Oral history interview with Lance Burton conducted by Barbara Tabach on September 17, 2020 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. Lance discusses his personal and professional histories and how he came to be a headliner at the Monte Carlo in Las Vegas. He also discusses his recent affairs after retiring from performing on the Strip in 2010. Subjects discussed include: Lance Burton Theater; International Brotherhood of Magicians
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.
Oral history interview with Gene Leavitt conducted by his son, Monte Leavitt, on February 28, 1979 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Mr. Leavitt talks about his career as a truck and bus driver. He also talks about the life in Southern Nevada, the soldiers stationed here, and gambling. Leavitt also briefly discusses doing drilling work on the Boulder (Hoover) Dam.
Oral history interview with James M. Lancaster conducted by Linda Voorvart on March 04, 1980 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Lancaster explains how he first came to Southern Nevada from Mexico and Cuba. Lancaster then goes on to explain his occupational history as a senior safety engineer and power plant operator, and the different jobs that he held in Southern Nevada, specifically at the Nevada Test Site.
Oral history interview with Barbara Mowry conducted by Jon Sedlacek on February 16, 1979 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Mowry describes moving to Las Vegas, Nevada from California in 1949 to get a divorce, before remarrying and entering into the restaurant business with her new husband. Mowry discusses buying an established restaurant, the Villa Venice, with her husband, and the eventual fire that would destroy the restaurant in 1952. Mowry describes running the restaurant, the different kinds of recreation in Las Vegas during the 1950s, and how Las Vegas has changed since she moved there. Mowry also discusses the prejudice against African Americans in Las Vegas, and how her husband would have to let in African American performers such as Sammy Davis Jr. or Pearl Bailey through the back door of their restaurant.
Oral history interview with Leo Dunbar conducted by Connie Degernes and Helen Littleton on February 24, 1975 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Dunbar discusses the construction of Boulder (Hoover) Dam.
Oral history interview with James Hogan conducted by Mary Hogan on October 12, 1975 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. The interview covers the life of a Las Vegas old-timer. Mr. Hogan discusses moving to Las Vegas, early Las Vegas, Nevada Boulder (Hoover) Dam, and the Stewart Ranch. Colonel T. W. Miller and Vic Whittlesea are also mentioned.
Oral history interview with Al Levy conducted by Cheryl Caples and Martha Zehnder on February 23, 1979 and March 8, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Levy discusses Las Vegas, Nevada history, notably Jewish discrimination in the city.
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.
Oral history interview with Art Ham conducted by an unknown interviewer on April 24, 1972 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Art Ham discusses Las Vegas, Nevada business and law after World War II.