Search Results
Jeannie Olsen Burgwardt oral history interview
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Abstract
Oral history interview with Jeannie Olsen Burgwardt conducted by Irene Rostine on February 07, 1997 for the Women's Research Institute of Nevada (WRIN). Burgwardt opens her interview by discussing moving to Henderson, Nevada just after World War II to sell insurance and real estate to the fledgling town. Burgwardt describes assisting her husband with the business and eventually taking over the office when her husband became ill. She discusses the methods to make land suitable for building in Henderson, women in real estate, and life as a working mother.
Archival Collection
Elaine and Robert Gallagher oral history interview
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Oral history interview with Elaine and Robert Gallagher conducted by Rod Leavitt on an unknown date in 1974 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, the Gallaghers discuss moving to Southern Nevada with their families. Robert describes his father’s employment at Hoover Dam (Boulder Dam), and Elaine recalls the construction of the Basic Magnesium Plant in Henderson, Nevada. They describe above-ground atomic bomb testing, entertainment in Las Vegas, Nevada, and social life. Lastly, the two recall population growth in Las Vegas and the increase of casinos along the Strip.
Archival Collection
Southern Nevada Historical Society Photograph Collection on Basic Magnesium, Inc.
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The Southern Nevada Historical Society Photograph Collection on Basic Magnesium, Inc. contains photographs of the construction of Basic Magnesium Inc.'s plants and buildings from 1941 to 1942. The photographs primarily depict aerial views of the plant site and various buildings, including the administration building, tent camp, chlorination buildings, electrolysis facilities, electrical distribution systems, and warehouses. The photographs also depict Lake Mead and the early buildings in Henderson, Nevada.
Archival Collection
La Porta, Louis F., 1924-
Louis La Porta grew up in Tuckahoe, New York. He served in the United States Air Force. He moved to Henderson, Nevada during World War II. La Porta served on the city concil of Henderson, Nevada, and the Board of Clark County.
Person
Sherrill L. Ware oral history interview
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Abstract
Oral history interview with Sherrill L. Ware conducted by Lawrence R. Gross on March 18, 1978 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Ware begins by discussing his service in the United States Navy stationed at Lake Mead before working as a gun manufacturer in Henderson, Nevada. He describes his experience with firearms, including participating in shooting competitions and hunting. Ware talks about life in Las Vegas, Nevada, how the city changed over time, and his career as an operating engineer. Ware also talks about labor unions and the difficulties they face from the companies they worked within, as well as mining in Nevada.
Archival Collection
Paul Norton oral history interview
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Oral history interview with Paul Norton conducted by Sergio Pellegrino on April 3, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project.
In this interview, Paul Norton discusses his life in Henderson, Nevada and Las Vegas, Nevada from 1952 onward. He shares details of his work at Basic Magnesium Inc. (BMI) and at mills around the Valley. Norton talks about his opposition of the MX missile, in contrast to his opinions about atomic testing in Nevada. He also discusses the businesses that operated from 1950 to 1980, how the Las Vegas Strip was constructed, details of Fremont Street and the I-15 freeway, and flooding that was particularly destructive in Henderson.
Archival Collection
Nellie Bunch oral history interview
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Oral history interview with Nellie Bunch conducted by Robin Ducharme on November 20, 1975 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Bunch first talks about her settlement into the Whitney Ranch area of Henderson, Nevada, and her knowledge about the building of Hoover (Boulder) Dam. She also talks about the early utilization of water resources from Lake Mead, early sources of power, and the early use of evaporative coolers. Bunch also speaks about her experience as a postmaster and later discusses telephone technology and the early churches of Las Vegas, Nevada. Digital audio and transcript available.
Archival Collection
Woodrow Wilson oral history interview
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Abstract
Oral history interview with Woodrow Wilson conducted by Perry Kaufman on November 01, 1977 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Wilson discusses work at the McNary sawmill in Arizona, and later arriving in Las Vegas, Nevada to work at the Basic Magnesium Plant, located in Henderson, Nevada. Wilson also talks about discrimination between maids in motels and hotels, along with moments of segregation at the Basic Magnesium Plant. He then explains how he organized and became a board member of The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) in Las Vegas.
Archival Collection
