Oral history interview with Patsy Leavitt conducted by Elizabeth Neumann on March 17, 1976 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview Leavitt discusses her maternal grandmother, who brought her mother and uncle to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1931, and explains how her grandmother opened a boardinghouse that she ran until her death in 1948. She then discusses her father's family, who arrived in Las Vegas in the late 1920s and established a sand and gravel business. She discusses her education and marriage, and reflects on Las Vegas in the 1950s.
Oral history interview with Byron Shutt conducted by Jack Andrews on March 09, 1976 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Shutt discusses the history of Henderson, Nevada after moving there from Missouri in 1949. Shutt describes hitchhiking his way to Las Vegas, Nevada from Missouri, meeting Jim Thorpe in Thorpe's Henderson supper club, and the legalization of gambling in Henderson. Shutt also discusses mining operations in Henderson, chemical plants in Henderson such as the Pacific Engineering and Production Company of Nevada plant, housing, and the Henderson school system.
Oral history interview with Dorothy Grier conducted by Barbara Agonia on November 26, 2002 for the Women's Research Institute of Nevada (WRIN) Las Vegas Women Oral History Project. Grier begins her interview discussing her family and life growing up in the small town of Bulter, Indiana in the 1930s and 1940s. She then discusses her life in chronological order pausing to highlight events including working for the Nevada Test Site.
Oral history interview with Mike Devere conducted by an unnamed interviewer on September 24, 1972 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview Mike Devere discusses atomic testing, the Las Vegas Strip, recreational activities, and cultural changes in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Oral history interview with Lonnie Wright conducted by Claytee White on October 23, 2009 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. Wright describes the casino mentality of racism and sexism that he encountered. Wright also discusses dealing with the odds and his business endeavors. Wright then describes the value of being a team player and using athletics as a marketing strategy.
Oral history interview with Gil Cohen conducted by Claytee D. White on August 05, 2014 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. Cohen discusses growing up at the Las Vegas, Nevada Country Club, working at the Stardust Hotel and Casino, learning the casino business after college, and working at the Monte Carlo Hotel and Casino.
Oral history interview with Grace Hayes conducted by Arnold Shaw on May 28, 1986 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In the interview, Hayes discusses her early life in Las Vegas, Nevada performing at the El Rancho Vegas and operating the Red Rooster, one of the first clubs on the Las Vegas Strip. Hayes also discusses her interactions with other Las Vegas, Nevada celebrities and public figures.
Oral history interview with Luther Pennington conducted by Greg Decker on February 27, 1979 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Pennington discusses working on the trains for the Union Pacific Railroad Company starting in 1927 and explains the various jobs he held on the train. Pennington then describes his position as locomotive engineer and recalls his experiences. Later, he discusses train routes, stations, and the dangers of working aboard a train.
Oral history interview with Chris Guinchigliani conducted by Suzanne Becker on July 20, 2007 for the Voices of the Historic John S. Park Neighborhood Oral History Project. Guinchigliani discusses moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in the 1980s and teaching at a middle school. She also discusses involving herself in the teachers’ union as well as serving in various leadership positions.
Oral history interview with William Viera conducted by Ann Louise Pugh on an unknown day in October of 1971 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Viera discusses his work in real estate throughout Las Vegas, Nevada and describes the increase in value of homes, especially newer buildings. Viera later describes his thoughts on why the desert and other surrounding landscape areas would soon be developed.