Oral history interview with David Ober conducted by Stefani Evans on October 11, 2017 for the Building Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Ober discusses his upbringing in Tucson, Arizona and talks about his parents’ careers. He recalls moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1989 to work for his father’s home building business, R. A. Homes, and opening his real estate company, Jorant Commercial. Ober describes joining Temple Beth Sholom, his involvement with the Southern Nevada Home Builders Association, and developing the Desert Shores community. Later, Ober discusses his mother’s career as a teacher in the Clark County School District (CCSD) and her contributions in designing the first program for visually impaired students. Lastly, Ober talks about CCSD naming a school in honor of his parents.
Oral history interview with Jacqueline Evans conducted by Susan Rapport on March 15, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview Jacqueline Evans discusses moving to Las Vegas, Nevada. She also talks about her extracurricular activities in high school, recreational activities, and other forms of entertainment. She also discusses political events in the 1960s, her husband's involvement in Native American affairs, and the flooding problem in Las Vegas.
Oral history interview with Christian Giovanni conducted by Cecilia Winchell, Jerwin Tiu, and Stefani Evans on May 17, 2022 for the Reflections: the Las Vegas Asian American and Pacific Islander Oral History Project. In this interview, Giovanni describes her early life being born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada. She discusses her mother, Oywan, who first worked for the casinos before turning her focus to community building. Throughout Oywan's life, she did everything from start the first temple in the city to the first Thai newspaper, Las Vegas News. Giovanni mentions having what she considers a normal childhood, especially because of her more Western appearance, and did not embrace her AAPI identity until much later in life after she started helping her mother with different organizations. Currently, Giovanni is involved in many organizations, from the AAPI County Commission to the Thai Culture Foundation.
Oral history interview with Tina Quigley conducted by Claytee D. White and Stefani Evans on August 29, 2017 for the Building Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Quigley discusses her early life in Petaluma, California. She talks about her initial interest in aviation, attending Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and studying airport planning and aviation business. Quigley recalls moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1990, her employment at McCarran Airport, and airport projects she was involved in. Later, Quigley remembers joining the Regional Transportation Commission (RTC), becoming general manager, and the development of transportation technology. Lastly, Quigley discusses future planning for Clark County public transportation.
Oral history interview with Bob Bellis conducted by Suzanne Becker on June 19, 2007 for the Voices of the Historic John S. Park Neighborhood Oral History Project. Bellis talks about the creation of the John S. Park Neighborhood Association, the history of the community, and its evolution.
Oral history interview with Henry E. Wellman conducted by Rebecca Rounds on March 14, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Wellman discusses his personal history and the history of Boulder City, Nevada. Wellman describes the construction of Hoover Dam (Boulder Dam), being a laborer working on the dam, and life in Boulder City during the 1940s. He talks about the United States government selling housing and land after the completion of Hoover Dam and how Las Vegas, Nevada has changed and expanded. Wellman also discusses the legalization of alcohol in Boulder City.
Oral history interview with September Sarno conducted by David Schwartz on October 06, 2007 for the Remembering Jay Sarno Oral History Project. In this interview, Sarno discusses her early life and moving to Las Vegas, Nevada at the age of five. She remembers living at her father’s hotels growing up, the lifestyle she was born into, and the final months before the passing of Jay Sarno. Lastly, Sarno talks about the impact that her father has had in Southern Nevada.
Oral history interviews with Woodrow Smith conducted by Claytee D. White on February 10, 2014 and February 12, 2014 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In these interviews, Smith discusses his upbringing in Chattanooga, Tennessee and describes moving to another part of Chattanooga due to the violence his family experienced. He talks about attending Tuskegee University, studying engineering, and being taught by Tuskegee Airmen professors. Later, Smith discusses his work at the Nevada Test Site, the aerospace industry, and moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in the mid-1980s. Lastly, Woodrow recalls his experiences in Las Vegas and describes investing into a McDonald's franchise.
Oral history interview with Pat Spearman conducted by Lisa McAllister on March 03, 2016 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview, Spearman discusses her experiences in the military and becoming a minister at United Methodist Church in Las Vegas, Nevada. She describes what it was like to serve in the military as a gay woman and telling church members about her sexuality. Spearman then talks about the African American gay community in Las Vegas and the intersectionality of race, class, religion, sexuality, and politics. Lastly, Spearman discusses her plans to get re-elected as a Nevada State Senator.
Oral history interview with Alexander Zapata conducted by Nathalie Martinez on February 15, 2020 for the Latinx Voices of Southern Nevada Oral History Project. In this interview, Zapata discusses growing up in Caracas, Venezuela. He describes Venezuelan traditions he participated in, becoming a news reporter, and earning a journalism degree in Venezuela. Zapata talks about his move to Las Vegas, Nevada in 2015, his early impressions of the city, and obtaining positions at Telemundo, Univision, and El Mundo newspaper. Later, Zapata discusses United States politics, the Las Vegas Latinx community, and the political situation in Venezuela.