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.
Oral history interview with William Carlson conducted by Alice Brown on March 19, 1980 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview Dr. William Carlson speaks about his experience working at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). Carlson, who joined UNLV in 1957, provides his accounts on the history of the university library. Carlson also talks about some of the first librarians who were a part of the library, the funding and donations used to build and develop it, and the eventual construction and architecture of the James R. Dickinson Library.
Oral history interview with Rosemary Cleman (Conner) conducted by Beatrice Owens (Gillard) on March 8, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Conner discusses moving to Las Vegas, Nevada to become a teacher for emotionally disturbed children and assisting with the creation of the Nevada Girls Training Center. Conner also discusses the segregation of the African American community. The interview concludes with Conner discussing the reemergence of mining communities in Nevada and her close interaction with Nevada governors during her career in social services.
Oral history interview with Paris Oddo conducted by Claytee D. White on July 20, 2017 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Oddo discusses her early life in Detroit, Michigan. She recalls moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1984, becoming an electrician, and being a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (I.B.E.W) Local Union 357. Oddo talks about completing a five-year apprenticeship program offered by the Union, and her experience as a female electrician. She remembers her employment at the Nevada Test Site, working closely with radioactive materials, and being diagnosed with illnesses due to radioactive exposure while at the Nevada Test Site. Lastly, Oddo expresses her concerns over nuclear waste storage at Yucca Mountain.
Oral history interview with Marilyn Tinnell conducted by John Grygo on June 19, 2012 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. Tinnell begins by discussing her personal history, the history of Henderson, Nevada, and how the Basic Townsite evolved into the city of Henderson. She continues, discussing the African American population of the Carver Park community in Henderson, who lived there due to segregation before Henderson was integrated. Tinnell describes life in Henderson during the 1950s, attending Basic High School with Harry Reid, and attending the University of Nevada, Las Vegas to pursue a career in social work. Tinnell details her career as a social worker, working as an investigator for Child Protective Services and as a family services specialist for foster care families.
Oral history interview with John West conducted by Claytee D. White on August 10, 2000 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, West discusses his family background and arriving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1954. West describes his educational experiences in Las Vegas and his career as a clinical psychologist. He recalls his father’s career in medicine and becoming the first African American licensed medical doctor in Las Vegas. West then talks about attending entertainment events before race integration was introduced, and the voting patterns in West Las Vegas. Lastly, West discusses his father’s decision to remain living in West Las Vegas and operating his medical office there after integration.
Oral history interview with Celesta Lowe conducted by Patrick W. Canlton on February 06, 2002 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. Lowe begins by discussing her early life in Baker, California and her father’s role as a station agent for the Tonopah Tidewater Railroad during the 1920s and 1930s. Lowe then describes her family moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in the 1940s. Lowe chronicles the process state legislatures took to open Nevada Southern University in 1957 and her role as an administrative assistant in the main office of the school. Lowe recounts her career at Nevada Southern University, the expansion of the campus, and renaming it University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Lastly, Lowe talks about her switch from an administrative assistant to a librarian at UNLV.
Oral history interview with David L. Stevenson conducted by Charles Jackson on February 26, 1979 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Stevenson discusses his upbringing in Las Vegas, Nevada. Stevenson discusses his early education and later working at chemical plants in Henderson, Nevada during his teens. Stevenson continues by recalling his career as a chemist at the Nevada Test Site, the purpose of the nuclear tests he was involved in, and the fallout that was carried across the country due to the testing. He also describes the growth of Las Vegas and its economy. Finally, Stevenson talks about being a real estate agent in Las Vegas.
Oral history interview with Diane and Pat Clary conducted by Claytee D. White on May 20, 2009 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, the Clarys discuss the history of Las Vegas, Nevada, their personal histories, and provide an overview of Las Vegas during the 1950s and 1960s. Diane Clary describes working for various casinos as a teenager and her father's work as a casino chef. Pat Clary describes his history and involvement with the musical arts in Las Vegas. The couple talk about the nuclear weapons tests performed at the Nevada Test Site and the prevalence of organized crime in Las Vegas' casinos before the arrival of Howard Hughes. Pat Clary also discusses his involvement in Nevada politics as a Democrat and his career as a lawyer.