Oral history interviews with Mando Rueda conducted by David Schwartz on September 02, 2003, September 04, 2003, September 09, 2003, September 12, 2003, September 25, 2003, October 02, 2003, October 09, 2003, October 23, 2003, and November 20, 2003 for the UNLV University Libraries Oral History Collection. In these interviews, Rueda discusses his career in the gaming industry. He talks about serving in the United States military during the 1950s and becoming a slot machine repair manager for Harrah’s properties in Reno, Nevada and in Lake Tahoe, Nevada. Rueda recalls his relationship with Bill Harrah, being promoted to shift manager in 1970, and the methods of surveillance used before security cameras. Later, Rueda discusses the impact on casino operations after the passing of Bill Harrah in 1978, and becoming director of gaming. He remembers obtaining a gaming license to operate in New Jersey, and the opening of Harrah’s Marina in Atlantic City. Lastly, Rueda talks about the gaming industry in Las Vegas, Nevada and compares casino operations from the 1970s to the late 1990s.
Oral history interview with Leo Lewis conducted by Kenneth "K. J." Evans in 1999 for the Las Vegas Review-Journal First 100 Oral History Project. In the interview, Lewis discusses Las Vegas, Nevada's resort industry and assisting to develop the College of Hotel Administration (William F. Harrah College of Hospitality) at University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). Lewis also talks about teaching casino management at UNLV and UNLV's collaboration with international resort industries. A woman, possibly Lewis's wife, Lucy Lewis, is also present in the interview and elaborates on their travels during UNLV's international resort programs, including Tiananmen Square, China during the 1989 protest.
Façade of the Stateline Redwood Room at Lake Tahoe. These buildings were incorporated into Harrah's Tahoe. Site Name: Harrah's Tahoe Address: 15 Highway 50
Oral history interview with Florence and Jerry Vallen conducted by Kenneth "K. J." Evans in 1999 for the Las Vegas Review-Journal First 100 Oral History Project. In the interview, Jerome "Jerry" Vallen discusses his early life in Philadelphia, focusing on his family history and marrying Florence. Jerry then talks about his children, his education in hotel management, and his arrival to Las Vegas, Nevada with Florence in 1967. Jerry and Florence recall the establishment of the College of Hotel Administration, later known as the William F. Harrah College of Hospitality, at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). Other subjects they cover include the Clark County school system and the programs available for the students' professional development.
[This collection is closed. See Access Note for additional information.] Oral history with Tosha Tousant conducted by David Schwartz on August 02, 2016 for the Slot Operations Oral History Project. In this interview, Tosant discusses their work at various casinos including Players International Lake Charles, Harrah's Lake Charles, Harrah's New Orleans, Horseshoe Cleveland, and Flamingo Las Vegas.
January 21, 1959 was opening night at Shaw/Hitchcock Productions' dance show at Harrah's in Lake Tahoe, NV. From left to right is Bill Hitchcock, Sonia Shaw, Matt Gregory, an MCA agent, the Harrah's Hotel Manager, and the Harrah's Assistant Manager.