Oral history interview with Holbert Hendrix conducted by Keith Thomas on February 20, 1979 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. The two discuss changes at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, including construction, when the university began awarding degrees, and Hendrix’s reasons for moving to Las Vegas, Nevada. Hendrix then describes changes to the Strip and how the hotel industry has changed since he first arrived in Nevada. The interview concludes with Hendrix contemplating new problems that may arise in Las Vegas and his hopes that the Nevada state government would invest more into funding for education.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Hazel Gay conducted by Claytee D. White on December 02, 1995 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. Gay discusses her husband being the first African-American mortician in Las Vegas, Nevada, as well as being the assistant manager at the Sands Hotel and Casino and an executive at the Union Plaza. Gay also discusses running dress shops and working as a display artist and retail clerk in other shops.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Dal Peterson conducted by Daion Dall on February 28, 1977 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Peterson recalls the opening of Boulder (Hoover) Dam, and the significance of the Helldorado Parade. Peterson later discusses environmental and social changes throughout Las Vegas, Nevada.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Gertrude Klanderund conducted by Barbara Clark on June 17, 1975 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Klanderund discusses being an educator in Las Vegas, Nevada, as well as her experiences living in Henderson and Caliente, Nevada.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview Betty Pavlikowski conducted by Roy Mankins in the 1970s for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Pavlikowski discusses her position on the board of directors for a social club in Las Vegas, Nevada. Pavlikowski details the creation and daily operations of the club.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Ron Lurie conducted by Stefani Evans and Claytee D. White on October 17, 2016 and November 10, 2016 for the Building Las Vegas Oral History Project. In the first interview, Lurie discusses his upbringing in Los Angeles, California and moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1953. He recalls his father’s business, Market Town, graduating from Las Vegas High School, and becoming manager for three Wonder World convenient stores. Lurie talks about his campaign to become Mayor of Las Vegas, running for Las Vegas City Council, and the redevelopment of Downtown Las Vegas. In the second interview, Lurie discusses the Las Vegas Downtown Progress Association, the National League of Cities, and the Las Vegas monorail. Lastly, Lurie talks about employee longevity and unionization.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Hank Greenspun conducted by Tony Bleeker in 1975 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview Hank Greenspun discusses politics in Las Vegas, Nevada, the numerous changes and growth that the city has experiences, and his newspaper, the Las Vegas Sun.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Charlotte Conti conducted by Charles Conti on March 20, 1978 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview Charlotte Conti discusses Mormon church activity, education, marriage, and raising a family in Las Vegas, Nevada. She then speaks about the Helldorado Parade and its social significance. She also discusses the overall growth and development of Las Vegas, Nevada, from 1953 to 1978.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Ruth Sweet conducted by Bennie Baucham on February 07, 1977 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. Sweet discusses her first experience with racism in Las Vegas, Nevada, and describes racism practiced by sanitarians. Sweet also discusses discrimination in housing and describes how job opportunities for African Americans have improved.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Emma Oliver conducted by Jan Marshall on March 19, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Oliver discusses her personal history and the history of Las Vegas, Nevada. Oliver discusses how Las Vegas has changed, casinos in Las Vegas, the Mormon Church, and the race riots at a shopping center in North Las Vegas in 1968. Oliver also discusses race relations between white and African American children in schools.
Archival Collection