Oral history interview with Simeon Holloway conducted by Claytee D. White on April 18, 2013 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: A Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview Simeon Holloway describes moving to Las Vegas, Nevada after pursing an acting career in Los Angeles, California. He also talks about his friendship with composer and fellow Kappa Alpha Psi brother, Jester Hairston. He also discusses being active in the church and being a successful investor in the real estate market.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with William Murphy conducted by Donald Sutherland on February 20, 1972 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Murphy discusses his life in Henderson, Nevada. Murphy describes the growth of the city and briefly talks about subjects such as atomic bomb testing, indoor heating, and his career in the U.S. Navy.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Voris Perkins conducted by Elizabeth Patrick on November 12, 1983 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Perkins discusses the business and methods of mining salt. Perkins later discusses his career as a farmer as well as the climate and environment in Nevada. Lastly, Perkins discusses working for the Clark County Road Department.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Joseph LaVoie conducted by Stephanie Gillson on February 26, 1977 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, LaVoie discusses being a police officer in Las Vegas, Nevada from 1945 to 1966, as well as life around the city at the time and its expansion. LaVoie also discusses the nearby nuclear testing.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with William McLeod conducted by Valerie McLeod on March 16, 1978 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. McLeod begins by speaking about his career as a contractor, the growth of Las Vegas in the 1960s and the city’s population. Moreover, he speaks about recreational activities such as riding motorcycles and exploring mines around Nevada. McLeod also spends time going over Indian reservations around Nevada and neighboring states, the Lost City in Nevada, boomtowns and ghost towns. Lastly, McLeod talks about the history of water and springs in the state of Nevada, what he would consider to be the Old Ranch and the stagecoaches that passed through Gold Point, Nevada.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Ray Merrill conducted by his son, Rick Merrill, on March 14, 1978 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Ray Merrill describes how Las Vegas, Nevada has evolved and expanded over the years since he moved to Southern Nevada in 1942.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Dorothy Thompson conducted by Patricia Moore on February 18, 1980 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Thompson discusses the growth of Las Vegas, Nevada. Thompson also describes her life as the wife of a railroad worker. She briefly discusses religion, specifically Mormonism.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Ellen Lempe conducted by Paul Pearson on March 23, 1977 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Lempe discusses arriving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1952 and recalls her experiences as a telephone operator. Lempe then discusses the various recreational activities that Las Vegas, Nevada had to offer.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Charlie McLean conducted by Lisa Gioia-Acres on December 14, 2007 for the All That Jazz Oral History Project. McLean discusses making a living playing for the Ice Capades—traveling entertainment shows featuring theatrical ice skating performances—and in jazz bands after graduating from college. He also discusses moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1960 and playing at hotels such as the Frontier, Desert Inn, Riviera, Sahara, and the Tropicana.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Murl Emery conducted by R. C. Turner on March 26, 1976 and April 02, 1976 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. This interview covers early life and schooling in Nevada, and boating along the Colorado River.
Archival Collection