Oral history interview with Reverend Prentiss Walker conducted by Bernard Timberg on January 27, 1974 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Walker discusses Las Vegas, Nevada from 1933 to the early 1970s, including the equality of opportunity and social acceptance that black citizens enjoyed in Las Vegas in the thirties. He also recalls how black people did not look upon southern Nevada as a place of permanent residence, but rather as a temporary place to earn money quickly.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Breck Wall conducted by Nancy Hardy on July 03, 2003 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. Wall discusses the various shows he was a part of in Las Vegas, Nevada. He also shares stories about his experiences in the show business and in show producing.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Fran Wallace conducted by Connie Hansen on September 26, 1972 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Wallace discusses arriving in Las Vegas, Nevada with her family in 1940 for work opportunities available in Las Vegas. Wallace then recalls the development of Fremont Street and its transition to gambling. Later, Wallace describes environmental changes she has noticed throughout Las Vegas, specifically changes at Lake Mead.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Gayle Wallace conducted by Steven Stover on February 13, 1972 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Wallace discusses his personal history and the history of Las Vegas, Nevada. Wallace begins by describing his father's career as a mechanic working on the construction of Hoover Dam (Boulder Dam). Wallace then describes moving to North Las Vegas, Nevada, what life was like in the developing city, and living in a tent. He talks about his career as a floral designer, how Las Vegas has changed, and recreational activities in the city.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Marty Walsh conducted by Suzanne Becker on July 19, 2007 for the Voices of the Historic John S. Park Neighborhood Oral History Project. Walsh discusses living in a home in the John S. Park Neighborhood that was built in 1941 with her husband. She also discusses her work as an artist and her husband’s work as a carpenter.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Kathy War conducted by Claytee D. White on February 26, 2009 for the UNLV @ 50 Oral History Project. War discusses coming to Las Vegas, Nevada with her husband in 1968. She discusses her work at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas Libraries in the Curriculum Materials Library, in the Circulation Department, and in Special Collections where she was in charge of the photograph collections.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with George Ward conducted by Charles P. Hall on March 11, 1978 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Ward discusses moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1942 and his experience in the city as an African American. Ward describes the jobs African Americans were hired for in Las Vegas during the 1940s and his teaching career. He describes segregation and discrimination in the school system and in casinos. He also talks about how African American police officers were only allowed to patrol West Las Vegas, housing availability, and organized crime in the city. Lastly, Ward talks about his involvement in local politics, the beginnings of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and the development of Las Vegas.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Austin R. Wardle conducted by Elizabeth Nelson Patrick on August 05, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Wardle discusses the history of Tonopah, Nevada, a town in which he first arrived in 1902. Wardle discusses theaters in Tonopah, Jewish families that lived in Tonopah, and the prominent immigrant population that worked in the mines. He continues talking about other families that have lived in Tonopah and life in the town. Wardle also discusses how Tonopah has changed, housing in Tonopah, and the mining industry of the town.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Luella Wardle conducted by Elizabeth Nelson Patrick on August 04, 1981 and August 05, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Wardle discusses living in Tonopah, Nevada since 1907 and describes the living conditions at the time. Wardle also discusses education and the school system, recreational activities, and her employment in banking. She then describes Tonopah during World War II and explains how the army base was beneficial for businesses. Wardle goes on to explain where the families of the soldiers would stay while stationed in Tonopah. Lastly, Wardle discusses organizations she was a member of, the significance of fraternal organizations to Southern Nevada, and Tonopah during prohibition.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Sherrill L. Ware conducted by Lawrence R. Gross on March 18, 1978 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Ware begins by discussing his service in the United States Navy stationed at Lake Mead before working as a gun manufacturer in Henderson, Nevada. He describes his experience with firearms, including participating in shooting competitions and hunting. Ware talks about life in Las Vegas, Nevada, how the city changed over time, and his career as an operating engineer. Ware also talks about labor unions and the difficulties they face from the companies they worked within, as well as mining in Nevada.
Archival Collection