Mary Laub and husband William “Bill” Laub first came to Las Vegas in 1954, eventually establishing permanent residency with their five children four years later. Bill’s work with his family’s business, Southwest Gas Corporation, brought the Laub’s to the city from their lifetime home of California. Unable to find a home adequate for their large family, the Laubs ordered a home, which was shipped to Las Vegas and built on their lot in Rancho Circle. Mary’s “claim to fame” is founding the Las Vegas Assistance League chapter in 1976, serving her community through this organization for decades after. Her concern for the viability of Assistance League led her to start a thrift store to finance organizational operations, as well as solicit donations from entities like the Reynolds Foundation and Andre Agassi Foundation. To this day, the Assistance League continues many of the programs Mary started, including providing clothing to local children and the thrift store. Mary still lives in the family’s Rancho Circle home, in a community to which her and her husband dedicated themselves. In addition to his successful career with Southwest Gas, Bill was appointed by then Governor Laxalt as chairman of the Nevada Equal Rights Commission, and he also served as a Republican National Committeeman for over a decade. Mary’s work with the Assistance League was so meaningful that it established an annual Mary Laub award for other enduring volunteers. She also served on the local library board of trustees, and was involved with the Junior League for many years.

Jarmilla McMillan-Arnold’s father, Dr. James B. McMillan, was the first black dentist in the state of Nevada. Dr. McMillan’s colleagues consisted of Dr. West, the first black medical doctor in the state, and Dr. Ice, the first black surgeon in Nevada. This interview highlights and archives the solid foundation upon which Nevada’s black community was built. Jarmilla recalls early memories of growing up as the daughter of Las Vegas NAACP president Dr. McMillan. She was born in Detroit, Michigan, to a Caucasian and Indian mother who was a professional dancer. Jarmilla’s parents separated when she was very young and as a result she was raised by her paternal grandmother who owned a restaurant in Pontiac, Michigan. Jarmilla describes her grandmother as being well-known and highly regarded in the community where she maintained her business. Jarmilla attended Catholic schools in Detroit, Pontiac, and Las Vegas. Having moved to Las Vegas with her father, Jarmilla’s narrative offers keen insigh