Oral history interview with Charlotte Pittman conducted by Vanessa Concepcion, Cecilia Winchell, and Stefani Evans on November 29, 2021 for Reflections: The Las Vegas Asian American and Pacific Islander Oral History Project. Charlotte discuses her heritage and family's histories as well as her childhood growing up in Manila, Philippines with her cousins and Lola (paternal grandmother). She talks about immigrating to the United States and growing up in Pueblo, Colorado before attending the Air Force Academy to become a pilot and moving to Las Vegas with her husband. Charlotte also shares memories from her time serving in the Air Force, her plans to retire in the near future, and her current activities with her family.
On March 1, 1981, Alan Gurwitz interviewed Elton Garrett (born 1902 in St. Joseph, Missouri) about his experiences in Southern Nevada and more specifically his work in Boulder City. Garrett first talks about the development of Boulder City from its inception in 1931 and how it has grown throughout nearly fifty years. He also discusses his work in journalism for the Boulder City Journal, the building of Boulder Dam, and atomic testing at the Nevada Test Site. The second part of the interview involves a discussion of the founders of Nevada Southern University, Garrett’s work on legislative committees, and his work as a schoolteacher and school principal. The interview concludes with Garrett’s thoughts on the future of Boulder City and its continued growth.
On March 14, 1981, Randall Williams interviewed Eldon Cunningham (born 1920 in Granby, Missouri) about his life in Las Vegas, Nevada. Cunningham first talks about his family background, his reason for moving to Las Vegas, and his service in the military during World War II. He also mentions the Twin Lakes area of Las Vegas, his hobby of prospecting, and his work with Clark County Electric as an electrician. Cunningham also talks in detail about some of his experiences while working at the Nevada Test Site in electrical work. As the interview concludes, Cunningham talks more about family illnesses, experiments at the Test Site, and his former hunting practices.
Eric Henninger interviews Detective Ronald Bananto at his home on March 15, 1981. Born in Coal Run, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Bananto moved to Pioche, Nevada in 1949. A year later, and after a short period in San Francisco, California, Bananto relocated to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1950. Bananto discusses police work, and life in Pioche, Nevada.