Oral history interview with Mike Velardo conducted by his son, William Velardo, on March 15, 1976 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Velardo discusses his career in the gaming industry in Las Vegas, Nevada. Velardo describes the history of casinos and gambling in Las Vegas, including how those industries have changed since he first moved to the city in 1957. He goes on to discuss the cost of entertainment, cheating in casino games, and the benefits of the design of the Caesars Palace pit, where Velardo is a casino manager.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Lance Burton conducted by Barbara Tabach on September 17, 2020 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. Lance discusses his personal and professional histories and how he came to be a headliner at the Monte Carlo in Las Vegas. He also discusses his recent affairs after retiring from performing on the Strip in 2010. Subjects discussed include: Lance Burton Theater; International Brotherhood of Magicians
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Lynn Smith conducted by Aylwin Tai on March 04, 1979 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Smith begins by discussing why he moved to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1968, his religious affiliations, and musical entertainment in Las Vegas. He talks about his family, his affiliations with different social organizations, and the expansion of Las Vegas. Smith describes the insurance industry in Las Vegas from his perspective as an insurance adjuster. He concludes by discussing how Las Vegas has changed economically and elaborates on his job responsibilities.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Leon Green conducted by Claytee D. White on May 15, 2012 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview, Green discusses his personal history and growing up in West Las Vegas, Nevada. He talks about the African American community on the Westside, his educational experiences, and being involved in various church activities. Green describes the significance of spirituality in the African American community and how the Westside was deeply spiritual. He then talks about Westside community leaders Bishop C. C. Cox and Reverend Bennett, rioting on the Westside, and the community response to the changing racial climate. Lastly, Green discusses the growth and increase of businesses on the Westside.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Donald Fabbi conducted by Claytee D. White on October 24, 2017 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Fabbi discusses his family background in Tonapah, Nevada and Silver Peak, Nevada. He talks about his family’s move to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1942 and his employment at the Nevada Power Company. Fabbi recalls the Helldorado parade, the Moulin Rouge casino, and the volunteering he has done around the city.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Esther Wolverton conducted by David Haymack on March 13, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Wolverton discusses arriving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1927 and recalls her first impressions of the city. She also describes experiencing the first Helldorado Parade, social life in Las Vegas, and her employment as a waitress. Later, Wolverton discusses the construction and development of McCarran Airport. Lastly, she talks about population growth in Las Vegas and the significance gaming has to the city.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Dorothy Grier conducted by Barbara Agonia on November 26, 2002 for the Women's Research Institute of Nevada (WRIN) Las Vegas Women Oral History Project. Grier begins her interview discussing her family and life growing up in the small town of Bulter, Indiana in the 1930s and 1940s. She then discusses her life in chronological order pausing to highlight events including working for the Nevada Test Site.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with T.J. Moran conducted by Georgina Pataki on March 20, 1976 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Moran discusses his career as a captain in the Las Vegas Fire Department and working part time as a construction worker building houses. Moran describes the changes that have occurred in Las Vegas, Nevada since moving there in 1954 and nuclear weapons tests. Moran also comments on an ongoing casino workers strike at the time of the interview.
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 Harry Brown conducted by James Hopkins for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. During the interview, Brown describes some of his experiences from being in the Sheriff’s Mounted Posse, the equivalent of a modern search and rescue team, which was deputized by the sheriff. Brown additionally describes the tradition of the Helldorado parades, in which he was a part, and he provides his overall thoughts on living in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Archival Collection