Transcript of interview with Chet Carrigan by Robert Kahre, February 17, 1981

On February 17, 1981, Robert Kahre interviewed Chet Carrigan (born 1912 in Texas) about his experience living in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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 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, and his experience on the volunteer fire department. The end of the interview involves a discussion of topics including the first movie theaters, Cashman Field, underground water, the railroads, and Carrigan’s thoughts on the future of Las Vegas.