Oral history interview with Eldon E. Gearing conducted by Claytee D. White on February 07, 2013 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. Gearing begins by describing how he developed his skills as a sheet metal worker through apprenticeships and his time in the United States Navy during World War II as an aviation metalsmith. Gearing discusses his air conditioning business and the contracting work he did for homes and casinos in Las Vegas, Nevada during the late 1950s and 1960s, including at Caesars Palace and the Tropicana. Other topics of discussion include rising drug use in the United States, his political opinions on issues such as welfare and government restrictions, and the future of Las Vegas.
Oral history interviews with Nona Carroll conducted by Claytee D. White on July 06, 2018 and July 16, 2018 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In the first interview, Carroll discusses her family background and early life in St. Louis, Missouri. She recalls moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1987, her employment with Computer Software Analyst, Inc., and working at Nellis Air Force Base. In the second interview, Carroll talks about her community involvement in Las Vegas and her membership with the Summerlin Women’s Club. Lastly, Carroll discusses the organization J.U.G.S. (Justice, Unity, Generosity, Service, Inc.) and the Girl Friends, Inc.
Oral history interview with William Helms conducted by Denise Wolff on March 04, 1980 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Helms discusses the transformation, growth, and development of the public education system in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Oral history interview with Joseph Kine conducted by Eileen Reedy on February 14, 1972 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Kine discusses Boulder City, Nevada and the Boulder (Hoover) Dam.
Oral history interview with Richard Caldwell conducted by Lloyd Henderson on March 6, 1980 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Richard Caldwell (b. 1935 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana) discusses his experience moving to and living in Las Vegas, Nevada. Caldwell discusses his family and his education in business administration before describing the various occupations he has held. Caldwell then talks about the changes in Las Vegas, including racial issues, prejudice, and segregation.
Oral history interview with Dorothy Kelsey conducted by James M. Greene on January 20, 1975 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. This interview covers the early days of Nelson, Searchlight, and Las Vegas, Nevada, as Kelsey offers an in-depth personal narrative on the life of a local. The interview concludes with a discussion on hotels and casinos.
Oral history interview with Bob Gronauer conducted by Stefani Evans and Claytee D. White on October 27, 2016 for the Building Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Gronauer discusses his early life in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania and describes living in subsidized housing. He talks about moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1989, his employment with Las Vegas Paving, and his involvement with building the Luxor Hotel and Casino. Gronauer then recalls doing the master plans for the Iron Mountain Ranch community in the late 1990s, his contributions to the development of public parks, and developing master plans for North Las Vegas communities. Lastly, Gronauer discusses location planning for new projects and obtaining support from home owners and elected officials.
Oral history interview with Richard L. Starr conducted by Barrie S. Eddy on March 19, 1978 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Starr begins by discussing his career as an optical technician in Las Vegas, Nevada before transitioning into the service and repair industry for laundromats, and air conditioning. Starr describes how Las Vegas has changed, its population boom, and his hobby of prospecting. He also talks about flooding in Southern Nevada and housing development in Las Vegas.
Oral history interview with Dan Bennett conducted by Guy Pence on October 03, 1972 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. During this interview Bennett talks about the visits from presidents and other important people to the Las Vegas, Nevada area and discusses the 1942 plane crash of Carole Lombard’s plane. He also mentions Boulder Dam and describes the economic, social and environmental changes that have taken place in Southern Nevada over the years.
Oral history interview with Frank Mathews conducted by Pat Kohlman on December 07, 1975 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In the interview, Mathews discusses his life as a teacher at J. D. Smith Middle School in Las Vegas, Nevada from 1953 to 1975. He discusses traveling through the city during its early stages of growth, employment, and home construction in various Las Vegas Valley locations including Lorenzi Park (currently known as Twin Lakes), Hyde Park, and North Las Vegas, Nevada.