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Dottie Dee Dancers Photograph Collection

Identifier

PH-00358

Abstract

The Dottie Dee Dancers Photograph Collection (approximately 1940-2008) consists of black-and-white photographic reprints of the La Bard Dancers and the Dottie Dee Dancers at the El Rancho in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Archival Collection

Witt C. Olive oral history interview

Identifier

OH-01412

Abstract

Oral history interview with Wilford "Witt" C. Olive conducted by Gordon R. Brusso on April 13, 1977 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Olive discusses local live entertainment venues during the 1930s and 1940s in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Archival Collection

"Holiday in Japan" dancers joint oral history interview

Identifier

OH-00954

Abstract

Oral history joint interview with the "Holiday in Japan" dancers conducted by Claytee D. White on May 26, 2011 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. The dancers present for the interview were Sachiko O. Thompson, Minoru Saito, Kazu Hamada, Kyoko Nakamura, Nobuko Suda, and Katsuko Tomoko Billman. The dancers begin by discussing their lives in Japan before coming to the United States in 1960 to perform their "Holiday in Japan" stage show. They describe their reactions to coming to the United States and compare it to life in Japan, as well as their reactions to coming to Las Vegas, Nevada specifically. They discuss performing their show at the New Frontier Hotel and Casino, Desert Inn Hotel and Casino, and Dunes Hotel and Casino. They describe their show, which presented Japanese culture to Western audiences, and the work that went into it. They end the interview by detailing their lives and careers after performances of the show concluded in 1961.

Archival Collection

Esther Lynn oral history interview

Identifier

OH-01168

Abstract

Oral history interview with Esther Lynn conducted by Dennis McBride on August 24, 2000 for the Las Vegas Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Archives Oral History Project. Lynn moved to Las Vegas, Nevada from Los Angeles, California in 1976. She is a writer and editor, focusing on the Las Vegas entertainment scene, with by-lines in many local and national publications.

Archival Collection

Carolyn Freeman oral history interview

Identifier

OH-01229

Abstract

Oral history interview with Carolyn Freeman conducted on January 30, 2006 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. Freeman begins by discussing her upbringing, her father, who was the president of the Japanese American Citizens League, and her early interest in dancing. She also details her experiences as a Japanese American during World War II and being relocated by the federal government. Freeman then describes how she began her career as a dancer after getting a role in a Broadway play in New York City, New York, and her later experiences dancing in productions in Reno, Nevada and San Francisco, California during the 1950s and 1960s. Lastly, Freeman discusses the differences between living in Las Vegas, Nevada compared to California and being offered the chance to dance in a Frank Sinatra show by himself and Sammy Davis Jr.

Archival Collection

Cork Proctor oral history interview

Identifier

OH-01516

Abstract

Oral history interview with Cork Proctor conducted by Claytee D. White on February 3, 2006 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Proctor discusses his upbringing in Las Vegas, Nevada during the 1940s and 1950s. He tells several anecdotes of his life, such as the time he stole a car in the Huntridge Theater parking lot or his time working as a gravedigger, and describes popular establishments and entertainment venues in Las Vegas. Proctor then talks about his career in show business as a comedian and radio host, race relations in Las Vegas, and meeting his wife. He also discusses how Las Vegas has developed socially and expanded, how he expects it to evolve in the future, and other experiences from entertainment gigs.

Archival Collection

Janis Walker oral history interview

Identifier

OH-01900

Abstract

Oral history interview with Janis Walker conducted by Claytee D. White on July 03, 2006 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Walker discusses her career as an African American showgirl in Las Vegas, Nevada during the 1970s and 1980s. Walker describes dancing in the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino productions of Hallelujah Hollywood and Jubilee!, and what the life of a showgirl was like. She also talks about the company manager at the MGM, "Fluff" LeCoque, her own children, her work at the time of the interview, and how entertainment in Las Vegas has changed.

Archival Collection

Esther Wolverton oral history interview

Identifier

OH-02010

Abstract

Oral history interview with Esther Wolverton conducted by Karl Kuopus on February 25, 1977 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview Wolverton discusses her move to southern Nevada in 1928 and her life in Las Vegas, Nevada with her family. She also talks about life with her husband after he returned from serving in World War I. Wolverton describes the entertainment in Las Vegas and recreational activities she participated in. Later, she discusses the first Helldorado Parade, development of the Las Vegas Strip, and changes in Las Vegas.

Archival Collection

Mike Montano oral history interview

Identifier

OH-02135

Abstract

Oral history interview with Mike Montano conducted by Lisa Gioia-Acres on September 19, 2008 for the All That Jazz Oral History Project. Montano begins by discussing his mother and father, who met in Hawaii when his father immigrated there from the Philippines, and later moved to Stockton, California during the late 1930s after Montano was born. He describes racial prejudice he has faced as an Asian American, how he developed interest in playing the piano as a child, and his siblings. Montano continues, detailing how he started playing jazz while attending the College of the Pacific and the musicians he played with. He describes first going to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1960 and returning throughout the 1960s as a member of various touring jazz bands. He talks about the other places he performed around the world and the celebrities and prominent musicians he has met. Montano concludes by reflecting on his career as a musician and his life in Las Vegas after moving there permanently in 1974.

Archival Collection

Craig Knight oral history interview

Identifier

OH-02210

Abstract

Oral history interview with Craig Knight conducted by Adriona Jordan on December 01, 2014 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. Knight begins the interview talking about his childhood in New York, including entertainment at the Apollo Theater, religious activities, and education. He then discusses moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1980 in order to attend Bishop Gorman High School, emphasizing its racial makeup and his time spent playing in the jazz band. He also details his involvement in minority serving community organizations, including the Urban Chamber of Commerce and the Metro Advisory Council. He concludes the interview

discussing West Las Vegas, the closure of F Street, and modern renovations in the area.

Archival Collection