Oral history interview with Ruby Thomas conducted by Craig Hawkins on October 05, 1973 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Thomas discusses her career as a teacher in Las Vegas, Nevada and being member of the Retired Teachers Association. She then describes social and environmental changes, and the construction of Hoover Dam (Boulder Dam). Lastly, Thomas recalls the population growth and casino development in Las Vegas.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with William McCullough conducted by Pete Wahlquist on February 26, 1979 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, McCullough discusses moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1931 for employment opportunities at the Boulder (Hoover) Dam. McCullough later goes into detail about the process of building the dam and what it was like to work there. Lastly, McCullough discusses the Las Vegas Strip, the hotels, and entertainers.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with James Hogan conducted by Mary Hogan on October 12, 1975 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. The interview covers the life of a Las Vegas old-timer. Mr. Hogan discusses moving to Las Vegas, early Las Vegas, Nevada Boulder (Hoover) Dam, and the Stewart Ranch. Colonel T. W. Miller and Vic Whittlesea are also mentioned.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Betty Ham Dokter conducted by Roger Jablonski on February 27, 1977 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Dokter describes church activity and the first casino properties that were built. She later talks about presidential visits, economic changes in Nevada, and the construction of Hoover Dam. The latter part of the interview covers the topics of racial minorities, as well as social and environmental changes.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Vernon G. Stockall conducted by Stephanie Aylward on February 11, 1979 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Stockall discusses arriving to Pioche, Nevada in 1935 as a miner. Stockall then describes the early aboveground atomic tests that were done at the Nevada Test Site. Stockall later shares his thoughts on the growth of gaming in Las Vegas, Nevada. Stockall also recalls the growth of Boulder City, Nevada and the construction of Boulder (Hoover) Dam.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Mary Habbart conducted by David R. Patt on March 07, 1975 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. This interview offers an overview of life in Las Vegas, Nevada in the early days, which included: atomic testing, floods, prostitution on Block 16, early Fremont Street and Duck Creek. Also discussed during this interview: Sunset Park, The Roosevelts, Bugsy Siegel, local government and the Hoover Dam.
Archival Collection
The Merle Frehner Map of St. Thomas, Nevada (1981) consists of a hand-drawn map by Frehner of St. Thomas, Nevada who lived there from 1914 to 1932. The town was abandoned in 1933 due to the construction of Hoover Dam and is now beneath the waters of Lake Mead. Also included are instructions to the Geography 135 class at University of Nevada, Las Vegas to reproduce the map, which became a student project.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Oran Gragson conducted by Perry Kaufman on December 25, 1972 for the UNLV Libraries Oral History Collection. In this interview, Gragson discusses his employment at Hoover Dam (Boulder Dam) and Basic Magnesium Plant, and eventually opening his own business in 1967. He then describes changes in Las Vegas, Nevada and recalls his involvement with politics. Gragson then discusses his time as the mayor of Las Vegas and explains the challenges he faced as mayor. Lastly, Gragson describes the difference between county government and city government.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Lawrence Hawley conducted by Andy Sturgeon on March 13, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. The two discuss how Hawley first came to Nevada, as well as his personal family history. Hawley describes Hoover Dam as it was being built, the effects of the Depression on Nevada, and how Las Vegas has grown in size. Hawley also discusses liquor laws and how practicing law has changed since he first moved to Nevada.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with LaMar Foremaster conducted by Gregory M. Hall on February 14, 1979 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Foremaster discusses the changes, growth, and development of Southern Nevada from 1907 to 1979. Foremaster also discusses the Old Ranch, Boulder Dam, Hoover Dam, Fremont Street and the Strip. He then talks about his religious ties to the Mormon Church and his political activities in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Archival Collection