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Max Velasquez oral history interview

Identifier

OH-01875

Abstract

Oral history interview with Max Velasquez conducted by Janice F. Hurtubise on March 08, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Velasquez discusses his personal history as a construction worker in Las Vegas, Nevada. He describes the construction projects he worked on and the differences between 1950s construction and construction at the current time. Velasquez goes on to discuss the government regulations workers had to follow, how water pipelines were laid, and the types of equipment used in construction. Lastly, Velasquez talks about the bidding process for contractors and environmental changes in Las Vegas.

Archival Collection

Mara Vlaovich oral history interview

Identifier

OH-01883

Abstract

Oral history interview with Mara Vlaovich conducted by her grandson, Michael J. Vlaovich, on February 23, 1976 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Vlaovich discusses immigrating to Goldfield, Nevada in 1910 from the former Yugoslavia. Vlaovich describes life in Goldfield during the early twentieth century, as well as what the working conditions were like for miners. She talks about witnessing a major flood in Goldfield, which swept away houses and animals, as well as what childbirth was like in the rural town. Lastly, Vlaovich discusses moving to Tonopah, Nevada in 1918 and life there.

Archival Collection

Frank Suda oral history interview

Identifier

OH-01894

Abstract

Oral history interview with Frank Suda conducted by Eileen Green on March 03, 1976 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Suda describes life in Las Vegas, Nevada in 1942, where he was sent for military training during World War II. He discusses the history of the Las Vegas Flexible Gunnery School which was located in what became Indian Springs, Nevada, and the establishment of Nellis Air Force Base. He talks about recreational activities in Las Vegas, including listing different entertainers and casinos that were present at the time.

Archival Collection

John P. Watkins oral history interview

Identifier

OH-01925

Abstract

Oral history interview with John P. Watkins conducted by Brian Watkins on March 04, 1979 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Watkins discusses his personal history and education in medicine. He then describes being one of the first urologists in Las Vegas, Nevada and recalls his experiences at various hospitals throughout the city. Later, Watkins discusses the first malpractice insurance available and why such insurance was important for private physicians. Lastly, Watkins describes the American Medical Association (AMA), construction of Hoover Dam (Boulder Dam), and the development of casinos on the Las Vegas Strip.

Archival Collection

Walter Weiss oral history interview

Identifier

OH-01939

Abstract

Oral history interview with Walter Weiss conducted by Claytee D. White on November 02, 2010 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Walter Weiss discusses how Judaism and boxing kept him out of trouble in his youth. Weiss talks about his boxing training, becoming a runner for a bookmaker, and coming to Las Vegas, Nevada in the 1950s to be a bookmaker for the Stardust Hotel, and working the slot machine floor. He also talks about having several different jobs in various casinos, and discusses different people involved in the gaming industry in Las Vegas.

Archival Collection

Henry E. Wellman oral history interview

Identifier

OH-01942

Abstract

Oral history interview with Henry E. Wellman conducted by Rebecca Rounds on March 14, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Wellman discusses his personal history and the history of Boulder City, Nevada. Wellman describes the construction of Hoover Dam (Boulder Dam), being a laborer working on the dam, and life in Boulder City during the 1940s. He talks about the United States government selling housing and land after the completion of Hoover Dam and how Las Vegas, Nevada has changed and expanded. Wellman also discusses the legalization of alcohol in Boulder City.

Archival Collection

Harry Wham oral history interview

Identifier

OH-01962

Abstract

Oral history interview with Harry Wham conducted by Martha Mast on March 07, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Wham discusses arriving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1954 as an entertainer at the Silver Slipper Casino. Wham then talks about underwater diving and his experiences as a professional diver. Wham later recalls discovering jellyfish and other marine animals at Lake Mead during one of his diving trips. Lastly, Wham discusses the changes that Las Vegas went through, specifically changes in live entertainment around the city.

Archival Collection

Erick Spiess oral history interview

Identifier

OH-01746

Abstract

Oral history interview with Erick Spiess conducted by Gretchen Spiess on June 29, 1975 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Spiess discusses the history of the Nevada Test Site, and briefly discusses Las Vegas, Nevada history. Spiess describes his career as the technical liaison at the Nevada Test Site working for EG & G, Inc. and the research performed there, including the model town built to observe the effects of a nuclear weapon on an urban area. Spiess goes on to discuss how Las Vegas residents reacted to the testing, and how Las Vegas has changed.

Archival Collection

Earl Stokes oral history interview

Identifier

OH-01775

Abstract

Oral history interview with Earl Stokes conducted by his son, William R. Stokes, on March 02, 1980 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Stokes discusses working in the moving and shipping industry of Las Vegas, Nevada. Stokes talks about the history of the companies he worked for, the condition of roads in Las Vegas during the 1960s, and who he moved materials for, including the Las Vegas Convention Center and Nellis Air Force Base. He continues, discussing life in Las Vegas, the Helldorado Parades, and how Las Vegas has changed.

Archival Collection

Patricia Becker oral history interview

Identifier

OH-02082

Abstract

Oral history interview with Patricia Becker conducted by Claytee D. White on April 15, 2014 for the West Charleston Neighborhoods: An Oral History Project of Ward 5. In this interview Patricia Becker discusses her extensive law career serving as deputy attorney general and as the first woman selected to serve on Nevada's Gaming Control Board. She then discusses moving on to become general counsel for Hararh's Entertainment International and to becoming the senior Vice President of corporate affairs and legal adviser for Aladdin Gaming. She finally discusses the opening of her law firm, Patricia Becker and Associates, and her work with the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

Archival Collection