Oral history interview with Gertrude Rudiak conducted by Claytee White on January 11th, 2007 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. Gertrude Rudiak was a local civil rights pioneer, wife of George Rudiak, and has lived in Las Vegas, Nevada since 1943. She raised her five children in Las Vegas and was active in the Jewish community. In her interview Rudiak discusses Jewish life and culture in Las Vegas.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Nina Lu 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, Lu recalls her difficult immgration journey from China to Los Angeles, California, and later to Las Vegas, Nevada. She also discusses former jobs, starting her own business, and embracing her unique identity and cultural heritage.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Judith Harrell conducted by Lois Goodall on November 19, 2013 for the West Charleston Neighborhoods: an Oral History Project of Ward 1. In this interview, Harrell discusses growing up in Fitzgerald, Georgia, later moving to Houston, Texas, and her high school experience in Houston. She describes moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1961, attending Nevada Southern University (now University of Nevada, Las Vegas), and teaching at E.W. Griffith Elementary School. Lastly, Harrell recalls moving to the Westside of Las Vegas, teaching at Paradise Elementary School, and recreational activities she participated in.
Archival Collection
Oral history with Nathan Harper conducted by Claytee D. White on July 29, 2022 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Harper describes his childhood and growing up in Wichita, Kansas and how those early days shaped his belief system today. After discussing his experience as a Fulbright Scholar in Cyprus, Harper discusses his role, beginning in 2007, as Archaeologist for the Springs Preserve in Las Vegas, Nevada. He talks about unearthing the history of John Howell, the first Black man in Las Vegas who claimed land near what is now Springs Preserve. He also talks about relocating railroad cottages to the Preserve, restoring, and even decorating the buildings. He talks about the history of early Las Vegas and the area's water supply throughout the interview.
Archival Collection
Oral history interviews with Eva Futch conducted by Claytee D. White on November 02, 2010 and November 10, 2010 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. Futch begins by discussing her personal history in Sweden, describing her early life, education, and what life was like in Sweden. She continues by describing her involvement in the boxing industry through her husband, Eddie Futch, who was a prominent boxing trainer. Futch provides insight into various aspects of boxing, how her husband trained fighters, and provides details on how the industry operates and the athletes she met. Futch describes moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1995 and the boxing events she was involved with in the city. She also goes through a series of photographs and memorabilia of her husband and explains their history and significance.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with April Edner conducted by Christina Miller on June 21, 1996 for the Friends of Red Rock Canyon in Nevada Oral History Project. Edner begins the interview by talking about the history of Oliver Ranch and who had owned it throughout time. She mentions Native Americans living on the property in the past and describes what current caretakers do for the ranch. Edner points out the original structures of the property that were changed and those that were kept. Lastly, she tells stories surrounding the property itself.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Ron Saccavino conducted by David Schwartz on June 17, 2015 for the Table Games Management Oral History Project. In this interview, Saccavino recalls his career working as a casino manager in Las Vegas, Nevada at the Landmark, Lady Luck, Foxy's Firehouse, and the Paddlewheel. Ron also discusses his work at the Riviera, Hacienda, Jackpot, Royal Inn, Dunes, and O'Shea's.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Alexander Nicholas conducted by Saleeh Sarwar Khan on February 24, 1980 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Nicholas discusses the increase in population in Las Vegas, Nevada and describes the type of crime that is most common in the city. Nicholas also describes the increase in pollution as more factories were built. Lastly, Nicholas discusses general changes in Las Vegas.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with John Kilduff conducted by Stefani Evans on November 03, 2017 for the Building Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Kilduff discusses his early life in New Jersey. He talks about his background in accounting, and his employment with Arthur Anderson LLC and Leisure Technology. Kilduff recalls arriving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1993, joining the Howard Hughes Corporation, and his role with American Nevada Company. Kilduff describes the development of Summerlin, Green Valley, Aliante, and infrastructure differences in those areas. Lastly, Kilduff discusses building Bishop Gorman High School.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Abe Schiller conducted by Perry Kaufman on April 25, 1972 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Schiller discusses the history of the Las Vegas Strip. He also discusses his career as the head of publicity for the Flamingo Las Vegas. Lastly, Schiller discusses working with various stars and entertainers in order to draw business to the hotel.
Archival Collection