Oral history interview with Ida M. Gaines conducted by Claytee D. White on September 30, 2016 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview, Gaines discusses her early life in Louisiana. She recalls moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1959, living in the Westside, and her employment at the Nevada Test Site. Gaines remembers integration, her involvement with the Las Vegas Chapter of The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), and becoming a member of Gamma Phi Delta. Gaines talks about working with Senator Harry Reid as a community liaison, the economic downfall of Jackson Street businesses, and redevelopment of the Westside. Lastly, Gaines discusses the issue of homelessness in the community, and the work that the Economic Opportunity Board (EOB) did to reduce poverty in the Westside.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Treva Roles conducted by Judy Harrell on February 12, 2014 for the West Charleston Neighborhoods: An Oral History Project of Ward 1. Roles discusses her father buying the Fair Price Motel in Las Vegas, Nevada and moving out to Las Vegas to help her family run it. Treva also discusses her parents buying the Del Mar Motel and running the Rummel Motel with her husband.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Patricia Bryan conducted by Stephen Kulifay on February 20, 1979 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview Patricia Bryan discusses her education at University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and Northwestern and her move to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1947. Bryan also discusses her family’s involvement in the soda bottling industry and eventual involvement in real estate. She goes on to describe a wide range of topics including the first hotel properties in the city, the entertainers at the time, minority communities, the railroad, shopping, and housing. She also discusses the popularity of Las Vegas, with a focus on tourists and gaming. Digital audio and transcript available.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Susan Fine conducted by Cecillia Boland on February 18, 1976 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Fine discusses her family background and moving to Boulder City, Nevada, and then later moving to Las Vegas, Nevada. She also discusses the educational system, church involvement, mercury test site, Howard Hughes’ impact to Las Vegas, Nevada, and Boulder (Hoover) Dam.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Craig F. Swallow conducted by Christine E. Johnson on February 29, 1980 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Swallow discusses his personal history growing up in Boulder City, Nevada. Swallow describes life in Boulder City, his education, and important figures in the city. Swallow also discusses his time in the U.S. Army before eventually moving to Las Vegas, Nevada to start his career as a teacher. He goes on to talk about the school system in Las Vegas, how Boulder City has changed, the effects of the Mormon church on education, and race relations.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Sylvester Collier conducted by Claytee D. White on May 17, 2017 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview, Collier discusses his early life in Dallas, Texas. He talks about his interest in art, joining the United States Air Force in 1951, and being sent to Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas, Nevada. Collier recalls attending the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), earning a master’s degree in education, and teaching art classes in the Clark County School District (CCSD). Later, Collier discusses starting the Left of Center Art Gallery, and describes some of his art pieces. Lastly, Collier talks about his experience as an African American artist.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Tona Siefert conducted by Lisa Becker on February 25, 1977 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Siefert discusses her personal history and a comprehensive history of the evolution of Las Vegas, Nevada. Siefert discusses how her father, James Cashman Sr., and her mother met and founded Las Vegas' oldest automobile dealership, education in Las Vegas, and prominent politicians that have represented or visited Nevada, such as Senator Key Pittman and President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Siefert also discusses the establishment of the Helldorado Festival by the Elks Lodge, the construction of Cashman Stadium, development of the Strip in Las Vegas, and other changes that have occurred in the city. Siefert goes on to discuss the founding of the Women of Service League, union protests, and issues with water management in Las Vegas.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Lucile Nyberg conducted by Alison Hartough on February 22, 1978 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Nyberg discusses the history of Overton, Nevada and life in the town. Nyberg describes early Las Vegas, Nevada and life in Boulder City, Nevada. Nyberg goes on to discuss her career as a teacher and the changes made to education in Las Vegas. Nyberg also discusses the development and the economy of Las Vegas, and briefly discusses prostitution in the city. Nyberg's husband, Richard Nyberg, is present during the interview, but does not speak.
Archival Collection
Oral history interviews with Diana Saunders conducted by Joyce (Marshall) Moore on May 23, 1996, conducted by Brigid Kelly on July 22, 2002, and conducted by Joanna Goodwin on August 12, 2002 for the Women's Research Institute of Nevada (WRIN) Las Vegas Women Oral History Project. In her interviews Saunders discusses her dance career in New York City, New York. Saunders discusses working on Broadway and touring internationally in Europe and Australia as a dancer. Saunders discusses working at the Dunes in Las Vegas, Nevada and her experiences as a dancer in Las Vegas. Saunders also talks about the lengths dancers had to go through to be successful.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with James "Sailor" Ryan conducted by Perry Kaufman in 1975 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Ryan discusses moving to Nevada from Montana in 1935. Ryan describes his career as a construction laborer for the Hoover Dam (Boulder Dam) as well as later positions in construction. Ryan also details his involvement in politics and his position in the Nevada Assembly. Lastly, Ryan discusses gambling and the growth of Las Vegas, Nevada.
Archival Collection