Oral history interview with Mary Sparrow conducted by Robert Tolbert on March 20, 1976 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Sparrow discusses her career as a telephone operator and the history of Las Vegas, Nevada. Sparrow describes her duties as an operator before the advent of the dial system, the growth of Las Vegas, and life in the city during the 1950s.
Oral history interview with Midge Innis conducted by James Thomas Griffin on May 8, 1976 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. The two discuss her occupational history as well as how she met her husband. Innis discusses the changes inside casinos and gambling. The interview concludes with Innis’ thoughts on environmental and social changes in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Oral history interview with K. Oscar Knudson conducted by Dorothy O'Hara on an unknown date in 1974 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Knudson discusses his personal history in Las Vegas, Nevada and recalls positive economic changes that Southern Nevada had as a result of tourism.
Oral history interview with Dick Sheridan conducted by Mike McGuire on March 18, 1978 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Sheridan discusses moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1945. Sheridan discusses the growth of the city as well as the development of multiple hotels and casinos. Sheridan also discusses gambling and the gaming industry.
Oral history interview with Sandra Peña conducted by Lada Mead and Stefani Evans on March 27, 2017 for the Building Las Vegas Oral History Project. Peña recalls the family move to Porterville, California, and her work with Parson’s Dillingham, a contractor for the Metrolink rail system. She then discusses the link between the Los Angeles, California and Las Vegas, Nevada construction communities. Peña also discusses her ability to gain employment in Las Vegas at Parson’s and her move to Richardson Construction.
Oral history interview with John Cahlan conducted by Lester Wisbrod on February 18, 1975 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Cahlan discusses his experiences in journalism, including his work as an editor for the Review Journal. He provides details on some of the major events covered by the newspaper and his work in establishing Nellis Air Force Base. Cahlan also describes some of the social changes over time, including the growth of air travel for tourism and gambling.
Oral history panel composed of University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) students Lisa McAllister, Larry Sampson, John Grygo, and Ashley Smith along with community narrators Jerrie Merritt, Geraldine Kirk Hughes, Keith Brantley, and Hannah Brown, moderated by Julia Lee and Claytee White on March 30, 2016 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: A Collaborative Oral History Project. The group discusses working with each other during the collection of oral histories for the project, the value of the interchange for both narrator and interviewer, the value of oral histories as repositories of individual and collective memory, and related stories about their experiences.
Oral history interview with Jack E. Howard conducted by Michael K. Ericksen on February 27, 1977 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Howard discusses living in Overton, Nevada and shares his personal experiences and recollections about Southern Nevada, including recreational activities, education, and early hotels and casinos. Howard’s wife, Helen Howard, is also present during this interview.
Oral history interview with Robert Alfaro conducted by Iseel Lorello on April 21, 2006 for the Public School Principalship Oral History Project. In this interview, Robert Alfaro discusses his career in education in Fort Stockton, Texas. He describes his upbringing, his route to becoming a teacher, and his philosophies of education that eventually led to his role as principal. He discusses his job duties as principal, and provides advice for individuals considering educational principalship.
Oral history interview with Ronald Simone conducted by Claytee D. White on May 05, 2009 for the All That Jazz Oral History Project. In this interview Ronald Simone discusses his upbringing in Connecticut, moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in September 1960 with his friend Joe Mack, and his career as a jazz musician working at various lounges and showrooms throughout Las Vegas. He also discusses the various famous people he performed for and the July 1989 musicians strike.