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Mara Vlaovich oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Mara Vlaovich conducted by her grandson, Michael J. Vlaovich, on February 23, 1976 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Vlaovich discusses immigrating to Goldfield, Nevada in 1910 from the former Yugoslavia. Vlaovich describes life in Goldfield during the early twentieth century, as well as what the working conditions were like for miners. She talks about witnessing a major flood in Goldfield, which swept away houses and animals, as well as what childbirth was like in the rural town.

Kim Vilt oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Kim Vilt conducted by Claytee D. White on January 12, 2010 for the Voices of the Historic John S. Park Neighborhood Oral History Project. Vilt discusses living in the John S. Park Neighborhood for ten years and her plans to stay there as long as she and her husband live in Las Vegas, Nevada.

William Viera oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with William Viera conducted by Ann Louise Pugh on an unknown day in October of 1971 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Viera discusses his work in real estate throughout Las Vegas, Nevada and describes the increase in value of homes, especially newer buildings. Viera later describes his thoughts on why the desert and other surrounding landscape areas would soon be developed.

William Verzani oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with William Verzani conducted by James Little on March 15, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Verzani discusses his personal history and being a rancher in Searchlight, Nevada. Verzani describes life in Searchlight during the 1930s, and later moving to Las Vegas, Nevada. Verzani goes on to describe living in Las Vegas, and how the city has changed and expanded. He also talks about the murder of Bugsy Siegel, hunting in Nevada, and his career as a truck driver.

Max Velasquez oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Max Velasquez conducted by Janice F. Hurtubise on March 08, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Velasquez discusses his personal history as a construction worker in Las Vegas, Nevada. He describes the construction projects he worked on and the differences between 1950s construction and construction at the current time. Velasquez goes on to discuss the government regulations workers had to follow, how water pipelines were laid, and the types of equipment used in construction.

Mike Velardo oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Mike Velardo conducted by his son, William Velardo, on March 15, 1976 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Velardo discusses his career in the gaming industry in Las Vegas, Nevada. Velardo describes the history of casinos and gambling in Las Vegas, including how those industries have changed since he first moved to the city in 1957. He goes on to discuss the cost of entertainment, cheating in casino games, and the benefits of the design of the Caesars Palace pit, where Velardo is a casino manager.

Lambert VanDerMeer oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Lambert VanDerMeer conducted by Eric H. Newton on February 28, 1979 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In the interview, VanDerMeer discusses his birth in Holland, living in Chicago, Illinois and Southern California, and finally settling in Las Vegas, Nevada in 1926. VanDerMeer also talks about his marriage in Las Vegas and running a dairy and ice house. Other subjects VanDerMeer discuss include the the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce, the growth of Las Vegas over time, and the history of Las Vegas from 1926 to 1955.

Irene Vanderhoof oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Irene Vanderhoof conducted by Robert Coleman on March 14, 1978 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Vanderhoof begins by describing her family history and environmental changes in Southern Nevada. She talks about living on a Hopi Native American reservation in Arizona and the customs of the Hopi tribe. Vanderhoof goes on to discuss living in Las Vegas, Nevada, her faith as a Baha'i, and observing the construction of Hoover Dam (Boulder Dam).

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