Archival Component
Archival Component
Oral history interview with Lestor Burgwardt conducted by Connie Carr on February 09, 1980 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Burgwardt covers local entertainment, Lake Mead, school districts, and gaming’s effect on the educational system. He also recalls his move to Nevada and offers a general overview of Henderson, Nevada in 1954.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Winnie Prince conducted by Irene Rostine on May 18, 1995 for the Women's Research Institute of Nevada (WRIN) Las Vegas Women Oral History Project. Prince opens her interview by discussing her history in Las Vegas, Nevada, which began when she moved to the city in 1942. Prince describes her husband's experiences living in a Las Vegas tent city, and her life in St. George, Utah prior to her move to Las Vegas. She also talks about her brief employment at the Basic Magnesium plant just before the end of World War II. Prince discusses her job responsibilities at the plant, and the importance of accuracy in her job as a shell casting inspector. Lastly, she describes her husband's job as a guard at the Basic Magnesium plant and the ways rationing affected daily life, including commuting to work and feeding her family.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Ronald (Ron) Tomlin conducted by Claytee D. White on December 20, 2022 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Tomlin recalls growing up as child with his mother, Dorothy Dalton Tomlin, who started the Dotty Dee Dancers in 1952. Ron recalls spending much of his childhood with his grandmother while his mother toured the country with the Dotty Dee Dancers. In 1955, his father, Donald Sherwood Tomlin, opened a clothing store, Scottie's Clothing Store, in the Moulin Rouge shopping strip on the Westside of Las Vegas, where he sold the latest fashion trends to Black men. Ron traveled across country with his parents after high school, helped them run a small resort on the Russian River called the Bohemian Grove, and then began his photography career. Throughout his career as a photographer, he has photographed Mike Tyson, Naomi Campbell, and Elvis. Tomlin also talks about having a passion for dancing, like his mother.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Andrea Gardea conducted by Barbara Tabach on June 26, 2019 for the Remembering 1 October Oral History Project. Gardea starts talking about her early life, family, and family history. She explains why she moved to Las Vegas, Nevada in 2002 and why she chose to attend University of Nevada, Las Vegas. After, Gardea describes what happened before and during the Route 91 Harvest festival, what she experienced during the shooting, and her journey in escaping the scene. She talks about the aftermath of the shooting, the trauma and PTSD experienced, and her healing process. Gardea also talks about the making of Engelland’s Vegas Born Heroes Foundation in 2018, what they do, and what they represent. Lastly, she talks about her opinions on gun control and her viewpoint on making peace.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Bruce Eaton conducted by James Maxon on March 6, 1985 for the Boulder City Library Oral History Project. The topic of the interview is the incorporation of Boulder City, Nevada as a self-governing municipality and the role that Eaton played in the eight-year process between 1951 and 1959. Eaton discusses the establishment of an advisory council that served as an interim government, the first Boulder City Act of 1953 in Congress, and long-reaching issues over who should take economic responsibility for costs associated with incorporation. Eaton then talks about the non-binding resolution of 1956 that highlighted the divide between the citizens of Boulder City and its business community, and the work of Eaton, Senator Alan Bible, and others to present a plan that met with wide approval.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Allen Sanders conducted by Julius Jones on July 06, 1975 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Sanders discusses arriving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1943 in search of job opportunities. Sanders then recalls life in Las Vegas during World War II and describes the population increase after the war. Later, Sanders describes changes in the economy, society, and environment of Las Vegas, specifically the increase of hotels and casinos on the Las Vegas Strip.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Sonny Reizner conducted by Jack Painter on an unknown date between 1970 and 1985 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Reizner discusses his time working at the sports book for Castaways Hotel and Casino Bowling in Las Vegas, Nevada. Reizner goes into detail about writing and managing the sports books. Later, Reizner talks about sports betting, the process, and its growth. Finally, Reizner describes the culture of sports betting and the logistics of how to succeed in the field.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Mario Berlanga Jr. conducted by Claytee D. White on July 26, 2017 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Berlanga discusses his upbringing in Las Vegas, Nevada and growing up in the Westside community. He discusses his experience working at supermarkets, becoming a supermarket owner, and establishing his business, Mario’s Westside Market. Berlanga talks about supporting the children of the community, working with the local police, and the growth of his business. Lastly, Berlanga discusses the redevelopment of the Westside neighborhood.
Archival Collection