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Oral history interview with J. D. Smith conducted by Albert Hewitt on October 31, 1979 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Smith begins by discussing his move to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1927 after buying an office for his dental practice. He describes life in Las Vegas at the time, how the city has expanded and changed, and his career as a dentist. Smith also talks about his time as president of the Nevada State Board of Education. He concludes by elaborating on other aspects of Las Vegas history, such as the crash of Carole Lombard's plane, the Helldorado Parades, and nuclear weapons testing.
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Oral history interview with S. J. Johnson conducted by Claytee D. White on May 24, 2016 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview, Johnson discusses his early life in Indianapolis, Indiana and living on his family's farm. He recalls joining the United States Air Force, adjusting to life outside of the family farm, and experiencing discrimination while serving. Johnson talks about being stationed in Panama, joining the Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI), and becoming a military officer. Later, Johnson discusses his move to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1982, attending the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and obtaining his teaching license. Lastly, Johnson talks about the importance of education.
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Oral history interview with Elgin Holbert Jr. conducted by Claytee D. White on April 28, 2021 for African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project.
Elgin Holbert Jr. discusses growing up in the Westside community of Las Vegas, the activities he participated in as a child, community leaders he admired, and his observations of mixed family life (as his father was Black and his mother was white). Elgin also speaks of his work as a Red Cap on the Union Pacific Railroad (UPR), his time at Nevada Power, and his experience dealing cards at various Las Vegas casinos including the Riviera Hotel and Casino (for 15 years), the Tropicana Las Vegas (for 15 years), and the Treasure Island Hotel (for 20 years).
Subjects discussed include: Viola Cunningham; Union Pacific Railroad; Riviera Hotel and Casino; Tropicana Las Vegas Hotel Casino; Treasure Island Hotel; Cotton Bowl; Jimmy Gay; Jefferson Recreational Center; and Eleanor Walker
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Oral history interview with J. D. Morris conducted by his son, Dan Morris, in approximately 1974 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Morris discusses moving to Southern Nevada in 1942 and life in Caliente, Nevada during that time. He describes the mining and railroad activity near Caliente, as well as his career as a jeweler and watchmaker. Morris also discusses gambling in Southern Nevada, nuclear weapons tests, and how the cities in Southern Nevada have expanded.
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