On February 26, 1977, collector Joe Sant interviewed local Nevadan business owner, Robert D. Howell (born November 22nd, 1939 in Las Vegas, Nevada) in his home in Las Vegas, Nevada. This interview covers Las Vegas in the old days, from Mr. Howell’s personal experience of being born and raised in Nevada. During this interview, Mr. Howell also discusses the early above ground atomic tests, local environmental and social changes, the economic landscape, the Mormon Fort, religious beliefs, and local recreation. The interview concludes with discussion on air pollution.
On February 10, 1977, Frederick Dougan interviewed Russell Grater (born 1907 in Lebanon, Indiana) about his career in the U.S. National Park Service. Grater first talks about his move to the Southern Nevada area and his work that impacted the Hoover Dam project. He then talks about the town of St. Thomas, Nevada, the Lost City, and the activities of tourists. Grater also talks about his work in excavation, the indigenous American Indian tribes of the area, findings on petroglyphs, and the types of wildlife that were found in the area. He later talks about findings related to fossils, gold mining, the effects of World War II on the dam project, and vegetation in the area.
On February 14, 1979, Gregory M. Hall interviewed his coworker, LaMar Foremaster (born May 9th, 1907 in Alamo, Nevada) at his place of business, Anderson Dairy, in Las Vegas, Nevada. This interview covers the changes, growth, and development of Southern Nevada from 1907 to 1979. During the interview LaMar discusses the Old Ranch, Boulder Dam, Hoover Dam, Fremont Street and the Strip. He also talks about his religious ties to the Mormon Church and his political activities in Las Vegas.