Oral history interview with John West conducted by Claytee D. White on August 10, 2000 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, West discusses his family background and arriving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1954. West describes his educational experiences in Las Vegas and his career as a clinical psychologist. He recalls his father’s career in medicine and becoming the first African American licensed medical doctor in Las Vegas. West then talks about attending entertainment events before race integration was introduced, and the voting patterns in West Las Vegas. Lastly, West discusses his father’s decision to remain living in West Las Vegas and operating his medical office there after integration.
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Oral history interview with Esther Horner conducted by Maureen Brannon in approximately 1977 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Horner discusses the inaugural Helldorado Parade, her family’s establishment of B & H Grocery in Las Vegas, Nevada, atomic tests, presidential visits, social clubs, and the tragic death of actress Carole Lombard in a plane crash in Nevada. Horner also offers insight into religious life, the red-light districts, including the infamous Block 16, racial segregation, and gambling in the early days in Las Vegas.
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Oral history interview with Bertha Gresh conducted by Gary Eagleson on November 30, 1974 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Gresh discusses the history of Las Vegas, Nevada. Gresh then talks about mining and offers details surrounding specific mines, such as the Black Hawk Consolidated or Ran [Rand] Mine, the Techatticup Mine, the Wall Street Mine, and the Duncan Mine. Gresh then discusses the early days of Boulder City, Nevada and Henderson, Nevada. She also briefly mentions Block 16.
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Oral history interview with Vernon S. Caples conducted by Cheryl Caples on February 25, 1979 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Vernon S. Caples (born August 7th, 1891 in St. Johns, Oregon) discusses the history of Las Vegas, Nevada. Vernon describes what Las Vegas was like in the early days, from the Red Light District to the Nellis Air Force Base. He also mentions the implementation of a government program that was set in place to aid senior citizens living in Las Vegas.
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