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
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.
2nd annual Gay Pride parade 1998 at Sunset Park. Photographer: Dennis McBride. Liberty Realty float (Ron Guerrero kneeling; female impersonator seated on the hood). 4-25-98
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.
Oral history interview with J. A. Tiberti conducted by Terry Mowbray on February 23, 1977 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Tiberti discusses his personal history before arriving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1941 as a civil engineer for Nellis Air Force Base. Tiberti recalls the plane crash involving Carole Lombard in 1942 and describes his work in assisting to locate the plane. He then discusses the construction projects he worked on and environmental changes around Las Vegas. Lastly, Tiberti describes his construction company, J. A. Tiberti Construction.
Oral history interview with J. K. Russ conducted by Claytee D. White on December 22, 2017 for the Remembering 1 October Oral History Project. In this interview, Russ discusses her early life in New Zealand and growing up on a tobacco farm. She remembers arriving to the United States and establishing a career as an artist. Russ talks about the 1 October shooting, creating an art exhibit using cards and letters received from people all over the world, and Las Vegas’ response to the tragedy. Lastly, Russ describes the art community in Las Vegas and the Arts District.