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Leeander Fields Hayes oral history interview

Identifier

OH-00819

Abstract

Oral history interview with Leeander Fields Hayes conducted by Mark Kevin Ryhlick on March 13, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Hayes discusses the history of entertainment in Las Vegas, Nevada from the mid-1940s to 1958, specifically the local live music and comedy scenes. He also touches on the topic of segregation and how Black entertainers, such as Lena Horne, were treated when they came to perform in Las Vegas.

Archival Collection

Elinor Horden oral history interview

Identifier

OH-00886

Abstract

Oral history interview with Elinor Horden conducted by Valerie Fujii on February 13, 1980 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Horden discusses local entertainment in the 1950s, as well as the social and environmental changes that have occurred in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Archival Collection

Virginia Houser oral history interview

Identifier

OH-00894

Abstract

Oral history interview with Virginia Houser conducted by Karen Reed on March 20, 1978 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Houser discusses her move to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1954 and the developments and changes that she has observed in the city. Houser also discusses the entertainment that Las Vegas, Nevada offered at the time, and surrounding areas, including Lake Mead and Mount Charleston, Nevada. Houser then discusses some of the first casinos that opened on the Las Vegas Strip and on Fremont Street.

Archival Collection

Russell Howard oral history interview

Identifier

OH-00898

Abstract

Oral history interview with Russel Howard conducted by James W. Howard on January 10, 1972 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Howard recalls being transferred to Las Vegas, Nevada for work in 1947 and how impressed he was by the number of celebrities from the movie and entertainment industry that frequented Las Vegas in the early 1950s. He also discusses the expansion of the Las Vegas Strip and how rapidly the number of hotels grew.

Archival Collection

John Graves oral history interview

Identifier

OH-00718

Abstract

Oral history interview with John Graves conducted by Hank Baran on March 01, 1987 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Graves discusses the gaming industry, the women in gaming, hotels on the Las Vegas, Nevada Strip, McCarran Airfield, and golfing in Southern Nevada.

Archival Collection

Ffolliott "Fluff" LeCoque oral history interview

Identifier

OH-01090

Abstract

Oral history interview with Ffolliott "Fluff" LeCoque conducted by Betty Rosental on March 03, 1978 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview Fluff LeCoque discusses the first time she worked with black entertainers which was at the Thunderbird Hotel and Casino, the various black artists she worked with, segregation at the Las Vegas Strip, and her extensive career in the Las Vegas entertainment business.

Archival Collection

Truly McGee Mann oral history interview

Identifier

OH-01188

Abstract

Oral history interview with Truly McGee Mann conducted by Tamara Wochnik on March 11, 1980 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Mann discusses entertainment and gives insight on show business from the perspective of a dance choreographer in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Archival Collection

Melvin Eugene Serviss oral history interview

Identifier

OH-01672

Abstract

Oral history interview with Melvin Eugene Serviss conducted by Juan Ortiz on February 26, 1979 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Serviss discusses his personal history in Missouri and Las Vegas, Nevada. Serviss describes going to clubs and meeting celebrities who were in Missouri for the filming of the movie Jesse James. Serviss also describes his time working for Harry S. Truman's political campaign to become Senator for the state of Missouri. Serviss discusses how he arrived to Las Vegas in 1930, the construction of the Hoover Dam, and how the city has changed and expanded.

Archival Collection

Lindell Blake oral history interview

Identifier

OH-00202

Abstract

Oral history interview with Lindell Blake conducted by Claytee D. White on January 12, 2006 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview, Blake discusses his personal history and moving to New York, New York at the age of three. Blake talks about his life in New York, moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1990, and his starting his career as a tap dancer. He talks about performing in various productions across the United States, and teaching tap dancing. Lastly, Blake recalls the history of tap dancing in the United States and describes the audition process for dancers in Las Vegas.

Archival Collection

Ronnie Bank oral history interview

Identifier

OH-02205

Abstract

Oral history interview with Ronnie Bank conducted by Lael Byrd on November 30, 2014 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview, Bank discusses his personal history and growing up in Las Vegas, Nevada. He talks about his employment at the Las Vegas Hilton (currently Westgate Las Vegas Resort and Casino) and Circus Circus Hotel and Casino. Bank then describes nightlife and entertainment on the Strip in the 1980s, discrimination at night clubs, and West Las Vegas entertainment. He goes on to describe the riots following Rodney King’s death, the challenges with interracial relationships, and why families began moving away from the Westside. Lastly, Bank discusses working as a disc jockey (DJ) in Las Vegas, African American radio stations, and the development of the Westside.

Archival Collection