Oral history interview with John Cahlan conducted by James Weslowski on April 10, 1978 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Cahlan discusses his memory of the beginning of Nellis Air Force Base, originally named the Las Vegas Aerial Gunnery School for the Army Air Corps. He also discusses the role of the city commissioners in establishing Nellis as a permanent airbase, as well as the role of Western Air Express, a commercial air company which eventually became Western Airlines.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with David L. Weide conducted by Claytee D. White on May 31, 2007 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Weide discusses his career as a geologist, teaching geology at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and the history of the University of Las Vegas, Nevada. Weide begins by explaining the history behind the name "Blue Diamond Village," how he came to study geology at the University of California, Los Angeles, and the employment process at UNLV. He describes the geological history of Nevada, hosting his own folk music program on the local radio station, KNPR, and his opinions on UNLV's intention to become a "Research One" institution.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Billie Milton conducted by John Losky on May 05, 1976 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Milton discusses moving to Las Vegas, Nevada from New York state in 1948. Milton discusses her family life and her career as a housekeeper. She also discusses hotels and casinos in Las Vegas.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Rena Lees conducted by Bill Young on March 19, 1978 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Lees talks about her experience living in Las Vegas, Nevada from the 1930s to 1950s. She specifically talks about growing up in Las Vegas and the mob's influence throughout the city. She also discusses her family and her career working at Sunrise Hospital.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Frank Leone conducted by Lisa Giola-Acres on November 13, 2007 for the All That Jazz Oral History Project. Leone recalls his childhood, education, piano playing, and early career in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He also discusses his move to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1967 and engagements at various casinos, including playing with singers such as Frank Sinatra, Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme, and Elvis Presley. He also talks about his work as a board member and president of the Musicians Union.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Eva D. Peterson conducted by Dorothy Ritenour on June 25, 1975 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Peterson discusses moving to Nevada in August of 1927 and recalls her experiences as an educator in Searchlight, Nevada. She goes on to explain her classroom teaching methods.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Denise Miller conducted by Deborah Whicker on March 02, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Miller discusses the dance community in Las Vegas, Nevada. Miller also talks about the significance that the arts had in Las Vegas and how it changed throughout the years.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Perle Garrett conducted by Marilyn Swanson on March 02, 1975 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview Perle Garrett discusses Boulder City during the 1930s, the building of the Boulder Dam, Six Companies houses, family life, churches in Las Vegas, Nevada, and recreational activities for local children.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Isabelle Rice conducted by Angela Tampol in November 2021 for the Reflections: The Las Vegas Asian American and Pacific Islander Oral History Project. In this interview, Rice discusses her childhood in moving around the United States as a child in a military family until settling down in Las Vegas, Nevada in 2018. She reflects on the concept of a "model minority" and shares her experiences with racism and stereotypes that surround that idea. Rice also reflects on her memories of Taiwan, her grandparents, and her family.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Elwood Schmidt conducted by Claytee D. White on and November 14, 2018 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Schmidt discusses his upbringing and early interest in medicine. He talks about working for the United States Public Health Service, interviewing Emergency Medical Service (EMS) ambulance drivers, and writing
Archival Collection