Oral history interview with Florence Smith conducted by her grandson, Sam Smith, on March 19, 1978 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Smith discusses the police department for Las Vegas, Nevada and crime in the city. She describes employment levels, the ease and difficulty of finding work, and where someone can find jobs. Smith talks about raising her children and federal government ownership of land in Nevada.
Oral history interview with Barbara Givens conducted by Claytee D. White on October 05, 2005 for the UNLV @ 50 Oral History Project. Givens discusses moving to Las Vegas, Nevada from Reno, Nevada in 1952 and receiving a degree in teaching from what is now the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. She also talks about teaching in two Las Vegas high schools and a class for new teachers at UNLV.
Oral history interview with Prince Spencer conducted by Claytee White on January 09, 2005 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. Spencer discusses his career as a dancer in Las Vegas, Nevada at the Sands Hotel and Flamingo Hotel. He also talks about his activity in the Civil Rights Movement, work as a casino host, and participation in the Second Baptist Church in Las Vegas.
Oral history interview with Yolanda Scaggs conducted by Thomas Walker on March 02, 1980 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Scaggs discusses air conditioning, the railroad, and atomic bomb testing. Scaggs talks about the growth of Las Vegas, Nevada, specifically the hotels and casinos on the Las Vegas Strip. She also mentions former President John F. Kennedy, mining, and the growth of Henderson, Nevada.
Oral history interview with Jo Mueller conducted by Claytee D. White on August 26, 2011 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. Mueller discusses moving to Las Vegas, Nevada with her husband, Hal Mueller, in 1956 so he could work for the federal government as a meteorologist and was involved with nuclear testing. She also discusses raising their two children and her involvement in the Parent Teacher Association, Weight Watchers, and the League of Women Voters.
Oral history interview with Jim Hodge conducted by Claytee D. White on April 13, 2009 for the Boyer Las Vegas Early History Project. Hodge discusses being a singer and performing in Hollywood, California, as well as in various shows in Las Vegas, Nevada, including the Lido at the Stardust Hotel. He then discusses his career as a real estate agent.
Oral history interview with John E. Jeffrey conducted by Frank Vivirito on April 01, 1976 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Jeffrey discusses his occupational history, the disparity of work conditions and opportunities for Black and Mexican workers in the Henderson, Nevada magnesium plant, and his family’s medical history.
Oral history interview with Jimmy W. Newman conducted by Maureen Kelly Ryan on March 06, 1977 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Newman discusses arriving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1947 and his employment as a card dealer at various casinos. Newman then describes his move to the Sahara Hotel, his promotion to shift boss and purchasing a small percentage of the hotel. He goes on to discuss equal rights and workers rights for women and African Americans at casinos, significant people visiting the Las Vegas Hilton, and becoming the Executive Vice President and Casino Manager for Hilton Casino Incorporated.
Oral history interview with John Cannito conducted by Stefani Evans on April 03, 2018 for the Building Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Cannito discusses his early life and constantly moving to different states during his youth. He talks about his father’s employment with Amtrak, train transportation, and joining Perini Construction in Phoenix, Arizona. Cannito describes the role of an engineer in a construction company, and co-founding a software development company. Later, Cannito recalls joining The PENTA Building Group, the projects he was involved with, and becoming Chief Operating Officer. Lastly, Cannito discusses the company’s relationship with Native American-owned casinos, and the importance of maintaining long-term relationships with clients.
Oral history interview with Mae Farei conducted by Martha Cunningham on February 24, 1980 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Farei first talks about the development of the Downtown Las Vegas and Las Vegas Strip areas. She then discusses working at the Twin Lakes Lodge and Stardust as a housekeeper, and she later mentions some of the recreational activities available to those in Nevada. She also mentions the importance of Nellis Air Force Base and expresses her appreciation for living in Southern Nevada.