Oral history interview with Maury Soss conducted by Nyla Petersen on February 20, 1980 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Soss discusses his personal history and the history of Las Vegas, Nevada. Soss describes the casinos, clubs, and life in Las Vegas during the early 1930s, and running Fanny's, a dress store, with his mother. He also describes women's fashion in the 1930s and how modern styles have changed since the early twentieth century. Soss goes on to discuss the Helldorado Parade, the development of Las Vegas through its casinos and public works, and the entertainers who have performed over the years in Las Vegas. Soss then talks about the arts community in Las Vegas and the need for a greater artistic culture in the city.
Oral history interview with Jack Wesley Day conducted by Claytee D. White on August 19, 2015 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. Day begins by discussing his upbringing and his service in the United States Army. He describes moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1961 to work as a teacher at Rancho High School before joining the Clark County School District administration in 1963. Day talks about race relations at Rancho High School, life in Las Vegas during the 1960s, and being the coordinator for manpower development training classes between the Nevada Department of Education, the federal government, and the Clark County School District. Day also describes the early years of Vo-Tech High School and other aspects of the history of Clark County School District, as well as his experiences working for the district.
Oral history interview with Leslee Thomas conducted by Claytee D. White on March 13, 2024 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. Thomas is the granddaughter of Larry Wilburn and daughter of Terry Wilburn, owners of Larry's Sight & Sound, a business institution in the Westside. The business, first located at 1318 D Street, was initially called Larry's Music Bar. The Music Bar moved to Owens Avenue and was renamed Larry's Sight & Sound. For 35 years until 1992, the music shop drew in stars and locals for its vinyl records, record players, and casssettes. In the interview, Thomas shares how she learned to work in the business, stay connected to family, and be a contributing member of the community. She describes her dreams for the Westside, which include giving tourists reasons to visit the Black community, capital investments, and marketing. Digital audio available; no transcript available.
Oral history interview with Ron Smith conducted by Claytee D. White on May 10, 2022 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: A Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview, Ron Smith discusses his early life in Queens, New York and his Catholic school education. Smith served as a Red Cross volunteer at the hospital where his mother worked, and after one year at St. Johns University he volunteered for the Air Force to avoid being drafted by the Army. Soon after basic training and being trained as an aircraft mechanic, Ron Smith volunteered to go to Vietnam. Later, Smith talks about his experience owning seventeen McDonald's restaurants throughout Las Vegas, Nevada and future plans to construct a mall and residential complex on Boulder Highway in partnership with the City of Henderson.