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Gene Leavitt oral history interview

Identifier

OH-01078

Abstract

Oral history interview with Gene Leavitt conducted by his son, Monte Leavitt, on February 28, 1979 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Mr. Leavitt talks about his career as a truck and bus driver. He also talks about the life in Southern Nevada, the soldiers stationed here, and gambling. Leavitt also briefly discusses doing drilling work on the Boulder (Hoover) Dam.

Archival Collection

Steven Horsford oral history interview

Identifier

OH-00889

Abstract

Oral history interview with Steven Horsford conducted by Claytee D. White on August 19, 2011 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. Horsford begins by discussing his family's Trinidadian ancestry and how his family came to move to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1969. He describes living in the Berkley Square neighborhood, his education, and how he developed his interest in pursuing a career in politics. Horsford continues, discussing his grandmother, his children, and his experiences growing up in the African American community of Las Vegas. Other topics of discussion include his family traditions, his wife, and attending the University of Nevada, Reno.

Archival Collection

Keith Brantley oral history interview

Identifier

OH-02482

Abstract

Oral history interview with Keith Brantley conducted by Denise Beverstein on October 15, 2015 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview, Brantley discusses his personal history and his experiences growing up in Las Vegas, Nevada. He talks about attending Bonanza High School, being involved in school sports, and establishing The Poet’s Corner, a monthly poetry forum, in the late 1990s. Brantley describes what The Poet’s Corner provided for the community, the history of racism in Las Vegas, and discusses the African American experience as the city changed. Lastly, Brantley recites one of his poems, The Fremont Street Experience.

Archival Collection

Gertrude Naegle oral history interview

Identifier

OH-01361

Abstract

Oral history interview with Gertrude Naegle conducted by Jeff Bradshaw on March 31, 1976 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Naegle recalls moving to Las Vegas, Nevada after buying a gas-filling station. She also discusses the above ground atomic testing, The Old Fort, and visits by President John F. Kennedy and Howard Hughes.

Archival Collection

Wayne Rowe oral history interview

Identifier

OH-02572

Abstract

Oral history interview with Wayne Rowe conducted by Claytee D. White on November 10, 2009 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Rowe discusses his early life and growing up in Las Vegas, Nevada. He talks about his employment at Bally’s Las Vegas Hotel and Casino as a utility porter and joining the United States Army in 1966. Later, Rowe recalls going through the citizenship process, working as a bellman at Bally’s, and the opening of MGM Grand Hotel in 1973. Lastly, Rowe discusses Las Vegas nightlife and the development of the Strip.

Archival Collection

Elmer H. Nighswonger oral history interview

Identifier

OH-01389

Abstract

Oral history interview with Elmer H. Nighswonger conducted by James F. Sullivan on February 21, 1979 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Nighswonger describes joining the Las Vegas Fire & Rescue Department in 1946 and his career as a firefighter. Nighswonger discusses what the fire department was like during the 1940s, and how it and Las Vegas, Nevada has changed. He also talks about several fires and calls he attended, the fire engines used by the city during that time, and the limitations of those fire engines.

Archival Collection

LaVaun Hendrix oral history interview

Identifier

OH-00838

Abstract

Oral history interview with LaVaun Hendrix conducted by Judy Laliberte on February 27, 1979 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. The two discuss how Hendrix originally came to Nevada, her occupational history, and differences between the school system in Las Vegas, Nevada. Hendrix explains how a changing school system has affected her job as a teacher and her students. She goes on to talk about the above-ground atomic tests, Helldorado, changes to the desert, and Nevada during World War II.

Archival Collection

Fran Wallace oral history interview

Identifier

OH-01904

Abstract

Oral history interview with Fran Wallace conducted by Connie Hansen on September 26, 1972 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Wallace discusses arriving in Las Vegas, Nevada with her family in 1940 for work opportunities available in Las Vegas. Wallace then recalls the development of Fremont Street and its transition to gambling. Later, Wallace describes environmental changes she has noticed throughout Las Vegas, specifically changes at Lake Mead.

Archival Collection

Howard Heckethorn oral history interview

Identifier

OH-00828

Abstract

Oral history interview with Howard Heckethorn conducted by Richard Eitland on February 15, 1979 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Mr. Heckethorn describes going to school in the early days of Las Vegas, Nevada. He also talks about many notable teachers he had, as well as the development of the Las Vegas area. Heckethorn also discusses his arrival to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1930, and recalls the Old Mormon Fort, El Rancho, The Last Frontier, and the tourism that gambling brought to the city. Heckethorn discusses the 1960s, and the impact Howard Hughes had in the development of hotels and casinos.

Archival Collection

John Pappas oral history interview

Identifier

OH-01429

Abstract

Oral history interview with John Pappas conducted by Adrienne O'Neal on March 02, 1980 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Pappas candidly discusses his career as a dealer working in various casinos in Las Vegas, Nevada. Pappas describes the differences between dealing in illegal gambling operations in New York City, New York and dealing for casinos in Las Vegas. Pappas discusses the differences between law enforcement in Las Vegas and on the east coast, and how he feels law enforcement is prejudiced against Italians. Pappas also discusses how he feels politics and minority groups have changed New York City for the worse.

Archival Collection