Oral history interview with Steve Wynn conducted by David Schwartz on December 8, 2006 for the Remembering Jay Sarno Oral History Project. In this interview, Wynn discusses his relationship with Jay Sarno and Sarno's development of the Atlanta Cabana Motel in Atlanta, Georgia, as well as the early days of of Caesars Palace and Circus Circus in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Tex Whitson conducted by David G. Schwartz on September 04, 2015 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Whitson discusses how he began playing poker, the growth of poker's popularity, and eventually the development of the World Series of Poker tournament. Whitson then recalls anecdotes of his interactions with Benny Binion, and the significance of the World Series of Poker to Harrah’s Las Vegas Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Justin Favela conducted by Monserrath Hernández on May 16, 2019 for the Latinx Voices of Southern Nevada Oral History Project. In this interview, Favela discusses issues of colorism in the Latinx community, social hierarchies, and the term “Latinx”. He talks about his Mexican and Guatemalan roots, and being involved in the arts. Favela recalls his father’s immigration story from Mexico to the United States, growing up with parents who worked in the hospitality industry in Las Vegas, Nevada, and his early interests in podcasting. Later, Favela discusses identifying as queer, having his art displayed at exhibits, and creating new relationships through his podcasts. Lastly, Favela talks about what “Latinidad” means to him.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Rodrigo Vazquez conducted by Nathalie Martinez and Barbara Tabach on May 24, 2021 for the Latinx Voices of Southern Nevada Oral History Project.
Rodrigo was raised in a mixed status Mexican family. He was born in Mexico and immigrated to the United States at the age of three, later becoming a citizen when he was in the 8th grade. Rodrigo is currently a graduate student worker for the Latinx Voices Oral History Project and reflects on what he has learned. He also discusses what the past year of the Coronavirus pandemic has been like for him.
Subjects discussed include: Latinx and Mexican identities, COVID-19 era, and Latinx Voices Project oral historian
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with John R. Shown conducted by Robert E. Pilgreen on March 18, 1978 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Shown discusses his personal history living in Las Vegas, Nevada since 1953. Shown then describes casinos that were built during his lifetime, and recalls the development of the Las Vegas Strip. Shown then discusses gambling, and the effect that gambling has on the Las Vegas economy.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Ernie Hensley conducted by Lisa Gioia-Acres on January 25, 2008 for the All That Jazz Oral History Project. Hensley discusses playing in the United States Air Force Band and becoming a member of the "Airmen of Note," the premier jazz ensemble for the Air Force. He also discusses working long-term with Jimmy Mulidore at the Las Vegas, Nevada Hilton Hotel, and his experiences working with Andy Williams, Sammy Davis, Jr., Juliet Prowse, Steve and Eydie, and Sarah Vaughn.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Kay Rodriguez conducted by Irene Rostine on November 14, 1997 for the Women's Research Institute of Nevada (WRIN). Rodriguez discusses moving to Las Vegas, Nevada from South Dakota to get a divorce in 1959. Rodriguez describes working as a waitress at the Dunes and the Riviera and making a new life in Las Vegas. She discusses her work in the real estate industry and the challenges of being a working mother. Rodriguez also talks about opening her own real estate office, and the demographics of the real estate industry during the 1960s.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Steve Evans conducted by Claytee D. White on June 15, 2010 for the Voices of the Historic John S. Park neighborhood Oral History Project. In this interview Steve Evans discusses living in Henderson, Nevada and owning a home previously owned by Las Vegas assembly person Flora Dugan, who was a mentor of his. He then talks about his efforts to recover information about his John S. Park home. He also talks about the thriving commerce of Fremont Street shifting to Maryland Parkway, the beginning of the Arts District, and the impact of events on the John S. Park neighborhood sense of community.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with A.D. Hopkins conducted by an unidentified collector on February 26, 1979 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Hopkins discusses the historical background of Pioche, Nevada.
Archival Collection