Oral history interview with Rhonda Mushkin conducted by Barbara Tabach on October 23, 2018 for the Southern Nevada Jewish Heritage Project. In this interview, Mushkin discusses her upbringing in Las Vegas, Nevada. She talks about her parents’ move to Las Vegas in the early 1950s, being original members of Temple Beth Sholom Las Vegas, and their retail clothing store businesses. Mushkin remembers attending Hebrew school, graduating from Clark High School, and going to Southwestern Law School in Los Angeles, California. Later, Mushkin discusses her work as a divorce lawyer in Las Vegas, and being a founder for the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) women's golf team. Lastly, Mushkin talks about the impact that Steve Wynn had on the growth of Las Vegas.
Oral history interview with Jim Marsh conducted by Claytee D. White and Stefani Evans on September 27, 2016 for the Building Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Marsh discusses his early life in Colorado and Nebraska. He remembers moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1971, buying his first car dealership, and sales advertising at the time. Marsh talks about the significance of the car dealership location, and the issues with commercial businesses near residential homes. Marsh describes his car dealership commercials, and why he thinks they have become popular in Southern Nevada. Lastly, Marsh discusses his early interest in buying historical buildings, preserving those buildings, and obtaining his gaming license.
Oral history interview with Jerry Herbst conducted by Stefani Evans on August 16, 2016 for the Building Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Herbst discusses his early life in Chicago, Illinois, and his father’s chain of service stations, Terrible Herbst. He remembers moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1959, taking ownership of his father’s company, and expanding the business to California and Arizona. Herbst recalls a shortage of fuel during the early 1970s, how service station owners dealt with the shortage, and converting service stations to be self-serve. Lastly, Herbst discusses the ideal location for service stations, and adjusting fuel prices.
Oral history interview with Eva and Roberta Martin conducted by Claytee D. White on August 30, 2018 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview, Eva and Roberta discuss their family’s background and upbringing in Chicago, Illinois. Eva talks about her employment for Eastman Kodak, opening up a dry cleaning business, and buying a McDonald's franchise with her husband. Roberta recalls attending Tuskegee University, going to law school, and becoming a public defender. Eva talks about moving to Las Vegas, Nevada, opening three McDonald's franchises, and becoming a franchise operator with help of the National Black McDonald's Operators Association (NBMOA). Lastly, they discuss their involvement with the Jim Martin Family Trust, Ronald McDonald House, Shade Tree, and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) Foundation Advisory Board.
Oral history interview with Nick Perrone conducted by Claytee D. White on March 08, 2018 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Perrone discusses his family background and growing up in Worcester, Massachusetts. Perrone talks about working in a country club as a golf caddy, joining the United Stated Navy, and moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1961. He recalls his employment for the Sands Hotel, becoming a bellman, and the influence of organized crime within the casino industry. Perrone describes transferring to Caesars Palace, working closely with celebrities, and changes in the casino industry. Lastly, Perrone discusses the October 1 shooting.
Oral history interview with Timothy Cashman conducted by Claytee D. White and Stefani Evans on January 10, 2017 for the Building Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Cashman discusses his family background and growing up in Las Vegas, Nevada. He talks about his family’s car dealership business, the Helldorado Parade, and the establishment of Cashman Field. Cashman remembers purchasing his father’s franchise for Cadillac, buying a Harley Davidson dealership, and his decision to leave the car sales industry. Lastly, Cashman discusses professional sports in Las Vegas, and the importance of community oriented businesses.
Oral history interview with Richard Plaster conducted by Claytee D. White and Stefani Evans on March 21, 2017 for the Building Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Plaster discusses his early life in Santa Monica, California, and moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1973. He recalls his early interests in real estate, forming his company Signature Homes, and the first home building projects he was involved in. Lastly, Plaster describes land acquisition during the late 1970s, building mass housing, and his role as President of the Southern Nevada Home Builders Association (SNHBA).
Oral history interview with John Cannito conducted by Stefani Evans on April 03, 2018 for the Building Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Cannito discusses his early life and constantly moving to different states during his youth. He talks about his father’s employment with Amtrak, train transportation, and joining Perini Construction in Phoenix, Arizona. Cannito describes the role of an engineer in a construction company, and co-founding a software development company. Later, Cannito recalls joining The PENTA Building Group, the projects he was involved with, and becoming Chief Operating Officer. Lastly, Cannito discusses the company’s relationship with Native American-owned casinos, and the importance of maintaining long-term relationships with clients.
Oral history interview with Rakesh Bhatnagar conducted by Claytee D. White on April 10, 2018 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Bhatnagar discusses his early life in India. He remembers immigrating to the United States, enrolling at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and earning a degree in hotel administration. Bhatnagar talks about his employment at the Las Vegas Hilton as a busboy, becoming captain in the room service department, and being selected to be Director of Purchasing in 1982. He describes transferring to the Sands Hotel and Casino, working with Sheldon Adelson, and obtaining a position at Vegas World. Lastly, Bhatnagar discusses starting his company, Hospitality Procurement and Design.
Oral history interview with Mike Smith conducted by Claytee D. White on August 17, 2018 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Smith discusses his early life in Santa Clara, California and his early interest in art. He describes the first drawings he did, drawing political cartoons, and drawing about controversial ideas. Smith remembers moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1983 and becoming the cartoonist for the Las Vegas Sun. Smith describes his process in drawing political cartoons, working alongside Hank Greenspun, and newspaper syndication. Lastly, Smith explains the meaning of some of his cartoons.