Skip to main content

Search the Special Collections and Archives Portal

Vincent Novotny oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Vincent Novotny conducted by Carol Linton on March 05, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Novotny discusses moving to Las Vegas, Nevada from Ohio after joining the Civilian Conservation Corps. Novotny discusses how Las Vegas has changed, the effect the Hoover (Boulder) Dam had on the city's growth, and the crash of Carole Lombard's plane. Novotny also briefly describes how he got his real estate license and shows the interview collector a series of pictures of his travels around the state of Nevada.

Ruth C. Norton oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Ruth C. Norton conducted by Gary Melton on March 09, 1979 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Norton discusses her arrival to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1959 to teach at an elementary school in Henderson, Nevada. Norton then discusses education curriculum, school athletics, and the overall state of education at the time. Later, Norton discusses adult education and special needs education.

Ertis L. North oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Ertis L. North conducted by Wendy Carr on March 13, 1975 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, North discusses his life in Las Vegas, Nevada, starting with his family's move to Las Vegas during the Great Depression. North describes family recreation activities like bowling and visiting Mount Charleston. Lastly, North discusses the logistics of living and getting supplies to Las Vegas during the 1920s-1930s.

Nancy Norris oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Nancy Norris conducted by Elizabeth Schwartz on March 11, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Norris discusses moving to Las Vegas, Nevada where her husband was working for the railroad company. Norris also discusses nursing and what Las Vegas was like during wartime. Lastly, Norris discusses the growth and development of casinos in the city.

Jewel Nolen oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Jewel Nolen conducted by Philip Partridge on March 05, 1975 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Nolen discusses her family moving from Winslow, Arizona to Las Vegas, Nevada in the early 1900s. She also discusses the growth of Fremont Street as well as the drinking culture at the time.

Mary Noblitt oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Mary Noblitt conducted by Mary Sawdey on March 13, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Noblitt discusses moving to Las Vegas, Nevada and building housing in the southern part of town. Noblitt goes on to discuss communication through railroad and morse code. Lastly, Noblitt discusses the above ground atomic tests.

William Owen Nitz oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with William Owen Nitz conducted by his daughter, Ashley Nitz, on March 12, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Nitz discusses moving to Las Vegas, Nevada while in the U.S. Air Force. He discusses his career at the Nellis Air Force Base as well as the growth of the Las Vegas Strip. Nitz also discusses studying law in Colorado and later moving back to Las Vegas. Lastly, Nitz discusses the legal community in Las Vegas.

Elmer H. Nighswonger oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Elmer H. Nighswonger conducted by James F. Sullivan on February 21, 1979 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Nighswonger describes joining the Las Vegas Fire & Rescue Department in 1946 and his career as a firefighter. Nighswonger discusses what the fire department was like during the 1940s, and how it and Las Vegas, Nevada has changed. He also talks about several fires and calls he attended, the fire engines used by the city during that time, and the limitations of those fire engines.

Elmer H. Nighswonger oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Elmer H. Nighswonger conducted by Larry Davis on April 02, 1976 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Nighswonger discusses the history of the Las Vegas Fire Department and describes his experiences as a firefighter. Nighswonger then discusses the El Rancho Casino fire, and the effect that it had on Las Vegas, Nevada.

Eleanor and Elmer H. Nighswonger oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Eleanor and Elmer H. Nighswonger conducted by Rick Isom on September 24, 1972 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Elmer and Eleanor explain why they moved to Southern Nevada, Elmer's career as battalion chief of the Las Vegas Fire & Rescue Department, and living in Boulder City, Nevada. The Nighswongers also discuss Elmer's political affiliation, nuclear weapons tests, economic changes of Southern Nevada, and pollution caused by the chemical and metal plants in Henderson, Nevada.

Subscribe to