Oral history interview with Joanne Imprescia conducted by David Furbush on March 20, 1978 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Imprescia discusses her life as a hairdresser in Las Vegas, Nevada. Imprescia discusses the growth of Las Vegas and the local social climate of the 1950s. The interview concludes with Imprescia explaining her experiences as a Las Vegas business owner and the hairdressing industry in Southern Nevada.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Frank Johnson conducted by George Baker on February 21, 1980 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Johnson discusses his career as a journalist for the Nevada State Journal and how he transitioned into his position as a government official. Johnson then recalls problems that arose while he was chairman of the Nevada Gaming Commission. The interview concludes with Johnson speculating about the impact of industrial growth on the environment.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Donald E. Klinkner conducted by Barbara Fidelman on February 13, 1975 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Klinkner discusses his life and perspectives on Las Vegas, Nevada. Klinkner also describes the development of Fremont Street and the recreational activities that he participated in during the 1950s and 1960s. The interview concludes with Klinkner explaining the misconceptions that tourists have about Las Vegas, Nevada.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Ruby C. Leavitt conducted by her grandson, Patton Alberti, on November 30, 1986 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Leavitt describes her early childhood in Genoa, Nevada, and then discusses moving to different towns in northern Nevada while working as a teacher. Leavitt also discusses the expansion of Reno, Nevada and her time attending University of Nevada, Reno in the 1920s.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Carmon Meswarb conducted by Judy Hammer on April 15, 1976 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Meswarb discusses working various odd jobs while playing trombone in a casino relief band. Meswarb describes the nightlife atmosphere, the history of entertainment in Las Vegas, Nevada, and playing for various celebrities. Most notably, Meswarb discusses playing for Elvis Presley.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Elissa Miller conducted by Frank D. Fusco on March 03, 1980 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Miller discusses her family and personal history. Miller begins by discussing her parents' immigration to the United States from Czechoslovakia and Peru respectively. She goes on to discuss her numerous travels with her husband, and their eventual settlement in Virgina City, Nevada.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Winnie Prince conducted by A. D. Hopkins on December 17, 1998 for the
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Charles Alvin (Todd) Early Jr. conducted by Brenda Sue Cody on March 25, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. During the interview, Early discusses mining, the building of Hoover (Boulder) Dam, and train travel being the central mode of transportation in the early days of the region. He also discusses the quick and easy divorce process and gambling as the main tourist attractions in Nevada.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Phillip B. McVey conducted by Carl Amante in approximately 1976 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In the interview, McVey discusses his ancestors moving to Nevada between 1867 and 1868 and his birth in Eureka, Nevada. McVey describes graduating from the University of Nevada, Reno, working as a land and water surveyor throughout Nevada, and moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in approximately 1960. Other interview topics include visiting the Las Vegas Mormon Fort with Jim Cashman, Sr., public transportation, environmental and noise pollution, and social acceptance toward minorities within Las Vegas.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Ava Carino conducted by Isabelle Rice on November 20, 2021 for the Reflections: The Las Vegas Asian American and Pacific Islander Oral History Project. In this interview, Carino recalls their experience as a Filipino American growing up in Las Vegas, Nevada. They discuss working in the gaming industry, past traumatic experiences, and their family's immigration story. Please note the following disclaimer: This interview contains language or content that some may find offensive or triggering. Please contact special.collections@unlv.edu for further information.
Archival Collection