The Thomas P. O'Farrell Papers (1900-1999) are comprised of scientific reports collected by Thomas O’Farrell over the course of his career studying wildlife ecology, particularly its connection to nuclear radiation. Materials include original, reprinted, and photocopied editions of scientific reports on animal and plant life around the world, focusing primarily on the Mojave and Great Basin Deserts, Alaska, Washington, and the Pacific Ocean. Reports come from institutions including the Desert Research Institute (DRI), Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Energy Research and Development Administration (ERDA), and the United States Department of Energy (DOE), as well as affiliated universities.
Archival Collection
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Oral history interview with Jesma and Carlyle Wilcox conducted by Sally Griffis on February 19, 1976 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Jesma Wilcox begins by describing her family ranch, how her father leased the property to tenants, and what it was like living without air conditioning and refrigeration. She describes using a nearby stream as a water source, recreational activities, and the Mormon settlers and missionaries who first settled on the ranch. Wilcox talks about her religious involvement with the Mormon Church and life in Las Vegas, Nevada during the mid-twentieth century, as well as how Las Vegas has changed. Wilcox, with her husband Carlyle, also discusses the history of the nuclear weapons tests. Carlyle then describes the construction of the Basic Magnesium Plant in Henderson, Nevada.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with William Wright conducted by Andrew Weiss on February 26, 1979 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Wright discusses his career working for the
Archival Collection