Oral history interview with Donald L. Eckert conducted by Robert A. Kamp on March 15, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas, Nevada. In this interview Donald Eckert discusses the geographical boundaries of Las Vegas when he was first born and the types of recreation people would take part in. He then talks about the Helldorado Parade, how the University of Nevada, Las Vegas has changed, the MGM Grand Hotel fire, horse racing, changes in gaming, the Basic Magnesium plant, and the development of Mount Charleston.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Joseph Thiriot conducted by Claytee D. White on August 10, 2000 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. Thiriot discusses his vivid memories of moving around, including living in Idaho where his father sold an invention that was a forerunner to the typewriter. He also talks about working as a high school teacher.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Jackie Brantley conducted by Claytee White on October 27, 1996 for the Women's Research Institute of Nevada (WRIN) Las Vegas Women Oral History Project. Brantley begins her interview by briefly discussing her family history and parents' jobs in Las Vegas, Nevada in the late 1940s. Brantley then goes on to discuss segregation in Las Vegas. She discusses segregation on the Strip, and in pools, schools, and nightclubs. Afterwards, Brantley discusses her career experiences working for the Clark County School District and her management position at the Desert Inn Hotel and Casino in the early 1970s.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Kenny Kerr conducted by Dennis McBride on May 29, 2001 and May 30, 2001 for the Las Vegas Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Archives Oral History Project. Kerr discusses his childhood and the beginning of the female character, Kenny Kerr. Kerr also talks about the shows
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Walter V. Long conducted by Patricia Truman on October 19, 1972 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In the interview, Long discusses early buildings and communities around Las Vegas High School, as well as his experiences as a teacher and principal in Las Vegas, Nevada. Long also discusses his early life before coming to Las Vegas, family, education, politics, Boulder (Hoover) Dam, and the Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Audrey Wickman conducted by Joanne L. Goodwin on June 24, 1996 for the Women's Research Institute of Nevada (WRIN) Las Vegas Women Oral History Project. Wickman opens her interview by discussing her upbringing in Kentucky, and her young adult life in Colorado. Wickman then talks about moving to Las Vegas, Nevada with her husband during the Depression to look for employment. She then describes the Mesquite Club in detail, including its members and the club's activities from the 1930s to 1950s. Audrey Swenson, Wickman's daughter, joins the interview at the end. She discusses what the Mesquite Club was like in the 1950s through 1970s, and being raised in Las Vegas as a child.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Frank Cuti conducted by Hans Kohls on February 25, 1979 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Frank Cuti discusses his experiences in the gaming industry in Nevada, such as his work as a floor man and a dealer in properties such as the Frontier Club during the 1940s. He then describes the changes in casinos like the El Rancho Hotel, Club Bingo, and the Flamingo Hotel. Other topics discussed include the nature of competition between properties, cheaters, the mob, the involvement of unions, and Howard Hughes’ influence on the development of Las Vegas, Nevada.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Suzette Cox conducted by Andrew Lazarus on March 15, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Suzette Cox discusses her experiences living in Las Vegas, Nevada. She then discusses her careers in the police departments and a local newspaper company. Topics also included racial discrimination, sports, and how the development of the Strip influenced her life while attending school in Las Vegas, as well as its relation to tourism and aboveground atomic testing.
Archival Collection
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.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Mary McCoy conducted by Claytee D. White on February 26, 2009 for the UNLV @ 50 Oral History Project. McCoy discusses living in other states while following her husband's career and working in the University of Nevada, Las Vegas Libraries for a total of 28 years in acquisitions, government documents, and Special Collections.
Archival Collection