On April 24, 1975, Jay Brewer interviewed Bruce M. Eaton (born 1904 in Toronto, Kansas) about his life in Nevada and more specifically on the growth of Boulder City. Eaton first talks about his family’s move to Nevada and his work as a laborer for Six Companies during the construction of the Boulder Dam and his eventual employment with the Bureau of Reclamation as a general foreman. He also talks about the work conditions on the Boulder Dam, including the protection by Army personnel during the time of World War II. Eaton also describes the details of a federal investigation involving Eaton, a case of suspected espionage, and some of the racial conflicts that existed at the dam. Eaton then discusses his enlistment into the United States Navy and the incident that led him to be medically discharged before a deployment. He then describes the role of several Nevada legislators in helping the growth of Boulder City and his interactions with them. Eaton then discusses his role as city manag
The C. A. Earle Rinker Papers (1880-1960) contain materials that document the history of early twentieth century Goldfield, located in central Nevada, as well as the life of Rinker. Materials in the collection include correspondence, mining prospectuses, maps, ledgers, souvenirs, photographic negatives, and ephemera that document mining and daily life. Also included is biographical material that tells the story of Earle Rinker and his family before 1906 and after 1909, documenting his life in Indiana and Illinois.
The Goldfield Consolidated Mines Company Records (1904-1930) consist of correspondence, invoices, receipts with voucher checks, mining leases, insurance policies, payroll accounts, published notices and articles. Also included is a monthly Goldfield Consolidated Mines reports ledger from February 1914 to October 1916 for mines located in the south central Nevada area. The collection primarily dates from 1904, before the consolidation when the boom in Goldfield was beginning in earnest, until 1919, when the company ceased its operations in Goldfield, although there are a few records post-1919 as the company continued to exist after the mines and mill closed down.
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.
On February 29, 1980, Annie Shum interviewed Lilly Fong about her experiences as an educator and resident in Southern Nevada. Born in Superior, Arizona in 1926, Fong would eventually move to Las Vegas after marrying her husband, Wing Fong. Prior to this move, she received her education in both China and Arizona; she later completed her master’s degree in education at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). In the interview, Fong talks briefly about her background and eventual move to Las Vegas. She describes how her educational career started at the historic Fifth Street School as a third grade teacher in 1950. Fong also lists several organizations of which she was a part, including the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) and the American Association of University Women (AAUW). Fong also mentioned that she and her husband opened their own Chinese restaurant, Fong’s Garden, on East Charleston Boulevard in 1955. Later in the interview, Fong describes her campaign for the Nevada State Board of Regents in 1974 where she would make several accomplishments in the development of UNLV, including the building of its Fine Arts Complex. Fong later talks about Chinese traditions in which she would take part as well as her life in China from 1930 to 1937. The interview concludes with Fong’s thoughts on the Asian Studies program at UNLV and her personal perspective on religion.
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 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 February 28, 1979, collector Kenneth P. Young interviewed office manager and real estate broker, Mrs. Bunny Harris (born November 21st, 1920 in Snyder, Texas) in her home in Las Vegas, Nevada. This interview offers an overview of the history of Las Vegas, including transportation, mining, farming, ranching, and housing. During the interview, Mrs. Bunny Harris discusses the Elks Club, Cashman Field, McCarran Airport, Howard Hughes and Nellis Air Force Base.