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John H. Pappas oral history interview

Identifier

OH-01428

Abstract

Oral history interview with John H. Pappas conducted by James Greene on October 04, 1974 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Pappas describes coming to the United States during the early twentieth century, eventually making his way to Nevada in 1904. Pappas discusses working for the San Pedro, Los Angeles & Salt Lake Railroad Company helping to build the railroad from Caliente, Nevada to Las Vegas, Nevada. Pappas later discusses leaving Nevada, then returning to help build the Hoover (Boulder) Dam, before leaving due to the extreme heat. Pappas describes his personal history in Las Vegas, the city's changes, and opening his own restaurant.

Archival Collection

Dal Peterson oral history interview

Identifier

OH-01477

Abstract

Oral history interview with Dal Peterson conducted by Daion Dall on February 28, 1977 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Peterson recalls the opening of Boulder (Hoover) Dam, and the significance of the Helldorado Parade. Peterson later discusses environmental and social changes throughout Las Vegas, Nevada.

Archival Collection

Marjory Gusewelle Phillips oral history interview

Identifier

OH-01480

Abstract

Oral history interview with Marjory Gusewelle Phillips conducted by Jodie C. Tenuta on May 11, 1976 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Phillips discusses growing up in Las Vegas, Nevada and describes various recreational activities throughout the city. Phillips then discusses the significance of the Helldorado Parade to locals and how the parade brought the community together. Phillips later recalls watching the Boulder (Hoover) Dam being constructed and the events around the opening of the dam.

Archival Collection

Arlene and Nephi Potter oral history interview

Identifier

OH-01501

Abstract

Oral history interview with Arlene and Nephi Potter conducted by Shirley A. Myers on July 07, 1975 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Arlene discusses her personal history, education, and church activities. Nephi then discusses his employment at the Basic Magnesium Plant and the two recall atomic bomb explosions at the Nevada Test Site. Later, Nephi and Arlene discuss Carole Lombard’s plane crash and the construction of Hoover Dam (Boulder Dam). Lastly, the two recall their experiences living in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Archival Collection

Bernice Reid oral history interview

Identifier

OH-01551

Abstract

Oral history interview with Bernice Reid conducted by Brenda Sawyer on March 12, 1975 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Reid describes life in Nevada after moving there in 1926 and the challenges she and her ex-husband faced trying to breed chinchillas on their ranch on Mount Charleston. Reid also discusses the development of Las Vegas, Nevada, seeing President Hoover speak at the Hoover (Boulder) Dam, and the nuclear weapons tests.

Archival Collection

Gordon Reno oral history interview

Identifier

OH-01555

Abstract

Oral history interview with Gordon Reno conducted by Brian Galvin on March 01, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Reno describes his early life living in Henderson, Nevada and watching the city of Las Vegas, Nevada expand over time. Reno discusses the Boulder (Hoover) Dam and how it was once heavily guarded, as well as Mormonism in Las Vegas. Reno also talks about being stationed at a U.S. Marine base at Lake Mead, his career as a police officer in North Las Vegas, and the Basque people and their influence in Nevada.

Archival Collection

Vera Renteria oral history interview

Identifier

OH-01556

Abstract

Oral history interview with Vera Renteria conducted by Dan West on February 11, 1972 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Renteria discusses arriving in Las Vegas, Nevada in 1928 in search of job opportunities and talks about the various jobs she held. Renteria then describes the Boulder Dam (Hoover Dam), recreational activities, and wildlife around the area.

Archival Collection

Louise Riley oral history interview

Identifier

OH-01569

Abstract

Oral history interview with Louise Riley conducted by Bryan Neel on March 27, 1979 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Riley discusses her life after moving to Boulder City, Nevada in 1946, and later moving to Las Vegas, Nevada. Riley describes dates with her husband on the Las Vegas Strip, which included visiting clubs or watching Liberace perform. Riley also discusses her husband's job as an accountant at the Hoover (Boulder) Dam, as well as briefly discussing her experiences viewing nuclear weapons tests.

Archival Collection

Albert Risley oral history interview

Identifier

OH-01570

Abstract

Oral history interview with Albert Risley conducted by his granddaughter, Wendy Dalmas, on February 27, 1979 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Risley discusses the development of Boulder City, Nevada after his transfer there from Denver, Colorado in 1944. Risley discusses creating a point-based system which was used to assign housing to government employees based on their status and needs. Risley describes life in Boulder City during World War II, and the nearby U.S. Army camp, Camp Williston, which was established to protect Boulder (Hoover) Dam during the war. Risley also describes observing nuclear weapons tests and his later career as a Contracting Officer and Procurement Officer for the Lower Colorado Region after being promoted in 1971.

Archival Collection

F. Lorin Ronnow oral history interview

Identifier

OH-01592

Abstract

Oral history interview with F. Lorin Ronnow conducted by Mindy Braver on March 11, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Ronnow discusses his personal history in Las Vegas, Nevada after being hired by the Union Pacific Railroad to play for their baseball team in 1928. Ronnow discusses being a hoisting engineer during the construction of the Hoover Dam, the economic benefit of the dam during the Great Depression, and his own business ventures in Las Vegas. Ronnow describes his career in banking, how Las Vegas has changed, and prominent celebrities coming to Nevada to divorce. Ronnow also discusses occupational discrimination against African Americans and women.

Archival Collection