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Charles J. Sorrells oral history interview

Identifier

OH-02616

Abstract

Oral history interview with Charles J. Sorrells conducted by Karen Schank on November 30, 2010 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Sorrells primarily discusses his family's history in Nevada beginning in the early 1900s when his grandfather moved there from Georgia. Sorrells describes life in the rural desert town of Shoshone, Nevada and a town called Greenwater, his grandfather's main residency, located somewhere in Death Valley. Through his family history, Sorrells provides an overview of Nevada's history as it progressed from an Old West lifestyle to modern American living by the mid-twentieth century. Sorrells also talks about life in Las Vegas, Nevada, his children, and his career as a certified public accountant.

Archival Collection

Sandra MacNally Stesch oral history interview

Identifier

OH-02622

Abstract

Oral history interview with Sandra MacNally Stesch conducted by Lisa Gioia-Acres on May 28, 2008 for the All That Jazz Oral History Project. Stesch begins by describing her upbringing in Scotland, her interest in becoming a singer, and immigrating to the United States in 1963. She details living and working as a cocktail waitress and a nanny in various states before eventually moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1967. Stesch discusses becoming a successful singer in Las Vegas under the stage name "Sandra MacTavish," singing at different casinos such as The Mint and Union Plaza, and meeting her husband, Hal Stesch. She concludes by discussing her life after her singing career, how Las Vegas has changed, and her family.

Archival Collection

Helen Joy Stadler oral history interview

Identifier

OH-02623

Abstract

Oral history interview with Helen Joy Stadler conducted by Claytee D. White on August 21, 2012 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. Stadler begins the interview by talking about moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1942 with her boyfriend who purchased a beverage distribution company on the Strip. Stadler recalls their apartment on 7th Street and Fremont and working at nearby hotels. She discussed the nightlife, shows, and performers at the El Rancho Hotel and Casino and the Frontier Hotel. She also details the fashion in Las Vegas, Nevada during the 1950s and 1960s, as well as Helldorado Parades. Stadler also describes organized crime members and their relationships to the Strip, and her perceptions of the individuals.

Archival Collection

Bobbye and Pat Fitzgibbons oral history interview

Identifier

OH-02629

Archival Collection

Jennilee Thayer oral history interview

Identifier

OH-02631

Abstract

Oral history interview with Jennilee Thayer conducted by Claytee D. White on August 12, 2009 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Thayer discusses arriving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1936 when it was still a mining town. She describes early Henderson, Nevada, attending Basic High School, and recalls her father’s employment at the Basic Magnesium Plant. Lastly, Thayer discusses her employment in show production, atomic bomb testing, and changes in Las Vegas.

Archival Collection

Marilyn Tinnell oral history interview

Identifier

OH-02632

Abstract

Oral history interview with Marilyn Tinnell conducted by John Grygo on June 19, 2012 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. Tinnell begins by discussing her personal history, the history of Henderson, Nevada, and how the Basic Townsite evolved into the city of Henderson. She continues, discussing the African American population of the Carver Park community in Henderson, who lived there due to segregation before Henderson was integrated. Tinnell describes life in Henderson during the 1950s, attending Basic High School with Harry Reid, and attending the University of Nevada, Las Vegas to pursue a career in social work. Tinnell details her career as a social worker, working as an investigator for Child Protective Services and as a family services specialist for foster care families.

Archival Collection

George Wallace oral history interview

Identifier

OH-02642

Abstract

Oral history interview with George Wallace conducted by Claytee D. White on April 10, 2009 for the All That Jazz Oral History Project. Wallace begins the interview by discussing his upbringing in Atlanta, Georgia, his extensive family, and attending college at the University of Akron in Akron, Ohio to study transportation. He describes having a career in advertising in New York City, New York before moving to Los Angeles, California, where he made the career transition into stand-up comedy. Wallace details his career as a successful comedian, writing for The Redd Foxx Show, going on tour with musicians such as Diana Ross and Tom Jones, and having his own running show in Las Vegas, Nevada. Other topics of discussion also include Wallace's friendship with fellow comedian Jerry Seinfeld, being awarded "Best Male Comedian" by the American Comedy Awards in 1995, and the changes Wallace has noticed in comedy and African American culture.

Archival Collection

Pete Menefee oral history interview

Identifier

OH-02654

Abstract

Oral history interview with Pete Menefee conducted by Su Kim Chung on April 14, 2016 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. Menefee begins the interview by talking about his childhood in San Diego, California, where he took dancing classes starting at the age of ten. He discusses working as a dancer on shows starring Dick Van Dyke, Terry Gar, Goldie Hawn, and Elvis. Menefee recalls working in shows and musicals including Bye Bye Birdie, Fair Lady, and Viva Las Vegas. He describes his evolution as a costume designer and stage designer from his childhood creating miniature stages of Disney shows to creating costumes for shows on the Las Vegas Strip, Nevada. He also talks about surviving the MGM Grand fire in 1980.

Archival Collection

Christopher C. Hudgins oral history interview

Identifier

OH-02694

Archival Collection

Geraldine Sharpe and Dianna Menzel oral history interview

Identifier

OH-02700

Abstract

Oral history interview with Geraldine Sharpe and Dianna Menzel conducted by Claytee D. White on May 23, 2016 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In the interview, Sharpe describes her early memories of Las Vegas, Nevada beginning in the 1930s while her daughter, Dianna Menzel, clarifies and adds details. Sharpe recalls moving to St. Thomas, Nevada in 1930, her early life in the area, and memories of family members in Alamo, Nevada. Sharpe then describes moving to Las Vegas after St. Thomas was flooded in the 1930s, her education, and people and locations in her local community. Other subjects Sharpe talks about include housing conditions and recreational activities during the 1930s and 1940s, the Helldorado parades, the Las Vegas Mormon community, and life in Las Vegas during World War II.

Archival Collection