Oral history interview with Rodney Sumpter conducted by Dennis McBride on August 30, 1999 for the Las Vegas Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Archives Oral History Project. In this interview, Sumpter discusses his involvement with repealing one of Nevada’s sodomy laws (NRS 201.190) in 1985. He recalls going to the Nevada State Supreme Court and discusses similar cases involving sodomy laws in the United States.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Jack Bullock conducted by Julie Domonkos on March 15, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Bullock talks about his occupations in the gaming industry, including being a dealer both in Las Vegas, Nevada and other cities. Bullock also describes how Las Vegas has changed over the years since the 1940s, including working in casinos prior to corporations entering the gaming industry, and the changes in the entertainment industry.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Sonny Reizner conducted by Jack Painter on an unknown date between 1970 and 1985 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Reizner discusses his time working at the sports book for Castaways Hotel and Casino Bowling in Las Vegas, Nevada. Reizner goes into detail about writing and managing the sports books. Later, Reizner talks about sports betting, the process, and its growth. Finally, Reizner describes the culture of sports betting and the logistics of how to succeed in the field.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Carey Burke conducted by Terri Goodsell on March 12, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Burke talks about his schooling at St. Joseph’s Catholic School and Rancho High School. Burke also talks about the recreational activities he took part in during schooling, such as going to Lake Mead and joining a YMCA (Young Men’s Christian Association) camp. Burke then describes the Helldorado customs and his hobby of collecting gaming memorabilia.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Myram Borders conducted by Mara E. Vernon on April 01, 1977 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In the interview, Borders discusses her work as a United Press International (UPI) reporter after her graduation from the University of Nevada, Reno. Borders describes her administrative experiences with the UPI bureau in Las Vegas, Nevada, difficulties regarding news photography and Nevada statutes, the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce, the Las Vegas News Bureau, Las Vegas tourism, and influential figures in Las Vegas.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Emil Pahor conducted by his granddaughter, Shelley Pahor, on March 04, 1979 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Pahor discusses his personal history in Las Vegas, Nevada after moving there in 1936. Pahor describes what life was like living in Las Vegas at the time and the kinds of facilities and recreation available. Pahor discusses starting his own sheet metal business, which eventually became an air conditioning business. Pahor also discusses the first radio broadcasts in Las Vegas and the shows he enojyed.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Douglas Peterson conducted by Claytee D. White on March 16, 2018 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Peterson discusses his early life. He recalls getting hired to the Music Department at Nevada Southern University (now University of Nevada, Las Vegas) in 1967. Peterson talks about his career at UNLV, his involvement with the Southern Nevada Musical Arts Society, and performances that he directed. Lastly, Peterson discusses the decrease of live music in Las Vegas shows.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Lubertha Johnson conducted by Perry Kaufman on April 17, 1972 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Johnson discusses segregation in businesses and throughout Las Vegas, Nevada. Johnson then recalls her involvement with the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) in 1940 and serving as president in the years 1953 and 1954.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with John Wittwer conducted by Perry Kaufman on May 17, 1972 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Kaufman discusses living in Santa Clara, Utah and describes families from Switzerland migrating there as converts to the Latter-Day Saints Church.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Patricia Bearce conducted by Guy Pence on September 29, 1972 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Bearce discusses some of the social and developmental changes, including the recreational activities involving swimming, going to theaters, watching stock car races, and attending Helldorado events. She also discusses some of the development of Downtown Las Vegas, Nevada.
Archival Collection