Skip to main content

"Access to archival materials stored in LASR may be limited at this time."

Search the Special Collections and Archives Portal

Fermin De Leon oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Fermin De Leon conducted by Generoso E. Sayon on March 15, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. De Leon speaks about the Filipino experience in Las Vegas, Nevada, during the 1950s. De Leon also discusses being a veteran who served in World War II. De Leon also recalls how a majority of Filipinos living in Las Vegas worked as kitchen help in the hotels in the Las Vegas Strip area.

Gordon Christie oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Gordon Christie conducted by Larry DuRussel on June 30, 1975 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview Christie discusses working on the building of the MGM Grand Hotel, Fremont Hotel, Sahara Hotel, Desert Inn Hotel, and the Frontier Hotel. He also discusses religion, politics, family life in Las Vegas, Nevada, and the growth of Las Vegas.

Norman Christiansen oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Norman Christiansen conducted by James Courtney on November 28, 1986 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Christiansen describes his family, and background before moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1956 from Montana. Christiansen then talks about working at the Nevada Test Site and about his career as a teacher. He speaks about the various changes he has noticed over the years in Las Vegas, including those in climate, pollution, economy, occupation, and standard of living.

Ray Christian oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Ray Christian conducted by Russell Ellis on March 19, 1978 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Christian discusses race relations within schools, baseball teams, theatres, and Boy Scouts in Las Vegas, Nevada. He also talks about his custodial at the El Portal Theatre, the Las Vegas Westside neighborhood, and living through the Great Depression. Christian ends the interview discussing how white and black veterans helped improved race relations in Las Vegas, Nevada.

M.J. Christensen oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with M.J. Christensen conducted by Rick Maggot on October 23, 1974 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Christensen recalls living in Las Vegas, Nevada during the crash of Carole Lombard’s plane and describes local reactions to the early aboveground atomic tests. He also discusses family, religious life, and the Mormon Church. Christensen speaks about his time as the head of the Merchant’s Bureau, president of the Chamber of Commerce, and the president of the Southern Nevada Better Business Bureau.

Hal de Becker oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Hal de Becker conducted by Nancy Hardy on June 23, 2003 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. Hal de Becker discusses being part of a theatrical family and acting in Hollywood during his childhood. He also discusses training in ballet and dancing in shows in Europe, Lake Tahoe, and Las Vegas, Nevada. He then discusses producing shows and owning a detective agency and a dance studio.

Carrie Christensen and Orien Stevens oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Carrie Christensen and Orien “Buster” Stevens conducted by Bernard Timberg on February 04, 1974 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Christensen and Stevens discuss segregation in Boulder City, Nevada, their interactions with Native Americans, and the Westside community in Las Vegas, Nevada. They also talk about the Union Pacific Railroad, the influx of migrants and growth of churches during World War II.

Russell Dazzio oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Russell Dazzio conducted by Claytee D. White on November 4, 2013 for the West Charleston Neighborhoods--an Oral History Project of Ward 1. Russell Dazzio discusses attending school at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, working at the Stardust Resort and Casino, and having a position at the Sheraton Hotel and Resort. He also discusses his life and involvement in Ward 1.

Jeanne P. Chretien oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Jeanne P. Chretien conducted by Cynthia L. Reeves on February 26, 1979 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Chretien discusses her early education, first occupations, political activity, and involvement in groups such as the Girl Scouts in Las Vegas, Nevada. She also talks about her religious activity, enrolling into Nevada Southern University (now known as the University of Nevada, Las Vegas), and the changes in Las Vegas over time.

Subscribe to