Search Results

Oral history interview with America Recinos conducted by Marcela Rodriguez-Campo on December 7, 2018 for the Latinx Voices of Southern Nevada Oral History Project.

America discusses her family history and life in El Salvador, where her father was a union leader and organizer at the height of the country's civil war. She talks about the difficulties of leaving El Salvador with her children and reuniting with her husband in the United States, as well as what brought her family to Las Vegas. America, like her father, is also a union organizer for the Culinary Workers Union Local 226, and she shares her experiences organizing at hotels across the city including the Riviera Hotel and Casino, Sahara Hotel and Casino, Circus Circus, MGM International, Caesars Palace, Bellagio, and various Station casinos.

Oral history interview with Dorothy Lee conducted by Claytee D. White on June 02, 2016 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Lee discusses growing up in Las Vegas, Nevada and recalls horse riding from Paradise Township to downtown Las Vegas. After moving to the John S. Park neighborhood, she attended Las Vegas High School and worked at the Huntridge Theater as an usher. She also discusses her time working as an elevator operator at the Riviera and how she became a Rhythmette in her second year in high school.

Oral history interview with Donna George conducted by Barbara Tabach on May 14, 2012 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, George discusses growing up in Las Vegas and the changes in the city. She then talks about her husband, David George, and his employment at the Nevada Test Site. George recalls David’s transportation to and from the test site, how the two would communicate when David was working, and concerns about exposure to radiation. Lastly, she discusses the change from aboveground testing to underground testing.

Oral history interview with Lambert VanDerMeer conducted by Eric H. Newton on February 28, 1979 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In the interview, VanDerMeer discusses his birth in Holland, living in Chicago, Illinois and Southern California, and finally settling in Las Vegas, Nevada in 1926. VanDerMeer also talks about his marriage in Las Vegas and running a dairy and ice house. Other subjects VanDerMeer discuss include the the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce, the growth of Las Vegas over time, and the history of Las Vegas from 1926 to 1955.

Oral history interview with Frank Watts conducted by Franklin Conn on April 01, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Watts discusses his personal history and Las Vegas, Nevada history. Watts describes working at the El Rancho Hotel and Casino as a comptroller and the development of other casinos in Las Vegas. Watts goes on to describe the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where he was a professor during the 1960s and 1970s. He also talks about working at the Riviera, organized crime in Las Vegas, and the growth of the city.

Oral history interview with Jean Whitcher conducted by Michele deHoll on March 12, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Witcher discusses arriving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1932 and describes the construction of Boulder (Hoover) Dam, Fremont Street before it was fully paved, and social life in Las Vegas at the time. Witcher then recalls her work in costume repair and construction as a seamstress at the El Rancho Hotel and Casino. Later, Witcher discusses her work in costume design and recalls some of her more memorable designs.

Oral history interview with Dorothy Eisenberg conducted by Stefani Evans and Claytee D. White on March 08, 2017 for the Building Las Vegas Oral History Project. Eisenberg starts this interview by discussing her personal history and growing up in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She describes living through World War II, arriving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1964, and the Jewish community that she was involved with at Temple Beth Sholom. Lastly, Eisenberg talks about being a founding member of the League of Women Voters in Las Vegas and racial integration in Clark County schools. Digital audio and transcript available.