Oral history interview with Joan Clow conducted by Joyce Moore on October 23, 2003 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. Clow opens her interview describing her family and upbringing in Nebraska. she then explains how her and her husband's jobs with the Buraeu of Reclamation lead to their move to Boulder City, Nevada in 1977. Clow then explains her husband's job, Head of the materials lab, and her own job, as an assistant to various directors. She recalls revising drafts for environmental impact statements and how the improvements were meant to protect various wildlife. She also discuses travel related to her work and her membership on the Boulder City Hospital Board after her retirement. Clow goes on to talk about her other charity work with organizations including the Philosophical, Educational Organization. Lastly, Clow comments on the changes she has seen in Boulder City over her 26 year residency, she also explains some of the housing construction ordinances of the city.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Nancy Siegert Shepherd conducted by Claytee D. White on October 22, 2024 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. Shepherd recalls growing up in Illinois with her family and attending Catholic mass services. Shepherd attended Northwestern University where she met her current husband during her freshman year and married after graduation. She recalls relocating several times with her husband to accommodate her husband John's beginning medical practice in ophthalmology. She remembers one city where they lived, Anniston, Alabama, where Shepherd faced segregation including separate drinking fountains, waiting rooms, and bathrooms. Las Vegas, Nevada was the family's last stop in 1968. Shepherd describes her various civic engagements and social organizations, including work related to Spring Mountain State Park, the Junior League of Las Vegas, Medical Wives, Great Basin National Park Foundation, St. Viator's School Board, and the Boys and Girls Club. Digital audio available; no transcript available.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Donna Silva conducted by Claytee D. White on February 6, 2023 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Silva recalls her childhood living in Los Angeles, California; Las Vegas, Nevada; Valdosta, Georgia; and Japan. When her family settled in Las Vegas, her family joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, but Silva later left the organization as a teenager. Throughout the interview, Silva recalls memories of the Rolling Stones, Steve Wynn, Elvis, and doing lighting work throughout the city as the first female to join the stagehand's union. Silva's work in the hotel/casino industry provides insight in work on the casino floor and behind the curtains of entertainment venues. She worked as a cocktail waitress, cigarette girl, and then backstage as a member of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees. Her passion later turned to working with the Rape Crisis Center, where Silva has acquired training that allows her to go to hospitals to assist patients.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Jane Overy conducted by Claytee D. White on August 17 and December 20, 2023 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Overy discusses her museum work, early life, and many civic projects she has participated in over the years. Overy grew up in Kansas, where she spent time playing pool (billards) and spending time outdoors. After high school, she joined the United States Air Force and served in Alaska where there were two women, each with a private guard. Additionally, she worked as a newspaper reporter and as an entertainer who sang around the world. Overy served in the military for four years. In 1981, she moved to Nevada and desert climate for the improvement of her overall health. Over the years, her work and civic projects connected her with Senator Harry Reid, the Walking Box Ranch, the Searchlight Nugget Casino, and many other experiences.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Don Perry conducted by Karen Croteau on March 05, 1978 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Perry discusses his experiences with Southern Paiute Native Americans on their reservation in southern Nevada. Perry describes the traditions and lifestyle of the Paiutes, and the living conditions on their reservation. Perry shares several short anecdotes of his interactions with the Paiutes, as well as stories he heard on the reservation.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Jack L. Monroe Jr. conducted by Marie Carmichael on March 15, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Monroe discusses moving from California to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1952. Monroe discusses his parents' careers in the food service industry, as well as the growth of Las Vegas and tourism in the city.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with George Allen and Mrs. George Allen conducted by Rebecca King on September 27, 1972 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. The Allens discuss some of the significant events in Las Vegas, Nevada, recreational activities, and climate changes. Both mention some of their experiences working for the Las Vegas Police Department, including when an episode of Dragnet was produced in Las Vegas, as well as a rehabilitative farm for inmates convicted of misdemeanors.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Boyo Warner conducted by Gene M. Freerksen on February 13, 1975 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Warner discusses the life of his father, Matt Warner, who lived as an outlaw and later as a lawman in the Old West during the late nineteenth century and early twentieth century. Warner tells several anecdotes of his father's experiences, robberies, and encounters, as well as detailing his involvement with other outlaws, including Butch Cassidy and Tom McCarthy. Warner's sister, Joyce Warner, is also present, providing additional comments about their father and helping to provide an overview of life in the Old West.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Jack Ruggles Sr. conducted by Donald Parker on March 15, 1978 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Ruggles describes moving to early Boulder City, Nevada in 1931 as a child due to his step-father's supervisory job at the Hoover (Boulder) Dam. Ruggles describes life in Boulder City and later becoming a construction worker and helping to build the Basic Magnesium Plant in Henderson, Nevada. Ruggles goes on to discuss his career and experiences as a police officer in Las Vegas, Nevada. During the discussion of his career as a police officer, Ruggles describes his participation in maintaining racial segregation in casino properties for casino owners.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Ida M. Harris conducted by Claytee D. White on March 25, 2004 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Harris discusses moving to Las Vegas, Nevada as a young women in 1920. She talks about parties she attended, her employment in retail and accounting, the Rose Bowl Parade, Helldorado, the construction of Hoover Dam and Boulder City, Nevada, and riding events she participated in as a member of the women's riding group The Lariettes. She also mentions local sights, the outdoor movie theatre, the early casinos, and the Las Vegas Jockey Club racetrack. She also identifies numerous individuals in photographs.
Archival Collection