The Hughes Electronics Corporation Records (1935-2021) contain the files and publications of the corporate communications department and records donated by Robert K. Roney, a leading engineer at Hughes. These records document the growth of the company in Southern California, from building experimental aircraft for Howard Hughes, to developing and manufacturing radar and guided missile systems for the United States military and NATO forces, to developing and manufacturing communication satellites and space probes for NASA, and becoming the largest manufacturer of communication satellites and provider of satellite TV. The collection contains press releases, executive biographies, executive speeches, annual reports, corporate directories, organizational charts, correspondence files, technical reports and notes, promotional materials, as well as articles and publications detailing the history of the company. The collection also includes audiovisual materials and photographs. The audiovisual series details the history of the company through news footage and documentaries about Howard Hughes, aviation, corporate mergers, interviews with executives and promotional videos.
A view of the front of the Golden Nugget Gambling Hall. A banner advertising "Cooled by refrigeration always pleasant" is visible on the right-hand side of the building. The Nugget Saloon and a Shell gas station sign is visible in the background. The Golden Nugget opened in 1946, and is the first structure designed from the ground up to be a casino. Steve Wynn became the majority shareholder in 1973, and built the first tower in 1977. In 1984, the neon was removed from the building and the spa tower was built, along with the showroom. The third tower was opened in 1989. The hotel now has 2,419 rooms and suites. The casino's large hotel sign at its entrance off Fremont and Casino Center was removed in 1984 when the casino underwent renovations. The old sign presently sits at the YESCO (Young Electric Sign Company) sign yard.
The exterior of Hughes Research Laboratories where rock bits were test-drilled in Culver City, California in the 1940s. Transcribed from note taped to back of photo: "Rock bits are test-drilled in the laboratory under conditions that duplicate, as far as is possible in the laboratory, those encountered in actual drilling. As a result, rotational speeds, loads, and fluid volume are closely controlled. The rig operator occupies a splash-proof booth above the 'cellar floor.' The instruments on his control panel provide for application and measurement of variable axial loading on the drilling bit up to 100,000 lbs., variable rotational speeds up to 400 rpm, measurement of bit penetration over a total vertical travel of 5 feet at rates up to 180 ft. per hour, and torque. On the panel, also, are several controls for the operation of mud pump and other accessory equipment."
The black and white view of members of the Aeronautical Association awaiting the arrival of Howard Hughes and his Lockheed 12 aircraft at the Floyd Bennett Airport in New York. Typed onto a piece of paper attached to the image: "Official timers of Aeronautical Association compare their precision chronometers as Lockheed-14 roars overhead, marking end of Round-the-World flight at Floyd Bennett Airport." Typed onto a second piece of paper also attached to the image: "Official timers of the Aeronautical Association shown at Floyd Bennett Field comparing their precision chronometers as Howard Hughes' plane roared overhead marking the end of his Flight Around The World. July 1938."
A view of Howard Hughes and Grover Whalen at Floyd Bennett Airfield in New York. Description printed on photograph's accompanying sheet of paper: "Howard Hughes leaving Floyd Bennett Airport after completing a round the world flight with four companions. He is leaving with Grover Whalen (Left in picture) 7-14-38. (Press Association)."
The black and white view of a crowd of people awaiting the arrival of Howard Hughes in his Lockheed 14 aircraft at Floyd Bennett Airport, New York. This final landing for Hughes marked the end of his Round The World flight.