Oral history interview with Jerry Eppenger conducted by Claytee D. White on September 09, 2011 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview Jerry Eppenger discusses working as a security guard at the Bonanza Hotel and the Nevada Test Site. He then talks about attending dealer school and starting a career in dealing. He then discusses segregation and racial relations in Las Vegas, Nevada in the 1970s.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Nanyu Tomiyasu conducted by Suzanne Yamazaki in November 2000 for the UNLV University Libraries Oral History Collection.
In this interview, Nanyu Tomiyasu discusses his life in Las Vegas, Nevada as a landscape contractor, his Japanese heritage, and the lives of his parents Yonema and Toyono. Tomiyasu talks about his father's farming expertise, techniques, experimentation, and his reputation within the Las Vegas community. Yonema Tomiyasu's crop timetables have been shared with other farmers in both Los Angeles, California and Las Vegas, Nevada to improve yields and combat the harsh weather conditions and alkaline water of the area. Tomiyasu recalls working on his father's farm and how his childhood was shaped by this work.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Lonnie Wright conducted by Claytee White on October 23, 2009 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. Wright describes the casino mentality of racism and sexism that he encountered. Wright also discusses dealing with the odds and his business endeavors. Wright then describes the value of being a team player and using athletics as a marketing strategy.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Houghton Peterson conducted by Claytee D. White on May 20, 2010 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. Peterson discusses playing the trombone in the United States Air Force jazz band, “Airmen of Note.” He also discusses moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1962 and playing the trombone in various shows.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Jerry Waldrop conducted by Harry Ward on February 23, 1977 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Waldrop discusses arriving in Las Vegas, Nevada in 1944 as an instructor for the Las Vegas Army Air Corps Gunnery School (now Nellis Air Force Base). Waldrop also describes the increase of hotels and casinos in Las Vegas, social life, and environmental changes in the city.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Donald Fabbi conducted by Claytee D. White on October 24, 2017 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Fabbi discusses his family background in Tonapah, Nevada and Silver Peak, Nevada. He talks about his family’s move to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1942 and his employment at the Nevada Power Company. Fabbi recalls the Helldorado parade, the Moulin Rouge casino, and the volunteering he has done around the city.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Dr. Frank Roqueni conducted by Alia Rothstein on June 20, 2006 for the Public School Principalship Oral History Project. In this interview, Dr. Roqueni reflects upon his experience as a principal in Nevada’s Clark County School District (CCSD). He describes the process by which he became a principal, his regular responsibilities, and challenges that he faced. He discusses the high expectations that principals face, and suggests that individuals not enter the principalship because of those expectations. He also provides his opinion on issues such as standardized testing and school safety.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Mary B. Cooke conducted by Gigi Arino on March 18, 1978 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. During this interview Mary B. Cooke discusses previous jobs, personal family history, education, and the growth and development of the city. She also expresses her opinions on the topic of welfare, healthcare and the condition of the hospitals in Las Vegas. Digital audio and transcript available.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Harry Brown conducted by James Hopkins for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. During the interview, Brown describes some of his experiences from being in the Sheriff’s Mounted Posse, the equivalent of a modern search and rescue team, which was deputized by the sheriff. Brown additionally describes the tradition of the Helldorado parades, in which he was a part, and he provides his overall thoughts on living in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Archival Collection