Oral history interview with Harold Schnitzlein conducted by Anne Cvetkovic on March 13, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Schnitzlein discusses his life experiences in Southern Nevada. He talks about changes in the Las Vegas Strip since the 1950s, and life in Boulder City, Nevada.
Oral history interview with Dennis Ritz conducted by Claytee D. White on September 29, 2017 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Ritz discusses his early life in rural Pennsylvania. He recalls his initial interest in entertainment, moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1965, and becoming an entertainment director for hotels and casinos. Ritz talks about the influence of organized crime in Las Vegas, and the various shows he worked on.
Oral history interview with Sydney Wickliffe conducted by Claytee D. White on February 01, 2013 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. Wickliffe discusses her childhood in both Long Beach, California and Las Vegas, Nevada. She also discusses working as an auditor for the Gaming Control Board, then as deputy chief. Wickliffe then talks about her position as director of Nevada's Department of Business and Industry and serving as a member of Governor Kenny Guinn's cabinet.
Oral history interview with Donald Beagle conducted by Michael Clibon in 1976 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. During this oral history interview, Beagle discusses his upbringing in Wyoming, being stationed at Nellis Air Force Base, and working for J.A Tiberti Construction Company. Mr. Beagle’s wife, Mrs. Beagle is also present during the interview, and adds her input on the topic of raising a family in Nevada.
Oral history interview with Jean Bennett conducted by Claytee D. White on July 8, 2008 for the All That Jazz Oral History Project. Bennett discusses how she went to California from Missouri to pursue her dreams of being a singer. She also discusses her career working for Buck Ram, who wrote, produced and arranged for the Platters, the Drifters, and many more singing groups of early rock-and-roll and rhythm-and-blues genres.
Oral history interview with Jack Herst conducted by Suzan DiFederico on March 01, 1976 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Herst talks about the population growth in Nevada and emphasizes the significant changes that Las Vegas, Nevada has experienced from its origins as a small town. Herst also discusses his personal family history, his Jewish identity, community affiliations, and his career as a card dealer and broker at different casinos.
Oral history interview with Helen Smith conducted by Claytee D. White on February 20, 2007 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Smith discusses her personal history and moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1956. She then talks about her employment at Southern Nevada Memorial Hospital and the change to University Medical Center (UMC). Smith recalls an air conditioning business she co-owned with her husband at the time, and the activities she did as a member of Daughters of the Nile, a women's community service organization. Lastly, she discusses education and the general changes in Las Vegas.
Oral history interview with DeRuyter O. Butler conducted by Stefani Evans and Claytee D. White on September 15, 2016 for the Building Las Vegas Oral History Project. Butler begins with discussing his early life and joining Steve Wynn's Atlandia Design in Atlantic City, New Jersey in 1982. He then talks about moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1986. The interview focuses on the design and development of various Las Vegas casinos.
Oral history interview with George A. Deverell conducted by Sharon M. Smith on April 26, 1985 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Deverell discusses working in the gaming industry, general Nevada history, World War II, and being raised under the Mormon religion.
Oral history interview with Mert Wilber conducted by Gabriel Filippone on March 05, 1977 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Wilber discusses his arrival to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1942 to work for the Basic Magnesium Plant in Henderson, Nevada. Wilber describes how and where the magnesium was mined. Wilber lastly discusses the low crime rate at the time, and the sudden growth in population starting in the 1950s.