Oral history interview with Paul Steelman conducted by Claytee D. White and Stefani Evans on August 24, 2016 for the Building Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Steelman discusses his early life and initial interests in architecture. He talks about arriving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1987, working with architect Joel Bergman, and designing the Mirage with Steve Wynn. Steelman remembers opening up his architecture firm, Steelman Partners LLP, and the properties they have built in Las Vegas.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with John Delibos conducted by Claytee D. White on October 2, 2012 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. John Delibos discusses moving with his family from Wisconsin in 1959 to Las Vegas, Nevada and his experience being raised in a Catholic household. He then discusses graduating from Cornell University and returning to Las Vegas to work in various casino jobs. Delibos also discusses retiring from gaming and becoming a full-time interior designer.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Leslie H. Smith conducted by Claytee D. White on November 02, 2017 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Smith discusses his life in Las Vegas, Nevada. He recalls anecdotes of the city during the 1950s and 1960s, growing up near downtown Las Vegas, and the influence of organized crime. Smith talks about starting a construction contracting firm and changes in Las Vegas.
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 Ruby Thomas conducted by Craig Hawkins on October 05, 1973 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Thomas discusses her career as a teacher in Las Vegas, Nevada and being member of the Retired Teachers Association. She then describes social and environmental changes, and the construction of Hoover Dam (Boulder Dam). Lastly, Thomas recalls the population growth and casino development in Las Vegas.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Voris Perkins conducted by Elizabeth Patrick on November 12, 1983 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Perkins discusses the business and methods of mining salt. Perkins later discusses his career as a farmer as well as the climate and environment in Nevada. Lastly, Perkins discusses working for the Clark County Road Department.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Joseph LaVoie conducted by Stephanie Gillson on February 26, 1977 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, LaVoie discusses being a police officer in Las Vegas, Nevada from 1945 to 1966, as well as life around the city at the time and its expansion. LaVoie also discusses the nearby nuclear testing.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Esther Lynn conducted by Dennis McBride on August 24, 2000 for the Las Vegas Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Archives Oral History Project. Lynn moved to Las Vegas, Nevada from Los Angeles, California in 1976. She is a writer and editor, focusing on the Las Vegas entertainment scene, with by-lines in many local and national publications.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Paula Saragoza conducted by John Fornillo on March 01, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Saragoza discusses her family ancestry. Saragoza also discusses atomic testing and the growth of hotels and casinos in the city.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Howard Warner conducted by Virginia Lacouture on July 04, 1976 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Warner discusses arriving to Las Vegas, Nevada as a special agent with the intelligence division of the United States Department of the Treasury. Warner then describes the expansion of businesses as the population increased in Las Vegas.
Archival Collection