Oral history interview with Richard Hooker conducted by Claytee D. White on June 10, 2014 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Hooker discusses his work as an artist and cultural practitioner for the City of Las Vegas Office of Cultural Affairs. He recalls his background in political science and his employment with the Nevada Arts Council. Hooker then describes the projects he was involved with, including preserving neon signs and the formation of the Neon Museum.
Oral history interview with Mamie Buettner conducted by Gertrude Anne Moore on February 21, 1975 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. During the interview Buettner discusses the history of Las Vegas, Nevada and offers insight into the day-to-day life of a Las Vegas old timer.
Oral history interview with Mark Matthews conducted by Marcus Harrison on March 30, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Matthews discusses his arrival to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1949 in an attempt to find better living conditions. Matthews then describes living through the Great Depression, and explains the hardships it brought upon many people. Matthews later discusses improvements in transportation throughout the city as more streets were paved.
Oral history interview with William Rehn conducted by Melissa Valentine on February 15, 1979 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Rehn discusses how he believes people have changed in Las Vegas, Nevada since he moved there in 1939. Rehn bemoans how African Americans were treated and segregated in Las Vegas, and describes his career as a political cartoonist. He describes clubs in Las Vegas and their connection to organized crime, as well as the inner workings of the casinos and their relation to the economy.
Oral history interview with Robert Kneoki conducted by Dave Harelik on March 14, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Kneoki discusses growth, crime, and religion in Nevada. He also talks about the silver mines, MX missiles, and transient people.
Oral history interview with Harold Smith conducted by Troy Durham on July 08, 1975 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Smith discusses arriving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1943 and recalls his first impressions of the city. Smith also talks about his employment at the Basic Magnesium Plant in Henderson, Nevada. Finally, he discusses the development of Fremont Street, recreational activities, and the Las Vegas Strip.
Oral history interview with Alton H. Peterson conducted by Jay Brewer on October 08, 1974 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Peterson discusses the history and expansion of Boulder City, Nevada, Henderson, Nevada, and Las Vegas, Nevada.
Oral history interview with John E. Erb conducted by Susan Korzennik on February 23, 1980 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Erb discusses construction work, family life, and local social, religious, and community activities in the Las Vegas, Nevada area. He also discusses being a member of the Elks Club and the Clark County Gentlemen’s Club.
Oral history interview with Charissa B. Fabian conducted by Kyle Gregory Baluyut on November 24, 2021 for Reflections: The Las Vegas Asian American and Pacific Islander Oral History Project. In this interview, Charissa B. Fabian discusses her upbringing in Angeles City, Pampanga, Philippines with her three siblings and memories shared with her grandparents and cousins. She talks about her nursing education from the University of the Philippines and her immigration via a recruitment agency to work in New York. Charissa Fabian reflects on her move to Las Vegas, Nevada with her husband in 1995, the growing Filipino population in the city, and her work as a nurse. She also shares her thoughts on the immigration process, the COVID-19 pandemic, and politics.
Oral history interview with Howard Heckethorn conducted by Neil Dalmas on March 02, 1977 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. This interview offers an overview of early education in Nevada. Mr. Heckethorn also discusses Stewart Ranch, Howard Hughes and the Hughes Site, and the migration of the Mormons to the Las Vegas area.