Oral history interview with Therese Courture Thomas conducted by Roberta F. Zaplatilek on February 29, 1980 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Thomas discusses her family history and arriving to Boulder City, Nevada in 1930. Thomas describes housing in Boulder City and explains that people needed to build their own homes in the 1930s. She then discusses prostitution becoming illegal in Nevada, the Helldorado Parade, and the construction of Hoover Dam (Boulder Dam). Lastly, Thomas recalls how her musical career began and entertainment in casinos.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Heidi Sarno Straus conducted by David Schwartz on October 03, 2008 for the Remembering Jay Sarno Oral History Interview. In this interview, Straus discusses her upbringing in Las Vegas, Nevada and her experience as the daughter of Jay Sarno. She remembers living at the Circus Circus Hotel and Casino, Tanya the Elephant performances, and the Flying Cavarettas trapeze acts. Straus describes her father’s relationship with Steve Wynn and Oscar Goodman, and his vision for the future of Las Vegas hotel and casinos.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Edna Gray Fox conducted by an unidentified interviewer on February 03, 1972 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Fox discusses the Last Frontier Hotel, Thunderbird Motel, Warm Springs Ranch, and the Wallace Canyon Fire.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Rene de Haven conducted by Nancy Hardy on August 2, 2003 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. Rene de Haven discusses his career as a dancer in shows in Las Vegas, Nevada and in Los Angeles, California as well as acting in movies and being a choreographer.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Juanice Rankin Ebarb conducted by Angie DeLong and Nina Wolters on April 25, 2007 for the History of Blue Diamond Village in Nevada Oral History Project. Ebarb begins her interview by reminding her interviewers that they had attended school together. She then talks about her family's move to Blue Diamond Village in 1944 after her father found work at the gypsum board plant. She then talks about her family, particularly her older brother Meredith and younger brother Wayne, and their home in the Village. In conversation with her interviewers, she recalls growing up in the Village, playing at the park and community pool, and attending school. She also comments on many of the Village residents. Lastly, she describes her marriage and her brothers' employment at the gypsum board plant.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with James Earl Fisher conducted by Dawn Smith on April 23, 1986 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Fisher discusses the history of Indian Springs, Nevada, the atomic testing site, Nellis Air Force Base, and his family background.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Roberta Kane conducted by Barbara Tabach on September 6, 2017 and May 22, 2018 for the Southern Nevada Jewish Heritage Project. Kane explains how she was the first born Jewish baby in Las Vegas, Nevada and her parents’ deep involvement with the Jewish community of the 1930s. She then talks about the formalization that occurred in the Jewish community with the building of Temple Beth Sholom. In a second session, Kane recalls the Wildcat Lair, a gathering spot of students from Las Vegas High School in the 1950s.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Clara Ann Nickell conducted by Connie Lyons on March 05, 1976 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Nickell discusses moving from California to Boulder City, Nevada to work at the Boulder (Hoover) Dam. Nickell also discusses life at the time such as commuting to Las Vegas, Nevada and methods for heating and air conditioning.
Archival Collection
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