Oral history interview with Hank Greenspun conducted by Perry Kaufman in 1975 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview Hank Greenspun discusses the newspaper industry, the Las Vegas Sun (local Las Vegas, Nevada newspaper), the Las Vegas Review-Journal, economic expansion in Las Vegas, Nevada, atomic testing, and the Local 226 Culinary Union.
On May 12, 1978, Lyle Helmick interviewed his mother, Shirley Helmick (born March 7, 1930 in Colorado), in her home in Las Vegas, Nevada. The two discuss Helmick’s personal history, occupational history, and reasons for moving to Nevada. The interview concludes with Helmick explaining events that the United Methodist Church hosts.
Oral history interviews with Maralee and Charles “Chuck” Anderson conducted by James Way on March 02 and March 03, 1977 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In these interviews, Chuck discusses his employment with the Central Telephone Company in Las Vegas, Nevada in the 1950s and 1960s. He discusses the development of dial service in both Las Vegas and Boulder City, and tourism’s contribution to population growth in southern Nevada. Maralee discusses her volunteer experience with a local high school handling student absences and comments on raising children in Las Vegas.
Oral history interview with Philip St. Marie conducted by H. Keith Beall on July 28, 1975 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, St. Marie discusses moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1952 and his career as a real estate agent. St. Marie describes how Las Vegas has changed and how the local real estate market has evolved. He also talks about President John F. Kennedy visiting Las Vegas, nuclear weapons testing, natural disasters, and segregation in the city.
Oral history interview with Wayne Stacy conducted by his son, Russell Stacy, on February 26, 1979 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Stacy discusses his personal history and living in Boulder City, Nevada before eventually moving to Henderson, Nevada. Stacy describes the reasons why he moved to Boulder City as opposed to Las Vegas, Nevada, and the history of Boulder City. Stacy also describes how Boulder City and Henderson have changed, the history of Henderson, gambling, and nuclear tests.
Oral history interview with Tom Wright conducted by Claytee White on February 14, 2005 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas History Project. Wright opens his interview by discussing his family history and his education. He then describes what the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) was like in the 1960s and his father's experiences working at the newly established university. Wright then recalls his own experiences at UNLV in the history department as a "Latin Americanist" professor and dean. He also discusses Latin American history and his dissertation about Chilean politics.
Oral history interview with Austin R. Wardle conducted by Elizabeth Nelson Patrick on August 05, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Wardle discusses the history of Tonopah, Nevada, a town in which he first arrived in 1902. Wardle discusses theaters in Tonopah, Jewish families that lived in Tonopah, and the prominent immigrant population that worked in the mines. He continues talking about other families that have lived in Tonopah and life in the town. Wardle also discusses how Tonopah has changed, housing in Tonopah, and the mining industry of the town.
Oral history interview with Jean Whitcher conducted by Michele deHoll on March 12, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Witcher discusses arriving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1932 and describes the construction of Boulder (Hoover) Dam, Fremont Street before it was fully paved, and social life in Las Vegas at the time. Witcher then recalls her work in costume repair and construction as a seamstress at the El Rancho Hotel and Casino. Later, Witcher discusses her work in costume design and recalls some of her more memorable designs.
Oral history interview with J. D. Smith conducted by Albert Hewitt on October 31, 1979 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Smith begins by discussing his move to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1927 after buying an office for his dental practice. He describes life in Las Vegas at the time, how the city has expanded and changed, and his career as a dentist. Smith also talks about his time as president of the Nevada State Board of Education. He concludes by elaborating on other aspects of Las Vegas history, such as the crash of Carole Lombard's plane, the Helldorado Parades, and nuclear weapons testing.
Oral history interview with Melvin Eugene Serviss conducted by Juan Ortiz on February 26, 1979 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Serviss discusses his personal history in Missouri and Las Vegas, Nevada. Serviss describes going to clubs and meeting celebrities who were in Missouri for the filming of the movie Jesse James. Serviss also describes his time working for Harry S. Truman's political campaign to become Senator for the state of Missouri. Serviss discusses how he arrived to Las Vegas in 1930, the construction of the Hoover Dam, and how the city has changed and expanded.