Oral history interview with Russell K. Grater conducted by James M. Greene on November 25, 1974 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Grater discusses the National Park Service, the history of housing developments in Las Vegas, Nevada and Nelson, Nevada, the leaf system of local plants, and tourism.
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 Bill Hornbuckle conducted by Claytee D. White on December 03, 2019 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Hornbuckle discusses his early life Connecticut and arriving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1977. He talks about his initial interest in the hospitality industry, organizing venues, and becoming Chief Operating Officer of MGM Resorts International. Lastly, Hornbuckle describes the growth and future of the Las Vegas Strip.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Larry L. Woodrum conducted by Michael T. Groome on March 11, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Woodrum discusses banking in Southern Nevada. Woodrum then describes the growth in population of Las Vegas, Nevada, and explains why banking is important. Lastly, he discusses the advancement of banking in Las Vegas.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Manley Sorensen conducted by Michael Kelser on March 02, 1977 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Sorensen discusses the history of Las Vegas, Nevada. Sorensen discusses how Las Vegas has changed since 1936, including how the casinos in the city have changed and the disappearance of water springs around Las Vegas. Sorensen also discusses the El Rancho Hotel fire, prospecting for recreation, environmental changes, nuclear weapons tests, and flooding in Las Vegas.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Nafeesa Sallee conducted by John Grygo on March 21, 2013 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. Sallee discusses arriving in Las Vegas, Nevada, education in Clark County School District, and the challenges that West Las Vegas had with banking.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Janice Haupt Allen conducted by Barbara Tabach on November 27, 2017 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Allen discusses her early life and arriving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1947. She talks about her involvement in the Las Vegas community, becoming a news reporter with the
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Muriel Parks conducted by Judy Drappo on February 26, 1979 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Parks discusses her personal history and the history of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). Parks discusses her career working at UNLV as the Director of Admissions and Records, and how the university has changed over time. Parks also discusses the career of Maude Frazier and their personal relationship.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with H. Joy Razy conducted by Andrew Gordon on March 17, 1978 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Razy discusses the construction of the Boulder (Hoover) Dam as well as the changes in city infrastructure such as water supply and roads. Lastly, Razy discusses the divorce and gambling industries of Las Vegas, Nevada.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Lloyd Bell conducted by Perry Kaufman on April 12-13, 1972 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. This interview begins with Bell discussing advancements in technology have affected police relations with the community, particularly in the context of the transition from “beat” policing to vehicle patrol. Bell also discusses the advantages and disadvantages between having an elected sheriff versus an appointed police chief. The interview continues into a discussion of county licensing requirements as they relate to businesses and the influence of organized crime. Bell additionally discusses specific organized crime figures and prostitution.
Archival Collection