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Elaine Galatz oral history interview
Oral history interview with Elaine Galatz conducted by Barbara Tabach on April 22, 2015 for the Southern Nevada Jewish Heritage Project. Galatz discusses her work as a past Jewish Federation president, her marriage to renowned attorney Neil Galatz, and her career as an accomplished horsewoman.
Archival Collection
Vegas PBS Interviews for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project
Oral history interviews with Ruby Amie Pilot, Eva G. Simmons, Melvin Sanders, Jarmilla McMillan-Arnold, Hannah Brown, Sonny Thomas, and Claytee White conducted by Vegas PBS on April 01, 2013, April 02, 2013, April 12, 2013, and November 19, 2013 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In these interviews, the participants discuss their early lives and moving to Las Vegas, Nevada. Pilot talks about segregation on the Las Vegas Strip, integration, and the importance of church activities in the African American community. Simmons describes her career as a teacher, the schools on the Westside, and businesses on Jackson Street. Thomas describes the funeral industry and his role as a funeral director. McMillan-Arnold talks about segregated Las Vegas, African American entertainers, and the issue of homelessness on the Westside. Brown remembers growing up on the Westside, segregated schools, and her role as President of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women – Las Vegas chapter. Lastly, Sanders discusses his childhood in Las Vegas, being the son of a preacher, and the redevelopment of the Westside.
Archival Collection
Patricia Ann Ross oral history interview
Oral history interview with Patricia Ann Ross conducted by Judy Harrell on March 19, 2014 for the West Charleston Neighborhoods--an Oral History Project of Ward 1. Ross discusses mob-dominated gambling, Mormonism, the Helldorado Rodeo, medical advances, and Clark County School District’s Sixth Grade Centers within Las Vegas, Nevada.
Archival Collection
Dolly Kelepecz oral history interview
Oral history interview with Dolly Kelepecz conducted by Claytee D. White on April 29, 2010 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. Kelepecz discusses her career as a ballet dancer, a performer in a circus, and a showgirl and dancer in Las Vegas, Nevada, especially in the Lido at the Stardust Hotel and Casino. She also discusses her time as a model, a pilates instructor, and running the Opus Dance ensemble. Kelepecz then discusses teaching a class at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
Archival Collection
Theron and Naomi Goynes oral history interview
Oral history interview with Theron and Naomi Goynes conducted by Claytee White on June 28, 2012 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. Both Theron and Naomi Goynes discuss being African-American educators with Theron recalling his position as a North Las Vegas City Councilman. They also discuss the progression of school integration and special reading programs for students.
Archival Collection
Transcript of interview with Ina Porter by Claytee White, January 5, 2010
Ina Porter recalls the story of choosing to move to the John S. Park Neighborhood in the 1940s. She and her husband Burdell were accustom to paying cash for everything and needed to establish credit with Sears to purchase their $5000 home, which was not considered inexpensive. They were among the earlier homeowners and soon the neighborhood grew to include a Mormon Church that would become so integral to the Porter family's life and to the John S. Park community. Ina was born 1917 in the small southern Utah town of Kanab. She describes her youth and speaks of the Great Depression. Ina graduated from high school in 1935, married in 1936 and moved to Las Vegas, where there were jobs for her husband. Finding work after his graduation from college was not easy, but because he had been a bus driver he was able to secure a position driving a bus for the Union Pacific Railroad and later Greyhound Bus Line. Years later Ina, Burdell and their family were part of the fiber of the Joh
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Transcript of interview with Jarmilla McMillan-Arnold by Claytee D. White, October 7, 2010
Jarmilla McMillan-Arnold’s father, Dr. James B. McMillan, was the first black dentist in the state of Nevada. Dr. McMillan’s colleagues consisted of Dr. West, the first black medical doctor in the state, and Dr. Ice, the first black surgeon in Nevada. This interview highlights and archives the solid foundation upon which Nevada’s black community was built. Jarmilla recalls early memories of growing up as the daughter of Las Vegas NAACP president Dr. McMillan. She was born in Detroit, Michigan, to a Caucasian and Indian mother who was a professional dancer. Jarmilla’s parents separated when she was very young and as a result she was raised by her paternal grandmother who owned a restaurant in Pontiac, Michigan. Jarmilla describes her grandmother as being well-known and highly regarded in the community where she maintained her business. Jarmilla attended Catholic schools in Detroit, Pontiac, and Las Vegas. Having moved to Las Vegas with her father, Jarmilla’s narrative offers keen insigh
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