Oral history interview with Mara Vlaovich conducted by her grandson, Michael J. Vlaovich, on February 23, 1976 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Vlaovich discusses immigrating to Goldfield, Nevada in 1910 from the former Yugoslavia. Vlaovich describes life in Goldfield during the early twentieth century, as well as what the working conditions were like for miners. She talks about witnessing a major flood in Goldfield, which swept away houses and animals, as well as what childbirth was like in the rural town. Lastly, Vlaovich discusses moving to Tonopah, Nevada in 1918 and life there.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Norman Forsyth conducted by Steve Flinte on March 19, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Forsythe discusses arriving to Las Vegas, Nevada and his time as a firefighter with the Las Vegas Fire Department and the Clark County Fire Department, where he eventually became a battalion chief. Forsythe also talks about the history and development of Las Vegas, the prices of land, some notable fires, including the El Rancho Vegas fire, and what he recalls about the aboveground atomic testing.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Joyce Shugart conducted by Geri E. Guillot on March 09, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Shugart discusses her arrival to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1945. Shugart then recalls Boulder (Hoover) Dam, the Las Vegas climate, and her educational experiences at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Shugart later discusses entertainment in Las Vegas and recreational activities around the city.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Mildred Bardy conducted by Deborah Grant on March 11, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In the interview Bardy discusses the famous celebrities who would come to purchase clothing at the specialty clothing department store where she worked, as well as the costumes that were made there for the Helldorado Parade. Bardy also discuss some of the changes in Las Vegas over time, particularly the changes in fashion styles.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Frances Farnsworth conducted by an unknown collector on May 27, 1982 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Farnsworth discusses her role as a founding member of the Mesquite Club in Las Vegas, Nevada. Farnsworth also discusses how members would go out to the community and recruit women to join the club.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Edward Tabor conducted by Mary Livingston on March 12, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Tabor discusses arriving in Las Vegas, Nevada in 1941 at the Las Vegas Army Air Corps Gunnery School (Nellis Air Force Base) where he did administrative work. Tabor then discusses his work in television, sales, and recalls the growth of gambling throughout Las Vegas.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Bill Zender conducted by David G. Schwartz on May 27, 2015 for the Table Games Management Oral History Project. Zender recalls his career dealing cards and working as a pit boss in Las Vegas, Nevada including time at casinos such as the El Cortez, Bally's, Desert Inn, and Aladdin. He also discusses working for the Nevada Gaming Control Board and the books he has written on how to deter cheating at card games.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Patty Boyd conducted by Joyce Marshall Moore on October 24, 2003 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Boyd discusses her personal history and living in Boulder City, Nevada from the 1930s to the 1950s. She describes the construction of Hoover Dam (Boulder Dam), segregation in Las Vegas, Nevada in the late 1940s, recreational activities in Boulder City, and the growth of Henderson, Nevada. Lastly, Boyd recalls the blackouts during World War II and the plane crash of Carole Lombard.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Mary Habbart conducted by David R. Patt on March 07, 1975 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. This interview offers an overview of life in Las Vegas, Nevada in the early days, which included: atomic testing, floods, prostitution on Block 16, early Fremont Street and Duck Creek. Also discussed during this interview: Sunset Park, The Roosevelts, Bugsy Siegel, local government and the Hoover Dam.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Frank Fahrenkopf conducted by Tony Batt on October 14 through 21, 2024 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Fahrenkopf begins by recalling his childhood in New York and later moving to Nevada with his father and sister. Following graduation from the University of Nevada, Reno, Fahrenkopf earned a law degree from the University of California in Berkeley. Fahrenkopf details his career as a lawyer, being chairman of the Nevada Republican Party, and his close relationship with Paul Laxalt, and his appointment as chairman of the Republican National Committee in 1983 by Laxalt’s best friend, President Ronald Reagan. He also details how he created the American Gaming Association.
Archival Collection