Oral history interview with Alonzo A. Anderson conducted by Lowell H. Townley on February 21, 1972 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Anderson discussing being the fourth licensed veterinarian in southern Nevada and his profession in general. He also discusses his political position, social activities, family life, and his religious affiliations. Digital audio and transcript available.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Eugene Perry conducted by Anneliese McKenna on March 11, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Perry discusses moving to Las Vegas, Nevada from Denver, Colorado in 1955. Perry discusses his career as a dealer in the Golden Nugget and other Las Vegas casinos. Perry also describes how Las Vegas has benefited economically from gambling and casinos.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Billy Christ conducted by Lisa Gioia-Acres on October 09, 2007 for the All That Jazz Oral History Project. Christ, who plays bass, discusses his career in New York City, New York and Las Vegas, Nevada as a jazz musician. Christ also talks about his childhood and growing up in Detroit, Michigan and New York City, New York.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Don Laughlin conducted by A. D. Hopkins on June 13, 1999 for the Las Vegas Review-Journal First 100 Oral History Project. In this interview, Laughlin discusses his early life in Minnesota, his start in gambling, and moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1952. Laughlin describes how he started his business including the process of obtaining licenses and buying property. Lastly, Laughlin talks about gaming competition in Arizona, his children, and his business' expansion.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Maynard Sloate conducted by Joyce Moore on June 12, 2007 for the All That Jazz Oral History Project. In this interview, Sloate discusses his early life in Los Angeles, California and his career as a jazz drummer. He remembers performing at the Tropicana, the Union Plaza, and becoming an entertainment director for production shows. Sloate describes the increases in price to attend a show in Las Vegas, and the use of taped music instead of live musicians. Lastly, Sloate talks about the challenges in making a career as a musician.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Elmore B. Curtis conducted by Judy L. Curtis on March 1, 1975 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Fire department captain, Elmore B. Curtis covers life in Southern Nevada since 1942, including his personal history, and the early development of the Nevada Test Site. During the interview, Curtis also discusses early tourism and socio-economic progress in Southern Nevada.
Archival Collection
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 Edward Gregory conducted by Jonathan R. Bellingar on March 2, 1977 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Gregory discusses leaving Nevada to serve in the Army during World War II before eventually returning to Nevada in 1950. The interview concludes with a brief overview of how Nellis Air force Base has changed since the 1950s.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Elmer H. Nighswonger conducted by Larry Davis on April 02, 1976 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Nighswonger discusses the history of the Las Vegas Fire Department and describes his experiences as a firefighter. Nighswonger then discusses the El Rancho Casino fire, and the effect that it had on Las Vegas, Nevada.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Carrie Neal conducted by Aireona Bradford on November 15, 2015 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview, Neal discusses her upbringing and migration from the South, her marriage and move to Las Vegas, Nevada, her work in the back-of-the-house at multiple casino-hotels, the Black church and the influence of the Culinary Union.
Archival Collection