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
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Lonnie Wright conducted by Claytee White on October 23, 2009 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. Wright describes the casino mentality of racism and sexism that he encountered. Wright also discusses dealing with the odds and his business endeavors. Wright then describes the value of being a team player and using athletics as a marketing strategy.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with James Stover conducted by Robert Filmer on March 31, 1978 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Stover discusses arriving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1953 to work in construction. Stover then describes his most recent occupation, pest control, and describes the kind of work that goes into pest control. Stover later discusses problems with living in a desert and the difficulties of floods in a desert environment.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Ellis LeFevre conducted by A. D. Hopkins on March 01, 1978 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In the interview, LeFevre discusses his early life in Las Vegas, Nevada, as well as his experiences with bootlegging during Prohibition Era, and his encounters with local law enforcement.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Stephen Schneider conducted by Stefani Evans on October 10, 2017 for the Building Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Schneider discusses his early life and English education. He recalls arriving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1967, being an English teacher at Bishop Gorman High School, and his early interest in real estate. Schneider talks about obtaining his real estate license and forming Berkshire Hathaway Americana Group Realtors. Lastly, Schneider discusses Special Improvement Districts.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Bill Hornbuckle conducted by Claytee D. White on December 03, 2019 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Hornbuckle discusses his early life Connecticut and arriving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1977. He talks about his initial interest in the hospitality industry, organizing venues, and becoming Chief Operating Officer of MGM Resorts International. Lastly, Hornbuckle describes the growth and future of the Las Vegas Strip.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Josephine Bruns conducted by Christopher Wong on March 9, 1975 and March 12, 1975 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Bruns discusses her family background, recreational activities, transportation, entertainment, and the growth of businesses in Las Vegas, Nevada. Bruns also talks about the Stewart Ranch and the Union Pacific Railroad.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Leo Dunbar conducted by Jim Maxon on May 28, 1985 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Dunbar discusses his life as a Boulder City, Nevada native.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with John West conducted by Claytee D. White on August 10, 2000 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, West discusses his family background and arriving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1954. West describes his educational experiences in Las Vegas and his career as a clinical psychologist. He recalls his father’s career in medicine and becoming the first African American licensed medical doctor in Las Vegas. West then talks about attending entertainment events before race integration was introduced, and the voting patterns in West Las Vegas. Lastly, West discusses his father’s decision to remain living in West Las Vegas and operating his medical office there after integration.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Myrtle Hancock conducted by Russell Oakes on February 26, 1980 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Hancock discusses her occupational experience as a wardrobe dresser in the entertainment industry in Las Vegas, Nevada. She also discusses family life, life on a ranch, Downtown Las Vegas, Helldorado, and Nevada’s hot weather.
Archival Collection