On February 26 and 27, 1979, Dale Forshee interviewed Helen Early (born 1919 in Des Moines, Iowa) about her life in Southern Nevada. Early first talks about her arrival to Las Vegas and the early development of the city. She also talks about some of the first businesses in Las Vegas, the initial development of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and the early nightclubs and casinos in the city. Early also discusses her work in establishing a school for disabled children before discussing other topics related to McCarran Airport, Bugsy Siegel, Senator Walter Baring, the first churches in Las Vegas, and the Helldorado Parade.

R. Ian Ross, better known as Ross, and wife Irmalee have dedicated their lives to serving, and improving, their community. Both Ross and Irmalee’s families moved to Las Vegas, from Los Angeles and Reno respectively, drawn by the opportunities presenting themselves in the growing city. While in college, Ross would spend his summers as busboy at the Sands hotel, where his mother worked as beauty consultant and salesperson. Ross attended law school, and soon after finishing, started a law firm with Jerry Snyder and Oscar Goodman. After a couple of years, Ross took a position with the City Attorney’s Office while also starting his own private firm. He later served as an assemblyman in 1977-78. In addition to his work as an attorney, Ross has engaged in various real estate ventures over the years, largely in North Las Vegas. He served as the president of the North Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce, and dedicated himself to developing this part of town. During this time, Irmalee was an active member in various social organizations, including Junior League, of which she still is a member. Having lived in Las Vegas for over 50 years, from ‘mob days’ to the present, Ross and Irmalee have accumulated unique experiences, and developed keen insights, about the growth, change and development of Las Vegas. Unlike others, they embrace the city’s continuing evolution as a community.