Oral history interview with Carmon Meswarb conducted by Judy Hammer on April 15, 1976 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Meswarb discusses working various odd jobs while playing trombone in a casino relief band. Meswarb describes the nightlife atmosphere, the history of entertainment in Las Vegas, Nevada, and playing for various celebrities. Most notably, Meswarb discusses playing for Elvis Presley.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Lee H. Lisby conducted by Glen E. Davis on July 10, 1975; Rita O'Brien on April 10, 1978; and Elizabeth Patrick on May 10, 1978 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In 1942, Lisby moved from Tallulah, Louisiana to Las Vegas, Nevada. Lisby talks about living conditions and work opportunities for African-Americans in Las Vegas.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Benny Lipson conducted by Edward Veatch on March 09, 1976 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Lipson recalls his personal history and discusses his occupations in aviation. Lipson then discusses how casinos have changed the way they operated, and how Las Vegas, Nevada has become more expensive.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Wilford "Witt" C. Olive conducted by Gordon R. Brusso on April 13, 1977 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Olive discusses local live entertainment venues during the 1930s and 1940s in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with R. Guild Gray conducted by James Benson on March 05, 1977 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Guild discusses Nevada’s school districts’ history, his teaching background, and the Peabody Study Abroad institute.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Daniel Atti conducted by Don Buttle on March 19, 1978 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Atti discusses the growth of Las Vegas, Nevada, casino developments, and hotel operations. He also talks about Las Vegas’ entertainment and vacationing culture.
Archival Collection
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Archival Component
Oral history interview with Philip Partridge conducted by Virginia Collins on March 07, 1976 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Partridge discusses education, early Las Vegas, Nevada, and the development of casinos and gambling.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Mildred Bardy conducted by Deborah Grant on March 11, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In the interview Bardy discusses the famous celebrities who would come to purchase clothing at the specialty clothing department store where she worked, as well as the costumes that were made there for the Helldorado Parade. Bardy also discuss some of the changes in Las Vegas over time, particularly the changes in fashion styles.
Archival Collection