On April 15, 1975, Edna Jackson-Ferguson (born 1897 in Overbrook, Kansas) provided a narrative-style oral history about her and her husband Jack’s experiences during the building of the Hoover Dam. Jackson-Ferguson provides many details about the way of life living in the camp with workers of the dam, the tasks required of those workers in building the dam, and some of the actual processes of pouring the concrete for the structure. She also talks about food, transportation, weather, and entertainment during the time. To conclude the interview, Jackson-Ferguson mentions some of the other job positions her husband held and their pride in being a part of the Hoover Dam’s construction.
An image of two children looking up at the Winged Figures of the Republic sculptures at Hoover Dam. Note: Boulder Dam was officially renamed Hoover Dam in 1947.
On March 13, 1981, Andy Sturgeon interviewed attorney Lawrence Hawley in his office on 302 East Carson Street, Las Vegas, Nevada. 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.
An image showing an aerial view of Lake Mead. Hoover Dam in visible on the right side of the image. Note: Boulder Dam was officially renamed Hoover Dam in 1947.
Looking downstream the Colorado River from a point below the lower portals of the diversion tunnels of the Hoover Dam. Muck disposal shown on both sides of the Colorado river. Site Name: Hoover Dam (dam)
An image showing a general view of Lake Mead. Hoover Dam is visible in the bottom right corner of the image. Note: Boulder Dam was officially renamed Hoover Dam in 1947.
On April 22, 1981, Ray Cutright (born 1902 in French Creek, West Virginia) provided brief a narrative-style oral history about his work as a boater in the Colorado River during the building of Hoover Dam. Cutright talks about his experiences in operating a boat that carried both tourist passengers and workers to and from the site of the Hoover Dam. He also provides a few specific experiences, including what it was like navigating the river.