Oral history interview with Holbert Hendrix conducted by Keith Thomas on February 20, 1979 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. The two discuss changes at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, including construction, when the university began awarding degrees, and Hendrix’s reasons for moving to Las Vegas, Nevada. Hendrix then describes changes to the Strip and how the hotel industry has changed since he first arrived in Nevada. The interview concludes with Hendrix contemplating new problems that may arise in Las Vegas and his hopes that the Nevada state government would invest more into funding for education.
Oral history interview with Ralph E. Donerly conducted by Patricia van Betten on June 30, 2006 for the History of Blue Diamond Village in Nevada Oral History Project. In this interview, Donerly, born in New Jersey, discusses his evolution as a musician. He spent his youth learning from prominent musicians in New Jersey and New York, until he moved to Los Angeles, California in his twenties. Eventually, Donerly moved to Blue Diamond, Nevada along with his mother and wife in order to pursue a musical career with big bands that performed at Las Vegas, Nevada hotels and casinos.
Oral history interview with Ernie Lomprey conducted by Chris Tonemah on July 11, 1975 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Lomprey moved from Wisconsin to Henderson, Nevada in 1949 because his father was stationed at Nellis Air Force Base towards the end of World War II. He discusses his childhood, education, and eventual work as a cement mason and firefighter.
Oral history interview with James E. Reeves conducted by Patricia Elliot on March 10, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Reeves mainly discusses his work assisting the government perform nuclear weapons tests after being assigned to Las Vegas, Nevada by the Atomic Energy Commission.
Oral history interview with Hildred Meidell conducted by Greg Abbott on February 27, 1979 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Meidell covers a range of topics about living in Las Vegas, Nevada, from her and her husband’s time as tourists in the city and their subsequent retirement to Las Vegas from Los Angeles, California. Meidell describes the Las Vegas Strip, the interstate and highway conditions between Los Angeles and Las Vegas, as well as their numerous visits to Hoover Dam (Boulder Dam). Moreover, she speaks about the changing layout of the city, the increase in shopping centers and department stores, and the clothing stores inside of hotels. Lastly, Meidell talks about the prominence of churches in local communities, the atomic testing program and the structural damages these tests caused in her neighborhood, and the influence of the railroad and passenger train on the town.
Oral history interview with Esther Wolverton conducted by Karl Kuopus on February 25, 1977 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview Wolverton discusses her move to southern Nevada in 1928 and her life in Las Vegas, Nevada with her family. She also talks about life with her husband after he returned from serving in World War I. Wolverton describes the entertainment in Las Vegas and recreational activities she participated in. Later, she discusses the first Helldorado Parade, development of the Las Vegas Strip, and changes in Las Vegas.
Oral history interview with Allin Chandler conducted by Claytee D. White on December 9, 2002 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. Allin Chandler discusses his education and career history, including being a teacher and educational administrator in Las Vegas, Nevada from 1968-1990 as well as being a part of the Clark County Association of School Administrators (CCASA). Chandler also discusses the instructional philosophy that he follows and the originators of it. Other topics discussed are developments in education, personal writing and public speaking skills, instructional leadership, school administration, and parental responsibilities.
Oral history interview with Fred Goldberg conducted by Barbara Tabach on December 03, 2017 for the Remembering 1 October Oral History Project. In this interview, Fred Goldberg shares his experience of flying to Las Vegas, Nevada on October 1, 2017 while the mass shooting occurred on the Strip as well as his eventual arrival in Las Vegas. He describes the changes in travel after the shooting, including the plane's diverted course due to the McCarran airport lockdown and the enforced luggage check at his hotel in Las Vegas. Goldberg discusses his confusion regarding what had happened and his discovery of the tragic events that had occurred.
Oral history interview with Al Lermusiaux conducted by Shirley Dianne Long on March 09, 1978 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Lermusiaux begins by talking about his move to Las Vegas, his family and what brought him to the city. He shares many anecdotes about the construction of different iconic buildings in Las Vegas, the inner workings of the business, payments to employees and the changes in technology. Lermusiaux, in particular, talks of the telephone system in the fifties and the changes in structures and their regulations. During his interview, Lermusiaux lays out an image of old Las Vegas and Henderson, giving detailed descriptions of the layout of the city, the projects he worked on and the effects of the weather on building structures in Las Vegas.
Oral history interview with Line Renaud conducted by Claytee D. White on January 08, 2015 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Renaud discusses her career as a singer and her experiences being in entertainment and show business. Renaud begins by describing her upbringing in northern France and what life was like in the country during World War II. She discusses becoming a prominent singer following the war, and performing at the Casino de Paris in Paris, France before being asked to lead a show at the Dunes Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada during the 1960s. Renaud talks about her associations with other celebrities, such as recording with Dean Martin and Nat King Cole, and meeting Bob Hope and performing on his show. Renaud also explains how she helped the Paris Las Vegas obtain the rights from the city of Paris, France to recreate the Eiffel Tower and how she organized the opening of the casino.