Oral history interview with Aquiles Garcia conducted by Claytee D. White on January 10 and February 20, 2015 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. Garcia discusses the political atmosphere and risks of being gay in Juan Perón’s Argentina in the 1940s, Las Vegas, Nevada life in the late 1950s and early 1960s, and his dual Las Vegas careers as a dancer and a casino dealer throughout the second half of the twentieth century.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Don Welch conducted by his daughter, Kelly Welch, on March 15, 1978 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Welch discusses his personal history and the history of Las Vegas, Nevada, including being raised in Las Vegas and life in the city during the 1930s. He describes how Las Vegas and the surrounding areas have grown and changed, his education, and the construction of casinos and other important buildings.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with George Albright (born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on December 6, 1909) conducted by Deborah J. Cox on February 16, 1980 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas.
After living in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Reno, Nevada, Albright relocated to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1931. A former county commissioner, Albright discusses the Las Vegas Convention Center, Clark County Recreation Board, tourists and conventioneers, the land, and the Las Vegas economy.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Marjorie McManus conducted by an unknown interviewer on October 24, 1972 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, McManus discusses the history and differences betweeen Boulder City, Nevada and Las Vegas, Nevada. She talks about the differences in culture, education, and stances on political issues.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Charles Adams conducted by Mike Lommori on February 28, 1980 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Adams discusses the changes in Southern Nevada over the previous twenty years. The two discuss, more specifically, changes at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas over several years and the way student life has evolved. Adams also discusses some of the differences between Las Vegas and Joliet, Illinois, and changes in the gaming industry.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Nancy Norris conducted by Elizabeth Schwartz on March 11, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Norris discusses moving to Las Vegas, Nevada where her husband was working for the railroad company. Norris also discusses nursing and what Las Vegas was like during wartime. Lastly, Norris discusses the growth and development of casinos in the city.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Eugene Perry conducted by Anneliese McKenna on March 11, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Perry discusses moving to Las Vegas, Nevada from Denver, Colorado in 1955. Perry discusses his career as a dealer in the Golden Nugget and other Las Vegas casinos. Perry also describes how Las Vegas has benefited economically from gambling and casinos.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Vera Renteria conducted by Dan West on February 11, 1972 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Renteria discusses arriving in Las Vegas, Nevada in 1928 in search of job opportunities and talks about the various jobs she held. Renteria then describes the Boulder Dam (Hoover Dam), recreational activities, and wildlife around the area.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Breck Wall conducted by Nancy Hardy on July 03, 2003 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. Wall discusses the various shows he was a part of in Las Vegas, Nevada. He also shares stories about his experiences in the show business and in show producing.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Robert Griffith conducted by Jerry Gatch on March 19, 1976 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Griffith discusses arriving to Las Vegas, Nevada, and the development of railroads throughout Southern Nevada. He later talks about the first casinos, hotels, and the construction of Boulder (Hoover) Dam.
Archival Collection