Oral history interview with Chester Davis conducted by Keith Sargent on June 24, 1987 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In his interview Davis discusses his time working as a librarian in the James Dickinson Library at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Davis focuses his interview on a remodel of the library both at the physical and technological level.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Max Velasquez conducted by Janice F. Hurtubise on March 08, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Velasquez discusses his personal history as a construction worker in Las Vegas, Nevada. He describes the construction projects he worked on and the differences between 1950s construction and construction at the current time. Velasquez goes on to discuss the government regulations workers had to follow, how water pipelines were laid, and the types of equipment used in construction. Lastly, Velasquez talks about the bidding process for contractors and environmental changes in Las Vegas.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Philip Murphy conducted by Stephen Johnson on January 22, 1972 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Murphy shares his memories of growing up in St. Thomas, Nevada. He also talks about the growth of Southern Nevada as people moved towards the west.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Michael Drakulich conducted by Jane Finfrock on May 8, 1979 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Drakulich discusses his career after graduating college and holding several teaching and coaching positions at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, including professor, golf coach, and athletic director. He also discusses the growth of the university, important figures in sports coaching at the university, and the growth of Las Vegas.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Lois Bell conducted by Sam Cusimano on unknown date for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Bell discusses her time as a cocktail waitress in various casinos, including her experiences of waiting on various celebrities. Bell also describes the changes of the Las Vegas Strip, her account of witnessing atomic testing events, and her position at Roxie’s, a brothel that existed during the early days of Las Vegas, Nevada.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Elmore B. Curtis conducted by Judy L. Curtis on March 1, 1975 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Fire department captain, Elmore B. Curtis covers life in Southern Nevada since 1942, including his personal history, and the early development of the Nevada Test Site. During the interview, Curtis also discusses early tourism and socio-economic progress in Southern Nevada.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Richard L. Starr conducted by Barrie S. Eddy on March 19, 1978 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Starr begins by discussing his career as an optical technician in Las Vegas, Nevada before transitioning into the service and repair industry for laundromats, and air conditioning. Starr describes how Las Vegas has changed, its population boom, and his hobby of prospecting. He also talks about flooding in Southern Nevada and housing development in Las Vegas.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Patricia Marchese conducted by A. D. Hopkins on July 02, 1999 for the Las Vegas Review-Journal First 100 Oral History Project. In the interview, Marchese discusses her parents and her early life in Tampa Bay, Florida, her husband and children, and arriving in Las Vegas, Nevada in 1972. She talks about her work in serigraphy (screen printing) with the United States Bureau of Reclamation while in Las Vegas. Marchese also recalls her work with the City of Las Vegas and Clark County developing art and cultural programs including Jazz Month and the Las Vegas Junior Symphony. Other subjects Marchese covers include art exhibits, performing arts, and the growth of the Las Vegas art community.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Harold McKay conducted by Dana Jamerson on March 13, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, McKay talks about the history of education in Southern Nevada. He specifically talks about the quality of education and racial integration in schools in early Las Vegas, Nevada.
Archival Collection