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 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 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 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 interviews with Bob Stoldal conducted by Claytee D. White on May 22, 2014, May 23, 2014, and March 3, 2016 for African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In these interviews, Stoldal discusses his upbringing in California before moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1957. He talks about pursuing a career in journalism including working at Channel 3 and Channel 8, his interest in history, and involvement with cultural organizations including the Nevada State Museum, the MOB Museum, and Las Vegas Centennial Commission. Stoldal comments on the experiences of African Americans in Las Vegas including the 1969 Westside protests, sixth grade centers, and the treatment of entertainers.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Lubertha Johnson conducted by Perry Kaufman on April 17, 1972 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Johnson discusses segregation in businesses and throughout Las Vegas, Nevada. Johnson then recalls her involvement with the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) in 1940 and serving as president in the years 1953 and 1954.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Charles Deaner conducted by Claytee D. White on April 4, 2011 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. Charles Deaner discusses coming to Las Vegas, Nevada to practice law in the 1950s. He also discusses stories of his first law practice and legal case, as well as his insights and descriptions of the many changes that have occurred over the decades that he has lived and worked in the Las Vegas community.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Nancy Master conducted by Claytee D. White on July 14, 2006 and for the UNLV @ 50 Oral history Project. In this interview Nancy Master discusses moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1980 and getting a job at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) in 1981. She also discusses teaching library skills, history, and political science at UNLV.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with John H. Pappas conducted by James Greene on October 04, 1974 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Pappas describes coming to the United States during the early twentieth century, eventually making his way to Nevada in 1904. Pappas discusses working for the San Pedro, Los Angeles & Salt Lake Railroad Company helping to build the railroad from Caliente, Nevada to Las Vegas, Nevada. Pappas later discusses leaving Nevada, then returning to help build the Hoover (Boulder) Dam, before leaving due to the extreme heat. Pappas describes his personal history in Las Vegas, the city's changes, and opening his own restaurant.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Monroe Williams conducted by Claytee D. White on August 15, 2000 and August 22, 2000 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview Monroe Williams discusses moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1943, living in the historical Westside neighborhood, and being one of the first black fire fighters in Las Vegas. He also talks about being involved with the National Association for the Advancement of Colored Peoples (NAACP), being in the Navy for two years, and his real estate and property management companies.
Archival Collection