Oral history interview with Ernest Oon conducted by Cecilia Winchell, Stefani Evans, and Jerwin Tiu on February 16, 2023 for the Reflections: the Las Vegas Asian American and Pacific Islander Oral History Project. In this interview, Oon recalls his childhood in Singapore, where his father worked on the Health and Sports Council for the Singaporean Government and his mother worked as a television assistant producer. Growing up, Oon recalls being very active, participating in everything from soccer to Tae Kwon Do. In an effort to continue his education without being being interrupted by Singapore's civil service program, Oon applied to college in the United States and ended up attending California State University. Although he was on the medicine track in Singapore, he switched to finance. After a series of jobs within credit banking, he is now a chief credit officer for Bank of Nevada. Throughout the interview, Oon reflects on the changes in his life living in different places, the street food from Singapore, and his unique tennis game.
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The Del Webb Corporation Photograph Collection (approximately 1957 to 1988) consists of black-and-white photographic prints, black-and-white oversize reprints, negatives, and color slides focusing on the Mint Hotel and Casino in downtown Las Vegas, Nevada. Images depict the construction of a twenty-six story high-rise addition to the property, its grand opening and anniversary celebrations, the Mint 400 Off-Road race festivities, interior shots of the casino floor, restaurants and lounges, and a salon. Also included are exterior images of properties on Fremont Street considered to be competitors of the Mint, advertisements and billboards, and photographs of Del E. Webb and associates.
Archival Collection
The Ruby Duncan Photograph Collection on Operation Life (1970s-1980s) is comprised primarily of photographic prints with some corresponding 35 mm negatives of Ruby Duncan and other Operation Life organizers, as well as important organization buildings. Materials include photographs of Ruby Duncan, Aldine Weems, Renee Diamond, and Jack Anderson in the original Operation Life Las Vegas, Nevada Operation Life headquarters and the regional office in San Francisco, California. Also pictured are other employees and beneficiaries of the organization at a Christmas Party.
Archival Collection
The Ken Easley Photographs for Del Webb Corporation in Nevada (approximately 1979-1988) consist of photographic slides, transparencies, prints, contact sheets, and negatives depicting various Del Webb Corporation properties throughout Nevada, including the Nevada Club Hotel and Casino in Laughlin, The Mint Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, the High Sierra Hotel and Casino (formerly Del Webb’s Sahara Tahoe) in Stateline, and the master-planned development of Sun City Summerlin in Las Vegas, Nevada. The photographs document interiors, exteriors, and signage; restaurants, bars, and lounges; gaming activities; and promotions and events.
Archival Collection
On March 18, 1978, collector Bill Hitchcock interviewed Della Coates (b. June 17th, 1919 in Birmingham, Alabama) at her home in Las Vegas, Nevada. In the interview, Della Coates discusses her time working for the telephone company. She also speaks about the changes in education and about changes throughout Las Vegas.
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From the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Theta Theta Omega Chapter Records (MS-01014) -- Chapter records file.
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From the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Theta Theta Omega Chapter Records (MS-01014) -- Chapter records file.
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