On March 11, 1981, Melvin Thompson interviewed Richard F. Caldwell Sr. (b. 1919 in New Orleans, Louisiana) about his experiences living in Las Vegas, Nevada for over 49 years. The interview begins with Caldwell discussing his family and what brought him to Las Vegas. He then talks about working at the Nevada Test Site, the hotels and casinos that were built on the Strip, his experience working at some of those properties, and the way of life in Las Vegas in the 1940s and 1950s. The two also discuss politics, religion, and recreational gambling in the city. The interview finalizes with Caldwell’s account of the Westside of Las Vegas, African American entertainers who came to town to perform, and a brief mention of many specific historical sites in the city.

The Sands Hotel and Casino. Postcard reads "Greetings from Las Vegas." Site Name: Sands Hotel and Casino

Caption: Goldfield Hotel
Site Name: Goldfield Hotel (Goldfield, Nev.)

Site Name: The Cottage (Goldfield, Nev.)
The Oriental (Goldfield, Nev.)

Three synchronized female aerialists perform at Circus Circus, Las Vegas, Nevada. Site Name: Circus Circus (Las Vegas, Nev.)