Oral history interview with Stanley Goldstein conducted by Carol A. Semendoff on October 25, 1979 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. This interview covers Goldstein’s personal historical profile as a Las Vegas, Nevada resident. Also during this interview, Goldstein discusses the Strip, gambling, prostitution, and the history of the major casinos.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Lovey McCurdy conducted by Greg McCurdy on March 19, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Lovey recalls arriving in Las Vegas, Nevada in 1951, meeting white people in Las Vegas, Nevada, the atomic bomb testing, and other aspects of being part of the African American community during the 1950s and 1960s.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Robert F. Gilbert conducted by Rosemary Howe on February 2, 1972 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Gilbert first talks about his educational background in Las Vegas, Nevada. He then talks about his political involvement, activity in social clubs, early air conditioning, and the illegal production of whiskey. He also talks about the Helldorado Parade, railroad activity, and early policing practices in Las Vegas.
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 Harold Schnitzlein conducted by Anne Cvetkovic on March 13, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Schnitzlein discusses his life experiences in Southern Nevada. He talks about changes in the Las Vegas Strip since the 1950s, and life in Boulder City, Nevada.
Archival Collection
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 Robert Shipley conducted by Claytee D. White on October 15, 2018 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview, Shipley discusses his early life in Chicago, Illinois and upbringing as a musician. Shipley recalls being the drummer for The Emotions, Natalie Cole, and performing at the Golden Nugget in Las Vegas, Nevada. He talks about the special treatment musicians had, and the respect that Steve Wynn had for performers. Lastly, Shipley remembers performing for Diana Ross, the challenges he faced as an African American musician, and his decision to retire.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Harold Smith conducted by Troy Durham on July 08, 1975 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Smith discusses arriving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1943 and recalls his first impressions of the city. Smith also talks about his employment at the Basic Magnesium Plant in Henderson, Nevada. Finally, he discusses the development of Fremont Street, recreational activities, and the Las Vegas Strip.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Barbara Fuson conducted by Darnell Frazier on March 20, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Fuson discusses Las Vegas, Nevada culture in the 1960s including medical care, the education system, gambling, politics, and religion.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Micheal Reese conducted by Helen Nader on February 27, 1979 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Reese discusses his career as a teacher and how the school system has changed in Las Vegas, Nevada over time.
Archival Collection