Search the Special Collections and Archives Portal

Marinka Melanie Hunter oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Marinka Melanie Hunter conducted by Claytee D. White on April 15, 2019 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Hunter discusses her early life in Cuba and immigrating to the Unites States in 1959. She remembers moving to New York City, New York, becoming a burlesque dancer, and performing internationally. Lastly, Hunter talks about burlesque shows in Las Vegas, Nevada, and the Burlesque Hall of Fame.

Evelyn Conerly oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Evelyn Conerly conducted by Claytee D. White on March 11, 2019 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Conerly discusses her early life in Tallulah, Louisiana and moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1970. She remembers the Helldorado parade, participating in a letter exchange program, and school integration. Lastly, Conerly talks about her involvement with Les Femmes Douze, and her career in banking.

Willie Thompson oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Willie Thompson conducted by Claytee D. White on November 25, 2019 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Thompson discusses his early life in Tulsa, Oklahoma and moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1995. Thompson recalls the Doolittle Senior Center, the Moulin Rouge Hotel and Casino, and his involvement in the Martin Luther King Jr. parade. Lastly, Thompson talks about volunteering with the Mirage Reading Program.

Bill Hornbuckle oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Bill Hornbuckle conducted by Claytee D. White on December 03, 2019 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Hornbuckle discusses his early life Connecticut and arriving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1977. He talks about his initial interest in the hospitality industry, organizing venues, and becoming Chief Operating Officer of MGM Resorts International. Lastly, Hornbuckle describes the growth and future of the Las Vegas Strip.

Patsy Blair Taylor and Marshal Taylor oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Patsy Blair Taylor and Marshal Taylor conducted by Claytee D. White on December 17, 2018 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Patsy discusses her upbringing in Lovelock, Nevada and moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1963. She remembers the city at the time and attending the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Marshal talks about his employment at the Nevada Test Site, and joining the City of North Las Vegas as a park planner and grant writer.

Adla Earl oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Adla Earl conducted by Suzanne Becker on May 20, 2009 for the Voices of the Historic John S. Park Neighborhood. In this interview, Earl discusses her upbringing in Las Vegas, Nevada and living in the John S. Park neighborhood. She remembers purchasing her home, the influence and increase of the LGBTQ+ population in the area, and the historic designation of the neighborhood. Lastly, Earl talks about changes in the neighborhood.

Dick Franco oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Dick Franco conducted by Su Kim Chung on July 14, 2021 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. Richard Francis or Dick Franco, his stage name by which he is more commonly known, has been juggling for over 50 years, having learned the art while he was still in high school. Taught by prominent juggling legends in Vaudeville and Las Vegas, Franco would go on to perform all over the world.

Rosemarie and Gregory Johnson oral history interviews

Abstract

Oral history interview with Rosemarie and Gregory Johnson conducted by Amber Rose Johnson on December 04, 2016 and December 05, 2016 for African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In the first interview, Gregory discusses his early life and growing up in Las Vegas, Nevada. He talks about being being an electrician and member of the IBEW Local 357 in Las Vegas, and Union workers' strike. In the second interview, Rosemarie discusses her upbringing and arriving to Las Vegas in 1984.

Don Cunningham oral history interviews

Abstract

Oral history interviews with Don Cunningham conducted by Claytee D. White on January 13, 2017, January 26, 2017, and February 10, 2017 for African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In the first interview, Cunningham discusses his upbringing in St. Louis, Missouri and his early interest in music. He talks about becoming a musician in the military, and traveling around the world to play in the military bands. In the second interview, Cunningham remembers the transition out of the military, becoming a freelance musician, and arriving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1969.

Subscribe to