Search Results
Jack Bullock oral history interview
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Abstract
Oral history interview with Jack Bullock conducted by Julie Domonkos on March 15, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Bullock talks about his occupations in the gaming industry, including being a dealer both in Las Vegas, Nevada and other cities. Bullock also describes how Las Vegas has changed over the years since the 1940s, including working in casinos prior to corporations entering the gaming industry, and the changes in the entertainment industry.
Archival Collection
John F. Cahlan oral history interview
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Oral history interview with John Cahlan conducted by James Weslowski on April 10, 1978 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Cahlan discusses his memory of the beginning of Nellis Air Force Base, originally named the Las Vegas Aerial Gunnery School for the Army Air Corps. He also discusses the role of the city commissioners in establishing Nellis as a permanent airbase, as well as the role of Western Air Express, a commercial air company which eventually became Western Airlines.
Archival Collection
Thalia Dondero oral history interview
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Abstract
Oral history interview with Thalia Dondero conducted by Mary Germain on March 13, 1976 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Dondero discusses being a leader for the Girl Scouts, and how some of those experiences led her to get involved in politics. Dondero also mentions her work with National Geographic and working with oil paintings and watercolors. Dondero then recalls her work as a commissioner for Clark County, Nevada and some of the challenges she has faced.
Archival Collection
Fred Gibson oral history interview
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Oral history interview with Fred Gibson conducted by Maisie Gibson on March 9, 1975 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Gibson discusses his Las Vegas, Nevada experiences, his college education, and his various careers in the United States Army and engineering. Gibson then talks about his membership in clubs and organizations, and his memories of early Fremont Street and the Helldorado Parade. He also covers the topics of mining, the atomic testing, economic and environmental changes, and social changes.
Archival Collection
Mel Greb oral history interview
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Abstract
Oral history interview with Mel Greb conducted by an unknown collector on March 11, 1976 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Greb discusses his experiences as a boxing fanatic in Las Vegas, Nevada. Greb also describes attending hundreds of boxing matches, including significant championship matches. Greb then explains the requirements to become a successful boxer.
Archival Collection
Marion B. Earl oral history interview
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Oral history interview with Marion B. Earl conducted by Perry Kaufman on April 04, 1972 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Earl discusses his personal Las Vegas, Nevada history, including his time as Chamber of Commerce president, restaurants he enjoyed on Fremont Street, and land distributors building up Downtown Las Vegas.
Archival Collection
Transcript of interview with Kenny Epstein by Barbara Tabach, May 1, 2015
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Archival Collection
Description
On a pleasant spring evening at sundown in April 2017, a Pop-Up Shabbat draws a crowd of Jews to the Jackie Gaughan Parkway at the El Cortez Hotel & Casino. Proudly, and quietly, watching from the sideline is Kenny Epstein, owner of the El Cortez. He seeks no recognition, but is enjoying the gathering for Sabbath services and the music that will fill the air. Kenny Epstein is also a classic enthusiast of Las Vegas history. The nostalgia is evident as one walks through the casino and reinforced by the stories of a man who has experienced the city’s growth since moving here in 1959 at the age of 18. The timeline of Kenny’s teen years begins with his bar mitzvah in Chicago and a story of prizefighter Rocky Marciano giving a brief toast. When he was 15, his parents, Ike and Adele Epstein, took the family to visit Las Vegas. About three years later, his father became an executive at the Stardust. Kenny’s own imprint on Las Vegas history was just beginning. In this brief interview, he mentions an illustrious list of mentors and recalls many historic moments from the history of the Las Vegas Strip. All of which led to his ownership of The El Cortez—advertised as the longest continuously operating hotel/casino.
Text
Therese Thomas oral history interview
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Oral history interview with Therese Thomas conducted by Dennis McBride on March 13, 1995 for the Boulder City Library Oral History Project. In the interview, Thomas discusses her early life in Thistle, Utah before moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in approximately 1931, where her father worked on the Hoover Dam (Boulder Dam) construction. Thomas then talks about her early schooling in Boulder City, Nevada, her experiences as a swing and dance band musician, Block 16 in the Clark Las Vegas Townsite, and her memories of Las Vegas hotels and casinos. Other subjects Thomas covers include Las Vegas entertainers, entertainment venues, and women in the music industry during the 1930s.
Archival Collection
Herbert C. Wells oral history interview
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Oral history interview with Herbert C. Wells conducted by Dr. David Emerson on March 08, 2006 for the UNLV @ 50 Oral History Project. Wells discusses his work as a professor of civil and environmental engineering at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, as well as his credentials within the program.
Archival Collection
Christopher Phipps oral history interview
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Oral history interview with Chris Phipps conducted by Dennis McBride on November 16, 1998 for the Las Vegas Gay Archives Oral History Project. Phipps talks about coming to terms being a gay man in California, being involved with the Apollo Spa and Health center, and becoming a lawyer.
Archival Collection