The Fred and Maurine Wilson Photograph Collection depicts the Wilson Family, events, and locations in Las Vegas, Nevada and the Southwestern United States from approximately 1860 to 1990. The photographs primarily depict early Las Vegas, including the Mormon Fort and Kiel Ranch; mines, towns, and railroads in Southern Nevada; the construction and planning of the Hoover (Boulder) Dam on the Colorado River; and the Wilson Family. The photographs also include prominent Las Vegas families such as the Park Family, aerial photographs of the city, landmarks on Fremont Street and downtown Las Vegas, and desert landscapes.
On January 14, 1975, collector James Greene interviewed foreman, Neil H. Holmes (born on November 16th, 1897, in Chicopee, Kansas) in his home in Boulder City, Nevada. This interview covers the early days in Boulder City. Mr. Holmes also discusses the local education system, family life, employment opportunities, housing, and the building of Hoover Dam.
On October 16, 1986, Layne Covington interviewed Elbert Edwards (born 1907 in Panaca, Nevada) about his life in Southern Nevada. Edwards first talks about his family background before talking about what it was like to live in Panaca. He then talks about changes in Southern Nevada, particularly those in Boulder City that have taken place over time. Edwards later talks about the work of his wife and both of their political involvement and his involvement and career in education. The latter part of the interview includes discussion of the building of Boulder Dam, Edwards’ job as a registrar in the Selective Service, and the effects that the war years had on Las Vegas.
Oral history interview with Richard Caldwell conducted by Melvin Thompson on March 11, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. The interview begins with Caldwell discussing his family and what brought him to Las Vegas, Nevada. He then discusses him working at the Nevada Test Site. Other topics discussed include the hotels and casinos that were built on the Strip, his experience working at some of those properties, and the way of life in Las Vegas in the 1940s and 1950s. The interview finalizes with Caldwell’s account of the Westside of Las Vegas and African American entertainers who came to town to perform.
Oral history interview with Erma Linda Rivera conducted by Laurents Bañuelos-Benitez, Nathalie Martinez, Maribel Estrada Calderón, and Barbara Tabach on January 09, 2019 for the Latinx Voices of Southern Nevada Oral History Project. In this interview, Erma Linda Rivera discusses her early life as a grandchild of immigrants. She shares her experiences growing up in a mining town in Arizona. After marrying, both Erma Linda and her husband Jose became federal civil servants. This would lead Erma Linda Rivera to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1984. Prior to retirement, Rivera worked as an regional Equal Employment Opportunity manager. Rivera discusses her career working for the Department of the Interior, sharing how her job helped fuel her passion for social justice. Erma Linda relates the importance of civic involvement in her life. Finally, she reflects on how Henderson, Nevada has changed over the years she has lived there.
The Virginia Logan Photograph Collection contains photographic prints, negatives, and slides primarily depicting Nevada between approximately 1900 and 1940 with a focus on Las Vegas and its local landscapes. These photographs were taken by Glenn Davis.
Isadore Washington was born in Tallulah, Louisiana, the son of Isadore Washington, Sr., and Destelle Washington. His father came out to Las Vegas, Nevada in the 1930s to work on Hoover Dam, and the family followed in 1942 when Isadore was eight years old. His mother worked at the El Rancho and Last Frontier Hotels, the Shaw Apartments and Harrison boarding house on the Westside where black entertainers were expected to stay. Washington recalls playing with Wayne Newton when they were children and life on the Westside where he attended the Westside School.
Bureau of Reclamation Photographs of the Hoover Dam and Boulder City, Nevada
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Collection Number: PH-00071 Collection Name: Bureau of Reclamation Photographs of the Hoover Dam and Boulder City, Nevada Box/Folder: Folder 02 (Restrictions apply)
The Hoover (Boulder) Dam maps, drawings, and brochures series (1927-1991) includes maps and brochures highlighting the dam's history, scenic routes, and points of interest in the dam's vicinity.
Archival Collection
UNLV University Libraries Collection of Boulder City, Hoover Dam, and Lake Mead National Recreation Area Maps and Brochures
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Collection Number: MS-00955 Collection Name: UNLV University Libraries Collection of Boulder City, Hoover Dam, and Lake Mead National Recreation Area Maps and Brochures Box/Folder: N/A