On February 22, 1977, James Bonnell interviewed Gerald L. Connor (born 1930 in Boston, Massachusetts) about his experiences in Nevada and his work in education. Connor first talks about his move to Nevada while he was a member of the United States Air Force. He then discusses his education, including that at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and also describes his church membership. Connor later talks about changes in the schools and school district, the growth of gambling and properties located in Downtown Las Vegas and the Las Vegas Strip, and the early atomic tests at the Nevada Test Site. He also describes in detail his political activity and involvement with the Democratic Party, including his work with candidates for the offices of Nevada Governor and United States Senator. Towards the end of the interview, Connor talks about events such as Helldorado, the growth of the city over time, and his thoughts on the future of Las Vegas.
Text
On an unspecified date in 1972, Ronald Johns interviewed Elbert Edwards (born 1907 in Panaca, Nevada) about his life in Southern Nevada. Edwards first talks about his family’s move to Panaca, Nevada in 1864 and talks briefly about his work in Las Vegas public schools during the Great Depression. The two also discuss the Boulder Dam, Edwards’ involvement in politics, and mining in Nevada. He also talks about the cost to build a home in Las Vegas in 1936, the development of Boulder City, and the way of life in the small town of Panaca. The interview then moves on to the topics of the early territorial boundaries of Nevada and Utah, the atomic testing at the Nevada Test Site, and early water sources in Southern Nevada.
Text
Text