Oral history interview with John Cahlan conducted by an unknown interviewer in 1975 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Cahlan discusses the Nevada Test Site and the role of Basic Magnesium for the atomic testing. Cahlan additionally discusses the image of Las Vegas, Nevada as the entertainment capital of the world and the work of journalism in shifting the image to the recreational aspects of the area, such as Lake Mead and Mount Charleston.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Owen Earl Cox conducted by Mark Milford on March 6, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Owen Earl Cox first talks about his early relocations to Nevada. He then discusses his career at the Basic Magnesium Inc.. Cox also talks about his family, the Mormon Church, and managing his store, Vegas Village. Cox then discusses crime, his hobby of cattle ranching, and his views on the growth of Las Vegas, Nevada.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Kay Dwyer conducted by Claytee D. White on August 16, 2000 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. Dwyer discusses moving to Henderson, Nevada in 1942 when her father was hired by Basic Magnesium, Incorporated. She also discusses attending the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, formerly named Nevada Southern University, and having a career as a high school teacher in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Donald L. Eckert conducted by Robert A. Kamp on March 15, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas, Nevada. In this interview Donald Eckert discusses the geographical boundaries of Las Vegas when he was first born and the types of recreation people would take part in. He then talks about the Helldorado Parade, how the University of Nevada, Las Vegas has changed, the MGM Grand Hotel fire, horse racing, changes in gaming, the Basic Magnesium plant, and the development of Mount Charleston.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Charlotte Ellsworth conducted by Jane Ellsworth Olive on March 22, 1977, December 26, 1980, December 28, 1981, and August 06, 1987 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In the span of four interviews, Ellsworth discusses her family’s history, the growth of Henderson, Nevada, working at the Basic Magnesium Plant, and life during World War II. She also talks about war bond drives, the Oakey Theaters, Nevada Chamber of Commerce, "western" clothes, and hotels like the Flamingo Hotel and the Riviera Hotel. She then describes visiting places like Canada, Salt Lake City, Utah, Washington, D. C., and San Francisco, California.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Elaine and Robert Gallagher conducted by Rod Leavitt on an unknown date in 1974 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, the Gallaghers discuss moving to Southern Nevada with their families. Robert describes his father’s employment at Hoover Dam (Boulder Dam), and Elaine recalls the construction of the Basic Magnesium Plant in Henderson, Nevada. They describe above-ground atomic bomb testing, entertainment in Las Vegas, Nevada, and social life. Lastly, the two recall population growth in Las Vegas and the increase of casinos along the Strip.
Archival Collection
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.
Archival Collection
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.
Archival Collection
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.
Archival Collection
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.
Archival Collection