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Elgin Hamblin and Judith Hamblin oral history interview

Identifier

OH-03612

Abstract

Oral history interview with Eglin "Peggy" Hamblin conducted by Irene Rostine on October 25, 1991 for the Women's Research Institute of Nevada (WRIN) Las Vegas Women Oral History Project. Judith Hamblin, Eglin's daughter, helps prompt her mother to respond and recall answers. Hamblin opens her interview by discussing her time working for Basic Magnesium, Inc. during World War II. She describes her work, and her husband's duties at the plant as a security guard, and as a member of the construction crew that built the plant and the surrounding workers' homes. Hamblin goes on to discuss life in Henderson, Nevada at the time, and how the local high school was an integral meeting and event spot for the community.

Archival Collection

Thelma D. Oldfield oral history interview

Identifier

OH-03614

Abstract

Oral history interview with Thelma D. Oldfield conducted by Irene Rostine on February 29, 1992 for the Women's Research Institute of Nevada (WRIN) Las Vegas Women Oral History Project. Oldfield opens her interview with a description of her work responsibilities at the Basic Magnesium Plant starting in 1943. She then discusses her employment at a chemical plant transporting chlorine. Oldfield also talks about her job responsibilities and her union participation. Oldfield's husband interjects his recollections throughout the interview.

Archival Collection

Winnie Prince oral history interview

Identifier

OH-03615

Abstract

Oral history interview with Winnie Prince conducted by Irene Rostine on May 18, 1995 for the Women's Research Institute of Nevada (WRIN) Las Vegas Women Oral History Project. Prince opens her interview by discussing her history in Las Vegas, Nevada, which began when she moved to the city in 1942. Prince describes her husband's experiences living in a Las Vegas tent city, and her life in St. George, Utah prior to her move to Las Vegas. She also talks about her brief employment at the Basic Magnesium plant just before the end of World War II. Prince discusses her job responsibilities at the plant, and the importance of accuracy in her job as a shell casting inspector. Lastly, she describes her husband's job as a guard at the Basic Magnesium plant and the ways rationing affected daily life, including commuting to work and feeding her family.

Archival Collection

Southern Nevada Historical Society Photograph Collection on Basic Magnesium, Inc.

Identifier

PH-00230

Abstract

The Southern Nevada Historical Society Photograph Collection on Basic Magnesium, Inc. contains photographs of the construction of Basic Magnesium Inc.'s plants and buildings from 1941 to 1942. The photographs primarily depict aerial views of the plant site and various buildings, including the administration building, tent camp, chlorination buildings, electrolysis facilities, electrical distribution systems, and warehouses. The photographs also depict Lake Mead and the early buildings in Henderson, Nevada.

Archival Collection

Henderson Public Library Photograph Collection on Henderson, Nevada

Identifier

PH-00254

Abstract

The Henderson Public Library Photograph Collection on Henderson, Nevada (approximately 1940-1988) depicts life and growth in Southern Nevada. The collection documents the growth of Henderson, Nevada through images of Basic Magnesium Incorporated, housing throughout the area, and events. The documentation of Basic Magnesium Incorporated, its activites, personnel, and buildings from 1942 through 1944 is prominent in this collection.

Archival Collection

Thelma Aiken oral history interview

Identifier

OH-00013

Abstract

Oral history interview with Thelma Aiken (formerly Thelma C. Liggitt b. 1899) conducted by Patrica Gaydosh on April 05, 1976 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Born in Osceola, Iowa, Aiken discusses moving to Henderson in 1942. Aiken also offers in-depth descriptions of housing, schools, early above ground atomic tests, gambling, and the closing down of the Basic Magnesium (BMI) Plant in Nevada.

Archival Collection

John F. Cahlan oral history interview

Identifier

OH-00153

Abstract

Oral history interview with John Cahlan conducted by an unknown interviewer in 1975 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Cahlan discusses the Nevada Test Site and the role of Basic Magnesium for the atomic testing. Cahlan additionally discusses the image of Las Vegas, Nevada as the entertainment capital of the world and the work of journalism in shifting the image to the recreational aspects of the area, such as Lake Mead and Mount Charleston.

Archival Collection

Owen Earl Cox oral history interview

Identifier

OH-00436

Abstract

Oral history interview with Owen Earl Cox conducted by Mark Milford on March 6, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Owen Earl Cox first talks about his early relocations to Nevada. He then discusses his career at the Basic Magnesium Inc.. Cox also talks about his family, the Mormon Church, and managing his store, Vegas Village. Cox then discusses crime, his hobby of cattle ranching, and his views on the growth of Las Vegas, Nevada.

Archival Collection

Joan Swift oral history interviews

Identifier

OH-01796

Abstract

Oral history interviews with Joan Swift conducted by Sue Peterson on March 18, 2004, March 25, 2004, and June 22, 2004 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Swift discusses life in Las Vegas, Nevada during the 1940s and 1950s. Swift begins the interview by describing her upbringing in the Basic townsite and Boulder City, Nevada, attending Basic High School, and life in Southern Nevada during World War II. She then discusses working in the Clark County Recorder's office, explaining her job duties and what function the office served for the county. Swift continues, talking about recreation activities at the time, including visiting the casinos on the Las Vegas Strip and the Helldorado Parades. Swift discusses nuclear weapons testing at the Nevada Test Site and her career as the Clark County recorder. Lastly, she describes her thoughts on the future of Las Vegas, Nevada.

Archival Collection

Jennilee Thayer oral history interview

Identifier

OH-02631

Abstract

Oral history interview with Jennilee Thayer conducted by Claytee D. White on August 12, 2009 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Thayer discusses arriving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1936 when it was still a mining town. She describes early Henderson, Nevada, attending Basic High School, and recalls her father’s employment at the Basic Magnesium Plant. Lastly, Thayer discusses her employment in show production, atomic bomb testing, and changes in Las Vegas.

Archival Collection