Oral history interview with Ward W. Wengert conducted by Robert D. Myles on March 01, 1976 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Wengert discusses his personal history and Las Vegas, Nevada history. Wengert describes living in Las Vegas, observing the nuclear tests, and economic and environmental changes of Las Vegas. Wengert also discusses how Las Vegas has developed and changed, and flooding in Nevada.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with LaVerne A. Reid conducted by her daughter, Nancy Ann Reid, on March 13, 1978 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Reid describes her early life living in Bunkerville, Nevada and the town's history.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Muriel Euchner conducted by A. D. Hopkins on December 26, 1980 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Euchner discusses what it’s like being part of the “lost generation” of Tonopah, Nevada and her life as child there in the early 1900s.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Nick Perrone conducted by Claytee D. White on March 08, 2018 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Perrone discusses his family background and growing up in Worcester, Massachusetts. Perrone talks about working in a country club as a golf caddy, joining the United Stated Navy, and moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1961. He recalls his employment for the Sands Hotel, becoming a bellman, and the influence of organized crime within the casino industry. Perrone describes transferring to Caesars Palace, working closely with celebrities, and changes in the casino industry. Lastly, Perrone discusses the October 1 shooting.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with DeeDee Jasmin conducted by Claytee White on March 19, 1998 for the Women's Research Institute of Nevada (WRIN) Las Vegas Women Oral History Project. Jasmin opens the interview discussing her life growing up on the Westside of Los Angeles, California. Jasmin goes on to discuss her pursuit of a dance career as a youth. Jasmin got her first big break playing in the comedy musical Sugar Hill and after her high school years she starred in movies before moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1955. Jasmin describes her excitement meeting East Coast dancers during her stay in Las Vegas. Jasmin also discusses her interactions with the many famous actors, dancers, singers, and musicians she met during her career.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Marjorie Barrick conducted by Mary Beth Nitzschke on March 13, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas.In this interview Barrick discusses the sociological view of Nevadans in the gaming industry. Barrick also discusses the beginnings of University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), Las Vegas history, founding Child Haven, a center for abused and neglected children, owning the Flamingo Hotel and Casino and the Fremont Hotel, and the lack of cultural activities in the 1950s.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with John J. Lee conducted by Claytee D. White on June 15, 2016 for the Building Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Lee discusses his upbringing in North Las Vegas, Nevada. He talks about his initial interest in politics, being elected to the State Assembly District 3 and the Nevada State Senate. Lee describes the economic issues in North Las Vegas, running for Mayor of North Las Vegas, and being elected Mayor in 2013. Later, Lee discusses changes that he implemented as Mayor, obtaining permission to build new homes in North Las Vegas, and describes working with other Nevada politicians. Lastly, Lee talks about diversifying North Las Vegas.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Florence Smith conducted by her grandson, Sam Smith, on March 19, 1978 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Smith discusses the police department for Las Vegas, Nevada and crime in the city. She describes employment levels, the ease and difficulty of finding work, and where someone can find jobs. Smith talks about raising her children and federal government ownership of land in Nevada.
Archival Collection
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.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Mary Orduno conducted by Rachel Masek on March 14, 1978 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Orduno discusses her job experience as a cocktail waitress at the Last Frontier Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, and the types of entertainment available to people in Las Vegas at the time. Orduno discusses her time as president of the Las Vegas City Council, when she held a fashion show for mental health awareness in which Wayne Newton performed. Orduno goes on to discuss her involvement with the Beta Sigma Phi sorority on the campus of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
Archival Collection