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Afton Powers oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Afton Powers conducted by Stephen Johnson on January 22, 1972 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Powers discusses living in St. Thomas, Nevada before the town was submerged in water after the construction of Hoover Dam (Boulder Dam). She describes the utilities they had, her recreational activities, and how the town prepared for its eventual submersion.

Tommy Nelson oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Tommy Nelson conducted by Art Rader on November 29, 1974 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Nelson discusses the history of Boulder City, Nevada and his career as a musician. He describes moving to Boulder City in 1932 and working as a laborer on the construction of Hoover Dam (Boulder Dam). Nelson describes life in the city during the construction of the dam, how the dam was built, and how Boulder City has changed.

Luther Pennington oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Luther Pennington conducted by Greg Decker on February 27, 1979 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Pennington discusses working on the trains for the Union Pacific Railroad Company starting in 1927 and explains the various jobs he held on the train. Pennington then describes his position as locomotive engineer and recalls his experiences. Later, he discusses train routes, stations, and the dangers of working aboard a train.

Frances Moore oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Frances Moore conducted by Susan Kendall on March 30, 1977 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Moore and her priest discuss their religious affiliations and go through baptism records at their church. Afterwards, Moore describes the history of Las Vegas, Nevada and prominent families in the city as she presents the interviewer her collection of photographs and records.

John Scott oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with John Scott conducted by Stephen M. Magee on April 29, 1986 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Scott discusses his personal history living in Las Vegas, Nevada since 1940. He then describes life in Las Vegas and the growth in both population and infrastructure. Later, Scott discusses the Las Vegas economy, the Helldorado Parade, and describes the above ground nuclear bomb testings.

J. A. Tiberti oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with J. A. Tiberti conducted by Terry Mowbray on February 23, 1977 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Tiberti discusses his personal history before arriving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1941 as a civil engineer for Nellis Air Force Base. Tiberti recalls the plane crash involving Carole Lombard in 1942 and describes his work in assisting to locate the plane. He then discusses the construction projects he worked on and environmental changes around Las Vegas. Lastly, Tiberti describes his construction company, J. A.

Cleona Sorenson and Theona Ohlson oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Cleona Sorenson and Theona Ohlson conducted by Fred F. Aldrich on March 04, 1977 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Cleona and Theona discuss growing up in Mesquite, Nevada and later moving to Las Vegas, Nevada. The two then describe life during World War II, the increase of tourism in southern Nevada, and the significance gambling has to the growth of the Las Vegas economy.

Robert Lee Taylor oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Robert Lee Taylor conducted by Elizabeth Nelson Patrick on June 03, 1978 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Taylor discusses arriving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1945, and describes his experience as an African American in Las Vegas. Taylor recalls social changes, voting in elections, and living on the Westside as it was in development.

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