Oral history interview with David L. Stevenson conducted by Charles Jackson on February 26, 1979 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Stevenson discusses his upbringing in Las Vegas, Nevada. Stevenson discusses his early education and later working at chemical plants in Henderson, Nevada during his teens. Stevenson continues by recalling his career as a chemist at the Nevada Test Site, the purpose of the nuclear tests he was involved in, and the fallout that was carried across the country due to the testing. He also describes the growth of Las Vegas and its economy. Finally, Stevenson talks about being a real estate agent in Las Vegas.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with John McKay conducted by Donna Malloy on March 03, 1980 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, McKay talks about his experiences living in Las Vegas, Nevada since the 1950s. McKay begins by speaking about his family history, his career in the electronics and engineering field for aerospace, as well as his experiences in two wars. Moreover, McKay speaks about his hobbies of hunting and fishing and his time as a musician around Las Vegas. McKay also spends time going over how the city of Las Vegas has grown and changed, the increase in crime, and the extreme floods in the 1950s. Lastly, McKay talks about the Nuclear Test Site, how casino gaming chips were used as money around the city, how the city of Las Vegas started and the future of the valley. Digital audio and transcript available.
Archival Collection