Oral history interview with Retta Decker conducted by Andrea Edwards on November 01, 1985 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Decker discusses her personal history including working as a nurse, and her historical perspective on nursing.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Patricia Bearce conducted by Guy Pence on September 29, 1972 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Bearce discusses some of the social and developmental changes, including the recreational activities involving swimming, going to theaters, watching stock car races, and attending Helldorado events. She also discusses some of the development of Downtown Las Vegas, Nevada.
Archival Collection
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.
Archival Collection
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.
Archival Collection
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.
Archival Collection
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.
Archival Collection
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.
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 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.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Philip Partridge conducted by Virginia Collins on March 07, 1976 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Partridge discusses education, early Las Vegas, Nevada, and the development of casinos and gambling.
Archival Collection