Oral history interviews with Richard Bryan conducted by Kristin Guthre on November 10, 2011 and an unknown date for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. Bryan begins by discussing his father’s time as a law student in Washington, D.C. and the influence his father had on his decision to pursue law. Bryan then chronicles moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in the 1940s and growing up in the Huntridge Community near Charleston Boulevard. Bryan recounts attending both the University of Nevada, Reno and the University of California, Hastings College of the Law in San Francisco, California. Bryan describes his experiences in the Las Vegas District Attorney’s office and the Army Reserve. He then recalls his political career as a member of the Nevada Senate, his role as the Attorney General of Nevada, the Governor of Nevada, and as a United States Senator. Lastly, Bryan discusses political issues in Nevada and the United States during his time in office such as debates about renewable energy, environmentalism, and preservation.
The Max R. McComb Photograph Collection (approximately 1970-1979) is comprised of five color photographic prints and corresponding negatives of Howell C. Garrison's home in Las Vegas, Nevada, taken for Max McComb's research paper on Howell C. Garrison, who was the mayor of the City of Las Vegas from 1941 to 1943.
The Paul May Photograph Collection (1969) consists of black-and-white and color photographic prints. The images primarily depict Nevada Assemblyman Paul May alongside Nevadan senators and congressmen, including Senator Paul Laxalt. Other images are portraits of May.
The Tom Mead Photograph consists of a black-and-white photographic print from 1928. The image depicts members present for the Presidential signing of the Boulder Canyon Project Act on December 21, 1928, including Elwood Mead, Calvin Coolidge, and Hiram W. Johnson.
Oral history interview with Tona Siefert conducted by Lisa Becker on February 25, 1977 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Siefert discusses her personal history and a comprehensive history of the evolution of Las Vegas, Nevada. Siefert discusses how her father, James Cashman Sr., and her mother met and founded Las Vegas' oldest automobile dealership, education in Las Vegas, and prominent politicians that have represented or visited Nevada, such as Senator Key Pittman and President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Siefert also discusses the establishment of the Helldorado Festival by the Elks Lodge, the construction of Cashman Stadium, development of the Strip in Las Vegas, and other changes that have occurred in the city. Siefert goes on to discuss the founding of the Women of Service League, union protests, and issues with water management in Las Vegas.
Oral history interview with Leslie Earl Stewart Sr. conducted by Vicki J. Stewart on February 06, 1972 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Stewart discusses his personal history and life in Las Vegas, Nevada during the early twentieth century. Stewart talks about local politicians, organizations he is involved with, and his recreational activities. He describes how Las Vegas has changed, how Southern Nevada has improved economically, and the history of railroads in Nevada. He also discusses his parents' land, Stewart Ranch, as well as the Native Americans who worked on the ranch.
Oral history interview with Dr. Wilbur Sylvester conducted by Elizabeth Polson on April 06, 1976 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Sylvester discusses his personal history and the history of Las Vegas, Nevada. Sylvester describes arriving in Las Vegas during the 1940s, life during that time, and prominent figures in the city, such as Maude Frazier. Sylvester continues to discuss important people in Nevada's history, like Key Pittman and other politicians. He goes on to talk about gambling in Las Vegas, tuberculosis patients who sought out drier climates to alleviate their condition, and his career as a podiatrist.
Oral history interview with Heidi and Scott Swank conducted by Claytee D. White on July 28, 2014 and October 13, 2014 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. Heidi talks about forming the Nevada Preservation Foundation, her anthropological research in India, and her run for the Nevada Legislature representing Assembly District 16. The Swanks discuss the Downtown Project, the Flamingo Club, their 1956 house in the John S. Park neighborhood, and their neighbors.
Oral history interview with Lois Tarkanian conducted by Claytee D. White on September 24, 2014 for the West Charleston Neighborhoods: An Oral History Project of Ward 1. In this interview, Lois Tarkanian discusses meeting her husband Jerry Tarkanian, moving to Las Vegas, Nevada, and her work as a speech pathologist. She also discusses teaching hearing-impaired children, being on the Clark County School District Board, and the people she represented in Ward 1 when she was on the Las Vegas City Council.
Oral history interview with John J. Weeteling conducted by his son, Terry Weeteling, on April 07, 1976 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Weeteling describes moving to Tonopah, Nevada in 1942 while enlisted in the United States Air Force and life in the town. He talks about moving to Ely, Nevada in 1945 and working there as a truck driver, how Ely has grown and changed, and opening a paint and body shop in Hawthorne, Nevada. Weeteling continues, explaining why he moved to Henderson, Nevada in 1947, joining the fire department on the Basic Magnesium Plant compound, and describes life in Henderson. He then describes moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1951, Fremont Street during the 1950s, and the development of the Las Vegas Strip. Weeteling concludes by discussing local politicians, his recreational activities, ghost towns in Nevada, and nuclear weapons testing.