Oral history interview with Hank Greenspun conducted by Tony Bleeker in 1975 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview Hank Greenspun discusses politics in Las Vegas, Nevada, the numerous changes and growth that the city has experiences, and his newspaper, the Las Vegas Sun.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Maria Banks conducted by Barbara Hoyt on September 23, 1972 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Banks discusses her experiences managing a jukebox company, owning and operating two restaurants, and working for a music company. She also discusses her Mormon religion and the relationship she had with her late husband. Banks also discusses the change in climate over time, specifically the increasing humidity.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Lloyd Bell conducted by Perry Kaufman on April 12-13, 1972 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. This interview begins with Bell discussing advancements in technology have affected police relations with the community, particularly in the context of the transition from “beat” policing to vehicle patrol. Bell also discusses the advantages and disadvantages between having an elected sheriff versus an appointed police chief. The interview continues into a discussion of county licensing requirements as they relate to businesses and the influence of organized crime. Bell additionally discusses specific organized crime figures and prostitution.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Vera Love conducted by Sophia Phillips on March 11, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Love talks about real estate development in Las Vegas, Nevada. She specifically talks about the role of women in real estate and business ownership, schools, and city growth in early Las Vegas.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with DeeDee Jasmin conducted by Claytee White on March 19, 1998 for the Women's Research Institute of Nevada (WRIN) Las Vegas Women Oral History Project. Jasmin opens the interview discussing her life growing up on the Westside of Los Angeles, California. Jasmin goes on to discuss her pursuit of a dance career as a youth. Jasmin got her first big break playing in the comedy musical Sugar Hill and after her high school years she starred in movies before moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1955. Jasmin describes her excitement meeting East Coast dancers during her stay in Las Vegas. Jasmin also discusses her interactions with the many famous actors, dancers, singers, and musicians she met during her career.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Mark Brandenburg conducted by Claytee D. White and Stefani Evans on September 22, 2017 for the Building Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Brandenburg discusses his upbringing in Las Vegas, Nevada. He talks about his stepfather’s involvement with the opening of the Golden Gate Hotel and Casino, becoming a co-owner of the property in 1990, and joining other downtown properties to form the Fremont Street Experience. Brandenburg describes the challenges in competing with mega-resorts on the Strip, modernizing the Golden Gate Hotel and Casino, and weaving the history of the Golden Gate Hotel and Casino with that of the more recent Fremont Street Experience. Lastly, Brandenburg discusses the monetization of the street, and the future of the Fremont Street Experience.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Nick Perrone conducted by Claytee D. White on March 08, 2018 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Perrone discusses his family background and growing up in Worcester, Massachusetts. Perrone talks about working in a country club as a golf caddy, joining the United Stated Navy, and moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1961. He recalls his employment for the Sands Hotel, becoming a bellman, and the influence of organized crime within the casino industry. Perrone describes transferring to Caesars Palace, working closely with celebrities, and changes in the casino industry. Lastly, Perrone discusses the October 1 shooting.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Mary Hocker conducted by Mary Fitzgerald on April 05, 1977 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Hocker talks about her life and nursing in Las Vegas, Nevada. She specifically talks about Cadet Nurse Corps, nursing education, and her job as a nurse jail matron.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Gertrude Greenblatt conducted by Dario Gratini on March 01, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview Gertrude Greenblatt discusses moving to Las Vegas, Nevada, family life in Las Vegas, working in the Las Vegas food industry and resort industry, landmarks of the city, and the growth of Las Vegas.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Violet Tracht conducted by Joyce Moore on January 09, 2004 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Tracht discusses life in Southern Nevada during the 1920s to 1940s. Tracht describes living in Las Vegas, Nevada on the Westside and what the city was like before there was any major development on Fremont Street or the Las Vegas Strip. She also describes living in Boulder City, Nevada, and her husband's grocery store business. Tracht also talks about prominent stores in Las Vegas during the time, her family history, and their recreational activities.
Archival Collection