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Gordon Reno oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Gordon Reno conducted by Brian Galvin on March 01, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Reno describes his early life living in Henderson, Nevada and watching the city of Las Vegas, Nevada expand over time. Reno discusses the Boulder (Hoover) Dam and how it was once heavily guarded, as well as Mormonism in Las Vegas. Reno also talks about being stationed at a U.S. Marine base at Lake Mead, his career as a police officer in North Las Vegas, and the Basque people and their influence in Nevada.

Sonny Reizner oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Sonny Reizner conducted by Jack Painter on an unknown date between 1970 and 1985 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Reizner discusses his time working at the sports book for Castaways Hotel and Casino Bowling in Las Vegas, Nevada. Reizner goes into detail about writing and managing the sports books. Later, Reizner talks about sports betting, the process, and its growth. Finally, Reizner describes the culture of sports betting and the logistics of how to succeed in the field.

Harry M. Reid oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Harry M. Reid conducted by Nancy Worthen on March 09, 1978 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Reid discusses his personal family history and the history of Searchlight, Nevada. Reid mainly focuses on mining and its relation to Searchlight. Reid also talks about the Nellis family and William Nellis, a fighter pilot. Nellis Air Force Base was renamed in his honor in 1950.

Bernice Reid oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Bernice Reid conducted by Brenda Sawyer on March 12, 1975 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Reid describes life in Nevada after moving there in 1926 and the challenges she and her ex-husband faced trying to breed chinchillas on their ranch on Mount Charleston. Reid also discusses the development of Las Vegas, Nevada, seeing President Hoover speak at the Hoover (Boulder) Dam, and the nuclear weapons tests.

William Rehn oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with William Rehn conducted by Melissa Valentine on February 15, 1979 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Rehn discusses how he believes people have changed in Las Vegas, Nevada since he moved there in 1939. Rehn bemoans how African Americans were treated and segregated in Las Vegas, and describes his career as a political cartoonist. He describes clubs in Las Vegas and their connection to organized crime, as well as the inner workings of the casinos and their relation to the economy.

Marilynne Recker oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Marilynne Recker conducted by Beverly Fails on March 10, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Recker discusses coming to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1962 for a brief visit and then eventually moving there in 1972. Recker further discusses her first impressions of Las Vegas and the layout of the city in the 1960s.

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