Roscoe Wilkes was born in Bonanza, Colorado, and moved with his family to Pioche, Nevada for what his sister called a 75-year pit stop. Soon after their move to this rural Nevada town, Roscoe’s mother became a widow, raising two children during the Depression. Like many families in Pioche, the Wilkes’ made due with what they had, and were creative in sustaining their livelihoods. Roscoe has never stood still. Before enlisting in the military, Roscoe worked various jobs, as a PBX systems operator, a lead zinc miner, and grade school teacher, before enlisting. During World War II, Roscoe became a prisoner of war in Romania, and was rescued a few months later when the Germans began retreating. Returning to the United States after his release, he relocated to a base in California, and married. As soon as Roscoe was relieved of his military service, he took advantage of the then new G.I. Bill and enrolled in the University of Southern California School of Law. He immediately took his degree to Pioche, soon becoming its district attorney, and later a judge. He spent 18 years based in Seattle as a federal administrative law judge, hearing cases prosecuted by the Coast Guard. Roscoe ended his 45-year career in law in 1990, and moved to Boulder City, where four generations of Wilkes live.

Mike Pinjuv sired one of Las Vegas’s early families after arriving in 1917. Mike Pinjuv arrived in Las Vegas via the Union Pacific Railroad and brought Ivan Pinjuv and his family to town (although Mike’s sons do not know the familial relation between the two men). Mike and his wife, Frances Malner, raised six sons and two daughters to adulthood through World War 1, the Great Depression, and World War II. The oldest five brothers attended Las Vegas High School, while Fred, the youngest brother, and the two sisters attended Rancho High School. In this interview, their three younger sons recall how they, their parents, and their siblings navigated the social and physical changes in the Las Vegas landscape. Over the near century that the Pinjuv family has lived in Las Vegas its members have contributed to the city in countless ways. In the early years Mike owned a gas station and a grocery store and worked several jobs before going to Nellis Air Force Base as a civilian. Of the Pinjuv sons

Interviewed by Barbara Tabach and Monserrath Hernández. Born in 1927 to Mexican immigrant parents, Apolonio spent his youth in the Kansas City, Kansas area. Arrived in Las Vegas and was a map maker for Clark County. Very involved in local Latino community, NALA, Veterans organizations, and was an actor on the side. Subjects: NALA, American Legion, Lt. Colonel in Nevada Color Guard

On March 6, 1979, Stan Hawkins interviewed furniture refinisher, Richard T. Chapter (born January 28th, 1933 in Maine) at his home in Las Vegas, Nevada. During the interview, Richard recalls swimming at the old ranch, going into the furniture refinishing business, and the cost of living in Las Vegas. He also discusses Howard Hughes, the Boulder Dam, and the Union Pacific Railroad. Richard’s wife is also present during the interview and interjects comments about the old Mormon Fort, gambling, local business, and the weather in Las Vegas.

On February 27, 1979, collector Judy Laliberte interviewed local school teacher LaVaun Hendrix in her home in Las Vegas, Nevada. The two discuss how Hendrix originally came to Nevada, her occupational history, and differences between the school system in Las Vegas and other states that she’s lived in. Hendrix explains how a changing school system has affected her job as a teacher and her students. She goes on to talk about the above-ground atomic tests, Helldorado, changes to the desert, and Nevada during World War II. The interview concludes with Hendrix describing her travels through Nevada.

In this interview, Unger-Wadkins discusses growing up in Las Vegas? close-knit Jewish community in the 1960s and 1970s, and involvement with various Jewish youth organizations and activities. She also describes her career in public relations, reflecting upon the unique challenges faced when interacting with the public, and with politics, in her positions. Unger-Wadkins ends by describing her current work in land development, particularly the history of the Three Kids Mine and the technical and political process of ensuring the land is suitable as a residential area.

Ralph Vandersnick was interviewed on October 18, 1997. Ralph owns Snick's Place, the longest-operating gay bar in Las Vegas and whether he'd agree or not, he's one of the most respected members of the Las Vegas gay community.