Oral history interview with Tommy Nelson conducted by Art Rader on November 29, 1974 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Nelson discusses the history of Boulder City, Nevada and his career as a musician. He describes moving to Boulder City in 1932 and working as a laborer on the construction of Hoover Dam (Boulder Dam). Nelson describes life in the city during the construction of the dam, how the dam was built, and how Boulder City has changed. Nelson continues, talking about being a trumpeter, performing in various orchestras in Las Vegas, Nevada casino shows, and for injured United States service members during World War II.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Bruce Woodbury conducted by Claytee D. White on February 25, 2009 for the Voices of the Historic John S. Park Neighborhood Oral History Project. In this interview, Woodbury discusses his personal history in Las Vegas, Nevada and his experiences living in the John S. Park neighborhood since the 1940s. He describes the homes in that area and the relationship that the neighborhood has to the Las Vegas Strip. Later, Woodbury discusses participating in the Helldorado Parade and talks of its significance to the city. He then recalls Fremont Street and the development of the Las Vegas Strip. Lastly, Woodbury discusses his career as a lawyer and politician, as well as his appointment to the Clark County Commission in 1980.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Clifford R. Clayton conducted by Mechia Sydnor on November 11, 2014 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. Clayton begins the interview talking about his childhood in Virginia, and his subsequent move to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1960 in order to pursue a career in the military at Nellis Air Force Base. He then discusses working on the Strip in Las Vegas, as well as the influence of organized crime on casino operations. He then details the desegregation movement in Las Vegas throughout the 1960s and 1970s, as well as the notable leaders in the community. He also describes the night life in West Las Vegas, on the Strip, and on Fremont Street.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with James Prather conducted by Bruce Finkelstein on March 09, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Prather discusses his childhood and personal history in Las Vegas, Nevada. Prather discusses his education, recreational activities he did as a child, and how Las Vegas has changed. Prather describes the swampy marshlands he used to play in near Las Vegas, viewing nuclear weapons tests and the nuclear fallout safety drills they would perform in school, and witnessing a plane crash in the North Las Vegas, Nevada area. Prather also discusses the arrival of Howard Hughes in Las Vegas and the effect he had on the city.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Jack Ruggles Sr. conducted by Donald Parker on March 15, 1978 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Ruggles describes moving to early Boulder City, Nevada in 1931 as a child due to his step-father's supervisory job at the Hoover (Boulder) Dam. Ruggles describes life in Boulder City and later becoming a construction worker and helping to build the Basic Magnesium Plant in Henderson, Nevada. Ruggles goes on to discuss his career and experiences as a police officer in Las Vegas, Nevada. During the discussion of his career as a police officer, Ruggles describes his participation in maintaining racial segregation in casino properties for casino owners.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Mary Kincaid conducted by Lori Ferrario on February 29, 1980 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Kincaid discusses the World’s Fair and ranch life in Nevada.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Herb Knauss conducted by James Greene on September 29, 1974 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Knausse discusses Camp Wilson in Boulder City, Nevada.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Edna French conducted by Helen Littleton on November 18, 1974 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. French discusses her life in Boulder City, Nevada.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Robert Gore conducted by David Emerson on January 31, 2008 for the UNLV @ 50 Oral History Project. Gore discusses serving as a public relations officer for the United States Air Force and being a part of the Summa Corporation. He also discusses being one of the main promoters of an engineering school for the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with George Kavanaugh conducted by Iolanthe Bruton on February 25, 1973 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Kavanaugh discusses arriving in Las Vegas, Nevada and taking part in politics and gambling. Kavanaugh later talks about the Magnesium Plant in Henderson, Nevada as well as the atomic bomb testing.
Archival Collection