Oral history interview with Theresa Page conducted by Michael Hamelmann on March 01, 1980 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Page discusses her early life in Las Vegas, Nevada. Later, Page discusses the atomic bomb testing and the possible economic benefits it had on Las Vegas. Lastly, Page discusses the reasons people have had for moving to Las Vegas.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Myrtle Banks conducted by George Williams on March 15, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Banks discusses African American history in Nevada, specifically in the context of job opportunities, relationships with whites, and the social and political changes that took place over time. Banks also discusses the riots of the 1960s, changes in crime rates and their effect on the perception of safety. Lastly she discusses growth in the construction industry and population, inflation, and how gambling and entertainment define Las Vegas, Nevada.
Archival Collection
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.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Grace Hayes conducted by Arnold Shaw on May 28, 1986 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In the interview, Hayes discusses her early life in Las Vegas, Nevada performing at the El Rancho Vegas and operating the Red Rooster, one of the first clubs on the Las Vegas Strip. Hayes also discusses her interactions with other Las Vegas, Nevada celebrities and public figures.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Don Welch conducted by his daughter, Kelly Welch, on March 15, 1978 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Welch discusses his personal history and the history of Las Vegas, Nevada, including being raised in Las Vegas and life in the city during the 1930s. He describes how Las Vegas and the surrounding areas have grown and changed, his education, and the construction of casinos and other important buildings.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Lawrence Hadland conducted by Lorraine Owens on February 02, 1979 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Hadland offers insights into local business, family life, jobs, and the overall community of Las Vegas, Nevada. He also discusses the military and the local airport.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Kathleen Fuson conducted by Lance Goss on March 04, 1980 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Fuson discusses her life in Las Vegas, Nevada including her employment history, her knowledge about the Boulder (Hoover) Dam, the desert’s flora and fauna, and the education system.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Angelo Pedot conducted by Steve Mathwig on March 14, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Pedot discusses moving to Nevada to work at the Basic Magnesium plant. Pedot also shares memories of Las Vegas, Nevada as more casinos were built.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Louis Fisher conducted by Samuel Barto on March 20, 1978 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Fisher discusses the history of Las Vegas, Nevada from 1953 and offers insight into the rapid growth of Las Vegas with special focus on the Las Vegas Strip, banks, the steady influx of people moving to Las Vegas for the warm climate, and housing.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Helen Smith conducted by Claytee D. White on February 20, 2007 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Smith discusses her personal history and moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1956. She then talks about her employment at Southern Nevada Memorial Hospital and the change to University Medical Center (UMC). Smith recalls an air conditioning business she co-owned with her husband at the time, and the activities she did as a member of Daughters of the Nile, a women's community service organization. Lastly, she discusses education and the general changes in Las Vegas.
Archival Collection