On February 17, 1981, Robert Kahre interviewed Chet Carrigan (born 1912 in Texas) about his experience living in Las Vegas, Nevada. Carrigan first talks about his background in construction as well as some of his experiences in the Sheriff’s Posse before describing the major events and changes of Las Vegas that he witnessed. Carrigan also talks about his family, the effects of the Great Depression on the city, the flooding problem, and the building of Hoover Dam. He also describes the first schools in Las Vegas, means of transportation, his laundry business, and his experience on the volunteer fire department. The end of the interview involves a discussion of topics including the first movie theaters, Cashman Field, underground water, the railroads, and Carrigan’s thoughts on the future of Las Vegas.
On March 5, 1979, Danny Winegar interviewed Helen M. Clark (born 1921 in Memphis, Tennessee) about her experiences in Nevada. Clark first describes why she and her family moved to Las Vegas and then explains why she was homeschooled. She then talks about her secretarial work for a prominent real estate agent in Las Vegas and some of her work in that field. Clark also discusses the beginning of tract home building, gambling, and the building of Hoover Dam. She also mentions life during the Great Depression, prostitution in Block 16, and the Helldorado celebration. The interview concludes with Clark’s recollection of the first hotels and casinos that were built on the Strip, including those who built them and the mob influence over them, and a brief mentioning of her experience as a real estate agent.
Aerial view of St. Thomas, Nevada, being covered by Lake Mead. Stamped on back of photo: Photograph by Bureau of Reclamation, Boulder Canyon Project, Boulder City, Nevada