Oral history interview with James M. Lancaster conducted by Linda Voorvart on March 04, 1980 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Lancaster explains how he first came to Southern Nevada from Mexico and Cuba. Lancaster then goes on to explain his occupational history as a senior safety engineer and power plant operator, and the different jobs that he held in Southern Nevada, specifically at the Nevada Test Site.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Randy Lavigne conducted by Stefani Evans and Claytee D. White on August 23, 2016 for the Building Las Vegas Oral History Project. Lavigne discusses working as the Executive Director of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Las Vegas since 1997. She also talks about the Fifth Street School’s plans to celebrate the AIA Chapter's sixtieth anniversary; the now defunct auxiliary organization, the Architects' Wives League, and various topics having to do with architecture as a profession and architectural firms.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with DeeDee Jasmin conducted by Claytee White on March 19, 1998 for the Women's Research Institute of Nevada (WRIN) Las Vegas Women Oral History Project. Jasmin opens the interview discussing her life growing up on the Westside of Los Angeles, California. Jasmin goes on to discuss her pursuit of a dance career as a youth. Jasmin got her first big break playing in the comedy musical Sugar Hill and after her high school years she starred in movies before moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1955. Jasmin describes her excitement meeting East Coast dancers during her stay in Las Vegas. Jasmin also discusses her interactions with the many famous actors, dancers, singers, and musicians she met during her career.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Harvey N. Dondero conducted by Iskandar A. Batlouni on February 26, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Dondero discusses relocating to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1931 to teach at Las Vegas High School. Dondero also discusses the Boulder (Hoover) Dam, the gaming industry, school integration, the Westside, the Strip, Howard Hughes, Block 16, and the growth of Las Vegas from a sleepy railroad town to a thriving metropolis.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Frank M. Bollig conducted by Mabel Neal on March 23, 1976 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. During this interview Bollig discusses his personal life and reasons for moving to Southern Nevada. Bollig also talks about atomic testing, recreational activities available in Las Vegas, Nevada, various significant businesses in Las Vegas, and important casinos on the Las Vegas Strip.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Michael Maxwell conducted by Claytee D. White on February 25, 2014 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview, Maxwell discusses his personal history and his role as Director of Early Childhood Connection with the Las Vegas, Nevada Urban League. He describes the work he does with childcare, and how the Urban League receives funding. Maxwell also recalls his career as a teacher and administrator for the Clark County School District (CCSD). Later, Maxwell talks about the issue of school zoning in West Las Vegas, how people qualify for childcare subsidies, and the school-to-prison pipeline that many African American youth face. Lastly, Maxwell discusses the importance of having educated children in the African American community and the development of the Westside.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Jim Marsh conducted by Claytee D. White on June 05, 2012 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. Marsh discusses arriving in Las Vegas, Nevada in 1971 and buying a car dealership called American Auto Mart. He also discusses buying, building, and owning multiple properties around southern Nevada. Marsh then discusses being a member of business organizations, like the Red Cross and the Salvation Army Advisory Board.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Howard Heckethorn conducted by Richard Eitland on February 15, 1979 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Mr. Heckethorn describes going to school in the early days of Las Vegas, Nevada. He also talks about many notable teachers he had, as well as the development of the Las Vegas area. Heckethorn also discusses his arrival to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1930, and recalls the Old Mormon Fort, El Rancho, The Last Frontier, and the tourism that gambling brought to the city. Heckethorn discusses the 1960s, and the impact Howard Hughes had in the development of hotels and casinos.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Lonnie Pittman conducted by Beverly Williams on March 16, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Pittman, an African American man, describes the treatment and living conditions of African Americans in Las Vegas, Nevada during the 1950s. Pittman also discusses the job opportunities available to African Americans, segregation, and the quality of schooling available to African American children at the time.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Elmer H. Nighswonger conducted by James F. Sullivan on February 21, 1979 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Nighswonger describes joining the Las Vegas Fire & Rescue Department in 1946 and his career as a firefighter. Nighswonger discusses what the fire department was like during the 1940s, and how it and Las Vegas, Nevada has changed. He also talks about several fires and calls he attended, the fire engines used by the city during that time, and the limitations of those fire engines.
Archival Collection