Oral history interview with John E. Jeffrey conducted by Frank Vivirito on April 01, 1976 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Jeffrey discusses his occupational history, the disparity of work conditions and opportunities for Black and Mexican workers in the Henderson, Nevada magnesium plant, and his family’s medical history.
Oral history interview with Harry Block conducted by Mark McLane on February 24, 1977 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Block discusses recreational activities, his experience during World War II, early businesses and casinos in Las Vegas, Nevada, the Helldorado Parade, Block 16, atomic testing, changes in technology, and visiting Mount Charleston.
Oral history interview with Boyo Warner conducted by Gene M. Freerksen on February 13, 1975 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Warner discusses the life of his father, Matt Warner, who lived as an outlaw and later as a lawman in the Old West during the late nineteenth century and early twentieth century. Warner tells several anecdotes of his father's experiences, robberies, and encounters, as well as detailing his involvement with other outlaws, including Butch Cassidy and Tom McCarthy. Warner's sister, Joyce Warner, is also present, providing additional comments about their father and helping to provide an overview of life in the Old West.
Oral history interview with Eular Lunsford conducted by Mark J. Lestelle on March 15, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Lunsford describes his work experiences and life in Henderson, Nevada after moving there on September 09, 1951. Lunsford held various jobs, including serving as a magnesium plant firefighter, baker, and taxi cab driver.
Oral history interview with Jean Peck conducted by Thomas Zernzack on February 12, 1980 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Peck shares her knowledge about Las Vegas, Nevada, and talks about her experiences living there. Peck later talks about the social changes that Las Vegas went through when gambling was legalized.
Oral history interview with Mike Newman conducted by Reginald Williams on March 02, 1980 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. During the interview, Newman discusses his career writing about gambling in Las Vegas, Nevada. Newman also discusses the gambling environment in the city from the psychology of becoming a gambler to his experience becoming a casino dealer.
Oral history interview with Ray Merrill conducted by his son, Rick Merrill, on March 14, 1978 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Ray Merrill describes how Las Vegas, Nevada has evolved and expanded over the years since he moved to Southern Nevada in 1942.
Oral history interview with Thomas Barbarite conducted by Dennis Chamberland on March 03, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Barbarite discusses his time at the Four Queens Hotel and the Dunes Hotel as a dealer as well as his work as a pit boss at the Flamingo Hotel, the Aladdin Hotel, and Caesars Palace. Barbarite also discusses the involvement of the mob in Las Vegas, particularly the influence of Bugsy Siegel in the operation of various properties.
Oral history interview with Carl Ciliax conducted by Gary Wood on March 08, 1980 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Ciliax first describes his family history, and his early interests in wildlife. Ciliax then discusses his early experiences in hunting and his eventual interest in conservationism and preservation.
Oral history interview with Dan Bennett conducted by Guy Pence on October 03, 1972 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. During this interview Bennett talks about the visits from presidents and other important people to the Las Vegas, Nevada area and discusses the 1942 plane crash of Carole Lombard’s plane. He also mentions Boulder Dam and describes the economic, social and environmental changes that have taken place in Southern Nevada over the years.