On March 15, 1978, Marianne Johnson interviewed Frank Cope (born in Kansas, in 1930) at his home in Las Vegas, Nevada. Frank’s family relocated to Nevada from Kansas when he was six months old. For school, he attended the Westside Grammar School, Las Vegas Grammar School on Fifth Street, and Las Vegas High School. He also attended Carson City High School for two years before enlisting in the Army and going overseas. Pertaining to work, Mr. Cope describes his occupation as distribution superintendent at the Las Vegas Valley Water District. He recalls how he met his wife, who also works for the water district as a secretary in the engineering department. Additionally, most of Frank’s brothers work for the water district as well. Social groups or organizations Frank mentions being affiliated with include the Las Vegas Golf Association, two motorcycle clubs, the American Public Works Association, the American Water Works Association, and the Las Vegas Elks Lodge 1468.
On March 11, 1981, Leora Cohen interviewed city planner, Margie Joanne Corderman (born September 30th, 1933 in Sac City, Iowa) in the kitchen of her home in Boulder City, Nevada. The interview covers the history, growth and development of Boulder City. During the interview, Margie discusses Six Companies houses, swamp coolers, pollution and Boulder City locals having to commute to Las Vegas and Henderson for work. Some of the occupations Margie has held in Clark County, Nevada, include, Clark County Deputy Assessor, engineering aid, planning technician, planning director, and engineering technician.
Susan Cowan grew up in Kansas City, Missouri, and enjoyed a loving childhood with her parents, older sister and grandparents, complete with family vacations to California and Mexico. Called to dancing ever since she can remember, this passion remained with her throughout her life. By the time Susan graduated from high school, she had moved five different times. This nomadic nature continued once being married and having two children, eventually settling in Boulder, Colorado. It was here that Susan began working in higher education, as a secretary at the University of Colorado-Boulder, where she met her second husband. During her 19 years at UC-Boulder, Susan advanced in her career, becoming the lead administrator for the Chemistry Department. It was also here that Susan took dance classes again, with some of the best in the field. Susan and her husband moved to Las Vegas after nearly 25 years in Boulder, where she quickly found a community to express herself in dance.
On March 15, 1981, Andrew Lazarus interviewed Suzette Cox (b. 1945 in San Diego, California) about her experiences of living in Las Vegas, Nevada. Cox talks briefly about her move from California to Las Vegas, her employment at two police agencies and a local newspaper company, and her family. The two also discuss racial discrimination issues in Las Vegas and Cox’s experiences in sports as she was going to school in Las Vegas. Cox later describes how the Strip influenced her life and move to the city, the crime rate in Las Vegas and Nevada and how it related to tourism, and her recollection of the effects of the above-ground atomic testing.
On March 1, 1979, Lance Cooper interviewed Suzette Cox (b. 1945 in San Diego, California) about her experiences living in Las Vegas, Nevada. Cox talks briefly about her career history in working at the Las Vegas Sun, as a deputy sheriff, and eventually as a secretary at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. She also talks about the various parts of Las Vegas in which she has lived since moving to the city in 1953. The two also discuss the Las Vegas Strip, gambling, recreational activities, atomic testing, the Mormon Fort, and how Las Vegas has changed over the years.
On April 10, 1977, Melody Craddock interviewed her father, Dr. John E. Craddock (b. 1922 in San Diego, California), at their home about his experiences while living in Las Vegas, Nevada. Also present during the interview is Nancy Craddock, Melody’s mother, and George Apfel, Melody’s boyfriend. John, who was a dentist in the Navy, describes how Las Vegas was when he first arrived to the city in 1952. The three also discuss the development of the nearby Twin Lakes and Lorenzi Park, John’s personal experiences in witnessing the effects of the atomic testing, and the family’s experiences during trips to the nearby mines. John also talks about hunting in different parts of the state and finalizes the interview by describing the development of the different local airports.
On March 13, 1976, George Apfel interviewed Nancy Craddock (born 1922 in Anaheim, California) at her home about her experiences of living in Las Vegas, Nevada. Craddock begins by discussing her move from San Diego to Nellis Air Force Base with her husband in the 1950s and their eventual move to the Twin Lakes area, at which they had their home built. She provides details about living in this area, such as the recreational activities of her children and the neighbors who lived on the same street, one of whom was a mayor of Las Vegas, Oran K. Gragson. Craddock, a medical laboratory technician, also talks briefly about her experiences while working at Sunrise Hospital, and she later describes how properties operated on the Las Vegas Strip in its early days. The interview concludes with Craddock’s knowledge on the early pioneers of Las Vegas, the formation of the university’s library, and the social conditions during the 1950s compared to those at the time of the interview.
On March 2, 1980, Joe Schneider interviewed Patricia “Pat” Craddock (born 1928 in Las Vegas, Nevada) in her home about her experiences in Las Vegas, Nevada. Pat first talks about growing up in Las Vegas, where she became a teacher, and her eventual travels to live in other cities across the United States. The two discuss Craddock’s experiences as a teacher, the educational system in Nevada, and the specific individuals with whom she worked in education. Craddock also talks about the changes of Las Vegas in general, the perception of Las Vegas from people in other parts of the country, and what she believes the future of the school system will bring. Pat later mentions Helldorado, and she mentions the types of recreational activities available to young people during her time. The interview concludes with Pat’s recollection of her most memorable student while she was a teacher.
On January 4, 1999, Harvey Diederich (b. 1920 in Chicago, IL) was interviewed in his home by K.J. Evans about his experience as a publicist in the gaming industry. Diederich first discusses his background and education in journalism and later discusses the relationship between the Las Vegas News Bureau and hotel/casino publicists. Evans questions Diederich about some of his specific projects, such as those dealing with celebrities and particularly the ones that stood out as the most successful, most unsuccessful, and most creative. Diederich also mentions some of the individuals for whom he worked as well as the various cities to which he traveled for work.
On March 7, 1979, Lawrence R. Biggs, interviewed local sports enthusiast and blackjack dealer, Archie Curtis, (born August, 10, 1941 in Vidalia, Louisiana) at his home in North Las Vegas, Nevada. He relocated to Southern Nevada from Louisiana in 1942. The interview primarily focused on athletics in Nevada, but also covered racial discrimination on the Strip, social and environmental changes, and the local health effects of the early atomic tests. Archie recalls attending the Westside Elementary School, before attending Madison Junior High School in Las Vegas. He describes playing sports for the school teams and playing against schools, such as, the Fifth Street Elementary School, which was located on Las Vegas Boulevard North, and also J.D. Smith Elementary School, which is located in North Las Vegas. He played against schools in Virgin Valley, Moapa and Caliente.