Oral history interview with Eugene Buford conducted by Claytee White on September 12, 2006 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview Eugene Buford talks about his great grandmother, Mary Nettles, who was instrumental in the start and growth of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored Peoples (NAACP) in Las Vegas, Nevada. He speaks about his experiences with prejudice and discrimination, while reflecting upon what it was like being an African American growing up in Las Vegas.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Virginia Valentine conducted by Stefani Evans and Claytee D. White on July 25, 2016 for the Building Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Valentine discusses her early life in Florida. She recalls her move to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1981, working in a wastewater treatment plant, and becoming Chief Engineer and General Manager of the Clark County Regional Flood Control District. Valentine then talks about attending the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), obtaining a master's degree in public administration, and her involvement with flash flood management in southern Nevada. Lastly, Valentine describes becoming a registered professional engineer (PE) and her work with the Nevada Resort Association (NRA).
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Saul Willis conducted by Claytee D. White on January 14, 2014 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview, Willis discusses his personal history and moving from Sondheimer, Louisiana to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1968. He talks about living in West Las Vegas, nightlife entertainment in the area, and community leaders at the time. He then recalls the increase of drug use in the Westside, being incarcerated for a year, and starting an automobile mechanic business. Lastly, Willis discusses his experience with the Las Vegas court system and the continued development of the Westside.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Tyrone Williams conducted by Claytee D. White on August 25, 2006 for the UNLV @ 50 Oral History Project. Williams discusses arriving at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) and his various jobs there. He recalls that blacks were not welcome on the Las Vegas, Nevada Strip unless they were going to work in one of the hotels or casinos. Williams then describes joining the Executive Housekeepers Association. The interview concludes with a short discourse on social life and positive aspects of life in Las Vegas.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Janice Allen conducted by Claytee White in 2009 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Allen discusses her early experiences in Las Vegas, Nevada and her involvement with the Junior League of Las Vegas. She describes the League’s membership growth, charity events, and women who mentored her in the League. She also discusses her experiences with Fremont Street and the Huntridge Theater, and her involvement with organizations such as Jayceettes, Beta Sigma Phi, and Young Audiences.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Richard D. Chase conducted by Helen Rondthaler on October 17, 1972 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Chase discusses the history of Las Vegas, Nevada from 1945, touching on topics such as the housing shortage during the 1940s, The Red Rooster swingers’ club, Billy Moore, Sam Larson, Ira Goldring, atomic bomb testing, and the Nevada environment. Chase discusses the importance of construction-based labor to the development of Southern Nevada. Chase also explains at length the impact of the Nevada Test Site on his construction company.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Janzon Stewart conducted by Claytee D. White and Karen Shank on May 28, 2010 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview Janzon Stewart discusses his family history, how his grandfather William T. Stewart brought his family to Alamo, Nevada, his family ranch, and life on the ranch.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Darwin Gidel conducted by Claytee D. White on October 21, 2009 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. Gidel discusses being a flight engineer in the Air Force during World War II. He describes when he was shot down over Belgium in 1944 and was held as prisoner of war in Belgium and Germany for eleven months. He also discusses being an accountant.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Catherine Perroitti conducted by Steven Labonte on February 27, 1980 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Perroitti describes her personal history in Las Vegas, Nevada and how the city has changed over time. Perroitti describes her perception of the increase in crime and drugs present in the city over time. Perroitti discusses her work on the Senior Citizens' Advisory Board in Las Vegas and the importance of older generations, as well as her career as a registered nurse. Perroitti also discusses veterans legislation and the needs of veterans after they returned home from deployment.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Ruth Sweet conducted by Bennie Baucham on February 07, 1977 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. Sweet discusses her first experience with racism in Las Vegas, Nevada, and describes racism practiced by sanitarians. Sweet also discusses discrimination in housing and describes how job opportunities for African Americans have improved.
Archival Collection