Oral history interview with Carey Burke conducted by Terri Goodsell on March 12, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Burke talks about his schooling at St. Joseph’s Catholic School and Rancho High School. Burke also talks about the recreational activities he took part in during schooling, such as going to Lake Mead and joining a YMCA (Young Men’s Christian Association) camp. Burke then describes the Helldorado customs and his hobby of collecting gaming memorabilia.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Barbara Millington conducted by David Mowrey for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Millington discusses the development of Las Vegas, Nevada and compares the 1940s to the 1980s. Millington also discusses her work history and personal life in Las Vegas.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Mark Whitmore conducted by William M. Paradiss on March 03, 1975 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Whitmore discusses growing up in Las Vegas, Nevada since 1948 and recalls his family history. Whitmore then describes the growth of Las Vegas, specifically the expansion toward the west side of the city. Whitmore later discusses social and environmental changes, the increase in pollution, and recreational activities at the time. Lastly, Whitmore recalls his experience as a student at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas during the mid-1960s.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Walter Zick conducted by Maureen Kelly Ryan on February 22, 1977 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Zick discusses architecture and moving to Las Vegas, Nevada to work at the Basic Magnesium Plant.
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 Gene Leavitt conducted by his son, Monte Leavitt, on February 28, 1979 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Mr. Leavitt talks about his career as a truck and bus driver. He also talks about the life in Southern Nevada, the soldiers stationed here, and gambling. Leavitt also briefly discusses doing drilling work on the Boulder (Hoover) Dam.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Lonnie Wright conducted by Claytee White on October 23, 2009 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. Wright describes the casino mentality of racism and sexism that he encountered. Wright also discusses dealing with the odds and his business endeavors. Wright then describes the value of being a team player and using athletics as a marketing strategy.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Lovey McCurdy conducted by Greg McCurdy on March 19, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Lovey recalls arriving in Las Vegas, Nevada in 1951, meeting white people in Las Vegas, Nevada, the atomic bomb testing, and other aspects of being part of the African American community during the 1950s and 1960s.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Joseph LaVoie conducted by Stephanie Gillson on February 26, 1977 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, LaVoie discusses being a police officer in Las Vegas, Nevada from 1945 to 1966, as well as life around the city at the time and its expansion. LaVoie also discusses the nearby nuclear testing.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with James Whitney conducted by Anna Huddleston on January 24, 2014 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Whitney discusses his involvement with the beverage and restaurant industry in Las Vegas, Nevada and life in the city during the 1960s. Whitney describes working as an alcohol distributor and salesman and driving around rural Nevada and the surrounding states selling liquor. Whitney talks about prominent locations and eateries in the Las Vegas area, and what he likes about living in the desert compared to his former residence in Chicago, Illinois. Whitney also discusses the presence of organized crime in Las Vegas and his associations with the mob through his family and his business.
Archival Collection