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So Ping "Suzy" Chan oral history interview

Identifier

OH-03854

Abstract

Oral history interview with So Ping "Suzy" Chan conducted by Cecilia Winchell, Jerwin Tiu, and Stefani Evans on May 20, 2022 for the Reflections: the Las Vegas Asian American and Pacific Islander Oral History Project. Wai-Mei Borgel served as an interpreter. In this interview, Chan describes her early life in Toisan, China, where her father owned a jewelry store but soon joined her grandfather in the United States. During the Second Sino-Japanese War, Chan recalls one of her brothers dying, and after the war their family left for Hong Kong, where Chan would grow up and finish her education. In 1963, Chan immigrated first to San Francisco, California, before moving down to Los Angeles, California, and working in a kitchen at a restaurant named Food to Go. After working various jobs in Los Angeles, Chan and her family eventually relocated to Las Vegas, Nevada, where she would continue to work various culinary jobs and as a Pai Gow dealer. Chan discusses venturing into real estate and tells stories throughout the interview that reflect the hard-earned but fun-spirited life she has led.

Archival Collection

Kenneth W. Fong oral history interview

Identifier

OH-00593

Abstract

Oral history interview with Kenneth W. Fong conducted by Lois Goodall on February 22, 2014 for the West Charleston Neighborhoods--an Oral History Project of Ward 1. Fong discusses growing up in Las Vegas, Nevada and being the son of two successful and philanthropic community members, Wing and Lilly Fong. Fong also discusses his father starting a grocery store and later in 1955, Fong’s Garden. He then discusses real estate development, Nevada State Bank development, as well as contributing to the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and the Chinatown evolution.

Archival Collection

Robert M. Smith oral history interview

Identifier

OH-01723

Abstract

Oral history interview with Robert M. Smith conducted by Mary Ellen Crane on March 15, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Smith discusses his career in cosmetology and being a hair dresser for shows in Las Vegas, Nevada casinos, such as the Copa Line in the Sands Hotel & Casino. He also describes owning his own salon, how entertainment and casinos have changed in Las Vegas, and aspects of the beauty industry in Nevada. Smith concludes by talking about Las Vegas' growth and his experiences in real estate.

Archival Collection

Richard C. MacDonald oral history interview

Identifier

OH-02836

Abstract

Oral history interview with Richard C. MacDonald conducted by Stefani Evans and Claytee D. White on September 20, 2016 for the Building Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, MacDonald describes his personal history and moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1963. He talks about his experience earning his real estate broker's license and his father's plan to develop and sell Las Vegas property. MacDonald recalls working with Frank Sala and Chuck Ruthe to obtain his first two sections of Henderson, Nevada land, which became Sun City MacDonald Ranch and the western part of MacDonald Highlands. Later, he talks about developing Sunridge at MacDonald Ranch and The Canyons at MacDonald Ranch. MacDonald recalls his twenty-year experience as a developer with the City of Henderson, its planning commission, city manager, city attorney, and city council. Lastly, he talks of golf course architects and planners and the MacDonald Highlands golf course, his family, the Great Recession, and his current status working with the City of Henderson.

Archival Collection

Cynthia "Cindy" Coletti oral history interview

Identifier

OH-02881

Abstract

Oral history interview with Cynthia "Cindy" Coletti conducted by Stefani Evans and Claytee White on October 27, 2016 for the Building Las Vegas Oral History Project. Coletti talks about arriving in Las Vegas, Nevada as a single mother in 1989 and building more than 150 custom homes, mostly in the upscale communities, including Celine Dion’s Lake Las Vegas mansion. She also discusses the previous custom homes she built in Florida, and Colorado Springs, Colorado. Coletti's husband, David Fordham, discusses his background, moving to Las Vegas, working in commercial real estate, and meeting Cindy.

Archival Collection

Irwin Kishner oral history interview

Identifier

OH-01030

Abstract

Oral history interview with Irwin Kishner conducted by Claytee D. White on September 10, 2013 for the Southern Nevada Jewish Heritage Project. Kishner briefly discusses growing up Jewish in Brighton Beach area of Brooklyn, New York. He then discusses his family’s move to Miami, Florida and his relocation to Las Vegas, Nevada to work with his uncles, Herman and Maury Kishner. Other topics discussed include real estate management, and hotel operations in Nevada.

Archival Collection

Mark Fine oral history interview

Identifier

OH-02844

Abstract

Oral history interview with Mark Fine conducted by Claytee D. White and Stefani Evans on September 28, 2016 for the Building Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Fine discusses his upbringing in Cleveland, Ohio and initial interest in real estate. He recalls moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1997, his role in the development of Green Valley and Summerlin communities, and his idea that the link between volume of home sales and economics would increase the pace of development. He describes methods of building a sense of quality of life into his planned communities, building libraries, and the importance of accessibility. Lastly, Fine discusses his next projects, and reflects on the growth of Green Valley and Summerlin.

Archival Collection

Jennifer and Robert Lewis oral history interview

Identifier

OH-02933

Abstract

Oral history interview with Jennifer and Robert Lewis conducted by Stefani Evans and Claytee D. White on January 09, 2017 for the Building Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Robert discusses his early life in Claremont, California. He recalls the establishment of their family business, Lewis Homes, building homes near Nellis Air Force Base, and the formation of the Southern Nevada Water Authority. Jennifer discusses her early interest in real estate,and her involvement with the Southern Nevada Home Builders Association, the Nevada Home Builders Association, and the Nevada Development Authority. Jennifer and Robert talk about the growth of Lewis Homes, and their decision to sell Lewis Homes to KB Homes in 1999. Lastly, Jennifer and Robert talk about the future of their company, Lewis Management.

Archival Collection

Edmund Uehling and Marlon Tinana oral history interviews

Identifier

OH-01855

Abstract

Oral history interviews with Edmund Uehling and Marlon Tinana conducted by Dennis McBride on March 14, 21, and 22, 2000 for the Las Vegas Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Archives Oral History Project. In the first interview, Uehling discusses his early life in Boulder City, Nevada, his time as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, becoming aware of his sexuality, and his involvement with the founding of the Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Southern Nevada in 1992. In the second interview, Uehling and Tinana discuss investing in Las Vegas, Nevada gay community real estate beginning in 1988. They also discuss purchasing and managing business properties, including the Gipsy and The Cave nightclubs. In the third interview, Uehling and Tinana recall Uehling's attempt at running for Clark County, Nevada Sheriff in 1994 and memories of confronting police while managing their business properties. Finally, they discuss managing Bright Pink Literature bookstore (later known as Get Booked).

Archival Collection

Monroe Williams oral history interview

Identifier

OH-01992

Abstract

Oral history interview with Monroe Williams conducted by Claytee D. White on August 15, 2000 and August 22, 2000 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview Monroe Williams discusses moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1943, living in the historical Westside neighborhood, and being one of the first black fire fighters in Las Vegas. He also talks about being involved with the National Association for the Advancement of Colored Peoples (NAACP), being in the Navy for two years, and his real estate and property management companies.

Archival Collection