On April 5, 1976, collector Broderick T. Ackerman interviewed Michael Miller who has lived in Nevada since 1910. In this interview, Mister Miller speaks about his time working on ranches and as a trapper in Northern Nevada. He also speaks about his time running nightclubs in Las Vegas, Nevada, as well as seeing much growth throughout his time living in Las Vegas.
On March 26, 1981, Matthew A. Carr interviewed Morgan Mills (b. July 27, 1914 in Grand Junction, Colorado) about his life in Boulder City, Nevada and his work at the Boulder (Hoover) Dam site. Mills speaks primarily about his time working on the dam as a mechanic with the United States Bureau of Reclamation, as a tourist guide with the Boulder City Tourist Bureau and as a musician in local bands. Moreover, Mills speaks about attending the University of Nevada, Reno and playing music there. Lastly, he talks about the Great Depression, how it affected Las Vegas and Boulder City, the development of different infrastructure and the speakeasies in Boulder City during the Prohibition era.
On March 10, 1981, Floyd Jenne (born June 6th, 1915 in Ogden, Utah) was interviewed by Ping Lee at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. The interview covers Mr. Lee’s life as a police officer in Boulder City, Nevada. Mr. Lee also recalls going to school in McGill, Nevada and Ely, Nevada and working in Boulder City and Las Vegas, Nevada.
The Nevada Mining Photograph Collection depicts mining activities, miners, and mining towns in Nevada from 1868 to 1937. The photographs primarily depict the towns of Tonopah, Nevada and Goldfield, Nevada, including mills, buildings, mine shafts, and panoramic views of the landscape. The photographs also depict Beatty, Lost City, Delamar, Candelaria, Winnemucca, Virginia City, Rhyolite, Elko, and Reno, Nevada. The photographs also include portraits of early settlers in Nevada, Native Americans, children, parades, celebrations, and funerals.
On April 15, 1976, Judy Hammer interviewed Carmon Meswarb (b. February 9, 1932 in Cedar Falls, Iowa) about his life as a musician in Las Vegas, Nevada. Meswarb discusses how he ended up in Las Vegas, the musicians union and his time playing in a relief band. Meswarb also delves into the different entertainment acts of the 1950s and 1960s, the big-name performers, the city’s showgirls and racial segregation in entertainment. Moreover, Matson talks about the changing landscape of the city, residential areas and the changed attitude of the Strip. The interview ends with Meswarb discussing the short stint of Broadway shows on the Las Vegas Strip.
On February 27, 1979, Cindy Gaylor interviewed engineering aid accountant, Laura Kelly (born December 31st, 1928 in Silverton, Colorado) in her home in Boulder City, Nevada. The two discuss Kelly’s reasons for moving, as well as her early life in Boulder City. They also discuss Nellis Air Force Base, as well as local politics. The interview concludes with a discussion of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in Southern Nevada, during the Great Depression.
On October 24, 1974, collector James M. Greene interviewed civil engineer, Robert Kesterson (born on August 12th, 1920 in Key West, Florida) in his home in Henderson, Nevada. Mrs. Kesterson is also present during the interview. This interview offers an overview on life in Boulder City, Las Vegas, and Henderson, Nevada. The interview ends with a discussion on land development.
On February 24, 1977, Bill Teepe interviewed Hal G. Curtis (born 1926 in Galt City, California) about his life in Southern Nevada. Curtis talks first about his work on the Union Pacific Railroad before discussing changes and development in Las Vegas, including development on the Strip and Downtown areas. He also talks about Block 16, the El Rancho Vegas fire, social clubs, and religion.
On March 13, 1976, Mary Germain interviewed Thalia Dondero (born 1921 in Greeley, Colorado) about her life in Nevada and her experiences as the first female commissioner for the Clark County Commission. Dondero first talks about her upbringing and her eventual move to Southern Nevada. She also discusses her involvement in extracurricular activities, such as being a leader for the Girl Scouts, and how some of those experiences led her to get involved in politics. Dondero also mentions her work with National Geographic and her passion for working with oil paintings and watercolors. The final part of the interview involves some of Dondero’s accounts as a commissioner for Clark County and some of the challenges she has faced in that position.