Oral history interview with Frank Cope conducted by Marianne Johnson on March 15, 1978 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Cope describes his occupation as distribution superintendent at the Las Vegas Valley Water District and meeting his wife who also worked for the water district as a secretary in the engineering department. Cope also mentions multiple organizations and committees that he was a part of.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Carol Forsythe conducted by Sam Copeland on March 02, 1977 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Forsythe discusses her husband’s career as a firefighter, specifically facts about the growth of the Clark County Fire Department. Forsythe later talks about the different residences at which she and her family lived and the developmental changes to Las Vegas, Nevada since she first arrived. Forsythe then discusses the Helldorado tradition and its changes as well as her family’s Episcopalian faith and the churches they attended.
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 Lucy Alires conducted by Candice Bush on March 06, 1978 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Alires is interviewed about her experiences as a Spanish-American living in Henderson, Nevada. Alires describes the growth of the city, including Carver Park, and discusses some of the discrimination faced by Latin and African American citizens. She also mentions some of the changes in the Las Vegas Strip over time, including the presence of Latin Americans in the hospitality workforce.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Charles Adams conducted by Mike Lommori on February 28, 1980 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Adams discusses the changes in Southern Nevada over the previous twenty years. The two discuss, more specifically, changes at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas over several years and the way student life has evolved. Adams also discusses some of the differences between Las Vegas and Joliet, Illinois, and changes in the gaming industry.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Elmer H. Nighswonger conducted by Larry Davis on April 02, 1976 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Nighswonger discusses the history of the Las Vegas Fire Department and describes his experiences as a firefighter. Nighswonger then discusses the El Rancho Casino fire, and the effect that it had on Las Vegas, Nevada.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Fenton Tobler conducted by Mark Oakden on April 24, 2002 for the Public School Principalship Oral History Project. In this interview, Tobler reflects upon his 31-year career as a teacher and administrator with Nevada’s Clark County School District from the 1960s to the 1990s. He discusses his development of year-round programs, as well as programs that he proposed before the Nevada State Legislature. He also discusses his working relationship with teachers, describes his approach to school administration, and offers suggestions for individuals interested in pursuing school administration.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Michael Howe conducted by Claytee D. White and Stefani Evans on July 05, 2017 for the Building Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Howe discusses his upbringing in Las Vegas, Nevada and growing up in the Huntridge neighborhood. He talks about joining the Las Vegas Department of Planning in 2007, projects he has been a part of, and involving the community when development planning. Howe describes the master planning for Downtown area of Las Vegas, public-private partnerships, and the idea of sustainability in public spaces. Lastly, Howe discusses the importance of developing transportation accommodations in the city.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Marion B. Earl conducted by Perry Kaufman on April 04, 1972 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Earl discusses his personal Las Vegas, Nevada history, including his time as Chamber of Commerce president, restaurants he enjoyed on Fremont Street, and land distributors building up Downtown Las Vegas.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Josephine Bruns conducted by Christopher Wong on March 9, 1975 and March 12, 1975 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Bruns discusses her family background, recreational activities, transportation, entertainment, and the growth of businesses in Las Vegas, Nevada. Bruns also talks about the Stewart Ranch and the Union Pacific Railroad.
Archival Collection