Oral history interview with Barbara Sheehan conducted by Elaine Mongola on an unknown date for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Sheehan describes her experience in the Unites States Navy through the 1950s to 1970s. Sheehan also discusses her experience as a woman in the military, specifically the stigmas that women sailors encounter. Later, Sheehan recalls memorable moments she experienced during her service.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Alfred Isola conducted by Stephen Kalish on March 15, 1976 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Isola discusses Las Vegas, Nevada’s lack of a unified garbage system and how dumping sites have had to adjust their practices in order to limit their impact on pollution. Isola also explains the different disposal protocols for wet and dry trash.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Eugene Brandise conducted by Mark Mangiaracina on March 03, 1980 for the UNLV University Libraries oral history collection. Brandise discusses his experience as a construction worker, a construction business owner, and as a resident of Las Vegas, Nevada for over 25 years. He also discusses changes in the gaming industry over time, specifically how hotels and casinos treat their patrons.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Bertha Gresh conducted by Gary Eagleson on November 30, 1974 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Gresh discusses the history of Las Vegas, Nevada. Gresh then talks about mining and offers details surrounding specific mines, such as the Black Hawk Consolidated or Ran [Rand] Mine, the Techatticup Mine, the Wall Street Mine, and the Duncan Mine. Gresh then discusses the early days of Boulder City, Nevada and Henderson, Nevada. She also briefly mentions Block 16.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Alan D. Dennis conducted by David Schwartz on April 20, 2017 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Dennis discusses the opening of the Boulder Station Hotel and Casino in 1994. He talks about the gaming industry in Las Vegas, Nevada, casino gaming, and casino customer services. Dennis recalls anecdotes as a valet driver and changes in valet services.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Lela Holliday conducted by Jeff Stewart on February 29, 1980 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Holliday discusses her family background, growing up in Oklahoma, and eventually arriving in Las Vegas, Nevada in 1944. Holliday then describes early Las Vegas, the rapid growth of the city, and Las Vegas climate.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Marienne Shaver conducted by her granddaughter, Alice Penwell, on March 21, 1977 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Shaver describes visiting and moving to Reno, Nevada from Michigan and later staying in Nevada to teach. Shaver talks about moving to Las Vegas, Nevada and being involved in the local girl scouts organization, church, and women's club. Lastly, Shaver discusses the growth of Las Vegas.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Gerald Yurek conducted by Kellie Yurek on March 09, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Yurek discusses his start and experiences in the illegal gaming scene in Kentucky. He recalls witnessing fixed games and prostitution. Yurek then explains his move into the legal gambling industry in Las Vegas, Nevada in the 1960s.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Robert Ambrose conducted by David G. Schwartz on September 28, 2016 for the Slot Operations Oral History Project. Ambrose discusses the various positions he held at Tropicana Atlantic City and some of the mentors he has had throughout his career. He then provides his opinions on the technical changes of slot operations, the use of free play, and eSports.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with H. Joy Razy conducted by Andrew Gordon on March 17, 1978 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Razy discusses the construction of the Boulder (Hoover) Dam as well as the changes in city infrastructure such as water supply and roads. Lastly, Razy discusses the divorce and gambling industries of Las Vegas, Nevada.
Archival Collection