Oral history interview with Mario Berlanga Jr. conducted by Claytee D. White on July 26, 2017 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Berlanga discusses his upbringing in Las Vegas, Nevada and growing up in the Westside community. He discusses his experience working at supermarkets, becoming a supermarket owner, and establishing his business, Mario’s Westside Market. Berlanga talks about supporting the children of the community, working with the local police, and the growth of his business. Lastly, Berlanga discusses the redevelopment of the Westside neighborhood.
Oral history interview with Lois Mathews conducted by Pat Kohlman on December 07, 1975 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Mathews discusses early life in Boulder City, Nevada. Mathews also discusses the changes that Boulder City, Nevada had as a result of the population growth in Southern Nevada. Mathews later describes her various visits to Las Vegas, Nevada and recalls attending shows at the casinos on Fremont Street.
Oral history interview with Oliver Crickman conducted by William Hawley on March 03, 1979 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Crickman discusses his upbringing in Las Vegas, Nevada and his gradual move from the position of cook’s helper to executive chef at the Royal Inn. Crickman goes into detail about the operation of Las Vegas Strip and Downtown Las Vegas restaurants, the demographics of cooks, and how the hospitality and housing industries have changed.
Oral history interview with Maynard Sloate conducted by Joyce Moore on June 12, 2007 for the All That Jazz Oral History Project. In this interview, Sloate discusses his early life in Los Angeles, California and his career as a jazz drummer. He remembers performing at the Tropicana, the Union Plaza, and becoming an entertainment director for production shows. Sloate describes the increases in price to attend a show in Las Vegas, and the use of taped music instead of live musicians. Lastly, Sloate talks about the challenges in making a career as a musician.
Oral history interview with Robert D. Howell conducted by Joe Sant on February 26, 1977 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Howell discusses growing up in Nevada, the early above ground atomic tests, local environmental and social changes, the economic landscape, the Mormon Fort, religious beliefs, local recreation, and air pollution.
Oral history interview with Keena Smith conducted by Winita Frederick on November 25, 2014 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview, Smith discusses her personal history and growing up in Las Vegas, Nevada. She describes what Las Vegas was like as a child, her upbringing in dance, and the significance that participating in the arts has on her life. Smith describes the auditioning process for shows in Las Vegas, her experience as an African American dancer, and being a cast member for The Lion King. Lastly, Smith talks about teaching dance courses at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
Oral history interview with Marilyn V. Tamre conducted by Sheri L. Woodward on March 09, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Tamre discusses moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1955 and life in the city. Tamre describes how Las Vegas has changed and expanded, as well as what forms of recreation were available during the 1950s. She goes on to discuss how hospitable the casinos were to their guests, economic changes in the city, and flooding problems in Las Vegas.
Oral history interview with Donna Newsom conducted by Claytee D. White on June 11, 2009 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. Donna Newsom discusses working as a nurse in the southern United States, at a Girl Scout camp in Colorado, and at Southern Nevada Memorial Hospital in Las Vegas, Nevada. She also discusses working in real estate in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Oral history interview with Esther Horner conducted by Maureen Brannon in approximately 1977 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Horner discusses the inaugural Helldorado Parade, her family’s establishment of B & H Grocery in Las Vegas, Nevada, atomic tests, presidential visits, social clubs, and the tragic death of actress Carole Lombard in a plane crash in Nevada. Horner also offers insight into religious life, the red-light districts, including the infamous Block 16, racial segregation, and gambling in the early days in Las Vegas.
Oral history interview with Robert Knapp conducted by Dianna Lucero on March 10, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Knapp discusses his personal and occupational history in Las Vegas, Nevada. He also talks about the major hotels, politics, gambling, and road recreations.