Oral history interview with Ron M. Portaro conducted by Stefani Evans and Claytee D. White on July 27, 2017 for the Building Las Vegas Oral History Project. Portaro speaks about Built-Rite Construction, moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1993, and meeting notable Las Vegas men such as Pastor Paul Goulet Arnie Adamsen, and Charlie Kajkowski. Potaro also discusses how these experiences enabled him to benefit his church, his family, and his adopted community.
Oral history interview with Robert W. Maichle conducted by John Klenke on March 12, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Maichle discusses life in Searchlight, Nevada and Boulder City, Nevada. Maichle then discusses societal changes throughout Southern Nevada, specifically with the growth of gambling.
Oral history interview with Dorothy Keefe conducted by an unidentified interviewer on February 22, 1972 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Keefe explains how she first moved to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1931 to work as a school teacher at Fifth Street School. She briefly discusses environmental and weather changes in Southern Nevada.
Oral history interview with Betty Pomeroy conducted by Jackie Ogden on March 23, 1976 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Pomeroy discusses her personal history, education in Las Vegas, Nevada, and labor unions. She then describes Nevada politics, specifically being active with political campaigns. Later, Pomeroy discusses gambling and its significance to the Las Vegas economy, along with the consequences that come with gambling. Lastly, Pomeroy recalls social life, recreational activities, and her employment in the hospitality industry.
Oral history interview with Lucille Wright conducted by Cheryl Reed on February 23, 1979 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Wright talks about her personal life and experiences in Las Vegas, Nevada. Wright also talks about her experiences as a school teacher in the mid 1950s, teacher pay, and school activities.
Oral history interview with Emil Pahor conducted by his granddaughter, Shelley Pahor, on March 04, 1979 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Pahor discusses his personal history in Las Vegas, Nevada after moving there in 1936. Pahor describes what life was like living in Las Vegas at the time and the kinds of facilities and recreation available. Pahor discusses starting his own sheet metal business, which eventually became an air conditioning business. Pahor also discusses the first radio broadcasts in Las Vegas and the shows he enojyed.
Oral history interview with Shannon Rabb conducted by Claytee D. White on December 20, 2022 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview, Rabb describes her experience living in the Herbert Gerson Housing Development on the Westwide of Las Vegas. She describes it as safe, as community, and as protection from the police. In this interview, Rabb discusses a wide variety of topics including gangs, drugs, Westside businesses, and family with an expanded definition.
Oral history interview with George Gilbert conducted by Ruth Guidi on February 10, 1975 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Gilbert first talks about his education in Las Vegas, Nevada, life during World War II, the shopping facilities, casinos, churches in Las Vegas, and the Helldorado parades.
Oral history interview with John Grayson conducted by Elizabeth N. Patrick on May 23, 1983 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. The interview covers Grayson’s experience with gaming in Arizona, California, and Nevada. Also present during John Grayson’s interview is Billy H. Gray, a longtime gaming associate of his, who helps Grayson go into greater detail about key events.
Oral history interview with Mary Sparrow conducted by Robert Tolbert on March 20, 1976 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Sparrow discusses her career as a telephone operator and the history of Las Vegas, Nevada. Sparrow describes her duties as an operator before the advent of the dial system, the growth of Las Vegas, and life in the city during the 1950s.