Oral history interview with Jean Whitcher conducted by Michele deHoll on March 12, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Witcher discusses arriving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1932 and describes the construction of Boulder (Hoover) Dam, Fremont Street before it was fully paved, and social life in Las Vegas at the time. Witcher then recalls her work in costume repair and construction as a seamstress at the El Rancho Hotel and Casino. Later, Witcher discusses her work in costume design and recalls some of her more memorable designs.
Oral history interview with Wayne Stacy conducted by his son, Russell Stacy, on February 26, 1979 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Stacy discusses his personal history and living in Boulder City, Nevada before eventually moving to Henderson, Nevada. Stacy describes the reasons why he moved to Boulder City as opposed to Las Vegas, Nevada, and the history of Boulder City. Stacy also describes how Boulder City and Henderson have changed, the history of Henderson, gambling, and nuclear tests.
Oral history interview with Thalia Dondero conducted by Mary Germain on March 13, 1976 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Dondero discusses being a leader for the Girl Scouts, and how some of those experiences led her to get involved in politics. Dondero also mentions her work with National Geographic and working with oil paintings and watercolors. Dondero then recalls her work as a commissioner for Clark County, Nevada and some of the challenges she has faced.
Oral history interview with Rosina Goodwin conducted by Bruce Eubank on March 15, 1978 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Goodwin first talks about her family background before discussing the Las Vegas Strip, the Stewart Ranch, and Twin Lakes. She also talks about schools, Boulder (Hoover) Dam, the atomic testing, and her work as a telephone operator. The latter part of the interview includes discussion on changes in Las Vegas, the Helldorado Parade, and changes in weather.
Oral history interview with Dan Hill conducted by John L. Bennett on March 1, 1979 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Hill goes in-depth about his experience as a worker at the Nevada Test Site, and different mining sites that he had also worked at. The two briefly discuss the different sheriffs that had been in charge of Las Vegas, Nevada and how many people came to Las Vegas to work at the Henderson Magnesium Plant and Boulder (Hoover) Dam.
Oral history interview with Charissa B. Fabian conducted by Kyle Gregory Baluyut on November 24, 2021 for Reflections: The Las Vegas Asian American and Pacific Islander Oral History Project.
In this interview, Charissa B. Fabian discusses her upbringing in Angeles City, Pampanga, Philippines with her three siblings and memories shared with her grandparents and cousins. She talks about her nursing education from the University of the Philippines and her immigration via a recruitment agency to work in New York. Charissa Fabian reflects on her move to Las Vegas, Nevada with her husband in 1995, the growing Filipino population in the city, and her work as a nurse. She also shares her thoughts on the immigration process, the COVID-19 pandemic, and politics.
Oral history interview with Reed Phelps conducted by Kim Geary on November 02, 1978 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Phelps discusses his career working on the railroads in Nevada and California before moving to Blue Diamond, Nevada to work as a miner. Phelps describes life as a miner in Blue Diamond and the town's history. Phelps also discusses changes that occurred in the town after the Flintkote Company took over the mining operation.
Oral history interview with Patricia Knox conducted by Rebecca Snetselaar and Brenda Cruz on April 13, 2016 for the Folklife Program of the Nevada Arts Council and the Oral History Research Center at UNLV Libraries. Knox begins the interview by discussing how she learned to cook and different types of fish. She describes how she cooks catfish, what sides go well with catfish, fishing, and the fresh quality of fishes in Las Vegas, Nevada. Then, Knox talks about her restaurant, how she created the menu, and problems she has had with her chefs. Lastly, she describes her family customs and cooking style.
Oral history interview with Rowena Gonzalez conducted by Michael Boyd on March 01, 1977 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Gonzalez first talks about her family background and residential history before discussing the way of life in Texas and eventual move to Las Vegas, Nevada. Several topics covered in the interview include Gonzalez’s recollections of the atomic testing, the building of the Boulder (Hoover) Dam, and Howard Hughes. The two also discuss tourism, the properties on the Strip and in Downtown Las Vegas, and early means of transportation.
Oral history interview with Alfred Guzman conducted by Barbara Guzman on March 01, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Guzman first talks about his occupational history, including his career in public relations for the Sands Hotel and Casino. He then talks about Las Vegas, Nevada, including social changes, changes in the gaming industry, and mob influence in the casinos. He also talks about Reno, Nevada, how his job affects the public, and the MX Missile system.