Oral history interview with Lovey McCurdy conducted by Greg McCurdy on March 19, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Lovey recalls arriving in Las Vegas, Nevada in 1951, meeting white people in Las Vegas, Nevada, the atomic bomb testing, and other aspects of being part of the African American community during the 1950s and 1960s.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with J.T. Thomas conducted by Samuel Greene on February 13, 1979 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Thomas discusses his arrival to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1913 in search of job opportunities. Thomas also describes the development of Las Vegas, specifically the increase of hotels and casinos. Thomas then discusses segregation in schools and explains that African Americans were only allowed to live on the West Side of Las Vegas. Thomas later recalls downtown Las Vegas and changes in the state's educational curriculum.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Myrtle Hancock conducted by Russell Oakes on February 26, 1980 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Hancock discusses her occupational experience as a wardrobe dresser in the entertainment industry in Las Vegas, Nevada. She also discusses family life, life on a ranch, Downtown Las Vegas, Helldorado, and Nevada’s hot weather.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Prince Spencer conducted by Claytee White on January 09, 2005 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. Spencer discusses his career as a dancer in Las Vegas, Nevada at the Sands Hotel and Flamingo Hotel. He also talks about his activity in the Civil Rights Movement, work as a casino host, and participation in the Second Baptist Church in Las Vegas.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Cathy Jones conducted by Renee Walden on March 12, 1978 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Jones discusses being a dependent at the Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas, Nevada and what it is like being in the military.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Frank M. Bollig conducted by Mabel Neal on March 23, 1976 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. During this interview Bollig discusses his personal life and reasons for moving to Southern Nevada. Bollig also talks about atomic testing, recreational activities available in Las Vegas, Nevada, various significant businesses in Las Vegas, and important casinos on the Las Vegas Strip.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Neil H. Holmes conducted by Laura Bell on February 12, 1975 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Holmes covers the construction of Boulder (Hoover) Dam and Las Vegas, Nevada’s living conditions in 1931.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Thomas Barbarite conducted by Dennis Chamberland on March 03, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Barbarite discusses his time at the Four Queens Hotel and the Dunes Hotel as a dealer as well as his work as a pit boss at the Flamingo Hotel, the Aladdin Hotel, and Caesars Palace. Barbarite also discusses the involvement of the mob in Las Vegas, particularly the influence of Bugsy Siegel in the operation of various properties.
Archival Collection
Archival Component
Oral history interview with Charles A. Baumert conducted by James M. Greene on October 31, 1975 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Bauret discusses the Hoover Dam construction, Boulder City, Nevada history, and the closing of Six Companies Inc. operations at Hoover Dam.
Archival Collection