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 John P. Watkins conducted by Brian Watkins on March 04, 1979 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Watkins discusses his personal history and education in medicine. He then describes being one of the first urologists in Las Vegas, Nevada and recalls his experiences at various hospitals throughout the city. Later, Watkins discusses the first malpractice insurance available and why such insurance was important for private physicians. Lastly, Watkins describes the American Medical Association (AMA), construction of Hoover Dam (Boulder Dam), and the development of casinos on the Las Vegas Strip.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Henry E. Wellman conducted by Rebecca Rounds on March 14, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Wellman discusses his personal history and the history of Boulder City, Nevada. Wellman describes the construction of Hoover Dam (Boulder Dam), being a laborer working on the dam, and life in Boulder City during the 1940s. He talks about the United States government selling housing and land after the completion of Hoover Dam and how Las Vegas, Nevada has changed and expanded. Wellman also discusses the legalization of alcohol in Boulder City.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Anna Jennings Welsh conducted by Judith Siu on July 05, 1975 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Welsh begins by describing her family's history in Las Vegas, Nevada, beginning in 1911 with her grandmother. She discusses her grandmother's life and her collection of artifacts, which would later become part of the Southern Nevada Museum by the Henderson, Nevada Chamber of Commerce (now the Clark County Museum). Welsh continues talking about her own life, including her education, hobbies, family, friends, and living in Las Vegas. She also discusses nuclear weapons testing, the history of casinos in Las Vegas, her father's work constructing Hoover Dam (Boulder Dam), and how Las Vegas has changed.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Elsie Whipple conducted by Hugo A. Cascos Jr. on March 22, 1978 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Whipple discusses Southern Nevada history and recalls the construction of Boulder (Hoover) Dam. Whipple also recalls the first hotels and casinos to open on the Las Vegas, Nevada Strip, and her work as a missionary with the Mormon Church.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Jesma and Carlyle Wilcox conducted by Sally Griffis on February 19, 1976 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Jesma Wilcox begins by describing her family ranch, how her father leased the property to tenants, and what it was like living without air conditioning and refrigeration. She describes using a nearby stream as a water source, recreational activities, and the Mormon settlers and missionaries who first settled on the ranch. Wilcox talks about her religious involvement with the Mormon Church and life in Las Vegas, Nevada during the mid-twentieth century, as well as how Las Vegas has changed. Wilcox, with her husband Carlyle, also discusses the history of the nuclear weapons tests. Carlyle then describes the construction of the Basic Magnesium Plant in Henderson, Nevada.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Leora M. Wilcox conducted by Alex D’Andrea on January 14, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Wilcox discusses arriving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1945, and shares her disappointment upon arrival. Wilcox also describes what it was like to live in Las Vegas and Henderson, Nevada while efforts for World War II were taking place. Wilcox later describes some of the most noticeable changes throughout Las Vegas, as well as the construction of Boulder (Hoover) Dam.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Alda May and George Williams conducted by Jay Brewer on April 09, 1975 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Alda and George discuss the history of Boulder City, Nevada. Alda describes arriving to Boulder City in 1931 and recalls moving into one of the first homes built there. George then talks about working on the Boulder (Hoover) Dam and describes the various jobs he had at the dam. The two then discuss social life in Boulder City and how it changed as the population increased. Lastly, Alda and George describe their frequent visits to Las Vegas, Nevada and recall the entertainment that the city offered.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Goldie Spicer conducted by Elmer Herren on February 12, 1977 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Spicer discusses working as a cocktail waitress. She also talks about the boom that Las Vegas, Nevada went through when the first casinos were being built, and when the construction of the Boulder (Hoover) Dam occurred. She discusses El Rancho, Twin Lakes, and the Taylor Ranch.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Vernon G. Stockall conducted by Aurora Wright on March 07, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Stockall discusses arriving in Boulder City, Nevada in 1935 and describes how the Great Depression caused people to migrate westward. He then recalls working as a pipe fitter at the Hoover Dam (Boulder Dam) and explains the type of work that he did. Lastly, Stockall discusses the growth of Las Vegas, Nevada as the population increased.
Archival Collection