Oral history interview with William Nickell conducted by James Greene on January 07, 1975 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Nickell discusses his job at the Boulder (Hoover) Dam and his life in Boulder City, Nevada.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Leo Dunbar conducted by Dennis McBride on June 16, 1986 for the Boulder City Library Oral History Project. In this interview, Dunbar gives a brief history of the Bureau of Reclamation (Bureau of Land Management) and the beginning of his life-long career with that agency, first working on two major projects in Colorado. He then discusses how The Six Companies won their bid to build the Hoover Dam, the establishment of the federal reservation that would house Boulder City, and the growth and development of both the city and the dam project.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Lois Bell conducted by Sam Cusimano on unknown date for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Bell discusses her time as a cocktail waitress in various casinos, including her experiences of waiting on various celebrities. Bell also describes the changes of the Las Vegas Strip, her account of witnessing atomic testing events, and her position at Roxie’s, a brothel that existed during the early days of Las Vegas, Nevada.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Marienne Shaver conducted by her granddaughter, Alice Penwell, on March 21, 1977 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Shaver describes visiting and moving to Reno, Nevada from Michigan and later staying in Nevada to teach. Shaver talks about moving to Las Vegas, Nevada and being involved in the local girl scouts organization, church, and women's club. Lastly, Shaver discusses the growth of Las Vegas.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Maria Banks conducted by Barbara Hoyt on September 23, 1972 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Banks discusses her experiences managing a jukebox company, owning and operating two restaurants, and working for a music company. She also discusses her Mormon religion and the relationship she had with her late husband. Banks also discusses the change in climate over time, specifically the increasing humidity.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Allan Kelly conducted by David Crawford III on March 28, 1976 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Kelly talks about living and growing up in early West Las Vegas, Nevada in the 1940s and 1950s. He specifically talks about his experiences growing up in a predominantly white neighborhood.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Lindell Blake conducted by Claytee D. White on January 12, 2006 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview, Blake discusses his personal history and moving to New York, New York at the age of three. Blake talks about his life in New York, moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1990, and his starting his career as a tap dancer. He talks about performing in various productions across the United States, and teaching tap dancing. Lastly, Blake recalls the history of tap dancing in the United States and describes the audition process for dancers in Las Vegas.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Frank Rist conducted by William F. Vornholt on May 11, 1978 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Rist discusses his personal history working as a musician and owning a bar in Las Vegas, Nevada. Rist also describes the development of Las Vegas over the years and the distinctions between the different casinos and shows.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Mike Mullin conducted by Claytee D. White on September 06, 2019 for the Building Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Mullin discusses his early life in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania and moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1973. He recalls becoming a craps dealer, going into real estate, and establishing his company, Nevada Hand. Mullin talks about his company’s work to provide high-quality homes and supportive services for working families and seniors with fixed incomes. Lastly, Mullin describes the philanthropy behind his company and retiring from Nevada Hand.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Ronald Simone conducted by Claytee D. White on May 05, 2009 for the All That Jazz Oral History Project. In this interview Ronald Simone discusses his upbringing in Connecticut, moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in September 1960 with his friend Joe Mack, and his career as a jazz musician working at various lounges and showrooms throughout Las Vegas. He also discusses the various famous people he performed for and the July 1989 musicians strike.
Archival Collection