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Harry Myers oral history interview

Identifier

OH-01359

Abstract

Oral history interview with Harry Myers conducted by Dan D’Amico on February 26, 1977 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Myers discusses arriving in Las Vegas, Nevada in 1942 to work at the Basic Magnesium Plant. Myers then discusses the increase in gambling and development of casinos on the Las Vegas Strip. Myers later describes the social changes throughout Las Vegas.

Archival Collection

Dow Metals, Incorporated Records on the Basic Magnesium Project (BMI)

Identifier

MS-00242

Abstract

The Dow Metals, Incorporated Records on Basic Magnesium, Incorporated (1940-1951) contains reports and photographs pertaining to the Colorado River Commission of the Nevada Basic Magnesium Project, Las Vegas, Nevada.

Archival Collection

David G. Malcolm Papers

Identifier

MS-00252

Abstract

The David G. Malcolm Papers (1942-1971) contains information on Basic Magnesium, Incorporated (BMI), Nevada Gaming laws and regulations, and a motor home organization titled Vegas Vagabonds. Included are correspondence, original papers for the purchase of land for BMI, newspaper clippings, BMI newsletters, statistical data from the Chamber of Commerce, and miscellaneous gaming information.

Archival Collection

Southern Nevada Historical Society Records

Identifier

MS-00205

Abstract

The Southern Nevada Historical Society Records document the management and development of the Southern Nevada Historical Society (SNHS) as well as various historical projects in Las Vegas and Southern Nevada that the society sponsored from 1948 to 1983. The records include SNHS correspondence (1951-1978), meeting minutes (1958-1983), and accounting information (1959-1980). It also contains copies of the SNHS Backtrails Newsletter, promotional material for events, membership lists, and research materials for various projects related to the history of southern Nevada and Las Vegas.

Archival Collection

Joan Swift oral history interviews

Identifier

OH-01796

Abstract

Oral history interviews with Joan Swift conducted by Sue Peterson on March 18, 2004, March 25, 2004, and June 22, 2004 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Swift discusses life in Las Vegas, Nevada during the 1940s and 1950s. Swift begins the interview by describing her upbringing in the Basic townsite and Boulder City, Nevada, attending Basic High School, and life in Southern Nevada during World War II. She then discusses working in the Clark County Recorder's office, explaining her job duties and what function the office served for the county. Swift continues, talking about recreation activities at the time, including visiting the casinos on the Las Vegas Strip and the Helldorado Parades. Swift discusses nuclear weapons testing at the Nevada Test Site and her career as the Clark County recorder. Lastly, she describes her thoughts on the future of Las Vegas, Nevada.

Archival Collection

Thelma Aiken oral history interview

Identifier

OH-00013

Abstract

Oral history interview with Thelma Aiken (formerly Thelma C. Liggitt b. 1899) conducted by Patrica Gaydosh on April 05, 1976 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Born in Osceola, Iowa, Aiken discusses moving to Henderson in 1942. Aiken also offers in-depth descriptions of housing, schools, early above ground atomic tests, gambling, and the closing down of the Basic Magnesium (BMI) Plant in Nevada.

Archival Collection

John F. Cahlan oral history interview

Identifier

OH-00153

Abstract

Oral history interview with John Cahlan conducted by an unknown interviewer in 1975 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Cahlan discusses the Nevada Test Site and the role of Basic Magnesium for the atomic testing. Cahlan additionally discusses the image of Las Vegas, Nevada as the entertainment capital of the world and the work of journalism in shifting the image to the recreational aspects of the area, such as Lake Mead and Mount Charleston.

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

Avril "Juanita" Simmons and Fred "Bubba" Simmons oral history interview

Identifier

OH-03385

Abstract

Oral history interview with Avril "Juanita" Simmons and Fred "Bubba" Simmons conducted by Claytee D. White on May 21, 1996 for the UNLV University Libraries Oral History Collection.

In this interview, husband and wife Bubba and Juanita Simmons talk about their separate moves from Fordyce, Arkansas to Las Vegas, Nevada in the 1940s and their impressions of the city after moving. Bubba shares stories of his employment at the Basic Magnesium, Inc. plant in Henderson and his experiences living in tents on the Westside, traveling to work with the help of Red Mitchell, and sharing living spaces with nine to ten other men. Juanita discusses her work as a family's caregiver and speaks to the kinds of occupations Black women obtained in Las Vegas at that time. The couple share stories of city life and the clubs, eateries, and shops that were present in the area.

Archival Collection

Ernest Clary Papers on Basic Magnesium, Inc. Engineering Plans

Identifier

MS-00044

Abstract

The Ernest Clary Papers on Basic Magnesium, Inc. Engineering Plans (1941-1944) contain an essay written by Clary formalizing the engineering process in building Basic Magnesium, Inc. (BMI). Also included are maps of the area around the plant and site maps of the main BMI structures.

Archival Collection