Oral history interview with Darrell Luce conducted by Claytee D. White on September 28, 2003 and October 06, 2003 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. Darrell Luce discusses moving to Las Vegas, Nevada with his family in 1932, the history of Las Vegas, the testing of nuclear weapons, Basic Magnesium Inc., Carver Park, the construction of Hoover Dam, and businesses in early downtown Las Vegas.
Oral history interview with Jennilee Thayer conducted by Claytee D. White on August 12, 2009 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Thayer discusses arriving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1936 when it was still a mining town. She describes early Henderson, Nevada, attending Basic High School, and recalls her father’s employment at the Basic Magnesium Plant. Lastly, Thayer discusses her employment in show production, atomic bomb testing, and changes in Las Vegas.
The Victor Kunkel Photograph Collection (approximately 1890-1943) consists of black-and-white photographic prints and negatives, dating primarily between 1940 and 1943. The majority of the images depict the construction of Basic Magnesium, Inc. (BMI), in Henderson, Nevada; the remaining images depict a variety of locations and events in Kunkel's birthplace, Winslow, Arizona.
Oral history interview with Barr Smith conducted by Melvin Smail on February 22, 1980 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Smith discusses his personal history and the history of Las Vegas, Nevada. Smith discusses working at the Basic Magnesium plant, playing high stakes poker games with prominent gamblers like "Nick the Greek," and the casinos built on the early Las Vegas Strip. Smith also describes how Las Vegas has changed, the different forms of gambling and gaming available in the city, and life in 1940s Las Vegas.
Oral history interview with Harold Smith conducted by Troy Durham on July 08, 1975 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Smith discusses arriving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1943 and recalls his first impressions of the city. Smith also talks about his employment at the Basic Magnesium Plant in Henderson, Nevada. Finally, he discusses the development of Fremont Street, recreational activities, and the Las Vegas Strip.
Oral history interview with Mary Stafford conducted by Gale Robinson on March 05, 1977 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Stafford discusses her personal history and the history of Henderson, Nevada. Stafford describes living in Henderson during the 1950s and the importance of the Basic Magnesium Plant during World War II. She then talks about how Henderson has grown and the different chemical plants that opened in the town. Stafford goes on to discuss her career working for the local newspaper, Henderson Home News, and later becoming a reporter for the publication. Stafford also discusses other newspapers in Nevada, prominent figures she has met, and flash floods.
The Dow Metals, Incorporated Photograph Collection on Basic Magnesium, Incorporated (approximately 1940 to 1990) contains black-and-white photographic prints, reproduction prints, and negatives depicting scenes at the Basic Magnesium, Inc. (BMI) plant in Henderson, Nevada. Images also include Basic townsite homes, buildings, and residents; BMI employees; and interior and aerial views of the plant. Also included are images from Pittman, Nevada of row houses, tent houses, a recreation center, and dining and entertainment establishments.
Oral history interview with Angelo Pedot conducted by Steve Mathwig on March 14, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Pedot discusses moving to Nevada to work at the Basic Magnesium plant. Pedot also shares memories of Las Vegas, Nevada as more casinos were built.
Oral history interview with Edward C. Perkins conducted by Judith Plaster on November 03, 1978 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Perkins discusses his personal history after moving to Boulder City, Nevada in 1942 following his employment by the United States Bureau of Mines. Perkins discusses the Basic Magnesium Plant in Henderson, Nevada and magnesium's uses during World War II, gold mines in California and Nevada, and other mining operations throughout the state of Nevada. Perkins also discusses his career with the United States Bureau of Mines and life in Boulder City.
Oral history interview with Arlene and Nephi Potter conducted by Shirley A. Myers on July 07, 1975 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Arlene discusses her personal history, education, and church activities. Nephi then discusses his employment at the Basic Magnesium Plant and the two recall atomic bomb explosions at the Nevada Test Site. Later, Nephi and Arlene discuss Carole Lombard’s plane crash and the construction of Hoover Dam (Boulder Dam). Lastly, the two recall their experiences living in Las Vegas, Nevada.