On March 2, 1975, Marilyn Swanson interviewed Theodore R. Garrett (born 1898 in Overbrook, Kansas) about his life in Boulder City, Nevada. Garrett first talks about his move to Las Vegas to work for Six Companies during the construction of Hoover Dam. He then describes his job as a truck driver at the dam, the wages paid at the time, and the construction of the buildings and other housing in Boulder City. Garrett also mentions the food provided to the workers, the recreational activities available, and his family’s move to Boulder City.
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On February 13, 1975, Barbara Fidelman interviewed former Caesar’s Palace cage manager, Donald E. Klinkner (born November 28th, 1935 in Los Angeles, California) in his home about his life and perspectives on Southern Nevada. The two discuss the different recreational activities that Klinker participated in during the fifties and sixties. The interview concludes with Klinkner explaining the misconceptions that tourists have about Las Vegas, Nevada.
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On February 14, 1979, Gregory M. Hall interviewed his coworker, LaMar Foremaster (born May 9th, 1907 in Alamo, Nevada) at his place of business, Anderson Dairy, in Las Vegas, Nevada. This interview covers the changes, growth, and development of Southern Nevada from 1907 to 1979. During the interview LaMar discusses the Old Ranch, Boulder Dam, Hoover Dam, Fremont Street and the Strip. He also talks about his religious ties to the Mormon Church and his political activities in Las Vegas.
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Margaret McGhie was a Depression era child who grew up in western Nevada, where her grandparents were ranchers. Her mother, a native Nevadan, married an Italian immigrant, and she recalls moving a lot. Margaret attended a business college in Reno and eventually moved to Las Vegas, where she worked for Basic Magnesium (BMI) in Gabbs, NV and then later for a remanufacturing company where she verified rocket measurements. Only 16,000 people resided in Las Vegas in post World War II days when she moved there for work as her husband returned from military service. At the time lots for homes were selling in the new development of John S. Park. Using the GI bill the young couple became one of the first home owners on the street. The land had formerly been a ranch and orchard making it a beautiful spot. Due to post-war building material shortages it took nearly two years to finish the house construction. To this day Margaret lives in the home where she and husband raised four children. She recalls the neighborhood fondly and describes some of the activities that kept them busy, where they shopped, and how her children attended John S. Park Elementary School and then the local parochial schools. She describes how the town changed from a 10-minute cross-town drive and how the fact of living close to the Strip had little impact on their life. People moved from the neighborhood as the city grew, she says, moving to newer and nicer homes in Spanish Oaks and then Summerlin. The John S. Park neighborhood has changed from a formerly large Mormon demographic to a notable increase of Latino population. She sees the historic designation as a signal of pride in ownership for residents.
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Judy Smith was a teenager when her family relocated from Barstow, CA to Las Vegas in 1958. It was a wide open setting, an ideal location for riding her horse. It was also an era of growth as the city became a gambling destination and the Strip became dotted with early casinos and hotels. Judy attended Las Vegas High School, worked for the Las Vegas Sun and earned a scholarship to UNR. By 1967, she was married and moving back to Vegas with her young family. They chose the John S. Park Neighborhood as the place to call home. For Judy living in John S. Park is about a "sense of place" and "a sense of timelessness." She describer the evolution of the neighborhood and the greater Las Vegas community from the pioneers to the contemporary leaders. In 2006, Judy's home was gutted by a fire. Her life was saved by an observant neighbor. She could have relocated at the time, but chose not to move from the area that she has called home for over 40 years.
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On March 16, 1978, Valerie McLeod interviewed her father William Lee McLeod (b. January 31st, 1937 in Los Angeles, California) about his life in Las Vegas, Nevada. McLeod begins by speaking about his career as a contractor, the growth of Las Vegas and the city’s population. Moreover, he speaks about recreational activities such as riding motorcycles and exploring mines around Nevada. McLeod also spends time going over Indian reservations around Nevada and neighboring states, the Lost City in Nevada, boomtowns and ghost towns. Lastly, McLeod talks about the history of water and springs in the state of Nevada, what he would consider to be the Old Ranch and the stagecoaches that passed through Gold Point, Nevada.
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Byron Underhill's father owned the first Coca-Cola bottling plant, the first beer distributorship, and the first bowling alley in Las Vegas. Byron moved here from Needles, Calif., with his family in 1927. Byron later took over the bottling plant, served in the Army as an aircraft mechanic and a glider pilot during World War II, was a private pilot who worked with Search and Rescue, played in various bands, and suggested to the Lions club that they found a burn unit at University Medical Center that is still the only one in the state
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On February 25, 1977, Walter John Ritzau interviewed Elizabeth Schneehagen Garrison (born 1943 in Las Vegas, Nevada) about her life in Southern Nevada. Garrison first talks about her schooling in Las Vegas and her first homes in Las Vegas. She also discusses the atomic testing, the Devils Hole in Ash Meadows, early church involvement, recreational activities, and some of the environmental aspects of Las Vegas. Garrison later describes her work for the Central Telephone Company before describing the Helldorado parade and some of the early activities designed for children. In the latter part of the interview, she describes her father’s garden, the changes in the city environment and building, shopping locations, and more about her home life.
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On April 6 and 7, 1976, Tim Waters interviewed Colleen Gregory (born 1928 in Santa Clara, Utah) about her life in Southern Nevada. Gregory first talks about her original move to Las Vegas, her early education, school activities, and her college education. She also talks about the first banks, Helldorado, the atomic testing, and environmental changes. Other topics covered include Howard Hughes, Western-style influences, first properties on the Strip, World War II, racial prejudice, and changes she has noticed during her career in banking.
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