes inside casinos and gambling. The interview concludes with Innis’ thoughts on environmental and social changes in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Ethel Pearson conducted by Mary Palmer on February 26, 1979 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Pearson discusses the discrimination and segregation of African American workers inside the hotels and casinos in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Marva McCall conducted by Glen Ette Davis on July 03, 1975 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. McCall discusses the Las Vegas, Nevada Strip and the changes it went through, along with general changes throughout Las Vegas. McCall also discusses the tension between some races in the community.
Archival Collection