Oral history interview with Edward Ferris conducted by Rafael Lara Jr. on March 16, 1976 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In his interview, Ferris discusses the history of Las Vegas, Nevada, the recession in 1952-1953, The Last Frontier hotel, and the growth of businesses, including his automotive business, and the Las Vegas, Nevada community.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Lee H. Lisby conducted by Glen E. Davis on July 10, 1975; Rita O'Brien on April 10, 1978; and Elizabeth Patrick on May 10, 1978 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In 1942, Lisby moved from Tallulah, Louisiana to Las Vegas, Nevada. Lisby talks about living conditions and work opportunities for African-Americans in Las Vegas.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with C. D. Williams conducted by Edwin R. Smith on July 07, 1975 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Williams discusses his career as a firefighter in Las Vegas, Nevada and the history of the Las Vegas Fire & Rescue Department. He describes his early history, moving to Las Vegas in 1942, and how he obtained his position in the Las Vegas Fire & Rescue Department. Williams also describes his training, the equipment they utilized, and how that equipment, as well as the fire department itself, has changed over time. He tells anecdotes of calls and his experiences in the department. Williams explains how the construction of the Basic Magnesium Plant and Nellis Air Force Base affected the fire department. He talks about how and why the Clark County Fire Department and North Las Vegas Fire Department were established, and how Las Vegas casinos paid the city for fire protection. Lastly, Williams discusses being drafted during World War II and his service as a military fire fighter.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Clifford A. Lorenz conducted by Stephen B. Tomiak on March 11, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Lorenz talks about the history of early Las Vegas, Nevada. He specifically talks about the construction of downtown hotels, tourism, the entertainment industry, and the reputation of Las Vegas, Nevada.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Bess Hanson conducted by Debra Puepke on February 25, 1971 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project. In her interview Hanson discusses growing up in Las Vegas, Nevada and raising a family there.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Ivan S. Larkin conducted by Mary Anne French on April 05, 1976 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Larkin discusses moving from Utah with his wife to Nevada to start a family together. Larkin talks about living in Las Vegas, Nevada and his career as a plumber.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Philip Partridge conducted by Virginia Collins on March 07, 1976 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Partridge discusses education, early Las Vegas, Nevada, and the development of casinos and gambling.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Louise McGuire conducted by Heidi Nickum on February 26, 1979 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, McGuire talks about the history of the Las Vegas police department and hotels since the 1950s in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Victor J. Zerga conducted by David Jukich on April 03, 1976 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Zerga gives insight into the field of nursing and discusses the role that ranching had in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Mary Wilson conducted by Patricia Conerly on March 23, 1976 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview Wilson discusses her personal experiences in Las Vegas, Nevada as an African-American woman living in Las Vegas in the 1950s and onward.
Archival Collection