Oral history interview with Richard D. Chase conducted by Helen Rondthaler on October 17, 1972 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Chase discusses the history of Las Vegas, Nevada from 1945, touching on topics such as the housing shortage during the 1940s, The Red Rooster swingers’ club, Billy Moore, Sam Larson, Ira Goldring, atomic bomb testing, and the Nevada environment. Chase discusses the importance of construction-based labor to the development of Southern Nevada. Chase also explains at length the impact of the Nevada Test Site on his construction company.
Oral history interview with Maury Soss conducted by Nyla Petersen on February 20, 1980 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Soss discusses his personal history and the history of Las Vegas, Nevada. Soss describes the casinos, clubs, and life in Las Vegas during the early 1930s, and running Fanny's, a dress store, with his mother. He also describes women's fashion in the 1930s and how modern styles have changed since the early twentieth century. Soss goes on to discuss the Helldorado Parade, the development of Las Vegas through its casinos and public works, and the entertainers who have performed over the years in Las Vegas. Soss then talks about the arts community in Las Vegas and the need for a greater artistic culture in the city.
Oral history interview with Lestor Burgwardt conducted by Connie Carr on February 09, 1980 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Burgwardt covers local entertainment, Lake Mead, school districts, and gaming’s effect on the educational system. He also recalls his move to Nevada and offers a general overview of Henderson, Nevada in 1954.
Oral history interview with Muriel Parks conducted by Judy Drappo on February 26, 1979 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Parks discusses her personal history and the history of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). Parks discusses her career working at UNLV as the Director of Admissions and Records, and how the university has changed over time. Parks also discusses the career of Maude Frazier and their personal relationship.
Oral history interview with Robert Griffith conducted by Jerry Gatch on March 19, 1976 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Griffith discusses arriving to Las Vegas, Nevada, and the development of railroads throughout Southern Nevada. He later talks about the first casinos, hotels, and the construction of Boulder (Hoover) Dam.
Oral history interview with Donna L. Miller conducted by Claytee D. White on July 15, 2015 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. Miller begins by describing her early upbringing on her family's potato farm in Oregon before moving to Las Vegas, Nevada. She discusses attending Las Vegas High School, joining the Rhythmettes, the school's female dance group, and her experiences in the Rhythmettes, including where she performed and the team's coach, Evelyn Stuckey. Miller also briefly discusses working as a secretary at the Sahara Hotel and Casino and real estate in Las Vegas.
Oral history interview with Line Renaud conducted by Claytee D. White on January 08, 2015 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Renaud discusses her career as a singer and her experiences being in entertainment and show business. Renaud begins by describing her upbringing in northern France and what life was like in the country during World War II. She discusses becoming a prominent singer following the war, and performing at the Casino de Paris in Paris, France before being asked to lead a show at the Dunes Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada during the 1960s. Renaud talks about her associations with other celebrities, such as recording with Dean Martin and Nat King Cole, and meeting Bob Hope and performing on his show. Renaud also explains how she helped the Paris Las Vegas obtain the rights from the city of Paris, France to recreate the Eiffel Tower and how she organized the opening of the casino.
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.
Oral history interview with Mabel Newton conducted by Don C. Bittle on February 26, 1977 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Newton discusses moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1945. Newton discusses living in Henderson, Nevada. Newton also talks about growth in housing, flooding, and overall changes in Henderson.
Oral history interview with Robert W. Adams conducted by Marta Plansville on March 11, 1976 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Adams discusses early housing in Las Vegas, Nevada, his father working at the Last Frontier Hotel, and becoming Mormon after his marriage in 1964.