Oral history interview with Marva McCall conducted by Glen Ette Davis on July 03, 1975 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. McCall discusses the Las Vegas, Nevada Strip and the changes it went through, along with general changes throughout Las Vegas. McCall also discusses the tension between some races in the community.
Oral history interview with Melvin Carter conducted by Claytee D. White on October 12, 2000 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: A Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview, Carter begins by describing his family history, his father's experience in World War II, and his parents meeting in Chicago, Illinois. Carter describes his family's move to Las Vegas, Nevada in the late 1950s. He goes on to describe businesses on the Westside, including the Cove and the Brown Derby. Digital audio available; no transcript available.
Oral history interview with Sharon Gutzman conducted by Lisa Mades on March 13, 1981, for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Gutzman discusses early Las Vegas, Nevada, including early businesses, the first casinos, and the first airport. She also discusses education, shopping, recreation, entertainment, and gambling.
Oral history interview with Benny Lipson conducted by Edward Veatch on March 09, 1976 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Lipson recalls his personal history and discusses his occupations in aviation. Lipson then discusses how casinos have changed the way they operated, and how Las Vegas, Nevada has become more expensive.
Oral history interview with Don Welch conducted by his daughter, Kelly Welch, on March 15, 1978 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Welch discusses his personal history and the history of Las Vegas, Nevada, including being raised in Las Vegas and life in the city during the 1930s. He describes how Las Vegas and the surrounding areas have grown and changed, his education, and the construction of casinos and other important buildings.
Oral history interview with Lee H. Lisby conducted by Glen E. Davis on July 10, 1975; Rita O'Brien on April 10, 1978; and Elizabeth Patrick on May 10, 1978 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In 1942, Lisby moved from Tallulah, Louisiana to Las Vegas, Nevada. Lisby talks about living conditions and work opportunities for African-Americans in Las Vegas.
Oral history interview with Daniel Atti conducted by Don Buttle on March 19, 1978 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Atti discusses the growth of Las Vegas, Nevada, casino developments, and hotel operations. He also talks about Las Vegas’ entertainment and vacationing culture.
Oral history interview with Carmon Meswarb conducted by Judy Hammer on April 15, 1976 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Meswarb discusses working various odd jobs while playing trombone in a casino relief band. Meswarb describes the nightlife atmosphere, the history of entertainment in Las Vegas, Nevada, and playing for various celebrities. Most notably, Meswarb discusses playing for Elvis Presley.
Oral history interview with Dan Bennett conducted by Guy Pence on October 03, 1972 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. During this interview Bennett talks about the visits from presidents and other important people to the Las Vegas, Nevada area and discusses the 1942 plane crash of Carole Lombard’s plane. He also mentions Boulder Dam and describes the economic, social and environmental changes that have taken place in Southern Nevada over the years.
Oral history interview with Mildred Bardy conducted by Deborah Grant on March 11, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In the interview Bardy discusses the famous celebrities who would come to purchase clothing at the specialty clothing department store where she worked, as well as the costumes that were made there for the Helldorado Parade. Bardy also discuss some of the changes in Las Vegas over time, particularly the changes in fashion styles.