Oral history interview with Kim You Taing conducted by Vanessa Concepcion, Cecilia Winchell, and Stefani Evans on November 15, 2021 for Reflections: The Las Vegas Asian American and Pacific Islander Oral History Project.
Kim discusses his upbringing in Cambodia during the Cambodian Civil War, the death of his siblings from tragedy and his father from racially-motivated war crimes, and his immigration to the United States as a refugee. He shares how he and his mother lived and worked in the United States, first in Seattle, Washington and then in Las Vegas, Nevada. Kim talks about his work in the hospitality industry in various Vegas hotels and casinos and his membership with the Culinary Workers Union advocating for Asian workers. He also discusses family life with his wife and daughter and his plans to retire.
Archival Collection
Interviewed by Claytee White. Born in Florida, family arrived in Las Vegas in 1969. Father worked in the service industry. Worked as realtor before becoming President of the Latin Chamber of Commerce. Vice chairman of Hope for Prisoners and Vice Chairman of Workforce Connection.
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On March 15, 1981, collector David Glasco interviewed card dealer, Alexander Grayson (born March 27th, 1952 in Durham, North Carolina) in his home in Las Vegas, Nevada. This interview covers the black experience in Las Vegas. Mr. Grayson also discusses prejudice, racism, education, and entertainment. Additionally, he recalls relocating to Las Vegas from North Carolina with his family when he was a child, as his father was in the Air Force.
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Mixed Content
Mixed Content
Burton Cohen (1923-2014) was a casino executive in Las Vegas, Nevada who held management positions at iconic Strip properties such as the Frontier, Desert Inn, Flamingo, Caesars Palace, Thunderbird, and Dunes. Cohen grew up in Miami, Florida where he graduated from the University of Florida. During World War II he served in the Army Air Corps and trained as a pilot. After returning to the United States he enrolled at the University of Miami and earned a law degree in 1948.
Person
Gary Guy Wilson and his architectural firm, Gary Guy Wilson, AIA, Architect Studios, have worked on over 1350 projects in as many as 14 states since 1969. Wilson has built his firm’s reputation over a period of 40 years. From towering hotel and casino projects to modest individual residential projects, Wilson has instilled identity by combining and balancing “elements of practicality, utility, and delight” into architecture designed with functionality and economic awareness in mind.
Person
On June 30, 1975, Larry DuRussel interviewed carpenter Gordon Christie, (born March 9th, 1916 in Grand Rapids, Michigan) at his home in Las Vegas, Nevada. During this interview Gordon discusses having worked on the building of the MGM, Fremont Downtown, the Sahara Hotel, Desert Inn, and the Frontier Hotel, amongst others. Before becoming a carpenter, Gordon recalls working with his father at a furniture factory. He also discusses religion, politics, family life and the growth of Las Vegas.
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This program is from the gala opening of the Thomas and Mack Center at the University of Nevada Las Vegas in 1983, which featured a celebrity lineup including Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Diana Ross. The program provides details of the contributions of Jerome Mack and Parry Thomas to the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
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