Oral history interview with Vern Willis conducted by Perry Kaufman in the 1970s for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In his interview Willis discusses the telephone company in Las Vegas, Nevada. He talks about the telephone industry both from a utility and customer perspective.
Archival Collection
Archival Component
Oral history interview with Roberta Kane conducted by Barbara Tabach on September 6, 2017 and May 22, 2018 for the Southern Nevada Jewish Heritage Project. Kane explains how she was the first born Jewish baby in Las Vegas, Nevada and her parents’ deep involvement with the Jewish community of the 1930s. She then talks about the formalization that occurred in the Jewish community with the building of Temple Beth Sholom. In a second session, Kane recalls the Wildcat Lair, a gathering spot of students from Las Vegas High School in the 1950s.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Thomas Taney and his wife, Helen Taney, conducted by Anthony Foley on October 22, 1972 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Mr. Taney discusses moving to Las Vegas, Nevada to work in the factories and Mrs. Taney discusses moving to Las Vegas for adventure. Mrs. Taney talks about her music career and Mr. Taney talks about the importance of the railroad and the mining industry in Nevada. Lastly, Mr. Taney describes the changing water levels in Las Vegas as well as the growth of the city.
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 Sally Perkins conducted by Joseph Moyle on March 17, 1978 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Perkins discusses schooling and housing in Las Vegas, Nevada. She also discusses her thoughts on zoning in Las Vegas.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Victor J. Zerga conducted by David Jukich on April 03, 1976 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Zerga gives insight into the field of nursing and discusses the role that ranching had in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Barbara Wilde conducted by Candy Lorman on September 27, 1972 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Wilde discusses her early life growing up in Las Vegas, Nevada and recalls her experiences living there as a local. Wilde lastly discusses general changes that Las Vegas has underwent.
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 Lawrence Hawley conducted by Andy Sturgeon on March 13, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. The two discuss how Hawley first came to Nevada, as well as his personal family history. Hawley describes Hoover Dam as it was being built, the effects of the Depression on Nevada, and how Las Vegas has grown in size. Hawley also discusses liquor laws and how practicing law has changed since he first moved to Nevada.
Archival Collection