On February 21, 1980, George Baker interviewed Frank H. Johnson (born July 27th , 1929 in El Paso, Texas) about his occupational history in Southern Nevada. The two discuss Johnson’s career as a journalist for the Nevada State Journal and how he transitioned into his position as a government official. Johnson then recalls problems that arose while he was chairman of the Nevada Gaming Commission. The interview concludes with Johnson speculating about the impact of industrial growth on the environment.
On February 27, 1979, Cindy Gaylor interviewed engineering aid accountant, Laura Kelly (born December 31st, 1928 in Silverton, Colorado) in her home in Boulder City, Nevada. The two discuss Kelly’s reasons for moving, as well as her early life in Boulder City. They also discuss Nellis Air Force Base, as well as local politics. The interview concludes with a discussion of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in Southern Nevada, during the Great Depression.
From the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas, OH-01039. On March 25, 1981, collector Sonny Neighbors interviewed his mother, Margo Knowles (born October 13th, 1935 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa) at her home in Las Vegas, Nevada. Margo speaks about growing up and going to school in Las Vegas. She also discusses her work as a telephone operator in Las Vegas, and at the Nevada Test Site in Nye County, Nevada.
From the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas collection OH-00871. On October 12, 1975, collector Mary B. Hogan interviewed her father, farmer James L. Hogan (born April 6th, 1909 in Winton Place, Ohio) at the Hogan family home, in Las Vegas, Nevada. The interview covers the life of a Las Vegas old-timer. Mr. Hogan discusses moving to Las Vegas, early Las Vegas, Boulder Dam, and the Stewart Ranch. Colonel T. W. Miller and Vic Whittlesea are also mentioned.
On March 25, 1976, David Anderson interviewed Sherwin “Scoop” Garside (born May 26, 1915 in Tonopah, Nevada) about his life in Southern Nevada. Garside first talks about his father’s business in running an early Nevada newspaper and his personal knowledge of the early mining that took place in different parts of Nevada. He also talks about living in the town of Tonopah, the American Indians who lived in the area, and his experiences from living in Las Vegas. Garside also mentions the beginnings of gambling in Las Vegas, the population boom periods of Las Vegas, and his experiences in witnessing the aboveground atomic testing.
On February 26, 1977, collector Harold May interviewed Laura Gentry (born May 1897 in St. Thomas, Nevada) at her cabin in Gold Butte, Nevada. In this interview, Laura Gentry discusses living in St. Thomas and Overton, Nevada. She discusses the development of the Overton and Gold Butte areas of Nevada as well as the people involved in mining in these areas.
On March 5, 1979, Randy Martin interviewed William George Hanson (born 1937 in Huntington Park, California) in his home at 4506 West Del Oro Drive, Las Vegas, Nevada. The interview begins with Hanson providing a brief overview of the different addresses that he has lived at as well as his personal background and interests. Hanson describes his experience playing on a racially integrated youth baseball team and his perception of the western side of Las Vegas; Hanson later recalls a rumor he had overheard about Howard Hughes. The two then discuss recreation in Las Vegas; specifically, jazz entertainers that would perform at lounges on the Strip, and swimming in hotel pools. The interview concludes with Mr. Hanson describing a pizzeria that he used to frequent in the 1950s.
On an unspecified date in 1972, Ronald Johns interviewed Elbert Edwards (born 1907 in Panaca, Nevada) about his life in Southern Nevada. Edwards first talks about his family’s move to Panaca, Nevada in 1864 and talks briefly about his work in Las Vegas public schools during the Great Depression. The two also discuss the Boulder Dam, Edwards’ involvement in politics, and mining in Nevada. He also talks about the cost to build a home in Las Vegas in 1936, the development of Boulder City, and the way of life in the small town of Panaca. The interview then moves on to the topics of the early territorial boundaries of Nevada and Utah, the atomic testing at the Nevada Test Site, and early water sources in Southern Nevada.
Kim Vilt grew up in Woodland Hills, CA; lived an outdoor life in rural San Fernando Valley and was the oldest of four children. Graduated from CSUMB. Served with the Peace Corps in Bulgaria and met husband James J. Vilt there. Eventually Kim moved to Las Vegas and talks about changes to Las Vegas and to the John S. Park community. Kim Vilt has lived in the John S. Park Neighborhood for ten years and plans to stay there as long as she and her husband live in Las Vegas. Their house was built in 1946.
Binder containing the proposal for the Xanadu resort, including conceptual sketches, pictures of mockups, and detailed proposal documents. Unbuilt project. Page 75 of proposal is missing. Stamped or labeled on back of photos: "Photography by Julius Shulman. P.O. Box 46206 Los Angeles, California 90046." Julius Shulman, photographer.