On January 8, 1975, collector James M. Greene interviewed John D. Gieck (born January 1st, 1902 in Belle, Missouri) at his home in Boulder City, Nevada. In this interview Mr. Gieck discusses his various career changes throughout his life, including the building of Hoover Dam (Boulder Dam). He also discusses living in Boulder City from its beginnings as a town.
On February 10, 1977, Frederick Dougan interviewed Russell Grater (born 1907 in Lebanon, Indiana) about his career in the U.S. National Park Service. Grater first talks about his move to the Southern Nevada area and his work that impacted the Hoover Dam project. He then talks about the town of St. Thomas, Nevada, the Lost City, and the activities of tourists. Grater also talks about his work in excavation, the indigenous American Indian tribes of the area, findings on petroglyphs, and the types of wildlife that were found in the area. He later talks about findings related to fossils, gold mining, the effects of World War II on the dam project, and vegetation in the area.
On November 25, 1974, collector James M. Greene interviewed Russell K. Grater (born November 16th, 1907 in Lebanon, Indiana) in his home in Boulder City, Nevada. This interview offers an overview of the United States Park Service. Mr. Grater also offers an overview on the history of housing developments in the Las Vegas Valley and Nelson Township. The interview concludes with discussion on the leaf system of local plants.
On March 27th, 1981, collector Michael D. Taylor interviewed housewife Flora Hannig-Kellar (born January 24th, 1902 in Washington, Utah) in Henderson, Nevada. This interview is Flora Hannig-Kellar’s personal account on growing up in Nevada. She discusses home and family life and local social and recreational activities. During the interview Mrs. Hannig-Kellar also shares some of the poetry she wrote about Nevada and her family, specifically her children and grandchildren.
On March 13, 1981, Andy Sturgeon interviewed attorney Lawrence Hawley in his office on 302 East Carson Street, Las Vegas, Nevada. The two discuss how Hawley first came to Nevada, as well as his personal family history. Hawley describes Hoover Dam as it was being built, the effects of the Depression on Nevada, and how Las Vegas has grown in size. Hawley also discusses liquor laws and how practicing law has changed since he first moved to Nevada.
From the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas, OH-00822. On March 10, 1981, Joseph L. Erb interviewed Ruth E. Hazard (born June 25th, 1907 in Marshall, Michigan) in Las Vegas, Nevada. At the time of the interview, Ruth had lived in Nevada for over forty years. Ruth discusses living and working in Las Vegas and Carson City, Nevada. She also covers various subjects including: the atomic tests and the growth of the hotel industry.
On March 27, 1977, collector Jeff Crampton interviewed accountant, Ruth E. Hazard (born June 25th, 1907 in Marshall, Michigan) in Las Vegas, Nevada. The interview takes place at the collector’s home and offers an overview of life in early Las Vegas from 1931 to 1977. The interview concludes with a discussion on local atomic testing.
On October 16, 1986, Layne Covington interviewed Elbert Edwards (born 1907 in Panaca, Nevada) about his life in Southern Nevada. Edwards first talks about his family background before talking about what it was like to live in Panaca. He then talks about changes in Southern Nevada, particularly those in Boulder City that have taken place over time. Edwards later talks about the work of his wife and both of their political involvement and his involvement and career in education. The latter part of the interview includes discussion of the building of Boulder Dam, Edwards’ job as a registrar in the Selective Service, and the effects that the war years had on Las Vegas.
On March 19, 1978, Marcela Yepes interviewed Richard Erbe (born 1922 in El Monte, California) about his experiences in Las Vegas, Nevada and specifically about his career in education. Erbe first talks about his family background and German ancestry before describing how he ended up moving to Nevada. He then describes his wife’s father’s background in the gaming industry and some of the early illicit casinos that existed in California. The interview shifts to Erbe’s educational background, his first teaching position as a fifth grade teacher, his experience in the military, and his reasoning for not seeking employment in the gaming industry. The two also discuss church activity, politics, and social activities in Las Vegas. The latter part of the interview includes Erbe’s viewpoints on the issues in the educational system, his experiences as a principal at multiple Clark County schools, and some of the challenges he encountered in the administrative side in the field of education.
On February 7, 1977, collector Enrico Messina interviewed Edith Leavitt (born April 12th, 1924, in St. George, Utah) at her home in Las Vegas, Nevada. In this interview, Mrs. Leavitt talks about teaching in Southern Nevada, including in the Virgin Valley and in Las Vegas. She also discusses the changing education system in Southern Nevada during her time as an educator.