Oral history interview with Gerald Connor conducted by James Bonnell on February 22, 1977 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Connor first discusses moving to Las Vegas, Nevada and serving as a pilot in the United States Air Force. He then discusses his education at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and his church membership. Topics that Connor discusses during the interview also include changes in the school district and properties located in Downtown Las Vegas and the Las Vegas Strip, his political activity within the Democratic Party, the Helldorado Parades, and the early atomic tests at the Nevada Test Site.
Oral history interview with Charlotte Conti conducted by Charles Conti on March 20, 1978 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview Charlotte Conti discusses Mormon church activity, education, marriage, and raising a family in Las Vegas, Nevada. She then speaks about the Helldorado Parade and its social significance. She also discusses the overall growth and development of Las Vegas, Nevada, from 1953 to 1978.
Oral history interview with Phillip L. Cook conducted by Richard Strahan on March 3, 1977 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Cook first talks about his parents' move to Nevada and discusses how the school system has changed over time. He then describes the first businesses that opened up in the Downtown and Strip areas of Las Vegas, Nevada before discussing prostitution, Block 16, and recreational activities available to youth. Cook also talks about the first television sets and telephone systems made available, and he moves on to talk about the prices of things such as movies and haircuts when he was younger. The interview then moves to discussions on the Old Ranch, racial discrimination, school integration, the crime rate, and the school system in Las Vegas.
Oral history interview with Teresa Jones Denning conducted by Lynn Ballard on February 26, 1977 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Denning first discusses living on a farm and her education in Overton, Nevada. Denning also talks about the construction of Hoover (Boulder) Dam while living there, her work as a bus driver for Las Vegas High School and the changes in Boulder City, Nevada over time.
Oral history interview with Mary B. Cooke conducted by Gigi Arino on March 18, 1978 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. During this interview Mary B. Cooke discusses previous jobs, personal family history, education, and the growth and development of the city. She also expresses her opinions on the topic of welfare, healthcare and the condition of the hospitals in Las Vegas. Digital audio and transcript available.
Oral history interview with Merna Dennison conducted by Ken Pyatt on March 01, 1980 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview Merna Dennison discusses the importance of Cashman Field and the Helldorado Parade. She speaks about serving on the Clark County School Board and discusses the growth of Las Vegas, Nevada, especially the development and expansion of both McCarran International Airport and the Las Vegas Strip.
Oral history interview with John Cahlan conducted by Lester Wisbrod on February 18, 1975 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Cahlan discusses his experiences in journalism, including his work as an editor for the Review Journal. He provides details on some of the major events covered by the newspaper and his work in establishing Nellis Air Force Base. Cahlan also describes some of the social changes over time, including the growth of air travel for tourism and gambling.
Oral history interview with John Cahlan conducted by Gordon R. Brusso on March 30, 1977 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Cahlan talks about early Las Vegas, Nevada entertainment.