On February 27th, 1979, Pamela Atkins interviewed Vivian Harwell in Las Vegas, Nevada. Harwell begins the interview by explaining her reasons for moving to Las Vegas from Arkansas, and the type of living quarters that she had. She then goes on to talk about the recreation in Las Vegas in addition to the Nevada Test Site and local politics. The two later discuss the convenience of having local colleges available in Las Vegas and the availability of children’s activities in Las Vegas. The interview concludes with Harwell’s personal reflection on her time living in Las Vegas, and that she does not regret moving to Las Vegas.
On March 2, 1980, collector Robert F. Darling interviewed state assemblywoman, Karen Hayes (born October 16th, 1935 in Cedar City, Utah) in her home in Las Vegas, Nevada. This interview covers her personal history, the history of Las Vegas, and the local political environment. The gaming industry is also discussed, in addition to the Sagebrush rebellion and future local political projections and trends.
On March 13, 1981, collector Mark Kevin Ryhlick interviewed local technician, Leeander Fields Hayes (born on May 23rd, 1907 in Salt Lake City, Utah) in his home in Las Vegas, Nevada. This interview covers the history of entertainment in Las Vegas from the mid-forties to 1958. Brother Hayes, as he requests the collector to call him, specifically covers the local live music and comedy scenes. He also touches on the topic of segregation and how Black entertainers, such as Lena Horne, were treated when they came to perform in Las Vegas, Nevada.
On March 8, 1975, John Neal interviews Ruth Hazard (birthdate unknown, 67 years old) in her home about her memory of how Southern Nevada has changed economically. Hazard goes in-depth about her knowledge of municipal politics and her husband’s friendships with a number of Nevadan politicians. Hazard also briefly talks about her fascination with the above-ground atomic tests, speakeasies during Prohibition, and local anxieties about Las Vegas “losing its identity.”
On February 9, 1980, collector Stephen M. Singer interviewed schoolteacher, Lomie Heard (born January 22nd, 1906 in Carlsbad, New Mexico) in her home in Las Vegas, Nevada. This interview covers education over the span of thirty years, and includes an overview on the building of the University of Nevada Las Vegas. Also discussed during this interview: Nellis Air Force Base, jet airplanes at Nellis, military families, and the Nevada Test Site.
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.
On October 18, 1974, James M. Greene interviewed Murl Emery (born June 7th, 1903 in Bolton, California) at his home in Nelson, Nevada. Also present during the interview is Mrs. Emery and Mr. Dutch Eckhart, a guest who has just arrived to visit with Mr. Emery. The interview covers Mr. Emery’s personal experience in and around Southern Nevada, particularly in the areas from Searchlight, Nevada to Nelson, to Boulder Canyon, but mostly on the Colorado River. Mr. Eckhart also helps to interject some insight into the popularity of the Model T Ford in those days and early days of newly paved roads. Additionally, they discuss water shortage, wells, the building of the railroad, and mining in Nevada. Mr. Emery also discusses the books that were written about his adventurous life, his discoveries and his explorations.
On March 12, 1977, Lance Kenny interviewed realtor, Doris Evans (born in Dexter, Missouri) at her place of business, Doris Evans Realty, located at 1100 Cahlan Drive, Las Vegas, Nevada. This interview covers Boulder City and Las Vegas [1937-1977]. During the interview Doris discusses real estate, local hotels, early transportation, and social recreation. She also mentions the nuclear tests, crime, environmental changes, and marriage and family life in Boulder City and Las Vegas. Doris’s business partner, Patty (Renette Beringer), is also present during the interview and helps Doris recall the year they started Doris Evans Realty in Las Vegas, Nevada.
On February 24, 1979, Suzanne Wright interviewed Stella Fleming (born December 1, 1897 in Victoria, Canada) about her experiences as a Las Vegas, Nevada resident and as a worker in the welfare department in Clark County. Fleming first talks about some of her work in welfare and specifically the early practices of the welfare administration. She also discusses her work as it related to the Works Progress Administration, the American Red Cross, and the Nevada Emergency Relief Program. Fleming also provided some anecdotes about her experiences in that field before moving on to discuss some of the historical aspects of Las Vegas, such as the atomic testing, specific landmarks and locations, and the development of the city.
On June 26, 1975, Sharon Hildebrandt interviewed Dorothy Ross Fletcher (born 1936 in Las Vegas, Nevada) about growing up in and living in Southern Nevada. Fletcher first talks about that various towns in which she lived while growing up before discussing the schools she attended. She also discusses the changes in schools, her involvement in politics, church activity, gambling as a recreational activity, and prominent visitors who came to Las Vegas. Fletcher also talks about living in Nevada during World War II, the atomic testing, environmental changes and extreme weather, and the social changes in Las Vegas. The latter part of the interview involves discussion of real estate, the introduction of air conditioning for cooling, changes on the Las Vegas Strip, recreational activities available to youth in Las Vegas and the increase in the nonnative population.