Oral history interview with Albert D. Washington conducted by Wendell West on February 25, 1979 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Washington discusses changes in Las Vegas, Nevada, specifically the increase in population. Washington then recalls the voting system, gambling, local businesses, and religious influences in Las Vegas.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with James Whitney conducted by Anna Huddleston on January 24, 2014 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Whitney discusses his involvement with the beverage and restaurant industry in Las Vegas, Nevada and life in the city during the 1960s. Whitney describes working as an alcohol distributor and salesman and driving around rural Nevada and the surrounding states selling liquor. Whitney talks about prominent locations and eateries in the Las Vegas area, and what he likes about living in the desert compared to his former residence in Chicago, Illinois. Whitney also discusses the presence of organized crime in Las Vegas and his associations with the mob through his family and his business.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Russell Harvey conducted by Claytee D. White on May 20, 2016 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview, Harvey discusses his upbringing in Las Vegas, Nevada and growing up in the Westside community. He talks about recreation activities he participated in, the discrimination he experienced, and integration in Las Vegas in 1960. Harvey remembers attending Nevada Southern University (now University of Nevada, Las Vegas), working stage production for shows on the Strip, and being a member of the Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees Local Union 720. Lastly, Harvey discusses his involvement with the Nevada Minority Purchasing Council.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Ruby Thomas conducted by Craig Hawkins on October 05, 1973 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Thomas discusses her career as a teacher in Las Vegas, Nevada and being member of the Retired Teachers Association. She then describes social and environmental changes, and the construction of Hoover Dam (Boulder Dam). Lastly, Thomas recalls the population growth and casino development in Las Vegas.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Carl Woodbury conducted by Patricia Jolly on February 01, 1972 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Woodbury shares his experiences working throughout Southern Nevada, including at the State Treasure office, Basic Magnesium Plant, and
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Leslie H. Smith conducted by Claytee D. White on November 02, 2017 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Smith discusses his life in Las Vegas, Nevada. He recalls anecdotes of the city during the 1950s and 1960s, growing up near downtown Las Vegas, and the influence of organized crime. Smith talks about starting a construction contracting firm and changes in Las Vegas.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Lawrence Hadland conducted by Lorraine Owens on February 02, 1979 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Hadland offers insights into local business, family life, jobs, and the overall community of Las Vegas, Nevada. He also discusses the military and the local airport.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Howard Warner conducted by Virginia Lacouture on July 04, 1976 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Warner discusses arriving to Las Vegas, Nevada as a special agent with the intelligence division of the United States Department of the Treasury. Warner then describes the expansion of businesses as the population increased in Las Vegas.
Archival Collection
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.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Eugene Perry conducted by Anneliese McKenna on March 11, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Perry discusses moving to Las Vegas, Nevada from Denver, Colorado in 1955. Perry discusses his career as a dealer in the Golden Nugget and other Las Vegas casinos. Perry also describes how Las Vegas has benefited economically from gambling and casinos.
Archival Collection