Oral history interviews with Lillian Whalen conducted by Laura Bell on September 21, 1974 and November 22, 1974 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Whalen discusses her personal history in Boulder City, Nevada since the 1930s. Whalen then describes social life, the increase of local businesses, and the overall growth of Boulder City.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Janet Kravenko conducted by Bridget Kelly on August 07, 2002 for the Women's Research Institute of Nevada (WRIN) Las Vegas Women Oral History Project. Kravenko opens her interview by discussing the importance of dance to her family, and her early interest in becoming a member of the Bluebell Girls dance troupe. She describes the rules of touring as a Bluebell Girl and her experiences traveling the world for two years. She then discusses her first contract in Las Vegas, Nevada at the Lido de Paris show. She describes the daily life of a Bluebell Girl, and where they rehearsed and performed. Kravenko then talks about being a young performer in Las Vegas and the challenges of finding work. She also describes some of the famous people she worked with including Zsa Zsa Gabor and Major Riddle. Lastly, Kravenko discusses how her dance career changed after she became a mother.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Harold Chatterson conducted by Herman Grijalva on October 17, 1972 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview Harold Chatterson discuses moving to Las Vegas, Nevada, working as a construction worker, the First National Bank of Nevada, homesteading, atomic-bomb testing, Howard Hughes, the Las Vegas Strip, the Helldorado Parade, and the 1942 crash of Carole Lombard's plane.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Paul Hejmanowski conducted by Lois M. Goodall on March 13, 2014 for West Charleston Neighborhoods-- An Oral History Project of Ward 1. Paul Hejmanowski in this interview recalls his family moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1972 and his first impressions of the city and its people. Hejmanowski then discusses his children’s activities at Lorenzi Park and traveling to an area near Caliente to cut down their Christmas tree. He also discusses how the law and justice community has changed in Las Vegas, given the rise in the amount of lawyers in Las Vegas and the advent of modern office technology.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Denise Lutey conducted by Barbara Tabach on February 27, 2018 for the Remembering 1 October Oral History Project. In this interview, University of Las Vegas, Nevada (UNLV) campus officer Denise Lutey gives an account on the night of the October 1, 2017 mass shooting in Las Vegas, Nevada. She discusses the campus security measures taken at UNLV in order to keep the campus secure and create a safe space for any survivors. She mentions the people who were involved in providing safety and resources for the survivors, including the officers and student workers. Officer Lutey also discusses the general campus response as well as the various resources offered to citizens to help them be prepared for an emergency situation, such as the Active Shooter Training provided on campus.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with professional dancer Diana Saunders conducted by Barabra Tabach on April 17, 2017 for the Southern Nevada Jewish Heritage Oral History Project. Diana shares stories of long career as a dancer, from substituting in the black dancer line to continued study of dancing with Anglo Moio. She also talks about the AIDS fundraising event, Golden Rainbow, having dinner at Rabbi Shea Harlig’s home, observations of local theater, being a part of the former Star Trek Experience at the Las Vegas Hilton, Hallelujah Hollywood, and a dancer for Siegfried and Roy.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Andres Dominguez conducted by Marcela Rodriguez Campo, Laurents Bañuelos-Benitez, and Barbara Tabach on February 11, 2019 for the Latinx Voices of Southern Nevada Oral History Project. In this interview, Dominguez discusses his upbringing in Las Vegas, Nevada and growing up on the Eastside. He talks about the history of barbering in his family, and his path to becoming a barber. Dominguez describes the process of acquiring the barbershop at the El Cortez Hotel and Casino, and the significance of the location to his family. Lastly, Dominguez discusses his perspective on life, the importance of networking, and his decision in naming his shop Speakeasy Barbershop LV.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Celesta Lowe conducted by Patrick Carlton on February 6, 2002 for the Las Vegas Rotary Club Oral History Project. Lowe begins by discussing her early life in Baker, California and her father’s role as a station agent for the Tonopah Tidewater Railroad during the 1920s and 1930s. Lowe then describes her family moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in the 1940s. Lowe chronicles the process state legislatures took to open Nevada Southern University in 1957 and her role as an administrative assistant in the main office of the school. Lowe recounts her career at Nevada Southern University, the expansion of the campus, and renaming it University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Lastly, Lowe talks about her switch from an administrative assistant to a librarian at UNLV.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Otto Merida conducted by Claytee White on May 18, 2017 for the Latinx Voices of Southern Nevada Oral History Project. Merida discusses his childhood in Havana, Cuba and his arrival to the United States. Merida then discusses Cubans in Las Vegas, Nevada in the 1960s and 1970s. He also reflects on starting the Latin Chamber of Commerce with Arturo Cambeiro in the late 1970s.
Archival Collection
Oral history interviews with David Parks conducted by Dennis McBride on February 16 and 21, 2000 for the Las Vegas Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Archives Oral History Project. In the interviews, Parks talks about his early life in Boston, Massachusetts, his education, and his service with the United States Air Force, where he was stationed at Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas, Nevada in 1967. Parks then recalls understanding his sexuality during his military service and policies regarding gay military personnel. He remembers coming out as gay in 1972, when he attended the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and worked for the City of Las Vegas as a computer operator. He then talks about getting involved with politics, his involvement with gay support organizations including Aid for AIDS of Nevada, and his experiences running as the first openly gay Nevada State Assemblyman in 1996. Lastly, Parks discusses same sex rights legislation that was brought forward during his time in office.
Archival Collection