Oral history interview with Robert Shipley conducted by Claytee D. White on October 15, 2018 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview, Shipley discusses his early life in Chicago, Illinois and upbringing as a musician. Shipley recalls being the drummer for The Emotions, Natalie Cole, and performing at the Golden Nugget in Las Vegas, Nevada. He talks about the special treatment musicians had, and the respect that Steve Wynn had for performers. Lastly, Shipley remembers performing for Diana Ross, the challenges he faced as an African American musician, and his decision to retire.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Jack W. Zunino conducted by Stefani Evans and Claytee D. White on August 20, 2016 for the Building Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Zunino tells of his employment with G.C. Wallace Engineering and JMA architects before founding his own landscape architecture firm in 1989. Additionally, Zunino discusses the evolution of landscape architecture in casino design.
Archival Collection
Local news segments recall gaming pioneer Sam Boyd's history and service to Las Vegas after he passed away January 15, 1993. Still images of Boyd throughout the years appear on screen, as newscasters give a brief history of his work and the evolution of the Boyd Gaming Company. Channel 13's segment includes brief interview with Jackie Gaughan and Mel Woods, who speak about how much Boyd did for the city. Channel 8's segment includes interview clip with Steve Wynn and Jackie Gaughan. Later segments include video broadcast of people speaking at Boyd's memorial service, and clips with various attendees afterward. 11 cuts of different news segments. Original media VHS, color, aspect ratio 4 x 3, frame size 720 x 486.
Archival Component
Title card at start says "B-roll created for Mirage is divided into three sections: Resort interiors and exteriors; Siegfried & Roy's Royal White Riger habitat; Steve Wynn interview and may be used by news stations without restriction." First segment shows exterior views of the fountain (daytime) and volcano area (night), interior of nearly empty hotel and aquarium; rooms, outdoor areas, Mikado restaurant. Second segment shows Siegfried & Roy with white tigers as guests look on, tigers play in the water. Third segment is an interview with Steve Wynn (unknown interviewer) about the design of the Mirage, decision to spend money on building it. Wynn is wearing a Golden Nugget sweater. Fourth segment is more b-roll of the white tiger habitat and specifies it can be used about reports on Siegfried and Roy and the Mirage only. Original media Betacam, color, aspect ratio 4 x 3, frame size 720 x 486. From the Production Company Audiovisual Collection (MS-00930) -- Digitized audiovisual material file.
Moving Image
Oral history interview with Aaron Williams conducted by Claytee D. White on August 16, 2005 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. Williams recalls individuals he worked with, such as Woodrow Wilson, Jimmy Gay, and the mayor of Los Angeles, California. He remembers the Westside Federal Credit Union, joining the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), and encountering discrimination at one of the first jobs he had at the Sahara Hotel. He shares anecdotes of Robert Maheu, Steve Wynn, Lubertha Johnson, Ruby Duncan, Mabel Hoggard, and other Las Vegas, Nevada notables.
Archival Collection
Local news segments report on the Desert Inn implosion. Ben Correa reports from the parking lot area after the implosion, showing 18,000 tons of debris. The Stardust Hotel is clearly seen behind the reporter. Video of the implosion is shown, and people are interviewed as they wait for and watch the implosion at 2:00am. Steve Crupi reports from the Frontier Hotel property where they had a different but similar view of the implosion. Both reporters say that Steve Wynn's latest project construction will begin on the site shortly. Second segment also reports on the implosion, but also goes into detail about the history of the Desert Inn with old news footage, audio, and black-and-white stills from when the casino was relatively new. Audio clips of past performers and entertainmers play over image stills. Original media VHS, color, aspect ratio 4 x 3, frame size 720 x 486.
Archival Component
Oral history interview with Anthony A. Marnell II conducted by Claytee White and Stefani Evans on September 29, 2016 for the Building Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Marnell speaks to the importance of teaching future generations about the value of work, of earning the sense of accomplishment, and of fueling one's inner spirit. He talks of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), of entrepreneurial gamesmanship, and of casino greats Bill Boyd, Jay Sarno, Cliff Perlman, Kirk Kerkorian, and Steve Wynn. He describes the evolution of Las Vegas resorts from prioritizing casino games to fine dining to night clubs and entertainment. Marnell also speaks about building and operating the Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Todd Avery Lenahan conducted by Stefani Evans on November 29, 2016 for the Building Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Lenahan discusses his early life as a military child, and repeatedly relocating to several states. He talks about moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1999, and founding his architecture firm, TAL Studio. Lenahan recalls doing the interior design for the home of Steve Wynn, designing show rooms in the Encore at Wynn Las Vegas, and making design accomodations for visually impaired individuals. Later, he discusses the issue of architecture firms outside of Las Vegas building communities in the city. Lastly, Lenahan talks about the future of Las Vegas infrastructure development.
Archival Collection
