Oral history interview with William Rehn conducted by Melissa Valentine on February 15, 1979 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Rehn discusses how he believes people have changed in Las Vegas, Nevada since he moved there in 1939. Rehn bemoans how African Americans were treated and segregated in Las Vegas, and describes his career as a political cartoonist. He describes clubs in Las Vegas and their connection to organized crime, as well as the inner workings of the casinos and their relation to the economy.
Oral history interview with Mary E. Habbart conducted by Pamela Larkins on July 15, 1975 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. The two discuss Habbart’s personal family history and her family’s reasons for moving to Las Vegas, Nevada. Habbart also describes social and economic changes to Las Vegas and her local dairy farm.
Oral history interview with Susan Cowan conducted by Andres Moses on January 31, 2006 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. Susan Cowan discusses growing up in Kansas City, Missouri, and always enjoying tap dancing. She then discusses working as a secretary at the University of Colorado-Boulder and becoming the lead administrator for the chemistry department there. She also discusses moving to Las Vegas, Nevada with her husband and getting involved with the local tap dancing community.
Oral history interview with Howard Heckethorn conducted by Neil Dalmas on March 02, 1977 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. This interview offers an overview of early education in Nevada. Mr. Heckethorn also discusses Stewart Ranch, Howard Hughes and the Hughes Site, and the migration of the Mormons to the Las Vegas area.
Oral history interview with Patricia Merl conducted by Claytee D. White on October 09, 2008 October 28, 2008 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Patricia Merl discusses her career as a professional dancer, working at the famous Radio City Music Hall, moving to Las Vegas, Nevada for opportunities in dancing, and moving to Florida for new possibilities. She also discusses teaching at the Hotel School at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and working as the Director of Gaming Outreach for the International Gaming Institute.
Oral history interview with John Luckman conducted by Harvey H. Harris on March 20, 1978 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Luckman discusses moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1955 and working as a casino dealer. Luckman also describes his book publishing business.
Oral history interview with Alfred Brimacombe conducted by Kevin Cunningham on February 23, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Brimacombe discusses his printing business, Las Vegas, Nevada’s railroads, and the Lion's Club.
Oral history interview with Harold Smith conducted by Troy Durham on July 08, 1975 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Smith discusses arriving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1943 and recalls his first impressions of the city. Smith also talks about his employment at the Basic Magnesium Plant in Henderson, Nevada. Finally, he discusses the development of Fremont Street, recreational activities, and the Las Vegas Strip.
Oral history interview with J.K. Houssels Sr. conducted by an unknown collector on November 12, 1975 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Houssels discusses his ownership of the Las Vegas Club casino on Fremont Street in Las Vegas, Nevada in the 1930s. Houssels also discusses other casino partnerships that he invested in, and the casino business.
Oral history interview with Mary Noblitt conducted by Mary Sawdey on March 13, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Noblitt discusses moving to Las Vegas, Nevada and building housing in the southern part of town. Noblitt goes on to discuss communication through railroad and morse code. Lastly, Noblitt discusses the above ground atomic tests.