John Cahlan (1902-1988) discusses his experiences in journalism, including his work as an editor for the Review Journal. Cahlan is interviewed by Lester Wisbrod. He provides details on some of the major events covered by the newspaper, such the building of the Boulder Dam, as well as 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.
James Weslowski interviews John Cahlan (1902-1988) in Cahlan’s home about the history of Las Vegas. Cahlan provides mostly his own narrative about the beginning of Nellis Air Force Base, originally named the Las Vegas Aerial Gunnery School for the Army Air Corps. He also discusses the role of the city commissioners in establishing Nellis as a permanent airbase, as well as the role of Western Air Express, a commercial air company which eventually became Western Airlines.
Larry DuRussel interviews John Cahlan (b. 1902) about the history of Nevada. Cahlan discusses how Las Vegas was developed, how Nellis Air Force Base was built and what it was used for, and how water was originally supplied to Las Vegas. Cahlan also mentions the various Hollywood stars he met during his career as a journalist for the Review Journal. DuRussel also asks Cahlan about the atomic testing conducted in Nevada.
William Gekakis interviews his friend airline pilot Paul A. Beach (b. 1922) at his home, about Las Vegas, Nevada history. Beach, who moved to Las Vegas in 1952, covers topics including housing, physical boundaries of the city, the airport, church, transportation, tourist recreation, the economy, Nellis Air Force Base, the Strip, industries, presidential visits, the Korean War, atomic tests, and the educational system.
Laurie Brower interviews Miriam Belmont (b. 1923), who moved to Nevada in 1928, at her home in Las Vegas. Brower, Belmont, and Belmont’s son are all present during the entirety of the interview. During the interview Belmont discusses her move to Las Vegas, various occupations, education, addresses, church involvement, Hoover Dam, famous people, atomic testing, Old Ranch Country Club in Southern California, and the ways in which Las Vegas had changed since she first arrived.
Mabel Neal interviews drug store owner Frank M. Bollig at the Plaza Drug Store in Parkway Plaza Shopping Center located at Sahara and Maryland Parkway, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Born in 1906 in Kansas, Bollig relocated to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1942. From the perspective of a local pharmacist, Bollig provides historical context of Southern Nevada from 1942.
Lee Siskey interviews his neighbor Wayne Brazelle (born in Hopkinsville, Kentucky on December 28th, 1946) in the living room of Mister Brazelle’s home in Las Vegas, Nevada. Also present during the interview is Mister Brazelle’s girlfriend, Celia C. Rotsteen. Mister Brazelle relocated to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1959, after living in Los Angeles for three years. This interview details Mister Brazelle’s work history in the Las Vegas area and how Las Vegas has changed, from 1959 to 1978.
Harry Brown, born in Independence, Missouri in 1912, moved to Las Vegas with his wife in 1934 during the Great Depression in order to start working on the Boulder Dam. Brown continued his occupation as a carpenter throughout the years while living in Las Vegas and resided in several properties with his family in Las Vegas and North Las Vegas. During the interview, Brown describes some of his experiences from being in the Sheriff’s Mounted Posse, the equivalent of a modern search and rescue team, which was deputized by the sheriff. Brown additionally describes the tradition of the Helldorado parades, in which he was a part, and he provides his overall thoughts on living in Las Vegas.
Rob Mullaney interviews William “Bill” Brymer (born 1916 in Cambria, Illinois) about his experience living in Las Vegas, Nevada. Brymer explains how he moved to Las Vegas for the gaming attractions and eventually married and had two children. Brymer worked as a craps dealer at the Frontier Club in Downtown Las Vegas and also at the Last Frontier on the Las Vegas Strip. He later worked as a pit boss at the Sahara. Brymer also discusses a visit by Lyndon B. Johnson, the early atomic testing, the importance of religion in his life, changes in climate, the development of the Strip, the existence and decline of agriculture, and some of the entertainers who performed on the Strip.
Debra Leu interviews his friend, agriculture teacher, Ferren W. Bunker (born June 16th, 1918 in Bunkerville, Nevada) in the Bunker home. In addition to being born in Bunkerville, Bunker has lived in Reno, Caliente and Las Vegas, Nevada. During the interview, Bunker discusses early above ground atomic tests, economic and environmental changes, and his heritage as a native Nevadan pioneer and old-timer. Employment is also discussed, as he describes what it was like working as Clark County Cooperative Extension Agent, in the early days.