Oral history interview with Marie Schamaun conducted by Elie Elias on February 21, 1979 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Schamaun discusses her personal history and the history of Las Vegas, Nevada. Schamaun discusses being a member of the first Methodist church in Las Vegas and her involvement with an auxiliary of the Optimist Club which helped young girls. Schamaun describes how Las Vegas and its casinos have changed since she first moved to the city in 1947, and how the city has changed socially. Schamaun also discusses nuclear weapons tests, youth centers in Las Vegas, and the important role the youth centers have in the city.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Gene Segerblom conducted by Sheila K. Lefforge on March 24, 1976 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Segerblom discusses her personal history living in Boulder City, Nevada after moving there in 1940. Segerblom discusses teaching in Boulder City, the school system, what life was like in Boulder City, and the story behind alcohol legalization in Boulder City, after it was prohibited. Segerblom also discusses Boulder City's growth, how some locals would prefer the town to remain small, the political system in Boulder City, and the relationship between Boulder City and Las Vegas, Nevada.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with John Pappas conducted by Adrienne O'Neal on March 02, 1980 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Pappas candidly discusses his career as a dealer working in various casinos in Las Vegas, Nevada. Pappas describes the differences between dealing in illegal gambling operations in New York City, New York and dealing for casinos in Las Vegas. Pappas discusses the differences between law enforcement in Las Vegas and on the east coast, and how he feels law enforcement is prejudiced against Italians. Pappas also discusses how he feels politics and minority groups have changed New York City for the worse.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Paul Kopczak conducted by Claytee D. White on September 04, 2012 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. Kopczak begins the interview by discussing his family history and personal history in the United States Air Force before moving to Las Vegas, Nevada with his wife in the 1980s. He then describes his career working for the University of Nevada, Las Vegas as a storekeeper for Lied Library, explaining his job duties and how the university has changed since he began working there. Lastly, Kopczak also talks about various library employees and administrators he has worked with, and life in Las Vegas.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Peter Bernhard conducted by Claytee D. White on August 05, 2013 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Bernhard discusses his personal history growing up in the Hyde Park neighborhood in Las Vegas, Nevada. He describes recreational activities in downtown Las Vegas, attending Western High School and raising money to construct their football stadium in th 1960s. Bernhard then talks about the gaming industry in Las Vegas and explains how one is put in the “Black Book” of persons banned from casinos. Lastly, he recalls his experiences in casino business in the 1980s, and his role as a board member for the Nevada Gaming Commission.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Erick Spiess conducted by Thomas Barr on March 18, 1978 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Spiess discusses his personal history and how he came to Las Vegas, Nevada. Spiess describes how Las Vegas and its casinos have changed, construction projects he has worked on, and his interest in inventing. Spiess also discusses his career as the electrical inspector at the Nevada Test Site, how and why the nuclear tests were conducted, and the commercial applications of the tests. He goes on to talk about radiation and the effects of nuclear fallout.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Celese Rayford conducted by Phillip Walley on November 14, 2015 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview, Rayford discusses her career as an educator in Las Vegas, Nevada. She begins by describing her upbringing in Las Vegas, the Westside community of Las Vegas, and attending Spellman College in Atlanta, Georgia. Rayford then discusses her involvement with Top Teens of America and how that program helps to prepare young girls for college. She continues, talking about the effectiveness of disciplinary action against students, her experiences from her first year of teaching, and headstart programs for students who live in poverty.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Anthony Mulholland conducted by Steve Hayes on November 21, 2014 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview, Mulholland discusses his personal history and early educational experiences. He talks about his employment for Clark County Libraries and becoming a professor at the Community College of Southern Nevada. Mulholland describes the first courses he taught on literature, applying mythology to the curriculum, and why he uses archetypical characters in his courses. Lastly, Mulholland discusses the approach he uses in the various literature courses he teaches and explains how he is able to relate to many of his students.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Monteria Hightower conducted by Claytee D. White on February 28, 2013 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview, Hightower discusses her career as a librarian who has worked across the United States. She begins by talking about her upbringing in Texas and the multiple universities she has attended to study library science. Hightower describes her experiences with racial discrimination as an African American woman and how racism affected her personal and professional life. Hightower also discusses her time as the Nevada State Librarian from 1998 to 2001 and living in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Leon Green conducted by Claytee D. White on May 15, 2012 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview, Green discusses his personal history and growing up in West Las Vegas, Nevada. He talks about the African American community on the Westside, his educational experiences, and being involved in various church activities. Green describes the significance of spirituality in the African American community and how the Westside was deeply spiritual. He then talks about Westside community leaders Bishop C. C. Cox and Reverend Bennett, rioting on the Westside, and the community response to the changing racial climate. Lastly, Green discusses the growth and increase of businesses on the Westside.
Archival Collection
