Oral history interview with Myrtle Hancock conducted by Russell Oakes on February 26, 1980 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Hancock discusses her occupational experience as a wardrobe dresser in the entertainment industry in Las Vegas, Nevada. She also discusses family life, life on a ranch, Downtown Las Vegas, Helldorado, and Nevada’s hot weather.
Oral history interview with Helen Mortenson conducted by Claytee D. White on May 06, 2014 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Mortenson discusses Cygnus Scientific, a consultation firm specializing in nuclear, radiological, and environmental issues. She goes on to describe the Ice Age Park Foundation, managing her husband’s political campaign, and her archaeological pursuits. Later, Mortenson discusses her discovery of a Shasta ground sloth at Devils Peak, Nevada in 1990.
Oral history interview with Keena Smith conducted by Winita Frederick on November 25, 2014 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview, Smith discusses her personal history and growing up in Las Vegas, Nevada. She describes what Las Vegas was like as a child, her upbringing in dance, and the significance that participating in the arts has on her life. Smith describes the auditioning process for shows in Las Vegas, her experience as an African American dancer, and being a cast member for The Lion King. Lastly, Smith talks about teaching dance courses at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
Oral history interview with Frank Cope conducted by Marianne Johnson on March 15, 1978 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Cope describes his occupation as distribution superintendent at the Las Vegas Valley Water District and meeting his wife who also worked for the water district as a secretary in the engineering department. Cope also mentions multiple organizations and committees that he was a part of.
Oral history interview with Lonnie Wright conducted by Claytee White on October 23, 2009 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. Wright describes the casino mentality of racism and sexism that he encountered. Wright also discusses dealing with the odds and his business endeavors. Wright then describes the value of being a team player and using athletics as a marketing strategy.
Oral history interview with Robert Shipley conducted by Claytee D. White on October 15, 2018 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview, Shipley discusses his early life in Chicago, Illinois and upbringing as a musician. Shipley recalls being the drummer for The Emotions, Natalie Cole, and performing at the Golden Nugget in Las Vegas, Nevada. He talks about the special treatment musicians had, and the respect that Steve Wynn had for performers. Lastly, Shipley remembers performing for Diana Ross, the challenges he faced as an African American musician, and his decision to retire.
Oral history interview with Harvey N. Dondero conducted by Elizabeth N. Patrick on August 9, 1984 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. This interview consists of Dondero's address before the Kiwanis Club during a luncheon meeting at the Fremont Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada. Dondero gives observations on the growth of the education system in Las Vegas. He also answers questions after the address by audience members regarding the future of Nevada’s education system.
Oral history interview with Toshiyuki “George” Goto conducted by Christina Oda on February 26, 1979 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Goto first talks about his move to Nevada in 1951 before talking about his family, church activities, politics, and recreational activities. He then discusses the building, economic, and environmental changes in Las Vegas, Nevada. Goto later talks about his profession in landscaping, including the work he completed for some of the hotels and resorts built on the Las Vegas Strip. The latter part of the interview includes discussion about Goto’s Japanese ancestry and his perceptions as a minority when first moving to and living in Las Vegas.
Oral history interview with Maureen Preuit conducted by Michael Johnson on March 03, 1979 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Preuit discusses her experiences in Las Vegas, Nevada. She talks about her experience working as a bar owner and bartender, places she resided in Las Vegas, and environmental changes that has happened during the 1960s and 1970s.
Oral history interview with Paul Warner conducted by James E. Guessman on October 27, 1971 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Warner discusses arriving to Southern Nevada in 1925 and recalls personal experiences in Las Vegas, Nevada. Warner then discusses city growth and changes, including the development of Fremont Street and the Las Vegas Strip. Lastly, Warner shares his opinions on the future of Las Vegas' economics and local government.