Oral history interview with Florence Smith conducted by her grandson, Sam Smith, on March 19, 1978 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Smith discusses the police department for Las Vegas, Nevada and crime in the city. She describes employment levels, the ease and difficulty of finding work, and where someone can find jobs. Smith talks about raising her children and federal government ownership of land in Nevada.
Archival Collection
Town hall meeting for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project facilitated by Claytee D. White on May 11, 2013. In this town hall, White explains the mission and the purpose behind the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. Attendees also speak, telling stories and histories of the African American people and communities in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Archival Collection
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.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Judith Boyer conducted by Claytee D. White on November 8, 2005 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. Judith Boyer discusses moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1948 and her careers working at Ronzoni's Department Store and as a stewardess for Bonanza Airlines. She also discusses Las Vegas as it was in the 1950s.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Bernice Johnson conducted by Dan Buress on February 21, 1979 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Johnson discusses her personal history and her reasons for moving to Las Vegas, Nevada. Johnson describes moving between Southern California and Las Vegas while her husband worked for the railroad company. The interview concludes with Johnson recalling her memories of the Von Tobel family and the rapid population growth in Las Vegas after the construction of the Nevada Test Site.
Archival Collection
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.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with John Foley conducted by Irene Rostine on May 11, 2011 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. Foley discusses how he and his siblings created a law dynasty in Las Vegas, Nevada as attorneys. He also discusses his time as a Nevada State senator.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Barbara Givens conducted by Claytee D. White on October 05, 2005 for the UNLV @ 50 Oral History Project. Givens discusses moving to Las Vegas, Nevada from Reno, Nevada in 1952 and receiving a degree in teaching from what is now the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. She also talks about teaching in two Las Vegas high schools and a class for new teachers at UNLV.
Archival Collection
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.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Helen H. Holmes conducted by Marilyn Swanson on February 12, 1975 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Holmes discusses the social, economic, and environmental changes that occurred in Boulder City, Nevada from 1931 to 1975. Holmes also discusses his home and family life in Nevada.
Archival Collection