Oral history interview with Dennis Ritz conducted by Claytee D. White on September 29, 2017 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Ritz discusses his early life in rural Pennsylvania. He recalls his initial interest in entertainment, moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1965, and becoming an entertainment director for hotels and casinos. Ritz talks about the influence of organized crime in Las Vegas, and the various shows he worked on.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Marie Schamaun conducted by Elie Elias on February 21, 1979 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Schamaun discusses her personal history and the history of Las Vegas, Nevada. Schamaun discusses being a member of the first Methodist church in Las Vegas and her involvement with an auxiliary of the Optimist Club which helped young girls. Schamaun describes how Las Vegas and its casinos have changed since she first moved to the city in 1947, and how the city has changed socially. Schamaun also discusses nuclear weapons tests, youth centers in Las Vegas, and the important role the youth centers have in the city.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Mamie Buettner conducted by Gertrude Anne Moore on February 21, 1975 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. During the interview Buettner discusses the history of Las Vegas, Nevada and offers insight into the day-to-day life of a Las Vegas old timer.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Bobby Morris conducted by Cork Proctor on September 07, 2004 for the Arnold Shaw Oral History Project on Las Vegas Entertainers. Morris discusses his early work in New York City, New York and working with many jazz players. He also reflects on playing at President John F. Kennedy’s inauguration. Morris then discusses how he became Elvis Presley’s musical director at the International Hotel and Casino.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Elizabeth Garrison conducted by Walter John Ritzau on February 25, 1977 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Garrison first talks about her schooling in Las Vegas, Nevada, the atomic testing, the Devils Hole in Ash Meadows, early church involvement, and some of the environmental aspects of Las Vegas. Garrison later describes her work for the Central Telephone Company and the Helldorado Parade.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with William Carlson conducted by Alice Brown on March 19, 1980 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview Dr. William Carlson speaks about his experience working at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). Carlson, who joined UNLV in 1957, provides his accounts on the history of the university library. Carlson also talks about some of the first librarians who were a part of the library, the funding and donations used to build and develop it, and the eventual construction and architecture of the James R. Dickinson Library.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Richard T. Chapter conducted by Stan Hawkins on March 6, 1979 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview Stan Hawkins discusses the cost of living in Las Vegas, Nevada, Howard Hughes, the Boulder Dam, the Union Pacific Railroad, the old Mormon Fort, gambling, local businesses, and the weather in Las Vegas.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Gertrude Greenblatt conducted by Dario Gratini on March 01, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview Gertrude Greenblatt discusses moving to Las Vegas, Nevada, family life in Las Vegas, working in the Las Vegas food industry and resort industry, landmarks of the city, and the growth of Las Vegas.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Carol Baker conducted by Nancy Hardy on May 29, 2003 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. Baker talks about her life as an entertainer on the Las Vegas, Nevada Strip, including backstage life, parties, and relationships amongst other dancers.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Leandrew Winston conducted by Claytee White on August 03, 2016 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. Winston describes his migration from Arkansas to California and then to Las Vegas, Nevada where he encountered racism in an overt manner until his press pass allowed him to enter communities of non-blacks more easily. He also discusses working with Vegas PBS and KCEP.
Archival Collection