The Leon Rockwell Papers (1829-1986), consist of materials that document Leon Rockwell's life in Las Vegas, Nevada from 1906 until his death in 1968. Included are diaries, correspondence, photographs, postcards, Las Vegas community event programs, ledger sheets, business cards, and scrapbooks. There are a number of books, information on organizations and businesses that Rockwell owned, real estate documents, and early records of the Las Vegas Volunteer Fire Department, of which Rockwell was an original member.
Archival Collection
The Elizabeth Harrington Photograph Collection (approximately 1910-1959) is comprised of black-and-white and color photographic prints and negatives. The images primarily depict the Kiwanis Club in Las Vegas, Nevada, as well as the Potosi mine in Nevada. Other images depict early Helldorado parades, airplanes at Anderson Field (Rockwell Field), and First State Bank employees. Also included are images of locations in Las Vegas, including Las Vegas grammar schools, the El Portal Theater, El Rancho Vegas, Fremont Street, Overland Hotel, and the Old Arizona Club. Additional images include portraits of Maude Frazier, Ray Lyman, and Arthur Harrington.
Archival Collection
On February 26, 1977, collector Harold May interviewed Laura Gentry (born May 1897 in St. Thomas, Nevada) at her cabin in Gold Butte, Nevada. In this interview, Laura Gentry discusses living in St. Thomas and Overton, Nevada. She discusses the development of the Overton and Gold Butte areas of Nevada as well as the people involved in mining in these areas.
Text
On February 15, 1979, collector Richard Eitland interviewed Howard Heckethorn (born September 14th, 1922 in St. George, Utah) at Red Rock Elementary School in Las Vegas, Nevada. Mr. Heckethorn discusses going to school in the early days of Las Vegas, Nevada. He also talks about many notable teachers he had, as well as the development of the Las Vegas area.
Text
Text
In this interview, Stuart Mason discusses his family's construction business, Taylor Construction Co., and his involvement with building various Las Vegas Strip hotels including Caesars Palace and the Riviera, and remodeling the Flamingo. He talks about working within a "social contract" with the various unions, and other aspects of construction.
Stuart Mason was born in Columbus, Ohio, and moved with his family to Miami, Florida, when he was two years old. He received his bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of Miami in 1958. Shortly after graduation, he married his wife, Flora, and started working for Taylor International, the family business. He came to Las Vegas in 1964 to start work on Caesars Palace as the assistant project manager and eventually took over the management of the business. Mason has contributed greatly to the city of Las Vegas over the years through his contributions in the development and construction of the Las Vegas Strip and his commitment to the community. He and Flora started the Nevada Chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation in 1970. In addition, they made donations to the UNLV University Libraries to benefit the Undergraduate Peer Research Coaches program, which helps undergraduate students obtain their college degrees. In addition to his work on Caesars Palace, Mason worked on the original and new MGMs, The Rivera, The International, the Stratosphere, and the Desert Inn, along with remodeling work at the Flamingo. Other company projects can be found in Miami, Jamaica, Aruba, the Grand Bahamas, Melbourne and Puerto Rico. His two sons took over the family business in 1997, the same year that Mason started as the Vice President of Development for the Venetian Hotel Casino.
Text
On September 28, 1998, K.J. Evans interviewed former United States Senator Howard Cannon (born 1912 in St. George, Utah) about his life and political experiences. Also present were his wife, Dorothy Cannon, his daughter, Nancy Downing, and another participant identified as Caroline Rose. Cannon first talks about his family background and his parents’ occupations before mentioning his involvement in a music band and his pastime of flying aircraft. He then discusses his first political involvement and mentions his work for the Las Vegas City Attorney’s Office. Evans then asks about Cannon’s service with the Air National Guard and his combat experiences during World War II, specifically on D-Day. The interview then moves to a discussion on some of the work Cannon fulfilled as a senator, particularly military-based projects and black projects, and his work in creating Nellis Air Force Base. Evans later asks Cannon questions about his interaction with presidents, his thoughts on the Vietnam War, his support for civil rights, and his politically liberal stance as a lawmaker. Cannon also provides details on his relationships with Senators Walter Baring and Alan Bible, his interaction with Lyndon B. Johnson, and his campaign against Chic Hecht.
Text
Leo and Sue (Easley) Borns came to Las Vegas in 1962 to begin an architectural career that would last forty-four years in Southern Nevada. Leo Boms worked for various firms in Las Vegas before developing a reputation as "F. Borns, Architect". He has gone on to design buildings for state public works, Clark County, the City of Las Vegas, Clark County School District, churches, and private home owners. Rarely taking a job outside of Southern Nevada, Leo Boms' intent was to develop an architecture considered indigenous to the area while keeping the conservation of energy and technology as prime importance. Mr. and Mrs. Boms, after living in the area for approximately five years, decided to purchase a home on Strong Drive in McNeil Estates where they raised their three children. Active in social and philanthropic organizations, both Leo and Sue have become acquainted with numerous area personalities. Mr. Boms is most proud of being a part of the development of the Kiwanis Water Conservation Park although his structural designs can be seen throughout the Southern Nevada area. At the age of 77, he closed his office but remains an integral influence on the Greater Las Vegas area.
Text
On March 4, 1981, collector Marlene L. Larson interviewed Chester Albert Hodson, Jr. (born December 21st, 1948 in Las Vegas, Nevada) at the Sizzler restaurant in Las Vegas, Nevada. In this interview, Mr. Hodson speaks about working in the restaurant industry in Las Vegas, as well as his father’s experience working in the industry. He also talks about living in Las Vegas and the changes he has seen throughout his life.
Text
On February 11, 1977, collector Lee LaVecchia interviewed Barry V. Holt (born January 20th, 1946 in Las Vegas, Nevada) at his home in Las Vegas, Nevada. In the interview, Mr. Holt speaks about the differences between growing up in Las Vegas in the fifties and sixties compared to how his children are growing up at the time of the interview. He also discusses education and the religious community in the city.
Text