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Marie Padgett oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Marie Padgett conducted by Tori Ascolillo on April 30, 1986 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Padgett discusses her family moving from Arkansas to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1955. Padgett discusses her involvement in local organizations including the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce, the Women's Council, and the Allied Arts Council. She later discusses changes in Las Vegas such as the building of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, the growth of the Strip, World War II, and atomic bomb testing.

Liermann L. Ousley oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Liermann L. Ousley conducted by Brian Emil on April 29, 1986 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Ousley discusses his career as a lineman, a type of electrician, in California and Nevada. Ousley also discusses how Las Vegas, Nevada has changed since moving there in 1933 and observing the first nuclear weapons test.

Dennis Ortwein oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Dennis Ortwein conducted by Claytee D. White on May 06, 2009 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. Ortwein discusses moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1956 and his various careers as an elementary school teacher, a junior high teacher, and an elementary school principal. He also discusses working at a teacher's college in Nigeria, being a church choir director, and his experience as a singer. He then talks about school integration in Las Vegas and above-ground nuclear testing at the Nevada Test Site.

Mary Orduno oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Mary Orduno conducted by Rachel Masek on March 14, 1978 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Orduno discusses her job experience as a cocktail waitress at the Last Frontier Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, and the types of entertainment available to people in Las Vegas at the time. Orduno discusses her time as president of the Las Vegas City Council, when she held a fashion show for mental health awareness in which Wayne Newton performed.

Emma Oliver oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Emma Oliver conducted by Jan Marshall on March 19, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Oliver discusses her personal history and the history of Las Vegas, Nevada. Oliver discusses how Las Vegas has changed, casinos in Las Vegas, the Mormon Church, and the race riots at a shopping center in North Las Vegas in 1968. Oliver also discusses race relations between white and African American children in schools.

Witt C. and Fern Olive oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Fern and Witt C. Olive conducted by Terry Rogers in 1977 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Fern and Witt Olive discuss moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1922 and 1926 respectively. Witt talks about the construction of the Boulder (Hoover) Dam, his experience in the Boy Scouts of America, and the growth of Las Vegas. Fern primarily provides confirmation for Witt's reminisces.

Eve O'Brien oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Eve O'Brien conducted by Bob Boughner on March 06, 1979 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, O'Brien talks about her life in early Las Vegas. She talks about her occupations, including her experiences working with casino owner Sam Boyd during the early 1950s and 1960s at the Mint Las Vegas hotel and casino.

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