The memories and recollections of Gail and Donna Hanley Andress provide a rare and fascinating look at the early days of Las Vegas. They arrived in the early 1930s and, except for relocations due to military service in World War Two, remained active citizens of the town until retiring to Nelson, Nevada, in 1987. Gail's careers spanned a number of occupations, from car dealerships to construction work, and Donna volunteered to serve in a number of community organizations, principally the Service League, the forerunner of the Junior League of Las Vegas. They insist that Nelson is not far from Las Vegas and have remained interested and supportive of many projects in both communities.
Through her oral interview and the materials she provided, Virginia Beckley Richardson gives us a unique and fascinating look at both a pioneer family of Las Vegas and the early activities of the Service League, the forerunner of the Junior League of Las Vegas. Her personal recollections are an insight into life in the city's early years, and the biography of her father written by her brother, Bruce, humanizes a prominent figure in Las Vegas' history. The newspaper articles she made available enhance her descriptions of the Service League's activities. In addition, the article, "Merchant's Home Becomes Monument," describes her family home originally located on Fourth Street and relocated by the Junior League of Las Vegas in 1979. Her recollections clearly demonstrate her enthusiasm about her family's accomplishments and her involvement in the Service League
Charlotte Hill's arrival in Las Vegas was not an instant love affair. She had grown up in Cincinnati, Ohio, and in comparison Las Vegas "was the worst place I had ever been." The year was 1952. He husband had taken a job with the Sands casino. Over the next six decades Charlotte would become an honored volunteer and community activist. Her first organization was the Brownies as a mother and soon was involved with the Frontier Girl Scout Council, about which she shares a delightful story about cookie sales. In 1962, she was a charter member of the Home of the Good Shepherd. In 1972, she founded the Friends of Channel 10 and became innovative and active in fundraising for public broadcasting. By 1974, she was the United Way's first woman campaign chairperson, a quite successful one who helped exceed the one-million dollar goal during economically difficult times. Her other milestones included serving on Economic Opportunity Board, board of Boys and Girls Clubs of Las Vegas, as president of the Community College of southern Nevada Foundation and most recently being named to the Nevada State Board of Education. Charlotte's community efforts have made a difference in countless people's lives. She has been acknowledged numerous times, but counts the Alexis de Tocqueville Award from United Way of America as a crowning achievement. In addition to her volunteer work, she is a fashion consultant with the Carlisle Collection.
The Las Vegas High School Tales of Las Vegas Collection consists of two hand-bound books written by the 1924 modern history class and the 1925 United States history class at Las Vegas High School. The two books, both entitled "Tales of Las Vegas", chronicle Las Vegas, Nevada history starting in the 17th century with the Spanish Jesuit and Franciscan Monks. The books then focus on the 1905 "boom" stage of Las Vegas, discussing topics including Mormons, Native Americans, and mining. The two books are similar in content but not identical, and both contain photographs of early Las Vegas, Nevada life.
Deborah Grant interviews Mildred Bardy (b. 1907) at their place of employment, Joseph Magnin, a specialty clothing department store located on the Strip. Bardy discusses the famous celebrities who would come to purchase clothing there, as well as the costumes that were made for the Helldorado Parade. The two also discuss some of the changes in Las Vegas over time, particularly the changes in fashion styles.
On November 13, 1979, Anne Du Barton interviewed her mother, Hazel F. Du Barton (born Hazel F. Wingebach on July 13th, 1926 in Floral Park, New York) in their home in Las Vegas, Nevada. Mrs. Du Barton relocated to Las Vegas in 1955. This interview covers Las Vegas history, including local politics, nuclear testing, and the Helldorado Parade. Occupations Mrs. Du Barton has held include dress designer, dressmaker, clerical worker, bookkeeper, and hotel manager. She recalls her first experience camping at Mount Charleston and she was also an arts and crafts camp instructor for Campfire Girls, who used the campsite at Lee Canyon.
The Ferron and Bracken Photograph Collection depicts Southern and Central Nevada and other western states from 1890 to 1961. The photographs primarily depict the development and growth of early Las Vegas, Nevada; mines and mining operations in Southern and Central Nevada; towns and mines in Nevada; and the Hoover (Boulder) Dam and the Colorado River.
Oral history interview with Reverend Prentiss Walker conducted by Bernard Timberg on January 27, 1974 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Walker discusses Las Vegas, Nevada from 1933 to the early 1970s, including the equality of opportunity and social acceptance that black citizens enjoyed in Las Vegas in the thirties. He also recalls how black people did not look upon southern Nevada as a place of permanent residence, but rather as a temporary place to earn money quickly.
The Fred and Maurine Wilson Photograph Collection depicts the Wilson Family, events, and locations in Las Vegas, Nevada and the Southwestern United States from approximately 1860 to 1990. The photographs primarily depict early Las Vegas, including the Mormon Fort and Kiel Ranch; mines, towns, and railroads in Southern Nevada; the construction and planning of the Hoover (Boulder) Dam on the Colorado River; and the Wilson Family. The photographs also include prominent Las Vegas families such as the Park Family, aerial photographs of the city, landmarks on Fremont Street and downtown Las Vegas, and desert landscapes.
An oral history statement conducted by herself. Lucile Whitehead Bunker (b. 1907 in Overton, Nevada), at the request of Doreen Day, provides an oral history statement about her experiences growing up and living in Southern Nevada. Bunker recalls her first experiences in Las Vegas and Overton and talks about her family, specifically about her mother, an ice cream maker, and father, the first assessor of Clark County. She then speaks about her various positions, including being a secretary at a school and law firm, a schoolteacher, and a deputy county clerk. She also describes her experiences as the wife of former Senator Berkeley Bunker, particularly living in Washington, D.C. where she met several presidents and attended several events with other lawmakers’ wives. Bunker additionally talks about her missionary work in her church and the various locations to which she travelled. She concludes the statement by talking about her interests in china painting, the early above-ground atomic testing, and the building of Hoover Dam.