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 Peter Gratton conducted by Claytee D. White on February 26, 2009 for the UNLV @ 50 Oral History Project. In this interview Peter Gratton recalls graduating from the University of Nevada Las Vegas in 1981. He then discusses starting a career at the UNLV University libraries and becoming the Administrative Assistant III for the Lied Library Building Department.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Melville Smith conducted by Karl Kuopus on February 17, 1977 and February 23, 1977 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Smith describes his career working for the City of Las Vegas, Nevada in the Planning and Development Department. Smith discusses city planning, how Las Vegas has changed, and housing in the city. Smith also talks about nuclear weapons tests, his children, and why he moved to Las Vegas.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Deborah Cameron conducted by Dennis McBride on August 17, 2006 for the Las Vegas Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Archives Oral History Project. In this interview, Cameron discusses the lesbian community in Las Vegas, Nevada, the organization Women of Nevada (WUN), and founding the organization, L Club. She describes other lesbian organizations and clubs that she was a member of and explains why gay clubs were important in forming supportive communities. Lastly, Cameron talks about the disbandment of the L Club.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Walter Dane conducted by Ann K. Clark on March 11, 1978 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Dane discusses relocating to Indian Springs in 1930 before settling in Las Vegas, Nevada in 1943, then moving to Utah in 1968. Dane also covers the growth and development of the Las Vegas and Indian Springs areas.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with George E. Franklin conducted by Linda Arnone on March 09, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Franklin discusses his personal history and his family background in Nevada dating back to 1862. Franklin discusses his role in Nevada politics, including his role as County Commissioner and Chairman.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Larry K. Lytle conducted by Kenneth V. Higbee on April 26, 2004 for the Public School Principalship Oral History Project. In this interview, Lytle reflects upon his 30-year career as a teacher and administrator with Nevada’s Lincoln County School District (LCSD) from the 1970s to the 2000s. He describes the process by which he became a principal, and describes his approach to fostering a safe learning environment for students and staff. He also describes how his religious beliefs shaped his approach to leadership, and how his responsibilities changed over time as he simultaneously oversaw the elementary, middle, and high school in Alamo, Nevada. He provides his opinion on schooling challenges such as standardized testing, and offers suggestions for individuals interested in pursuing school administration.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Anna Nakazawa conducted by Donnielle Dove on November 29, 2022 for the Reflections: the Las Vegas Asian American and Pacific Islander Oral History Project. In this interview, Nakazawa reflects on her upbringing in Las Vegas, Nevada what it was like growing up and what it was like growing up Asian-American in Southern Nevada. Nakazawa is currently enrolled at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and studying criminal justice. She recalls attending Saturday Japanese school every weekend until she was in high school, allowing her to connect with her cultural background and describes annual trips to Japan in the summer. Nakazawa's ambition and determination is something she takes pride in, and speaks of her multiple jobs and the financial opportunities they bring her. Furthermore, she discusses the importance of education and sharing Asian-American news on social media so more people have a better understanding of what is it like to be Asian-American.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Tom Ehlen conducted by Lisa Gioia-Acres on January 10, 2008 for the All That Jazz Oral History Project. Ehlen recalls his career as a professional trumpet player including playing with the Glenn Miller Orchestra, Frank Sinatra, Burt Bacharach, and others. He also discusses playing in the bands of various casinos on the Las Vegas, Nevada Strip.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Rodrigo Vazquez conducted by Nathalie Martinez and Barbara Tabach on May 24, 2021 for the Latinx Voices of Southern Nevada Oral History Project.
Rodrigo was raised in a mixed status Mexican family. He was born in Mexico and immigrated to the United States at the age of three, later becoming a citizen when he was in the 8th grade. Rodrigo is currently a graduate student worker for the Latinx Voices Oral History Project and reflects on what he has learned. He also discusses what the past year of the Coronavirus pandemic has been like for him.
Subjects discussed include: Latinx and Mexican identities, COVID-19 era, and Latinx Voices Project oral historian
Archival Collection