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Louis La Porta oral history interview

Identifier

OH-02890

Abstract

Oral history interview with Louis La Porta conducted by Stefani Evans and Claytee D. White on November 4, 2016 for the Building Las Vegas Oral History Project. La Porta first discusses arriving at Las Vegas Air Force Base in 1944 and going to work at the Basic Magnesium plant, which soon closed down. He then talks about how he and his wife became involved in the growth of Henderson, Nevada. La Porta also recalls his service for two terms on the first Henderson city council (1954-1960) and then serving on the Clark County Commission (1960-1969).

Archival Collection

Steve Evans oral history interview

Identifier

OH-00556

Abstract

Oral history interview with Steve Evans conducted by Claytee D. White on June 15, 2010 for the Voices of the Historic John S. Park neighborhood Oral History Project. In this interview Steve Evans discusses living in Henderson, Nevada and owning a home previously owned by Las Vegas assembly person Flora Dugan, who was a mentor of his. He then talks about his efforts to recover information about his John S. Park home. He also talks about the thriving commerce of Fremont Street shifting to Maryland Parkway, the beginning of the Arts District, and the impact of events on the John S. Park neighborhood sense of community.

Archival Collection

Jeannie Olsen Burgwardt oral history interview

Identifier

OH-03468

Abstract

Oral history interview with Jeannie Olsen Burgwardt conducted by Irene Rostine on February 07, 1997 for the Women's Research Institute of Nevada (WRIN). Burgwardt opens her interview by discussing moving to Henderson, Nevada just after World War II to sell insurance and real estate to the fledgling town. Burgwardt describes assisting her husband with the business and eventually taking over the office when her husband became ill. She discusses the methods to make land suitable for building in Henderson, women in real estate, and life as a working mother.

Archival Collection

Elaine and Robert Gallagher oral history interview

Identifier

OH-00645

Abstract

Oral history interview with Elaine and Robert Gallagher conducted by Rod Leavitt on an unknown date in 1974 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, the Gallaghers discuss moving to Southern Nevada with their families. Robert describes his father’s employment at Hoover Dam (Boulder Dam), and Elaine recalls the construction of the Basic Magnesium Plant in Henderson, Nevada. They describe above-ground atomic bomb testing, entertainment in Las Vegas, Nevada, and social life. Lastly, the two recall population growth in Las Vegas and the increase of casinos along the Strip.

Archival Collection

Clara L. Porter oral history interview

Identifier

OH-01494

Abstract

Oral history interview with Clara L. Porter conducted by Mary Katuin on April 24, 1979 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Porter discusses her childhood in Las Vegas, Nevada and her time in the Las Vegas school system. Porter discusses her experience running for the Henderson, Nevada city council and expresses her opinion about the political system in Nevada and that voters should have more awareness of the candidates for whom they choose to vote. Porter also describes entertainment in Las Vegas, how Las Vegas has changed since the 1950s, and more of her personal history.

Archival Collection

Ruth Moore Weaver oral history interview

Identifier

OH-01932

Abstract

Oral history interview with Ruth Moore Weaver conducted by her grandson, Danny Weaver, on November 22, 1986 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Weaver begins by discussing her early life and family history. Weaver describes how Las Vegas, Nevada has developed and changed, as well her and her husband's participation in community organizations. She talks about her husband's jobs, how she prefers living in Southern Nevada compared to other areas, and segregation in the city. Weaver concludes by discussing why she prefers to live in Henderson, Nevada and the history of gambling in Nevada.

Archival Collection

Jane Reid Yeager oral history interview

Identifier

OH-02042

Abstract

Oral history interview with Jane Reid Yeager conducted by Lois J. Cooper on July 03, 1975 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Yeager begins by discussing owning a cafe in Henderson, Nevada and the Mexican and Asian populations in Southern Nevada. She describes visits by prominent politicians and life in Henderson, as well as changes she has observed in Nevada, including the construction of highways, increased tourism, and the development of casinos in Las Vegas, Nevada. Yeager goes on to talk about her husband's writings about Nevada and prominent mines in the state. She concludes by discussing flooding and cattle ranching in Southern Nevada.

Archival Collection

Paul Norton oral history interview

Identifier

OH-03287

Abstract

Oral history interview with Paul Norton conducted by Sergio Pellegrino on April 3, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project.

In this interview, Paul Norton discusses his life in Henderson, Nevada and Las Vegas, Nevada from 1952 onward. He shares details of his work at Basic Magnesium Inc. (BMI) and at mills around the Valley. Norton talks about his opposition of the MX missile, in contrast to his opinions about atomic testing in Nevada. He also discusses the businesses that operated from 1950 to 1980, how the Las Vegas Strip was constructed, details of Fremont Street and the I-15 freeway, and flooding that was particularly destructive in Henderson.

Archival Collection

Nellie Bunch oral history interview

Identifier

OH-00289

Abstract

Oral history interview with Nellie Bunch conducted by Robin Ducharme on November 20, 1975 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Bunch first talks about her settlement into the Whitney Ranch area of Henderson, Nevada, and her knowledge about the building of Hoover (Boulder) Dam. She also talks about the early utilization of water resources from Lake Mead, early sources of power, and the early use of evaporative coolers. Bunch also speaks about her experience as a postmaster and later discusses telephone technology and the early churches of Las Vegas, Nevada.

Archival Collection

Woodrow Wilson oral history interview

Identifier

OH-02695

Abstract

Oral history interview with Woodrow Wilson conducted by Perry Kaufman on November 01, 1977 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Wilson discusses work at the McNary sawmill in Arizona, and later arriving in Las Vegas, Nevada to work at the Basic Magnesium Plant, located in Henderson, Nevada. Wilson also talks about discrimination between maids in motels and hotels, along with moments of segregation at the Basic Magnesium Plant. He then explains how he organized and became a board member of The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) in Las Vegas.

Archival Collection