Oral history interview with John W. Crabbe conducted by Patricia van Betten on January 19, 2004 for the Blue Diamond Oral History Project. In the interview, Crabbe discusses moving to Blue Diamond Village in southern Nevada as a child in the 1950s. Crabbe talks about attending Rancho High School in Las Vegas, Nevada and the long bus commute he took daily to school. Crabbe then recalls his experiences horseback riding in Bonnie Springs, Nevada and his employment at Howard Hughes' airline, Hughes Air West. Lastly, Crabbe discusses the civic activities available growing up in the Blue Diamond Village.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Frank Leone conducted by Lisa Giola-Acres on November 13, 2007 for the All That Jazz Oral History Project. Leone recalls his childhood, education, piano playing, and early career in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He also discusses his move to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1967 and engagements at various casinos, including playing with singers such as Frank Sinatra, Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme, and Elvis Presley. He also talks about his work as a board member and president of the Musicians Union.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Mel Greb conducted by an unknown collector on March 11, 1976 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Greb discusses his experiences as a boxing fanatic in Las Vegas, Nevada. Greb also describes attending hundreds of boxing matches, including significant championship matches. Greb then explains the requirements to become a successful boxer.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Emily McKinley conducted by Glorialyn Gutierrez on March 01, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. McKinley begins by speaking about her childhood, her siblings and her extended family. McKinley gives a variety of anecdotes about being raised in Las Vegas, her family’s economic hardships and the house she grew up in. Lastly, McKinley talks about the businesses she owned with her husband, their hardships and her time working multiple jobs.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Jeff Ju conducted by Jennifer Sui on November 17, 2021 for the Reflections: The Las Vegas Asian American and Pacific Islander Oral History Project. In this interview, Ju recalls moving to the United States with his family at the age of ten. He discusses his relationships with his parents, how it has changed, and experiencing discrimination and racism at work and as an individual. While he lives in New York, Ju visits Las Vegas, Nevada regularly and shares how he finds it more inclusive and welcoming compared to New York or Korea.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Gus Mancuso conducted by Lisa Gioia-Acres on September 27, 2008 for the All That Jazz Oral History Project. Jazz musician Gus Mancuso (Ronald Bernard Mancuso) discusses his career playing trombone and double bass in various musical groups and serving in the Army band as a piano player. He also talks about moving to Las Vegas in 1955, playing in bands at various casinos, touring Europe with Sarah Vaughan and teaching in the music department at University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV).
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Elwood Schmidt conducted by Claytee D. White on and November 14, 2018 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Schmidt discusses his upbringing and early interest in medicine. He talks about working for the United States Public Health Service, interviewing Emergency Medical Service (EMS) ambulance drivers, and writing
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Carmon Meswarb conducted by Judy Hammer on April 15, 1976 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Meswarb discusses working various odd jobs while playing trombone in a casino relief band. Meswarb describes the nightlife atmosphere, the history of entertainment in Las Vegas, Nevada, and playing for various celebrities. Most notably, Meswarb discusses playing for Elvis Presley.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Tad Porter conducted by Joseph H. Cutchin III on October 17, 1972 for the UNLV University Libraries Oral History Collection. In this interview, Porter discusses his early life and moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1939. He remembers the Carole Lombard plane crash accident, the construction of Hoover Dam, and social changes in Las Vegas since the 1940s.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Steve Hobbs conducted by Howie Basuk on February 17, 1977 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Hobbs describes the different sports he was in and includes the various rewards and championships he accomplished. Hobbs also talks about becoming general manager of Olympian Incorporated.
Archival Collection