Oral history interview with Darrell Luce conducted by Claytee D. White on September 28, 2003 and October 06, 2003 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. Darrell Luce discusses moving to Las Vegas, Nevada with his family in 1932, the history of Las Vegas, the testing of nuclear weapons, Basic Magnesium Inc., Carver Park, the construction of Hoover Dam, and businesses in early downtown Las Vegas.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with J. D. Morris conducted by his son, Dan Morris, in approximately 1974 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Morris discusses moving to Southern Nevada in 1942 and life in Caliente, Nevada during that time. He describes the mining and railroad activity near Caliente, as well as his career as a jeweler and watchmaker. Morris also discusses gambling in Southern Nevada, nuclear weapons tests, and how the cities in Southern Nevada have expanded.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Carl Ciliax conducted by Gary Wood on March 08, 1980 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Ciliax first describes his family history, and his early interests in wildlife. Ciliax then discusses his early experiences in hunting and his eventual interest in conservationism and preservation.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Frank Johnson conducted by George Baker on February 21, 1980 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Johnson discusses his career as a journalist for the Nevada State Journal and how he transitioned into his position as a government official. Johnson then recalls problems that arose while he was chairman of the Nevada Gaming Commission. The interview concludes with Johnson speculating about the impact of industrial growth on the environment.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Barbara Hampton Givens conducted by Michael Johnson on February 15, 1980 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Givens discusses arriving in Reno, Nevada in 1944, and describes the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) during its relocation stages from Elko to Reno, Nevada. Givens then discusses Las Vegas, Nevada shows, casinos, and how Las Vegas differed from Reno.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Daniel Kaminski conducted by Brian Corcoran on March 14, 1978 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Kaminski discusses his occupational history, gambling practices amongst tourists, and the rise of gambling establishments across the United States. Kaminski also discusses the role of dealers in casinos.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Donald E. Klinkner conducted by Barbara Fidelman on February 13, 1975 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Klinkner discusses his life and perspectives on Las Vegas, Nevada. Klinkner also describes the development of Fremont Street and the recreational activities that he participated in during the 1950s and 1960s. The interview concludes with Klinkner explaining the misconceptions that tourists have about Las Vegas, Nevada.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Alexander Grayson conducted by David Glasco on March 15, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. This interview covers the black experience in Las Vegas, Nevada. Grayson also discusses prejudice, racism, education, and entertainment. Additionally, he recalls relocating to Las Vegas from North Carolina with his family when he was a child.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Ben Frank Hoffman Jr. conducted by Tony Morneau on September 20, 1973 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Hoffman discusses his personal life and the history of Las Vegas, Nevada. He specifically talks about Las Vegas, Nevada in the early 1930s before the Las Vegas Strip was created, and the early Strip casinos and hotels that were built in the 1940s.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Joanne Imprescia conducted by David Furbush on March 20, 1978 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Imprescia discusses her life as a hairdresser in Las Vegas, Nevada. Imprescia discusses the growth of Las Vegas and the local social climate of the 1950s. The interview concludes with Imprescia explaining her experiences as a Las Vegas business owner and the hairdressing industry in Southern Nevada.
Archival Collection