Oral history interview with Lela Holliday conducted by Jeff Stewart on February 29, 1980 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Holliday discusses her family background, growing up in Oklahoma, and eventually arriving in Las Vegas, Nevada in 1944. Holliday then describes early Las Vegas, the rapid growth of the city, and Las Vegas climate.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Harry Myers conducted by Dan D’Amico on February 26, 1977 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Myers discusses arriving in Las Vegas, Nevada in 1942 to work at the Basic Magnesium Plant. Myers then discusses the increase in gambling and development of casinos on the Las Vegas Strip. Myers later describes the social changes throughout Las Vegas.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Edward Vance conducted by Stefani Evans and Claytee D. White on September 16, 2016 for the Building Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Vance discusses his upbringing in Redfield, South Dakota. He talks about his move to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1987, teaching architectural drawing at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), and the first projects he worked on in Las Vegas. Vance describes the financial aspects of architecture, the challenges of meeting building regulations, and benefits that new buildings bring to city life. Lastly, Vance discusses founding Ed Vance & Associates Architects.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Dwight Chambers conducted by Janet Ann Jack on February 26, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Chambers discusses working in numerous Las Vegas, Nevada’s hotel-casinos including Caesar’s Palace, hotel administrations’ connections with the mafia, and plans for expanding the Landmark Hotel.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Celesta A. Lisle conducted by Richard D. Juillerat on March 07, 1976 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Celesta Adelaide Lisle is accompanied by her daughter, Celesta Lisle, for the interview to help clarify information. Celesta Adalaide Lisle discusses moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1946 and describes her life as a housewife and motel operator. She also discusses her early life, her family, and personal travels.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with John Grayson conducted by Elizabeth N. Patrick on May 23, 1983 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. The interview covers Grayson’s experience with gaming in Arizona, California, and Nevada. Also present during John Grayson’s interview is Billy H. Gray, a longtime gaming associate of his, who helps Grayson go into greater detail about key events.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Iva MacDonald conducted by Vaune Kadlubek on March 04, 1979 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In the interview, MacDonald discusses living in Henderson, Nevada and Las Vegas, Nevada. MacDonald also discusses McCarran Airport, family, and her various occupations including secretary, bookkeeper, and real estate saleswoman.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Paul A. Beach conducted by William Gekakis on February 17, 1976 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. During this interview, Beach discusses housing, physical boundaries of the city of Las Vegas, Nevada, the airport, church, and transportation. Beach also discusses tourist recreation, the economy, Nellis Air Force Base, the Las Vegas Strip, industries, presidential visits, the Korean War, atomic tests, and the educational system.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Joe Lappin conducted by Gordon Brusso on March 04, 1976 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. The two discuss his early occupational history and his work for the Bureau of Mines. Lappin then goes on to explain the different housing systems that developed in Boulder City during World War Two.
Archival Collection
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