Oral history interview with Louise Kirkwood conducted by Richard Probst on February 28, 1979 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In the interview, Kirkwood discusses her life in Southern Nevada and her experience with navigating Las Vegas, Nevada as streets and buildings, home values, and living expenses changed over time. Kirkwood also discusses the energy crisis of the 1970s and the resulting gasoline rationing; the growth of the Strip, and pollution caused by atomic testing.
Oral history interview with George Monahan conducted by Colleen F. Karnes on February 28, 1980 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Monahan, a county engineer, discusses the history of flood control management in Las Vegas, Nevada and throughout Clark County. Monahan explains the seriousness of flooding in the city, how flooding is managed, and the solutions for flood prevention. Monahan also discusses the evolution of the Clark County Department of Public Works.
Oral history interview with John H. Pappas conducted by James Greene on October 04, 1974 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Pappas describes coming to the United States during the early twentieth century, eventually making his way to Nevada in 1904. Pappas discusses working for the San Pedro, Los Angeles & Salt Lake Railroad Company helping to build the railroad from Caliente, Nevada to Las Vegas, Nevada. Pappas later discusses leaving Nevada, then returning to help build the Hoover (Boulder) Dam, before leaving due to the extreme heat. Pappas describes his personal history in Las Vegas, the city's changes, and opening his own restaurant.
Oral history interview with David L. Washington conducted by Claytee D. White on March 18, 2009 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Washington discusses his personal history, education, experiences in the military, and becoming a firefighter in Las Vegas, Nevada. Washington talks about his employment at the Las Vegas Fire & Rescue department, explains the procedures for certain fire emergencies, and what it was like when women joined the department in the 1960s. Finally, he recalls becoming the City of Las Vegas Fire Chief.
Oral history interview with Dorothy Thompson conducted by Patricia Moore on February 18, 1980 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Thompson discusses the growth of Las Vegas, Nevada. Thompson also describes her life as the wife of a railroad worker. She briefly discusses religion, specifically Mormonism.
Oral history interview with Afton Powers conducted by Stephen Johnson on January 22, 1972 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Powers discusses living in St. Thomas, Nevada before the town was submerged in water after the construction of Hoover Dam (Boulder Dam). She describes the utilities they had, her recreational activities, and how the town prepared for its eventual submersion.
Oral history interview with Myrtle Hancock conducted by Russell Oakes on February 26, 1980 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Hancock discusses her occupational experience as a wardrobe dresser in the entertainment industry in Las Vegas, Nevada. She also discusses family life, life on a ranch, Downtown Las Vegas, Helldorado, and Nevada’s hot weather.
Oral history interview with Nina Lu conducted by Jennifer Sui on November 17, 2021 for the Reflections: The Las Vegas Asian American and Pacific Islander Oral History Project. In this interview, Lu recalls her difficult immgration journey from China to Los Angeles, California, and later to Las Vegas, Nevada. She also discusses former jobs, starting her own business, and embracing her unique identity and cultural heritage.
Oral history interview with September Sarno conducted by David Schwartz on October 06, 2007 for the Remembering Jay Sarno Oral History Project. In this interview, Sarno discusses her early life and moving to Las Vegas, Nevada at the age of five. She remembers living at her father’s hotels growing up, the lifestyle she was born into, and the final months before the passing of Jay Sarno. Lastly, Sarno talks about the impact that her father has had in Southern Nevada.
Oral history interview with Freddie Sarno conducted by David Schwartz on February 09, 2010 for the Remembering Jay Sarno Oral History Project. In this interview, Sarno discusses his earliest recollections in Las Vegas, Nevada and the lifestyle he had growing up. He talks about the divorce of his parents, living in a Circus Circus Hotel and Casino suite, and the initial planning for The Grandissimo. Lastly, Sarno describes his father’s legacy in Las Vegas and his passing in 1984.