Oral history interview with Ray Merrill conducted by his son, Rick Merrill, on March 14, 1978 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Ray Merrill describes how Las Vegas, Nevada has evolved and expanded over the years since he moved to Southern Nevada in 1942.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Dan Lubin conducted by David Schwartz on November 30, 2016 for the History of Gaming Oral History Project. In this interview, Lubin, the author of The Essentials of Casino Game Design: From the Cocktail Napkin to the Casino Floor discusses the process of creating successful casino games, the process involved in the game design, and technical and business considerations.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Dennis Ritz conducted by Claytee D. White on September 29, 2017 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Ritz discusses his early life in rural Pennsylvania. He recalls his initial interest in entertainment, moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1965, and becoming an entertainment director for hotels and casinos. Ritz talks about the influence of organized crime in Las Vegas, and the various shows he worked on.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Marienne Shaver conducted by her granddaughter, Alice Penwell, on March 21, 1977 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Shaver describes visiting and moving to Reno, Nevada from Michigan and later staying in Nevada to teach. Shaver talks about moving to Las Vegas, Nevada and being involved in the local girl scouts organization, church, and women's club. Lastly, Shaver discusses the growth of Las Vegas.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Shirley Mudra conducted by Barbara Tabach on November 30, 2011 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview Shirley Mudra discusses life as the wife of a Nevada Test Site manager, family life in Las Vegas, Nevada, details of Las Vegas post 1966, and friendships in the city.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Marjorie McManus conducted by an unknown interviewer on October 24, 1972 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, McManus discusses the history and differences betweeen Boulder City, Nevada and Las Vegas, Nevada. She talks about the differences in culture, education, and stances on political issues.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Jackie Appledorn conducted by Patricia van Betten on January 30, 2007 and June 26, 2010 for the History of Blue Diamond Village in Nevada Oral History Project. Appledorn discusses the history of Blue Diamond Village, from it being a stop on the Old Spanish Trail to its expansion to a family town.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Christopher Maestas conducted by Claytee White on September 14, 2008 for the Latinx Voices of Southern Nevada Oral History Project. Maestas discusses the forms of entertainment in Henderson, Nevada; Catholicism at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church in Henderson in the 1960s and 1970s, and the Latinos United for Perfect Equality (LUPE) social club. He also considers the tension between “Chicanos” and Mexican-Americans.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Arno Marsh conducted by Lisa Gioia-Acres on September 08, 2008 for the All That Jazz Oral History Project. Marsh moved to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1957. After transferring into the Las Vegas union in 1959, he signed on to perform with Charlie Ventura at the old Thunderbird Hotel. Marsh recalls playing at several different hotels on the Las Vegas strip as well as sharing the stage with a number of famous entertainers in the business. His recollections span several decades and cover a variety of topics related to the Las Vegas jazz scene.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Floyd Jenne conducted by Gordon Brusso on April 04, 1976 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Mr. Jenne discusses living and working in McGill, Nevada in the 1920’s and 1930’s. He offers insight into the school system in McGill, as well. He also speaks about working in Boulder City, Nevada as a police officer with the Bureau of Reclamation.
Archival Collection