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Beula Jane Adams oral history interview

Identifier

OH-00003

Abstract

Oral history interview with educator Beula Jane Adams (b. 1902) conducted by Maureen Conner on May 11, 1977 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Born in Smithfield, Nebraska, Adams relocated to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1932. During the interview Adams explores and highlights the role of education in relation to the social development of Nevada. Adams discusses presidential visits, early above ground atomic tests, and her involvement in local politics.

Archival Collection

Lester Adams oral history interview

Identifier

OH-00008

Abstract

Oral history interview with Lester Adams (b. 1918) conducted by Caroline Fitzpatrick on March 14, 1977 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. A native Nevadan, Adams discusses his personal family history, World War II, and the Adams Feed Company of which he is the owner. Adam also discusses the early above ground atomic tests and the local economy.

Archival Collection

Priscilla Alexander oral history interview

Identifier

OH-00018

Abstract

Oral history interview with Priscilla Alexander conducted by Norman Vallata on 1976 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Alexander was born in Southern California, and in approximately 1952 Alexander relocated to Nevada with her aunt and her uncle who worked in the gambling industry. During the interview Alexander discusses gambling ships in Southern California, early above-ground atomic testing, Nevada’s gambling industry, buffets in the early days on the Las Vegas Strip, and working for Howard Hughes.

Archival Collection

Bill Armstrong oral history interview

Identifier

OH-00044

Abstract

Oral history interview with Bill Armstrong conducted by Anthony Robone on February 20, 1979 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In the interview, Armstrong discusses his time bootlegging in Kentucky before arriving in Las Vegas, Nevada, his involvement with the Las Vegas dealers, and the weather as it relates to other parts of the country. He also discusses the impacts of the work of Howard Hughes on the town, the construction of Hoover Dam, the above-ground atomic testing, the growth of Las Vegas and tourism, changes in gambling habits for the next generation, and the social and recreational activities of residents.

Archival Collection

Victoria and Brad Babich oral history interview

Identifier

OH-00095

Abstract

Oral history interview with Victoria and Brad Babich conducted by Claytee D. White on November 22, 2013 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, the Babich couple describe their family histories and life in Las Vegas, Nevada during the mid-twentieth century. Brad Babich discusses his father's work in the gaming industry of Las Vegas, the prevalence of organized crime in the city, the influence of Howard Hughes and the federal government, and other aspects of Las Vegas history. He also talks about nuclear weapons tests at the Nevada Test Site and the health problems some employees acquired there. The two talk about recreational activities of the time, as well as the entertainers that performed on the Las Vegas Strip. Other topics of discussion include race relations in Las Vegas, casino history, and changes that have occurred over the years in the city.

Archival Collection

Patricia Deverell oral history interview

Identifier

OH-00126

Abstract

Oral history interview with Patricia Deverell conducted by Patrick Kiser on April 26, 1986 for the UNLV University Libraries Oral History Collection. Deverell discusses the various population and climate changes that she has witnessed in Nevada, as well as major events such as the above-ground atomic testing. Deverell also mentions her occupation in the gaming industry and describes some of the changes in the industry over time.

Archival Collection

Robert N. Broadbent oral history interview

Identifier

OH-00254

Abstract

Oral history interview with Robert N. Broadbent conducted by Connie Lyons on September 23, 1972 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. During the interview Broadbent discusses education, politics, religion, entertainment, the dedication of Hoover Dam, and the various social clubs of which he is a member of. Broadbent also discusses Six Companies, housing in Boulder City, Nevada, the Las Vegas Strip, Railroad Pass, the Union Pacific Railroad, and the above ground atomic bomb testing in Nevada.

Archival Collection

Bernard Lee Brown oral history interview

Identifier

OH-00261

Abstract

Oral history interview with Bernard Lee Brown conducted by Marcus Brown for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Brown discusses his work at various gaming properties on the Las Vegas Strip and in Downtown Las Vegas, Nevada, owning his own shoe business, working at the Nevada Test Site, racial discrimination, and the role of unions. He also discusses the overall changes of Las Vegas over time.

Archival Collection

Eldon G. Cooper oral history interview

Identifier

OH-00422

Abstract

Oral history interview with Eldon G. Cooper conducted by Kamal Wilhelm on March 03, 1975 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Cooper first talks about his background and his eventual move to Las Vegas, Nevada before describing the recreational activities in which he and his family participated. He later describes the atomic testing, environmental changes, modes of transportation, social changes, and tourism in Las Vegas.

Archival Collection

John Pocock oral history interview

Identifier

OH-01487

Abstract

Oral history interview with John Pocock conducted by Jeffrey J. Wild on March 08, 1976 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Pocock describes his history as an Irish immigrant, his move to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1950, and life in the city during the 1950s. He discusses housing availability in Las Vegas and the development of the city, including the construction of casinos which he claims encouraged the growth of Las Vegas. He talks about working in a casino that eventually became the Sands Hotel and Casino, organized crime in Las Vegas, and the future of the city. Pocock concludes by discussing how Las Vegas and the quality of its customer service in casinos has changed, his recreational activities, and nuclear weapons testing.

Archival Collection