Oral history interview with Josephine Bruns conducted by Christopher Wong on March 9, 1975 and March 12, 1975 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Bruns discusses her family background, recreational activities, transportation, entertainment, and the growth of businesses in Las Vegas, Nevada. Bruns also talks about the Stewart Ranch and the Union Pacific Railroad.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Charles A. Bennett conducted by Michael E. Kulwin on March 05, 1979 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Bennett discusses early gaming figures, real estate, Howard Hughes, and casino development. Bennett also weighs in on the Carol Lombard plane crash tragedy, and the early atomic bomb tests conducted in Nevada.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Willard Booth conducted by Larmaya Kilgore on November 14, 2014 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview, Booth discusses his personal history and moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1956. He describes his employment at the Sands Hotel and Casino and later at the Thunderbird Hotel and Casino. Booth then talks about segregation issues for African Americans working on the Las Vegas Strip. Later, Booth discusses his involvement with the Second Baptist Church and describes the work he would do for the church. Lastly, Booth describes West Las Vegas and entertainers who would perform at the Carver House, the Moulin Rouge, and the Town Tavern.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Mike Hines conducted by Perry Kaufman on an unknown date in 1975 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In the interview, Hines discusses his early life in Kewanna, Indiana; education, military service, and his eventual move to Las Vegas, Nevada to work as a city attorney. After passing the Nevada Bar Exam in 1950, Hines opened his law office located on the northeast corner Third Street and Fremont Street.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Christina Gruber conducted by Barbara Tabach on March 2, 2019 for the Remembering 1 October Oral History Project. In this interview, Gruber shares her experience living in Las Vegas, Nevada since 1997 and as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), mother of two, and physical fitness enthusiast. She recalls being shot during the Route 91 Harvest Festival and being rescued by strangers. She recalls the chaos of the evening, but also how strangers worked together to comfort each other amidst the terror. She discusses dedicated her athletic races to those who were murdered that evening, and how it has helped her recovery. Digital audio and transcript available.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Trish Geran conducted by Claytee D. White on April 14, 2015 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview Trish Geran discusses her early life in Las Vegas, Nevada's historic Westside neighborhood, attending Catholic schools, and the feelings of not belonging that shaped her world view: she was different from her white, wealthy schoolmates, and as a private school student she was different from her neighbors. Trish also discusses her life in politics and activism.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Hal G. Curtis conducted by Forrest Rupley on March 09, 1978 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Curtis discusses recreational activities in Las Vegas, Nevada during the 1960s, and describes the changes in recreational activities throughout his lifetime. Curtis also recalls Lake Mead, changes to the location along with camp grounds in the surrounding area. Curtis goes on to discuss the maintenance and origins of labor unions in Las Vegas.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Kenneth L. Berger conducted by Claytee D. White on April 15, 2019 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Berger discusses his upbringing in St. Paul, Minnesota and his career in the United States Army. He remembers his employment with Edgerton, Germeshausen, and Grier (EG & G), flying aircrafts, and his initial interest in firearms. Lastly, Berger talks about becoming a member of the Boulder Rifle and Pistol Club in Boulder City, Nevada.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Rejoyce Williams conducted by Claytee D. White on June 12, 1996 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. Williams discusses coming to Las Vegas, Nevada with her husband and six children in 1960, working in several positions at hotels and casinos on the Las Vegas Strip, and participating in the Culinary Union strike in 1970.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Beth Rosenberg conducted by Jerry Masini on November 18, 1975 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Rosenberg describes coming to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1942 and the desert landscape she saw when she came here. She gives an in-depth recollection of the first atomic test, and talks about the weather and the seasons in Las Vegas. Rosenberg describes several clubs and hotels around downtown and the recreation at Lake Mead and Mount Charleston.
Archival Collection