Mary Laub oral history interview conducted by Wendy Starkweather on December 2, 2013 for West Charleston Neighborhoods-- An Oral History Project of Ward 1. Mary Laub discussed her move to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1954, her home in Rancho Circle, and career, including her work as founder of the Las Vegas Assistance League.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with John Cahlan conducted by James Weslowski on April 10, 1978 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Cahlan discusses his memory of the beginning of Nellis Air Force Base, originally named the Las Vegas Aerial Gunnery School for the Army Air Corps. He also discusses the role of the city commissioners in establishing Nellis as a permanent airbase, as well as the role of Western Air Express, a commercial air company which eventually became Western Airlines.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Jane A. Bigelow conducted by Rebecca Shurley on November 05, 1985 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Bigelow discusses her experiences, mainly as a flight nurse and its unique challenges as well as her experiences in the intensive care unit during the Vietnam War. She provides details on her career progression from staff nurse to her then current position of chief nurse of the United States Air Force Hospital at Nellis Air Force Base. Bigelow also describes some of the educational requirements for becoming a nurse, as well as the demands of the nursing profession.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Don Laughlin conducted by Stefani Evans and Claytee White on October 10, 2016 for the Building Las Vegas Oral History Project. Laughlin talks about owning multiple properties in the town of Laughlin, Nevada and the growth of the city.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Fran Wallace conducted by Connie Hansen on September 26, 1972 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Wallace discusses arriving in Las Vegas, Nevada with her family in 1940 for work opportunities available in Las Vegas. Wallace then recalls the development of Fremont Street and its transition to gambling. Later, Wallace describes environmental changes she has noticed throughout Las Vegas, specifically changes at Lake Mead.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Mary B. Cooke conducted by Gigi Arino on March 18, 1978 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. During this interview Mary B. Cooke discusses previous jobs, personal family history, education, and the growth and development of the city. She also expresses her opinions on the topic of welfare, healthcare and the condition of the hospitals in Las Vegas. Digital audio and transcript available.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Mitchell A. Cobeaga conducted by Raymond E. Frey on March 14, 1976 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview Mitchell Cobeaga discusses early life in Nevada, the history of the Nevada State Bank, education in Nevada in the 1920s and 1930s, and Southern Nevada's influence over the rest of the state.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Deborah Cameron conducted by Dennis McBride on August 17, 2006 for the Las Vegas Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Archives Oral History Project. In this interview, Cameron discusses the lesbian community in Las Vegas, Nevada, the organization Women of Nevada (WUN), and founding the organization, L Club. She describes other lesbian organizations and clubs that she was a member of and explains why gay clubs were important in forming supportive communities. Lastly, Cameron talks about the disbandment of the L Club.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Helen Winthrop conducted by Ron Valles on February 20, 1980 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Winthrop discusses her personal history and living in Las Vegas, Nevada. Winthrop describes her family, education, and marriage to her husband. She also describes her recreational activities and places she has traveled with her family. Winthrop explains the differences between the Las Vegas Strip and the rest of the city, as well as how Las Vegas is developing and changing. She goes on to discuss irrigation and agriculture in Las Vegas, the effects of nuclear testing in Nevada, and nuclear power. Winthrop concludes the interview by expressing her opinions on future development of the city and what environmental protections she thinks should be implemented.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Ernest Fountain conducted by Claytee D. White on March 27, 2017 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview, Fountain discusses African American owned businesses and explains why these businesses are disproportionately disappearing and going out of business. Fountain then talks about the importance of understanding finance and economics, small businesses, and starting his lending firm, New Ventures Capital Development Company. Lastly, Fountain explains the process of owning a bank, and the importance of having more African American owned financial institutions.
Archival Collection