Oral history interview with Marie Schamaun conducted by Elie Elias on February 21, 1979 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Schamaun discusses her personal history and the history of Las Vegas, Nevada. Schamaun discusses being a member of the first Methodist church in Las Vegas and her involvement with an auxiliary of the Optimist Club which helped young girls. Schamaun describes how Las Vegas and its casinos have changed since she first moved to the city in 1947, and how the city has changed socially. Schamaun also discusses nuclear weapons tests, youth centers in Las Vegas, and the important role the youth centers have in the city.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Hubert Sampley conducted by Karen Franke on February 24, 1980 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Sampley discusses moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1950. Sampley details his career at an oil refinery, farm, as well as his career in the U.S. Air Force. Sampley also describes the gaming industry.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Frederica Lionel conducted by Gina Ballestrasse on February 27, 1979 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Lionel moved to Las Vegas, Nevada in May 1954 to divorce her husband and marry her attorney. She discusses her local neighborhood, the social clubs she was associated with, and the cost of living in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Richard D. Chase conducted by Helen Rondthaler on October 17, 1972 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Chase discusses the history of Las Vegas, Nevada from 1945, touching on topics such as the housing shortage during the 1940s, The Red Rooster swingers’ club, Billy Moore, Sam Larson, Ira Goldring, atomic bomb testing, and the Nevada environment. Chase discusses the importance of construction-based labor to the development of Southern Nevada. Chase also explains at length the impact of the Nevada Test Site on his construction company.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Florence Smith conducted by her grandson, Sam Smith, on March 19, 1978 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Smith discusses the police department for Las Vegas, Nevada and crime in the city. She describes employment levels, the ease and difficulty of finding work, and where someone can find jobs. Smith talks about raising her children and federal government ownership of land in Nevada.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Alice Woodward conducted by an unnamed interviewer in 1972 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Woodward discusses moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1935 because her husband found a mining job in the state. She talks about her experiences teaching, the mining industry, and camping with her family. Woodward recalls her husband dying of asbestosis and discusses the smog levels in Las Vegas.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Charles F. Razmic conducted by Michael Braddy on March 12, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Razmic discusses moving from West Homestead, Pennsylvania to Las Vegas, Nevada in July of 1954 for a teaching assignment at Basic High School. He discusses the changes in Las Vegas such as the growth of hotels and casinos as well as the increasing population and employment opportunities. Lastly, Razmic discusses football.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with John Foley conducted by Irene Rostine on May 11, 2011 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. Foley discusses how he and his siblings created a law dynasty in Las Vegas, Nevada as attorneys. He also discusses his time as a Nevada State senator.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Howard Heckethorn conducted by Neil Dalmas on March 02, 1977 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. This interview offers an overview of early education in Nevada. Mr. Heckethorn also discusses Stewart Ranch, Howard Hughes and the Hughes Site, and the migration of the Mormons to the Las Vegas area.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Joseph Kine conducted by Debbie Nesbit on March 02, 1976 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Mr. Kine discusses working at Hoover Dam (Boulder Dam) as a high scaler. He also speaks about living in Boulder City in its very beginnings as a town.
Archival Collection