Oral history interview with Hal G. Curtis conducted by Forrest Rupley on March 09, 1978 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Curtis discusses recreational activities in Las Vegas, Nevada during the 1960s, and describes the changes in recreational activities throughout his lifetime. Curtis also recalls Lake Mead, changes to the location along with camp grounds in the surrounding area. Curtis goes on to discuss the maintenance and origins of labor unions in Las Vegas.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Charles Adams conducted by Mike Lommori on February 28, 1980 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Adams discusses the changes in Southern Nevada over the previous twenty years. The two discuss, more specifically, changes at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas over several years and the way student life has evolved. Adams also discusses some of the differences between Las Vegas and Joliet, Illinois, and changes in the gaming industry.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Lucy Alires conducted by Candice Bush on March 06, 1978 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Alires is interviewed about her experiences as a Spanish-American living in Henderson, Nevada. Alires describes the growth of the city, including Carver Park, and discusses some of the discrimination faced by Latin and African American citizens. She also mentions some of the changes in the Las Vegas Strip over time, including the presence of Latin Americans in the hospitality workforce.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Dolly Kelepecz conducted by Claytee D. White on April 29, 2010 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. Kelepecz discusses her career as a ballet dancer, a performer in a circus, and a showgirl and dancer in Las Vegas, Nevada, especially in the Lido at the Stardust Hotel and Casino. She also discusses her time as a model, a pilates instructor, and running the Opus Dance ensemble. Kelepecz then discusses teaching a class at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Marie Heher conducted by her daughter Sharon Heher on March 01, 1977 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In the interview, Heher discusses her early life in Boulder City, Nevada and Henderson, Nevada, as well as her education in Reno, Nevada and Las Vegas, Nevada. Heher also discusses the Helldorado parades and her experiences with the Union Pacific Train Depot in downtown Las Vegas, Nevada.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with James Hogan conducted by Mary Hogan on October 12, 1975 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. The interview covers the life of a Las Vegas old-timer. Mr. Hogan discusses moving to Las Vegas, early Las Vegas, Nevada Boulder (Hoover) Dam, and the Stewart Ranch. Colonel T. W. Miller and Vic Whittlesea are also mentioned.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Charles J. Sorrells conducted by Karen Schank on November 30, 2010 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Sorrells primarily discusses his family's history in Nevada beginning in the early 1900s when his grandfather moved there from Georgia. Sorrells describes life in the rural desert town of Shoshone, Nevada and a town called Greenwater, his grandfather's main residency, located somewhere in Death Valley. Through his family history, Sorrells provides an overview of Nevada's history as it progressed from an Old West lifestyle to modern American living by the mid-twentieth century. Sorrells also talks about life in Las Vegas, Nevada, his children, and his career as a certified public accountant.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Roger Pettersson conducted by David G. Schwartz on February 24, 2017 for the Slot Operations Oral History Project. Petterson discusses his background and his experiences in multiple positions for slot management. Pettersson also discusses the various slot operations in casinos such as the Bellagio Hotel and Casino, and the Mirage Hotel and Casino. He then describes what makes a good slot manager, what customers are looking for in slot machines, and how the slot industry has changed over the years, particularly with the use of free play.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Hazel Geran conducted by Claytee D. White on August 30, 2000 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. Geran gives insights into the black experience in Las Vegas, Nevada. Geran describes her perspective of living on the Westside and the businesses that thrived there in the past, and why she remained in west Las Vegas. She also gives a peek into her family life including Catholic schools, family outings and an insightful story regarding racism and the difficulty of getting a housing loan in the 1950s.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Willie Thompson conducted by Claytee D. White on November 25, 2019 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Thompson discusses his early life in Tulsa, Oklahoma and moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1995. Thompson recalls the Doolittle Senior Center, the Moulin Rouge Hotel and Casino, and his involvement in the Martin Luther King Jr. parade. Lastly, Thompson talks about volunteering with the Mirage Reading Program.
Archival Collection