Oral history interview with Esther Horner conducted by Maureen Brannon in approximately 1977 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Horner discusses the inaugural Helldorado Parade, her family’s establishment of B & H Grocery in Las Vegas, Nevada, atomic tests, presidential visits, social clubs, and the tragic death of actress Carole Lombard in a plane crash in Nevada. Horner also offers insight into religious life, the red-light districts, including the infamous Block 16, racial segregation, and gambling in the early days in Las Vegas.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Augusta Newton conducted by John Harmon on October 13, 1972 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Newton discusses moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1948 for her husband's job. She describes the Las Vegas Strip and its hotels and casinos, as well as the growth of Las Vegas. Newton briefly talks about gambling, organized crime, and Howard Hughes.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Wayne Brazelle conducted by Lee Siskey on March 17, 1978 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. This interview details Brazelle’s work history in the Las Vegas, Nevada area and how Las Vegas has changed, from 1959 to 1978.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Howard E. Hollingsworth conducted by Joseph Concannen on February 23, 1979 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Hollingsworth discusses the Mormon Fort, ranches, and the railroad.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Mabel Newton conducted by Don C. Bittle on February 26, 1977 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Newton discusses moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1945. Newton discusses living in Henderson, Nevada. Newton also talks about growth in housing, flooding, and overall changes in Henderson.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Charles M. Kellog conducted by unidentified interviewer on October 03, 1973 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Kellog discusses how he first entered into the gambling business and his occupational history in Las Vegas, Nevada. He also describes the different places that he and his wife had lived and his intentions to begin the University of Nevada, Las Vegas’ first inter-collegiate soccer team.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Micheal Miller conducted by Broderick T. Ackerman on April 05, 1976 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Miller discusses arriving to Ely, Nevada in the 1920s and later moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in the late 1920s. Miller then discusses the businesses that he invested in and other properties that he purchased throughout his lifetime. Miller speaks about his time working on ranches and as a trapper in Northern Nevada. He also speaks about his time running nightclubs in Las Vegas, Nevada, as well as seeing much growth throughout his time living in Las Vegas.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Peter Bernhard conducted by Claytee D. White on August 05, 2013 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Bernhard discusses his personal history growing up in the Hyde Park neighborhood in Las Vegas, Nevada. He describes recreational activities in downtown Las Vegas, attending Western High School and raising money to construct their football stadium in th 1960s. Bernhard then talks about the gaming industry in Las Vegas and explains how one is put in the “Black Book” of persons banned from casinos. Lastly, he recalls his experiences in casino business in the 1980s, and his role as a board member for the Nevada Gaming Commission.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Saul Willis conducted by Claytee D. White on January 14, 2014 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview, Willis discusses his personal history and moving from Sondheimer, Louisiana to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1968. He talks about living in West Las Vegas, nightlife entertainment in the area, and community leaders at the time. He then recalls the increase of drug use in the Westside, being incarcerated for a year, and starting an automobile mechanic business. Lastly, Willis discusses his experience with the Las Vegas court system and the continued development of the Westside.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with John West conducted by Claytee D. White on August 10, 2000 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, West discusses his family background and arriving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1954. West describes his educational experiences in Las Vegas and his career as a clinical psychologist. He recalls his father’s career in medicine and becoming the first African American licensed medical doctor in Las Vegas. West then talks about attending entertainment events before race integration was introduced, and the voting patterns in West Las Vegas. Lastly, West discusses his father’s decision to remain living in West Las Vegas and operating his medical office there after integration.
Archival Collection