Oral history interview with Ethel Matteucci conducted by Tom Matteucci on March 10, 1978 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Ethel talks about being chased out of Mexico for being Mormon colonizers and later arriving to Nevada. Ethel later talks about the first casinos that were built in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with William McLeod conducted by Valerie McLeod on March 16, 1978 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. McLeod begins by speaking about his career as a contractor, the growth of Las Vegas in the 1960s and the city’s population. Moreover, he speaks about recreational activities such as riding motorcycles and exploring mines around Nevada. McLeod also spends time going over Indian reservations around Nevada and neighboring states, the Lost City in Nevada, boomtowns and ghost towns. Lastly, McLeod talks about the history of water and springs in the state of Nevada, what he would consider to be the Old Ranch and the stagecoaches that passed through Gold Point, Nevada.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Leo Dunbar conducted by Jim Maxon on May 28, 1985 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Dunbar discusses his life as a Boulder City, Nevada native.
Archival Collection
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.
Archival Collection
Archival Component
Oral history interview with Bonnie Hawkins conducted by Claytee D. White on November 02, 2009 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Hawkins discusses life in Las Vegas, Nevada since the 1950s. She then describes Madison School and the Westside. Lastly, Hawkins discusses the Moulin Rouge and changes within the Westside community.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Robert Mather conducted by Ed Bussard on February 09, 1972 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Mather discusses living in Boulder City, Nevada, moving to Las Vegas, Nevada after his military service, and later discusses additional work experience. He also touches upon his political views, his opinion on gambling, and changes in Las Vegas over time.
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
Oral history interview with Allen Sanders conducted by Julius Jones on July 06, 1975 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Sanders discusses arriving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1943 in search of job opportunities. Sanders then recalls life in Las Vegas during World War II and describes the population increase after the war. Later, Sanders describes changes in the economy, society, and environment of Las Vegas, specifically the increase of hotels and casinos on the Las Vegas Strip.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with John Cahlan conducted by Lester Wisbrod on February 18, 1975 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Cahlan discusses his experiences in journalism, including his work as an editor for the Review Journal. He provides details on some of the major events covered by the newspaper and his work in establishing Nellis Air Force Base. Cahlan also describes some of the social changes over time, including the growth of air travel for tourism and gambling.
Archival Collection