Oral history interview with Shannon Rabb conducted by Claytee D. White on December 20, 2022 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview, Rabb describes her experience living in the Herbert Gerson Housing Development on the Westwide of Las Vegas. She describes it as safe, as community, and as protection from the police. In this interview, Rabb discusses a wide variety of topics including gangs, drugs, Westside businesses, and family with an expanded definition.
Oral history interview with Emily McKinley conducted by Glorialyn Gutierrez on March 01, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. McKinley begins by speaking about her childhood, her siblings and her extended family. McKinley gives a variety of anecdotes about being raised in Las Vegas, her family’s economic hardships and the house she grew up in. Lastly, McKinley talks about the businesses she owned with her husband, their hardships and her time working multiple jobs.
Oral history interview with Esther Lynn conducted by Dennis McBride on August 24, 2000 for the Las Vegas Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Archives Oral History Project. Lynn moved to Las Vegas, Nevada from Los Angeles, California in 1976. She is a writer and editor, focusing on the Las Vegas entertainment scene, with by-lines in many local and national publications.
Oral history interview with Robert Shaddy conducted by Jennifer Riewe on March 12, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Shaddy discusses gambling and the expansion of education in Las Vegas, Nevada. Shaddy also discusses Mormonism, its prevalence, and its impact on the state. Lastly, Shaddy discusses organized crime and prostitution.
Oral history interview with Steve Hobbs conducted by Howie Basuk on February 17, 1977 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Hobbs describes the different sports he was in and includes the various rewards and championships he accomplished. Hobbs also talks about becoming general manager of Olympian Incorporated.
Oral history interview with William Rehn conducted by Melissa Valentine on February 15, 1979 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Rehn discusses how he believes people have changed in Las Vegas, Nevada since he moved there in 1939. Rehn bemoans how African Americans were treated and segregated in Las Vegas, and describes his career as a political cartoonist. He describes clubs in Las Vegas and their connection to organized crime, as well as the inner workings of the casinos and their relation to the economy.
Oral history interview with Susan Cowan conducted by Andres Moses on January 31, 2006 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. Susan Cowan discusses growing up in Kansas City, Missouri, and always enjoying tap dancing. She then discusses working as a secretary at the University of Colorado-Boulder and becoming the lead administrator for the chemistry department there. She also discusses moving to Las Vegas, Nevada with her husband and getting involved with the local tap dancing community.
Oral history interview with Patricia Merl conducted by Claytee D. White on October 09, 2008 October 28, 2008 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Patricia Merl discusses her career as a professional dancer, working at the famous Radio City Music Hall, moving to Las Vegas, Nevada for opportunities in dancing, and moving to Florida for new possibilities. She also discusses teaching at the Hotel School at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and working as the Director of Gaming Outreach for the International Gaming Institute.
Oral history interview with Howard Heckethorn conducted by Neil Dalmas on March 02, 1977 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. This interview offers an overview of early education in Nevada. Mr. Heckethorn also discusses Stewart Ranch, Howard Hughes and the Hughes Site, and the migration of the Mormons to the Las Vegas area.
Oral history interview with Mary E. Habbart conducted by Pamela Larkins on July 15, 1975 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. The two discuss Habbart’s personal family history and her family’s reasons for moving to Las Vegas, Nevada. Habbart also describes social and economic changes to Las Vegas and her local dairy farm.