Oral history interview with John F. O'Reilly conducted by Judy Herrell on June 06, 2014 for the West Charleston Neighborhoods: an Oral History Project of Ward 1. O'Reilly begins by talking about his family and unbringing in St. Louis, Missouri, meeting and marrying his wife, Rene Lee O'Reilly, and starting a family while attending university. He continues discussing his military career as a lawyer and deciding to settle in Las Vegas, Nevada after completing his military assignment at Nellis Air Force Base. He recounts some of his high-profile legal cases, including the Nevada Power Company and the MGM Grand fire, as well as his appointment to the Nevada Gaming Control Board. He then talks about his children and their careers and his wife's civic volunteerism that led to her recognition as Nevada Mother of the Year. He closes by discussing her death and memorial service in 2012.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Frederic Apcar conducted by Nancy Hardy on July 19, 2003 for the Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Apcar describes his birth and early life in Paris, France, his parents' divorce, working from a young age, and, at the age of sixteen learning to dance ballet and tap. He talks about his first dancing job at the Folies Bergere in Paris, going on tour for several years with Josephine Baker, and on his return to Paris, dancing with the Lido before signing a contract for a three-month job at the Copacabana in New York City, New York. He then discusses his move to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1959, where he produced the Las Vegas Les Folies Bergere, Vive les Girls with Ron Lewis, and Casino de Paris. He also talks about Donn Arden as the other major show producer on the Strip during this period.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with George Durkin conducted by Claytee D. White on July 26, 2024 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Durkin describes his childhood in Schenectady, New York, where he first became interested in music. After college, Durkin enrolled in a master's program at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) and worked at Strip locations behind some of the great entertainers in the industry. While at UNLV, he studied with composer, arranger, and musician Don Hannah, and became a life-long friend of his son, Paul Hannah. Durkin explains that while he currently works in real estate, he still plays in shows when possible and is a regular percussionist for the Las Vegas Philharmonic. Over the years, Durkin played for many entertainers in Las Vegas, including Robert Goulet, Dorothy Hamill, Julio Iglesias, Dionne Warwick, Liberace, Joan Rivers, Sammy Davis, George Burns, and many more. Digital audio available; no transcript available.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Craig Galati conducted by Stefani Evans and Claytee D. White on October 24, 2016 for the Building Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Galati talks about his parents’ decision to move from Ohio to Nevada and what it was like growing up in Las Vegas, Nevada in the late 1960s. He recalls his first jobs as a teenager in Las Vegas, and his studies in architecture at the University of Idaho. He recounts the dilemma of struggling to find architecture work he enjoyed and how that goal drew him back to Las Vegas. He describes various projects in his portfolio from his early years to his most recent projects. Galati describes the work he has done at Aliante Hotel and Casino and the renovation of Lied Library at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Lastly, he speaks highly of his partnership with Ray Lucchesi and the basis for their vision. Digital audio and transcript available.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Susana Loli conducted by Rodrigo Vazquez on January 15, 2021 for the Latinx Voices of Southern Nevada Oral History Project.
Susana Loli starts her interview discussing her childhood in Lima, Peru with her seven siblings. After graduating college and with the unexpected death of her husband, Susana moved to the United States. She was able to return to Peru after some time to bring her family to America, and eventually they settled in Las Vegas after Susana remarried. Susana joined the Culinary Workers Union Local 226 and worked at the Riviera Hotel and Casino for 19 years until it closed; she then moved to the Treasure Island Hotel and Casino where she is currently employed. In addition to her family and work history, Susana talks about the benefits she's found in joining the Culinary Union, her political work canvassing during the 2021 Georgia Senate race, and how COVID-19 has impacted her and others.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Erma Linda Rivera conducted by Laurents Bañuelos-Benitez, Nathalie Martinez, Maribel Estrada Calderón, and Barbara Tabach on January 09, 2019 for the Latinx Voices of Southern Nevada Oral History Project. In this interview, Erma Linda Rivera discusses her early life as a grandchild of immigrants. She shares her experiences growing up in a mining town in Arizona. After marrying, both Erma Linda and her husband Jose became federal civil servants. This would lead Erma Linda Rivera to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1984. Prior to retirement, Rivera worked as an regional Equal Employment Opportunity manager. Rivera discusses her career working for the Department of the Interior, sharing how her job helped fuel her passion for social justice. Erma Linda relates the importance of civic involvement in her life. Finally, she reflects on how Henderson, Nevada has changed over the years she has lived there.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Alma Vining conducted by Barbara Tabach, Nathalie Martinez, and Laurents Banuelos-Benitez on February 13, 2019 for the Latinx Voices of Southern Nevada Oral History Project. In this interview, Vining shares what it was like growing up as a child of Mexican immigrants. She talks about her childhood in McAllen, Texas, disclosing her experiences with racial discrimination as a child and as she grew into adulthood. She stresses the importance of education and lifelong learning in relation to her career as a teacher and school principal. Vining moved to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1972 and jumped into the community with her involvement in Nevada Association of Latin Americans (NALA) and on the television program, Minor Key. She shares her experiences earning her Master's Degree in Education at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Vining talks about her teaching career and the 30 years of experience gained in the Clark County School District.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Lawrence Murray conducted by Claytee D. White on March 13, 2017 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview, Murray discusses his early life in Altheimer, Arkansas. He talks about moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1960, living in the Westside, and his time serving in the military. Murray recalls being a member of the Carpenters Local Union 1780, completing a four-year educational program offered by the Union, and his employment at J.A. Tiberti Construction Company. Later, Murray discusses his religious life, being involved in church activities, and remembers African American spiritual leaders in the Westside. He describes becoming the Pastor for Living World Ministry Church of God in Christ, and his efforts to change Las Vegas cultural stereotypes. Lastly, Murray talks about the significance of the church in the African American community, and the important role that women have in churches.
Archival Collection
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