On February 27, 1979, Cindy Gaylor interviewed engineering aid accountant, Laura Kelly (born December 31st, 1928 in Silverton, Colorado) in her home in Boulder City, Nevada. The two discuss Kelly’s reasons for moving, as well as her early life in Boulder City. They also discuss Nellis Air Force Base, as well as local politics. The interview concludes with a discussion of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in Southern Nevada, during the Great Depression.
On February 23, 1979, collector Joseph Concannen interviewed educator, Howard E. Hollingsworth (born October 3rd, 1927 in Preston, Idaho) in J. D. Smith Junior High School in Las Vegas, Nevada. This interview covers the history of Nevada. Mr. Hollingsworth also discusses the Mormon Fort, ranches, and the railroad.
On March 5, 1979, Randy Martin interviewed William George Hanson (born 1937 in Huntington Park, California) in his home at 4506 West Del Oro Drive, Las Vegas, Nevada. The interview begins with Hanson providing a brief overview of the different addresses that he has lived at as well as his personal background and interests. Hanson describes his experience playing on a racially integrated youth baseball team and his perception of the western side of Las Vegas; Hanson later recalls a rumor he had overheard about Howard Hughes. The two then discuss recreation in Las Vegas; specifically, jazz entertainers that would perform at lounges on the Strip, and swimming in hotel pools. The interview concludes with Mr. Hanson describing a pizzeria that he used to frequent in the 1950s.
On March 27, 1977, collector Jeff Crampton interviewed accountant, Ruth E. Hazard (born June 25th, 1907 in Marshall, Michigan) in Las Vegas, Nevada. The interview takes place at the collector’s home and offers an overview of life in early Las Vegas from 1931 to 1977. The interview concludes with a discussion on local atomic testing.
On February 23, 1980, Susan Korzennik interviewed construction worker John Erb (born on July 16th, 1932 in Denver, Colorado) in his home in Las Vegas, Nevada. This interview covers John’s construction work in the Las Vegas area in addition to family life in Nevada and local social, religious, and community activities. He also discusses being a member of the Elks Club and the Clark County Gentlemen’s Club.
On March 17, 1977, collector Cecilia Branch interviewed LeMoyne Legere (born in 1935) at her residence in Las Vegas, Nevada. In this interview, Mrs. Legere discusses various differences in Las Vegas from the time she was growing up to the date of the interview. She also discusses her involvement in high school and what people do for recreation.
The memories and recollections of Alice Thiriot Ballard Waite provide a most interesting look at both at the Junior League of Las Vegas in the 1970s and the early days of Las Vegas. Alice recalls her childhood and young adult years after she arrived in Las Vegas at the age of five, giving the reader a rare picture of Las Vegas in the 1950s and 1960s. She was most active in the volunteer community of Las Vegas and served as Junior League President in 1964-5. Her reminiscences about the events and activities during the years while she was a Junior League member are an invaluable insight into its history. The exhibits she is sharing are an important documentation of those years after the Service League became the Junior League. She herself was a forerunner of today's Active members because she was a single, working mother while serving as the first "professional" President of the League.
Interviewed by Laurents Bañuelos-Benitez. Gustavo Ramos Junior was born in Presidio, Texas. Growing up Ramos described his childhood as simple childhood, typical of someone that was born on farmland. At the age 10, Ramos and his family moved to California in hopes of better opportunities. When they arrived in California the family had to live in public housing, despite his father not wanting to, he realized it was the only way his family could start anew. Living in public housing influenced Ramos for the rest of his life, including his career as director of public housing in three states.
Jan Kennedy was born (1924) Janet Parmelee, the daughter of a Connecticut physician and a homemaker. In high school she met Norman Kennedy, who she would marry after both had attended college and to whom she was married for 64 years. Until 1963, their roots seemed to be taking hold in the Seattle area. That is until Norm was offered an attractive career opportunity as a weather man at the Nevada Test Site. They settled in and enjoyed a zest-filled life with their four sons and a dynamic group of friends who they often entertained at their cabin in Mount Charleston. In addition, Jan managed to volunteer for a list of organizations including UMC Hospital/Southern Nevada Memorial Hospital; Clark County Museum Guild; Salvation Army Women's Auxiliary; church deacon; Assistance League; Red Hats—keeping herself ever busy and joyfully satisfied.