On March 6, 1977, Ronald Robinson interviewed Mary Ellen Campbell (born 1886 in Panaca, Nevada) about her life in Nevada. Campbell first talks about her parents’ move to the United States from England and her own life growing up in Panaca. She also talks about living in Pioche and the conditions of living in these two small Nevada towns. Also present during the interview is Mary’s grandson, Allen Campbell, who sometimes asks a few questions as well.
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On March 5, 1978, collector Wendy Christian interviewed truck driver Henry Clay Davis (born April 19, 1900 in Irondale, Virginia) in his home in Las Vegas, Nevada. This interview covers Henry Clay Davis’s personal life history as a resident of Las Vegas, which includes hunting and fishing. He also discusses employment, the railroad, old hotels, the Davis Dam, and Lake Mead. Additionally, he offers a detailed description of the Helldorado.
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On November 1, 1979, Robert Maichle interviewed Marshall Mack Dawson (born 1938 in Las Vegas, Nevada) about his experiences living in Las Vegas. Dawson first talks about his early education, his family, and the Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort. He then describes the changes he has noticed over time, the atomic testing, the Helldorado parades, Red Rock, the development of the Strip, and the changes in the Downtown area. Dawson also discusses some of his work for Nevada Power, the early movie theaters, his opinions on journalism, and various other topics.
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On February 26, 1979, Cynthia L. Reeves interviewed Jeanne P. Chretien (born 1923 in Marshalltown, Iowa) about her life in Southern Nevada. Chretien first talks about her move to Las Vegas and her beginning education, including how the educational system has changed over time. She also describes her first occupations, political activity, involvement in groups such as the Girl Scouts, and early recreational activities. The two later discuss Block 16, entertainment, the atomic testing, the effects of World War II, and flooding in Las Vegas. The latter part of the interview includes topics on Chretien’s religious activity, her enrollment into Nevada Southern University, and the changes in Las Vegas over time. The interview concludes with Chretien’s thoughts on rearing children in Las Vegas as well as how she believes the city will continue to grow in the future.
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On March 14, 1976 Raymond E. Frey interviewed Vice President of Nevada State Bank, Mitchell A. Cobeaga (born December 11, 1917 in Lovelock, Nevada) at Mr. Frey’s home in Las Vegas, Nevada. This interview covers early life in Nevada and the history of the Nevada State Bank. During this interview Mr. Cobeaga also discusses education in Nevada in the twenties and thirties, and Southern Nevada’s influence over the rest of the state.
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On March 27, 1977, Frank Murillo interviewed housewife Marian Beltran Decaro (born September 7th, 1914 in Flagstaff, Arizona) in her home in Las Vegas, Nevada. This interview covers the history of Las Vegas, Nevada’s first Mexican restaurant. Mr. Decaro is also present during the interview. Additionally, Mrs. Decaro recalls the first atomic bomb test in Las Vegas and also offers an overview of the growth of the area, overall, including the development and demographic details of such distinct historical communities as the Westside.
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On March 18, 1978, Gigi Arino interviewed antique shop owner, Mary B. Cooke (born November 13th, 1936 in Watertown, Wisconsin) in her antique shop in Las Vegas, Nevada. During this interview Mary discusses previous jobs, personal family history, education, and the growth and development of the city. She also expresses her opinions on the topic of welfare, healthcare and the condition of the hospitals in Las Vegas.
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On February 27, 1977, collector Sara Finklea interviewed housekeeper, Wilma Cooper (born December 19th, 1913 in Rock Springs, South Wyoming) in her home in Boulder City, Nevada. This interview covers Boulder City and Henderson.
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On March 18, 1978, Mitch Cox interviewed Lois Cox (born 1938 in Ely, Nevada) about her experiences growing up in and living in Nevada. Cox first talks about her family background and then discusses her educational and employment backgrounds. She then describes her work for the Clark County School District, the changes in schools over time, and her opinions on how student activities have changed. The topics then shift to Cox’s opinions on some of Nevada’s politicians, her Basque background, and the changes in Las Vegas over time, particularly those related to gambling.
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On March 5, 1980, Clark Ellsworth interviewed his grandmother, Emma Ellsworth (born 1902 in Payson, Utah) about her experiences in Southern Nevada. Ellsworth first talks about growing up in Utah and getting married before moving to Pioche, Nevada during the Great Depression. She also talks about bringing up a family in Las Vegas as well as her and her husband’s work in running Beneficial Life, a life insurance business, in Las Vegas. Ellsworth also talks about the Mormon churches in Las Vegas, the schools her children attended, and the number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren she had at the time.
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