Oral history interview with Ethel S. Hatch conducted by P. Kohlman on November 24, 1975 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. This interview covers the history of Las Vegas from 1939 to 1975. Mrs. Hatch also talks about ranching in Nevada, Rex Bell, development on the Strip, the first hotels, and early local shopping culture. The interview concludes with discussion surrounding tree-lined streets, the Helldorado Club, and Fremont Street.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Ruth C. Norton conducted by Gary Melton on March 09, 1979 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Norton discusses her arrival to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1959 to teach at an elementary school in Henderson, Nevada. Norton then discusses education curriculum, school athletics, and the overall state of education at the time. Later, Norton discusses adult education and special needs education.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Catherine Hammelrath conducted by Claytee D. White on October 31, 2000 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Hammelrath, a Las Vegas, Nevada native, discusses her early family life in Las Vegas, her parents professions, her education, and many stories about the people, places, and events that defined Las Vegas over her sixty-five years in the city.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Ron M. Portaro conducted by Stefani Evans and Claytee D. White on July 27, 2017 for the Building Las Vegas Oral History Project. Portaro speaks about Built-Rite Construction, moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1993, and meeting notable Las Vegas men such as Pastor Paul Goulet Arnie Adamsen, and Charlie Kajkowski. Potaro also discusses how these experiences enabled him to benefit his church, his family, and his adopted community.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Robert W. Adams conducted by Marta Plansville on March 11, 1976 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Adams discusses early housing in Las Vegas, Nevada, his father working at the Last Frontier Hotel, and becoming Mormon after his marriage in 1964.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Mabel Newton conducted by Don C. Bittle on February 26, 1977 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Newton discusses moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1945. Newton discusses living in Henderson, Nevada. Newton also talks about growth in housing, flooding, and overall changes in Henderson.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Timothy Cashman conducted by Claytee D. White and Stefani Evans on January 10, 2017 for the Building Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Cashman discusses his family background and growing up in Las Vegas, Nevada. He talks about his family’s car dealership business, the Helldorado Parade, and the establishment of Cashman Field. Cashman remembers purchasing his father’s franchise for Cadillac, buying a Harley Davidson dealership, and his decision to leave the car sales industry. Lastly, Cashman discusses professional sports in Las Vegas, and the importance of community oriented businesses.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Carol Baker conducted by Nancy Hardy on May 29, 2003 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. Baker talks about her life as an entertainer on the Las Vegas, Nevada Strip, including backstage life, parties, and relationships amongst other dancers.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with David Mills conducted by Risa Rosenstein on March 07, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Mills discusses the gaming industry in Las Vegas, Nevada and recalls the growth of gambling throughout the city. Mills then explains the origins of slot machines and the increase in number of slot machines inside casinos in Las Vegas. Lastly, Mills describes the technological advancement of slot machines.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Gene Hotchkiss conducted by Barbara Clark on June 27, 1975 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Hotchkiss discusses her experiences living in Las Vegas, Nevada since 1946. Hotchkiss discusses the hotel industry, explaining that most casinos had a Western theme before the Flamingo was built, which started a luxury resort trend. Hotchkiss goes on to describe the development of Las Vegas Strip hotels.
Archival Collection