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Howard Wasden oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Howard Wasden conducted by Gillian Collins on an unknown date in the 1970s for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Wasden discusses arriving in Las Vegas, Nevada in 1925 and working for the railroad. Wasden explains how the railroad was a predominant economic asset for Las Vegas at the time. He then describes living on the Westside "Old Town", education in Las Vegas, attending the University of Nevada, Reno, and eventually becoming a teacher.

Gayle Wallace oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Gayle Wallace conducted by Steven Stover on February 13, 1972 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Wallace discusses his personal history and the history of Las Vegas, Nevada. Wallace begins by describing his father's career as a mechanic working on the construction of Hoover Dam (Boulder Dam). Wallace then describes moving to North Las Vegas, Nevada, what life was like in the developing city, and living in a tent.

Yolanda Scaggs oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Yolanda Scaggs conducted by Thomas Walker on March 02, 1980 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Scaggs discusses air conditioning, the railroad, and atomic bomb testing. Scaggs talks about the growth of Las Vegas, Nevada, specifically the hotels and casinos on the Las Vegas Strip. She also mentions former President John F. Kennedy, mining, and the growth of Henderson, Nevada.

Florence Smith oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Florence Smith conducted by her grandson, Sam Smith, on March 19, 1978 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Smith discusses the police department for Las Vegas, Nevada and crime in the city. She describes employment levels, the ease and difficulty of finding work, and where someone can find jobs. Smith talks about raising her children and federal government ownership of land in Nevada.

Jimmy W. Newman oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Jimmy W. Newman conducted by Maureen Kelly Ryan on March 06, 1977 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Newman discusses arriving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1947 and his employment as a card dealer at various casinos. Newman then describes his move to the Sahara Hotel, his promotion to shift boss and purchasing a small percentage of the hotel.

Gladys and Lester Simmons oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Gladys and Lester Simmons conducted by their grandson, James L. Moore, on February 26, 1979 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Mr. Simmons discusses moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1945 to work on the Union Pacific Railroad. He describes the company culture, railroad lines, and the company's shift in focus to freight transport. Mr. and Mrs. Simmons talk about the construction and growth of Nevada Southern University (University of Nevada, Las Vegas) as well as the overall growth of the city of Las Vegas.

Henry Schutte oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Henry Schutte conducted by an unknown collector on an unknown date in approximately the 1980s for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Schutte discusses working on trains since childhood and explains the type of maintenance he performed. Schutte then describes his career at the Young Electric Sign Company (YESCO).

Therese Courture Thomas oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Therese Courture Thomas conducted by Roberta F. Zaplatilek on February 29, 1980 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Thomas discusses her family history and arriving to Boulder City, Nevada in 1930. Thomas describes housing in Boulder City and explains that people needed to build their own homes in the 1930s. She then discusses prostitution becoming illegal in Nevada, the Helldorado Parade, and the construction of Hoover Dam (Boulder Dam).

Luella Wardle oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Luella Wardle conducted by Elizabeth Nelson Patrick on August 04, 1981 and August 05, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Wardle discusses living in Tonopah, Nevada since 1907 and describes the living conditions at the time. Wardle also discusses education and the school system, recreational activities, and her employment in banking. She then describes Tonopah during World War II and explains how the army base was beneficial for businesses.

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