Oral history interview with Carrie McCoy conducted by Claytee D. White in Fordyce, Arkansas, approximately 1995 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview, McCoy explains how she and her husband left Fordyce for Las Vegas, Nevada in 1942, seeking better economic prospects. After several years, McCoy returned to Fordyce to raise their four children and work as a housekeeper for several white families. After her oldest children were grown she returned to Las Vegas in 1961, first finding work at a small motel and then spending nine years working in housekeeping at the Flamingo Hilton Hotel. Finally, she returned to Fordyce in 1972. She ends the interview talking about comparative race relations between Fordyce and Las Vegas, differences in work practices, union activities, and church involvement.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Joan Adams Shoofey conducted by Claytee D. White on January 30, 2024 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Shoofey recalls moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1955, where she became Miss Sahara Hotel Casino before becoming Miss Nevada. Born in Fresno, California, Shoofey moved to Tahoe the day following her high school graduation. She and her friend ran the Stateline Country Club for one season and then moved to Las Vegas. Once at the Sahara, she became the Entertainment Coordinator at the Flamingo and then at the International where she worked with Tom Jones.
Archival Collection
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The Fanny’s Dress Shop Photographs (1930-1982) show one of Las Vegas’ premier women’s clothing stores. The collection includes images of Fanny Soss’ shop on Fremont Street, her store in the Flamingo Hotel, and Helldorado parades. Images include shop window displays.
Archival Collection
