On March 1st, 1979, collector Dan Murphy interviewed Anderson Dairy production manager, Joseph Gemma (born on October 25th, 1934 in Norwalk, Connecticut) in his home in Las Vegas, Nevada. This interview covers the history of Las Vegas, including employment opportunities, construction work, housing developments, and the hotels on the Strip. Joseph also recalls social and environmental changes and local recreation, including sports and the importance of gaming in Nevada.
On March 14, 1981, Alisa Fife interviewed her friend’s grandmother, telephone operator and housewife, Rita Golub (born May 1st, 1920 in New York City, New York) in her home in Las Vegas, Nevada. The interview covers Rita Golub’s life in Las Vegas and includes discussion in regards to Queen Mother. Rita also discusses the Strip, night entertainment and social and religious activities in Las Vegas.
On March 15, 1981, collector David Glasco interviewed card dealer, Alexander Grayson (born March 27th, 1952 in Durham, North Carolina) in his home in Las Vegas, Nevada. This interview covers the black experience in Las Vegas. Mr. Grayson also discusses prejudice, racism, education, and entertainment. Additionally, he recalls relocating to Las Vegas from North Carolina with his family when he was a child, as his father was in the Air Force.
On November 1, 1974, collector James M. Greene, interviewed widow and mine leaser, Bertha Gresh (born August 29th, 1883, in Cedarburg, Wisconsin) in her home in Nelson, Nevada. This interview covers early mining days, Bertha’s personal history, and the history of Nelson County. She also discusses her art, social activities, and the prizes she won as a visual artist in Nevada.
On February 17, 1976, Jeannette Lonpergan interviewed well driller and dairy worker, Mr. Louis Evans (born on August 8th, 1914 in Jones County, Iowa) in his home in Las Vegas, Nevada. Mrs. Lonpergan’s husband, Mr. Dennis Lonpergan, was present during the interview and joined in on the discussion. Mr. Louis Evans’ wife, Mrs. Evans, was also present during the interview. Mr. Evans relocated to Nevada from Iowa in search of employment. Construction on the Hoover Dam had begun at this point; Mr. and Mrs. Evans recall their earliest recollections of Nellis Air Force Base and McCarran Airport. The interview covers the history of Nevada from Mr. Evans’ perspective. Mr. Evans discusses the paving of roads, employment, religious activities, housing developments, early above ground atomic tests, social and environmental changes and mining in Nevada.
On March 7, 1980, John Everett interviewed his father, cab driver Dale Everett (born January 29, 1924 in Danville, Illinois) at their family home in Las Vegas, Nevada. This interview covers past local historical data. During the interview, Mr. Everett discusses the weather, wildlife, and hunting. He also shares his views on prostitution and gambling in Las Vegas.
On February 2, 1979, collector Lorraine Owens interviewed nurseryman, Lawrence Hadland (born November 16th, 1919 in Long Island, New York) in his home in Las Vegas, Nevada. This interview covers the life and times of “Nurseryman Hadland,” and offers insights into local business, family life, jobs, and the overall community of Las Vegas. He also discusses the military and the local airport.
Ina Porter recalls the story of choosing to move to the John S. Park Neighborhood in the 1940s. She and her husband Burdell were accustom to paying cash for everything and needed to establish credit with Sears to purchase their $5000 home, which was not considered inexpensive. They were among the earlier homeowners and soon the neighborhood grew to include a Mormon Church that would become so integral to the Porter family's life and to the John S. Park community. Ina was born 1917 in the small southern Utah town of Kanab. She describes her youth and speaks of the Great Depression. Ina graduated from high school in 1935, married in 1936 and moved to Las Vegas, where there were jobs for her husband. Finding work after his graduation from college was not easy, but because he had been a bus driver he was able to secure a position driving a bus for the Union Pacific Railroad and later Greyhound Bus Line. Years later Ina, Burdell and their family were part of the fiber of the Joh
Gordon Smith was born in Utah, but moved with his family to Babbitt, Nevada in 1947. His father, a barber, moved the family to Las Vegas in 1955. In this interview, Gordon recalls school and after-school pursuits; changes in the town; summer jobs; and college. He also talks about his military service and returning to Las Vegas to take up the razor himself - starting a successful barbering business of over 30 years.