Oral history interview with George Kavanaugh conducted by Iolanthe Bruton on February 25, 1973 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Kavanaugh discusses arriving in Las Vegas, Nevada and taking part in politics and gambling. Kavanaugh later talks about the Magnesium Plant in Henderson, Nevada as well as the atomic bomb testing.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Lon Bronson conducted by Barbara Tabach on May 23, 2018 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Bronson discusses his early life in Keene, New Hampshire, and his initial interest in music. Bronson talks about arriving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1985, the musical scene in the city at the time, and the musician’s union strike of 1989. He describes when casino shows switched from live musicians to prerecorded music, and the shortage of jobs for musicians after that decision. Lastly, Bronson discusses the current entertainment scene in Las Vegas.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Robert D. Howell conducted by Joe Sant on February 26, 1977 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Howell discusses growing up in Nevada, the early above ground atomic tests, local environmental and social changes, the economic landscape, the Mormon Fort, religious beliefs, local recreation, and air pollution.
Archival Collection
Archival Component
Archival Component
Oral history interview with Allin Chandler conducted by Claytee D. White on February 05, 2013 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. Chandler discusses being a member of Rancho High School's first graduating class of 1962, and his career as a teacher, a principal, and Executive Director for the Clark County Association of School Administrators.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Nel Downing conducted by Scottie Rector in the 1970s for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Downing first talks about the first properties in the Downtown Las Vegas, Nevada area before talking about the forms of transportation available in Las Vegas. She also talks about her work with the Clark County Housing Authority, the development of Henderson, some of the early churches, and the beginnings of gambling in Henderson. She then discusses gambling, life in Nevada, the Helldorado parade, and inflation over time.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Jerry Eppenger conducted by Claytee D. White on September 09, 2011 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview Jerry Eppenger discusses working as a security guard at the Bonanza Hotel and the Nevada Test Site. He then talks about attending dealer school and starting a career in dealing. He then discusses segregation and racial relations in Las Vegas, Nevada in the 1970s.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Ray Ruff conducted by Scott Benjamin on March 13, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Ruff discusses moving to Las Vegas, Nevada from Chicago, Illinois in 1954. Ruff also discusses his employment and the environment at the Desert Inn Hotel. Ruff later discusses golf and Las Vegas politicians.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Janet Garry conducted by Elyse Rozinsky on February 24, 1979 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. This interview covers the growth of Las Vegas, Nevada from 1952 to 1979. Garry recalls the early years of the television and the telephone. She also discusses her own personal experience of raising a family in Las Vegas.
Archival Collection