Oral history interview with James Matson conducted by Ken Rose on February 23, 1980 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In the interview, Matson discusses his early life in Pensacola, Florida and moving to Las Vegas, Nevada to work in resort and housing construction in 1952. Matson also discusses his family, his part-time work as a personal security guard, and the growth of Las Vegas. Lastly, he discusses African American racial discrimination and economic opportunities in Las Vegas in the 1950s to the 1980s.
Oral history interview with Richard Caldwell conducted by Lloyd Henderson on March 6, 1980 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Richard Caldwell (b. 1935 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana) discusses his experience moving to and living in Las Vegas, Nevada. Caldwell discusses his family and his education in business administration before describing the various occupations he has held. Caldwell then talks about the changes in Las Vegas, including racial issues, prejudice, and segregation.
Oral history interview with Christina Gentile conducted by David Schwartz on May 01, 2015 for the Table Games Management Oral History Project. In this interview, Gentile discusses her career as a card dealer at the Hotel Nevada, King 8 Hotel, Wild Wild West Hotel and Casino, Boulder Station, Red Rock, and Wynn Las Vegas.
Oral history interview with Clifford Conedy conducted by David Schwartz on June 02, 2015 for the Table Games Management Oral History Project. In this interview, Conedy discusses his career working at casinos in Las Vegas, Nevada including Circus Circus, Stardust, Mint, El Rancho, Fremont Hotel, MGM Grand, Flamingo, and Caesars Palace.
Oral history interview with Bruce L. Woodbury conducted by Stefani Evans on September 27, 2016 for the Building Las Vegas Oral History Project. Woodbury talks about serving as Clark County commissioner from 1981 to 2009. He discusses transportation accomplishments such as the CC-215 Bruce Woodbury Beltway, the Desert Inn Super Arterial, and the Monorail.
Oral history interview with Sarann Knight Preddy conducted by Yvonne R. Hunter on July 16, 1975 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Knight discusses her bar (The Lincoln Bar) in Hawthorne, Nevada and how she built it for the African American community because of limited access to venues due to segregation. Knight then talks about working with the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and the influence that gambling had on the community.
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.
Oral history interview with George Bach conducted by Mary R. Parrish on February 27, 1979 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Bach discusses topics such as the Nevada Test Site, the Alamo, African Americans in Las Vegas, Nevada, the Carpentry Union of 1980, and Fong’s Garden.
Oral history interview with Eugene Brandise conducted by Mark Mangiaracina on March 03, 1980 for the UNLV University Libraries oral history collection. Brandise discusses his experience as a construction worker, a construction business owner, and as a resident of Las Vegas, Nevada for over 25 years. He also discusses changes in the gaming industry over time, specifically how hotels and casinos treat their patrons.
Oral history interview with Fred Thompson conducted by Henry A. LeClaire Jr. on March 15, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Thompson discusses his personal history and upbringing in Nevada. Thompson describes moving around the state due to his father's work as a miner and the types of ores his father would mine, including tungsten and uranium. Thompson also describes life in the rural desert, desert wildlife, the miners' lifestyle, and the interactions he had with Native Americans. Thompson goes on to discuss moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1965 after his father was hired as an operating engineer for the Nevada Test Site. He talks about the differences between living in the city compared to the country and how Las Vegas has evolved.