The Bertha Gresh Photograph Collection dates between approximately 1902 and 1974. Materials include photographic prints and a corresponding photographic negative. Images depict Gresh as a young woman in Cedarburg, Wisconsin; with her husband Cyrus Gresh in Los Angeles, California; and at her home in Nelson, Nevada. Also included are images of the Rand Mine and the Wall Street Mine near Gresh's home in Nelson.
On January 20, 1975, collector James M. Greene interviewed housewife, Dorothy Kelsey (born May 28, 1916 in Kingman, Arizona) in her home in Nelson, Nevada. This interview covers the early days of Nelson, Searchlight, and Las Vegas, as Mrs. Kelsey offers an in-depth personal narrative on the life of a local old-timer. The interview concludes with a discussion on hotels and casinos.
Oral history interview with Eva D. Peterson conducted by James Greene on November 30, 1974 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Peterson discusses her life in Nelson, Nevada. Peterson talks about her family life and describes her career as an educator. Finally, Nelson mentions moving to other cities in Nevada such as Searchlight, Las Vegas, and Boulder City.
The memories and recollections of Gail and Donna Hanley Andress provide a rare and fascinating look at the early days of Las Vegas. They arrived in the early 1930s and, except for relocations due to military service in World War Two, remained active citizens of the town until retiring to Nelson, Nevada, in 1987. Gail's careers spanned a number of occupations, from car dealerships to construction work, and Donna volunteered to serve in a number of community organizations, principally the Service League, the forerunner of the Junior League of Las Vegas. They insist that Nelson is not far from Las Vegas and have remained interested and supportive of many projects in both communities.
On November 1, 1974, collector James M. Greene, interviewed widow and mine leaser, Bertha Gresh (born August 29th, 1883, in Cedarburg, Wisconsin) in her home in Nelson, Nevada. This interview covers early mining days, Bertha’s personal history, and the history of Nelson County. She also discusses her art, social activities, and the prizes she won as a visual artist in Nevada.