Oral history interviews with Carolyn MacMullen conducted by Su Kim Chung on April 21, 2014 and July 07, 2014 for the West Charleston Neighborhoods: an Oral History Project of Ward 1. In these interviews, MacMullen discusses being a dancer in Las Vegas, Nevada at the Sands, Desert Inn, and Sahara throughout the 1950s. She recalls working as a dresser and describes what it is like to be backstage during a show production. MacMullen then talks about changes in showgirl costumes, the Texas Copa Girls, and her decision to stop dancing. Lastly, MacMullen discusses living in the West Charleston area and changes in Las Vegas.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Mayer Jacob (Chic) Hecht conducted by Julie Sefman on April 02, 1976 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview Chic Hecht discusses moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1945. He also talks about the retail business world, being a state senator, being a U.S. senator, and being an ambassador to the island nation of the Bahamas.
Archival Collection
Oral history interviews with Richard W. Bunker conducted by Stefani Evans and Claytee D. White on July 18 2017, July 21, 2017, and September 28, 2017 for the Building Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Bunker discusses the history behind a wide range of events that affected the daily lives of Southern Nevadans. He talks about his role in a consolidation attempt between the Clark County and Las Vegas, Nevada governmental structures that was halted by the courts in 1975. Bunker then recalls working as a member and Chair of the Nevada Gaming Control Board and his work with various casinos and hotels including Circus Circus, the Dunes, and the Aladdin. He discusses replacing key people at the Gaming Control Board, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) Operation Yobo sting. He then speaks fondly of his longtime friends Jim Gibson, Judge Lloyd George, and Jim Joyce. Lastly, Bunker discusses water rights, supply, and management issues in Nevada as it relates to the Nevada Resort Association, Las Vegas Valley Water District, Southern Nevada Water Authority, and the Colorado River Commission.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Charles Silvestri conducted by Claytee D. White on December 31, 2012 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. Silvestri begins by discussing his family history and his personal history in the United States Army during the 1950s. He describes moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1957 after leaving the army, working as a casino dealer at The Mint Hotel and Casino and California Club while attending the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, called Nevada Southern University at the time. Silvestri then describes attending the University of Nevada, Reno to finish his degree and moving back to Las Vegas to begin his career as a teacher. Lastly, he talks about life in Las Vegas, entertainment in the city, race relations in Las Vegas during the 1960s, and the middle school that was named in his honor.
Archival Collection
Oral history interviews with Ted Quirk conducted by Claytee D. White on December 15, 2017 and December 20, 2017 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In the first interview, Quirk discusses his early life in Ithaca, New York and arriving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1973. He talks about his employment at Shell Oil, working in a chemical plant, and oil drilling. Quirk describes practicing law for patents, licensing, and contracts. He talks about his career in the housing development industry, and his involvement in the development of the Spanish Trails County Club. In the second interview, Quirk talks about Boys and Girls Club of America and being involved with the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). He remembers forming the UNLV Golf Foundation, the Runnin’ Rebels Club, and the UNLV Research Foundation. Quirk explains the situation regarding UNLV’s Basketball Coach, Jerry Tarkanian, and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). Lastly, Quick discusses the historical importance of the
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Louis Baluyut conducted by Kyle Baluyut in November 2021 for the Reflections: The Las Vegas Asian American and Pacific Islander Oral History Project. In this interview, Baluyut discusses his early life in the Philippines, immigrating to the United States by enlisting in the U.S. Navy. He recalls his experiences travelling around the country and internationally, and how life in other places compares to Las Vegas, Nevada.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Sonny V. Mallari conducted by Chanele Mallari on November 26, 2021 for Reflections: The Las Vegas Asian American and Pacific Islander Oral History Project. Sonny Mallari talks about his childhood in Masantol, Pampanga province, Philippines with his five siblings. He discusses his family's immigration to Salinas, California and details of his life and parents' lives in the United States. Sonny shares stories of being bullied in school and what the immigration process was like from his point of view at the age of seven. He also talks about his professional work as a cook, moving to Las Vegas, Nevada for work, and becoming a Culinary Workers Union member.
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Oral history interview with Christina Gentile conducted by David Schwartz on May 01, 2015 for the Table Games Management Oral History Project. In this interview, Gentile discusses her career as a card dealer at the Hotel Nevada, King 8 Hotel, Wild Wild West Hotel and Casino, Boulder Station, Red Rock, and Wynn Las Vegas.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Clifford Conedy conducted by David Schwartz on June 02, 2015 for the Table Games Management Oral History Project. In this interview, Conedy discusses his career working at casinos in Las Vegas, Nevada including Circus Circus, Stardust, Mint, El Rancho, Fremont Hotel, MGM Grand, Flamingo, and Caesars Palace.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Fred Gibson conducted by Maisie Gibson on March 9, 1975 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Gibson discusses his Las Vegas, Nevada experiences, his college education, and his various careers in the United States Army and engineering. Gibson then talks about his membership in clubs and organizations, and his memories of early Fremont Street and the Helldorado Parade. He also covers the topics of mining, the atomic testing, economic and environmental changes, and social changes.
Archival Collection