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Pearl Busch oral history interview

Identifier

OH-00306

Abstract

Oral history interview with Pearl Busch (born 1936 in Winona, Minnesota) conducted by Laura Busch on March 20, 1978 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Pearl first describes her original move to Southern Nevada and a wide range of topics including the first hotels on the Strip, the growth and expansion of the city, recreational activities such as skiing, and her family. She also discusses gambling and its impact on the city, the clubs and organizations to which she belonged, and her appreciation for the mild Las Vegas climate. The interview finalizes with her thoughts on the biggest excitement Las Vegas offers, her input on the high crime rate in Las Vegas, and her thoughts on the energy crisis and the future of solar energy in Las Vegas.

Archival Collection

Ralph Daly oral history interview

Identifier

OH-00318

Abstract

Oral history interview with Ralph Daly conducted by Charles Malkowshi on Febuary 25, 1977 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Ralph Daly (born in Texas in 1903) discusses his experience of moving to Las Vegas, Nevada during its early growth. Daly talks specifically about Block 16 and the Arizona Club and the extent of gambling and prostitution that took place there in the early 1900s. Daly also talks about moving to Las Vegas to make his living on gambling, how the construction of Hoover (Boulder) Dam attracted many migrant workers, and how, after World War II, Las Vegas attracted tourists and became more of a gambling town as more casinos were built.

Archival Collection

Walter Dane oral history interview

Identifier

OH-00320

Abstract

Oral history interview with Walter Dane conducted by Ann K. Clark on March 11, 1978 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Dane discusses relocating to Indian Springs in 1930 before settling in Las Vegas, Nevada in 1943, then moving to Utah in 1968. Dane also covers the growth and development of the Las Vegas and Indian Springs areas.

Archival Collection

Richard F. Caldwell Sr. oral history interview

Identifier

OH-00322

Abstract

Oral history interview with Richard Caldwell conducted by Melvin Thompson on March 11, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. The interview begins with Caldwell discussing his family and what brought him to Las Vegas, Nevada. He then discusses him working at the Nevada Test Site. Other topics discussed include the hotels and casinos that were built on the Strip, his experience working at some of those properties, and the way of life in Las Vegas in the 1940s and 1950s. The interview finalizes with Caldwell’s account of the Westside of Las Vegas and African American entertainers who came to town to perform.

Archival Collection

Vernon S. Caples oral history interview

Identifier

OH-00336

Abstract

Oral history interview with Vernon S. Caples conducted by Cheryl Caples on February 25, 1979 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Vernon S. Caples (born August 7th, 1891 in St. Johns, Oregon) discusses the history of Las Vegas, Nevada. Vernon describes what Las Vegas was like in the early days, from the Red Light District to the Nellis Air Force Base. He also mentions the implementation of a government program that was set in place to aid senior citizens living in Las Vegas.

Archival Collection

Joe A. Carlson oral history interview

Identifier

OH-00339

Abstract

Oral history interview with Joe Carlson conducted by Allen Carlson on October 11, 1972 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Joe Carlson talks about how his family moved to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1921 so that his father could work on the railroad. Joe discusses education, occupations, family life, and the social, economic and environmental changes of early Las Vegas. Joe also mentions presidential visits, the crash of Carole Lombard’s plane, early atomic tests, the old Mesquite forests, Fremont Street and the building of Boulder (Hoover) Dam.

Archival Collection

Chet Carrigan oral history interview

Identifier

OH-00345

Abstract

Oral history interview with Chet Carrigan conducted by Robert Kahre on February 17, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Carrigan first talks about his background in construction as well as some of his experiences in the Sheriff’s Posse before describing the major events and changes of Las Vegas, Nevada that he witnessed. Carrigan also talks about his family, the effects of the Great Depression on the city, the flooding problem, and the building of Hoover Dam. He also describes the first schools in Las Vegas, means of transportation, his laundry business, his experience on the volunteer fire department, the first movie theaters, and Cashman Field.

Archival Collection

Helen Cecil oral history interview

Identifier

OH-00355

Abstract

Oral history interview with Helen Cecil conducted by Susan Vogel on March 16, 1978 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Helen speaks about family life, education, employment and the growth and development of Las Vegas, Nevada. Helen talks about attending and working at Las Vegas High School. During the interview she also mentions the Boulder (Hoover) Dam, the Stewart Ranch, and the Westside.

Archival Collection

Carrie Christensen and Orien Stevens oral history interview

Identifier

OH-00372

Abstract

Oral history interview with Carrie Christensen and Orien “Buster” Stevens conducted by Bernard Timberg on February 04, 1974 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Christensen and Stevens discuss segregation in Boulder City, Nevada, their interactions with Native Americans, and the Westside community in Las Vegas, Nevada. They also talk about the Union Pacific Railroad, the influx of migrants and growth of churches during World War II. Stevens describes his experience working on Hoover Dam (Boulder Dam) as well as the railroad starting at age fifteen. Christensen discusses her personal life, her religious opinions, and mottos.

Archival Collection

Betty and Gus Ciliax oral history interview

Identifier

OH-00381

Abstract

Oral history interview with Betty and Gus Ciliax conducted by Connie Boich on March 2, 1977 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. This interview covers Southern Nevada and early development of the area. During the interview, they discussed local recreation, prostitution, Block 16, and various social activities. Additionally, they discussed how the economy changed with the construction of Boulder (Hoover) Dam and Nellis Air Force Base.

Archival Collection