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Georgia Adras oral history interview

Identifier

OH-00011

Abstract

Oral history interview with Georgia Adras (b. 1916) conducted by Robin L. Hayes on March 02, 1977 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Adras relocated to Las Vegas, Nevada from Farmington, Utah in 1936. This interview covers education, religion, ad raising a family in Nevada. During the interview Adras also discusses the building of the Boulder Dam, road conditions, grocery shopping in the early days, and the Strip.

Archival Collection

George Albright oral history interview

Identifier

OH-00015

Abstract

Oral history interview with George Albright conducted on April 13, 1972 for an unspecified project. In this interview, Albright first talks about his background in operating appliance businesses before discussing his role in creating building plans for the Hoover (Boulder) Dam. He later talks about his experience working with the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce, the Clark County Board of County Commissioners, and specific details on how conventions were planned in the various Las Vegas Strip properties.

Archival Collection

Interview with Edith Allan

Identifier

OH-00023

Abstract

Oral history interview with Edith Allan conducted by Elizabeth Cleary on February 26, 1977 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Allan discusses living on a dairy farm, as well as her experiences working for Western Union and the Sal Sagev Hotel. Allan also mentions the building of Hoover Dam, Block 16, and the Stewart Ranch.

Archival Collection

Bill Armstrong oral history interview

Identifier

OH-00044

Abstract

Oral history interview with Bill Armstrong conducted by Anthony Robone on February 20, 1979 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In the interview, Armstrong discusses his time bootlegging in Kentucky before arriving in Las Vegas, Nevada, his involvement with the Las Vegas dealers, and the weather as it relates to other parts of the country. He also discusses the impacts of the work of Howard Hughes on the town, the construction of Hoover Dam, the above-ground atomic testing, the growth of Las Vegas and tourism, changes in gambling habits for the next generation, and the social and recreational activities of residents.

Archival Collection

Bren Armstrong oral history interview

Identifier

OH-00046

Abstract

Oral history interview with Bren Armstrong conducted by an unknown collector on May 28, 1975 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. This interview covers local politics and local newspapers, such as The Las Vegas-Review Journal. Armstrong also mentions the local education system, employment opportunities in Nevada, Block 16, Boulder (Hoover) Dam, and the Westside. The interview concludes with a discussion on Hank Greenspun, the publisher of the Las Vegas Sun newspaper.

Archival Collection

Alfred F. Baker oral history interview

Identifier

OH-00060

Abstract

Oral history interview with Alfred Baker conducted by Blanche Uekling on April 04, 1975 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Baker discusses Las Vegas, Nevada general history, including the Boulder (Hoover) Dam.

Archival Collection

Unette and Richard King oral history interviews

Identifier

OH-02426

Abstract

Oral history interviews with Unette and Richard King conducted by Claytee D. White on March 19, 2015 and January 30, 2018 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. Richard King begins by describing his early upbringing in Canada before moving to the United States, and eventually moving to Nevada in 1940. He talks about living in Whitney, Nevada before moving to the Huntridge area of Las Vegas, Nevada and describing life in the two places during World War II. He also discusses his father's life and career, working for the railroad in Las Vegas, working as a journeyman printer for Pop Squires, and later owning several newspaper publications, which included the Whitney News, Las Vegas Tribune, Hendersonian, Henderson Herald, and North Las Vegas Sun. Unette King describes her upbringing as a Las Vegas native and her father, who was a construction worker for the Hoover Dam (Boulder Dam). Throughout the interviews, the couple discuss Las Vegas history and aspects of life in the city, including the development of casinos, recreation activities, race relations, and how the city has changed. The two conclude the interview by discussing their reaction to the 1 October mass shooting in Las Vegas, how the city came together following the shooting, and accusations of sexual harassment against Steve Wynn.

Archival Collection

Vincent Novotny oral history interview

Identifier

OH-01398

Abstract

Oral history interview with Vincent Novotny conducted by Carol Linton on March 05, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Novotny discusses moving to Las Vegas, Nevada from Ohio after joining the Civilian Conservation Corps. Novotny discusses how Las Vegas has changed, the effect the Hoover (Boulder) Dam had on the city's growth, and the crash of Carole Lombard's plane. Novotny also briefly describes how he got his real estate license and shows the interview collector a series of pictures of his travels around the state of Nevada.

Archival Collection

Witt C. and Fern Olive oral history interview

Identifier

OH-01413

Abstract

Oral history interview with Fern and Witt C. Olive conducted by Terry Rogers in 1977 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Fern and Witt Olive discuss moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1922 and 1926 respectively. Witt talks about the construction of the Boulder (Hoover) Dam, his experience in the Boy Scouts of America, and the growth of Las Vegas. Fern primarily provides confirmation for Witt's reminisces.

Archival Collection

John H. Pappas oral history interview

Identifier

OH-01428

Abstract

Oral history interview with John H. Pappas conducted by James Greene on October 04, 1974 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Pappas describes coming to the United States during the early twentieth century, eventually making his way to Nevada in 1904. Pappas discusses working for the San Pedro, Los Angeles & Salt Lake Railroad Company helping to build the railroad from Caliente, Nevada to Las Vegas, Nevada. Pappas later discusses leaving Nevada, then returning to help build the Hoover (Boulder) Dam, before leaving due to the extreme heat. Pappas describes his personal history in Las Vegas, the city's changes, and opening his own restaurant.

Archival Collection