Oral history interviews with Bob Stoldal conducted by Claytee D. White on May 22, 2014, May 23, 2014, and March 3, 2016 for African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In these interviews, Stoldal discusses his upbringing in California before moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1957. He talks about pursuing a career in journalism including working at Channel 3 and Channel 8, his interest in history, and involvement with cultural organizations including the Nevada State Museum, the MOB Museum, and Las Vegas Centennial Commission. Stoldal comments on the experiences of African Americans in Las Vegas including the 1969 Westside protests, sixth grade centers, and the treatment of entertainers.
Oral history interview with Earl G. Heron conducted by Claytee D. White on November 22, 2024 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. Heron recalls his childhood in Queens, New York, where he learned automobile mechanics from his father. He used that knowledge to become a mechanic on fighter planes for the United States Air Force. Heron was stationed for some time at Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas, Nevada. He also was stationed in San Antonio, San Bernadino, Wichita Falls, and Fort Bragg. He became a flight engineer and took part in Red Flagg War Games Training while stationed at Nellis AFB. Digital audio available; no transcript available.
Oral history interview with Joel Coombs conducted by Claytee White on February 22, 2014 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview Joel Coombs spoke about how his peers reacted to his interracial family. He recalls attending Valley High School amidst racial tensions, racism, and prejudice. He also spoke about the drug abuse happening at Valley High School and Bishop Gorman High School in Nevada. He recalled participating in protests as a child and landing on the front page of The Post.
Note: Embossed bust of George Washington on the cover Menu insert: Advertisements Restaurant: Vendome Hotel (Reno, Nev.) Location: Boston, Massachusetts, United States
Oral history interview with Natalie Wolf conducted by Barbara Tabach on October 22, 2016 for the Southern Nevada Jewish Heritage Project. Wolf shares stories of operating the Greyhound bus station, a three-year ownership of Commercial Deli, and her long career working collections for the casino industry. She discusses working for Tropicana Hotel and Casino, and MGM Properties, including the Mirage Hotel.
Oral history interview with Peter F. Perazzo conducted by Claytee D. White on July 22, 2016 for the Building Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Perazzo discusses his personal history and moving from Reno, Nevada to Las Vegas, Nevada in the 1940s. Perazzo talks about his Native American ancestry, his career in land surveying, and how construction and land surveying have changed over the years. He then describes designing public and residential buildings in Las Vegas, and at the Nevada Test Site. Later, Perazzo discusses his employment at the United States Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in 1985 and in 1995 at the Nevada Department of Transportation, where he was involved in many state projects such as the Hoover Dam bypass, Red Rock state road, and freeway widening.
Oral history interview with James Perkins conducted by Janel Houldsworth on June 22, 2005 for the Public School Principalship Oral History Project. In this interview, Perkins reflects upon his career as a teacher and administrator with Nevada’s Clark County School District (CCSD). He describes the process by which he chose to pursue special education, and eventually became a teacher and administrator at several elementary and special education schools throughout the school district. He discusses issues such as student and staff diversity, and his interactions with Native American students through the development of Ute V. Perkins Elementary School in Moapa, Nevada. He also describes his approach to school administration, and his daily routine as a principal.