On February 16, 1978, Steven Knowles interviewed Betty Joyce Clark (born 1940 in Cartersville, Georgia) about her experiences living in Las Vegas, Nevada. Clark first talks about her early places of residence, the schools she attended, and some of the businesses she remembered from the time. She also discusses bus transportation, the first hospitals in town, and the early development of the Las Vegas Strip. Additional topics include the development of utility services for homes, early railroad activity, the development of North Las Vegas, and the first airport and airline services. The latter part of the interview includes discussion of the first department stores, the tourist population, the racial makeup of the city, the police department, and the extent of crime in Las Vegas. The interview finalizes with Clark’s thoughts on the growth of Las Vegas.
On March 2, 1980, Steven E. Pilgram interviewed river runner, Georgie Clark (born on November 13, 1910 in Chicago, Illinois) at Sambo’s Coffee Shop in Las Vegas, Nevada. This interview is an in-depth discussion about the Colorado River area, including changes, and new rules and regulations. Georgie also recalls working as a real estate agent and as a ferry command, civil servant in World War II.
On April 7, 1976, Lorna Suzette Clark interviewed her mother-in-law, Phyllis Webb Clark (born 1928 in Los Angeles, California) about her experiences from living in Las Vegas. The two first discuss education, the various address at which Phyllis lived, and the early development of the Strip and Downtown areas. The interview then covers the visits of important individuals, forms of transportation, the effect of World War II on the economy, and the effects of the growing town on hospitality and courteousness. Phyllis also mentions the Helldorado Parade, her involvement in Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, and recreational activities. The interview concludes with a discussion on the atomic testing, the Stewart Ranch, and floods in Las Vegas.
On February 10, 1979, collector Tom Mattingly interviewed his neighbor, professional engineer geologist and registered surveyor, Ernest Henry Clary (born May 21st, 1906 in Lincoln, Nebraska) in the collector’s home in Las Vegas, Nevada. The interview covers Mr. Clary’s personal and professional life and the history of Nevada, including, the early above-ground atomic tests, presidential visits and the crash of Carole Lombard’s plane. All persons present during the interview, include: Tom Mattingly, Ernest Clary, Mary Mattingly, and Matt Mattingly.
On March 14, 1976 Raymond E. Frey interviewed Vice President of Nevada State Bank, Mitchell A. Cobeaga (born December 11, 1917 in Lovelock, Nevada) at Mr. Frey’s home in Las Vegas, Nevada. This interview covers early life in Nevada and the history of the Nevada State Bank. During this interview Mr. Cobeaga also discusses education in Nevada in the twenties and thirties, and Southern Nevada’s influence over the rest of the state.
On February 17, 1980, Judith Chavez interviewed Thelma Coblentz (born 1911 in New Jersey) about her experiences in Southern Nevada. Coblentz first talks about her move to Lovelock, Nevada, where her husband provided medical care as one of the first physicians in the small town. She later talks about her move to Las Vegas and some of the services she helped to provide at Nellis Air Force Base. Coblentz later describes Downtown Las Vegas, specifically the development of the casinos and shopping businesses. She later talks about the rainstorms and dust storms that the city would experience before recalling some of the entertainers who would perform on the Las Vegas Strip. The interview concludes with a discussion on the first physicians in Las Vegas and the increasing population of the city.
On March 27, 1977, Frank Murillo interviewed housewife Marian Beltran Decaro (born September 7th, 1914 in Flagstaff, Arizona) in her home in Las Vegas, Nevada. This interview covers the history of Las Vegas, Nevada’s first Mexican restaurant. Mr. Decaro is also present during the interview. Additionally, Mrs. Decaro recalls the first atomic bomb test in Las Vegas and also offers an overview of the growth of the area, overall, including the development and demographic details of such distinct historical communities as the Westside.
On March 20, 1978, Charles Conti interviewed hairdresser and physical education instructor of St. Francis School, Charlotte Conti (born Charlotte Anne Easton on December 13, 1941 in Arkansas) at her home in Las Vegas, Nevada. During the interview Charlotte discusses occupations, Mormon Church activity, education, marriage and raising a family in Las Vegas. She then recalls the social significance and communal impact of the annual Helldorado Parade. She also discusses the overall growth and development of Las Vegas, Nevada, from 1953 to 1978.
On February 26, 1977, Lynn Kelstrom Ballard interviewed Teresa Jones Denning (born in Overton, Nevada in 1912) about her life in Southern Nevada. Denning first talks about her family background and her upbringing in Overton, including her life on a farm and her education in that small town. Denning also talks about her recreational pastimes before talking about the building of Boulder Dam and her life in Boulder City. Towards the end of the interview, she talks about her work as a driver for Las Vegas High School, her husband’s work on the Boulder Dam, and the changes in living conditions that she has noticed in Boulder City over time.
On March 18, 1978, Gigi Arino interviewed antique shop owner, Mary B. Cooke (born November 13th, 1936 in Watertown, Wisconsin) in her antique shop in Las Vegas, Nevada. During this interview Mary discusses previous jobs, personal family history, education, and the growth and development of the city. She also expresses her opinions on the topic of welfare, healthcare and the condition of the hospitals in Las Vegas.