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Lynn Smith oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Lynn Smith conducted by Aylwin Tai on March 04, 1979 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Smith begins by discussing why he moved to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1968, his religious affiliations, and musical entertainment in Las Vegas. He talks about his family, his affiliations with different social organizations, and the expansion of Las Vegas. Smith describes the insurance industry in Las Vegas from his perspective as an insurance adjuster.

John R. Shown oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with John R. Shown conducted by Robert E. Pilgreen on March 18, 1978 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Shown discusses his personal history living in Las Vegas, Nevada since 1953. Shown then describes casinos that were built during his lifetime, and recalls the development of the Las Vegas Strip. Shown then discusses gambling, and the effect that gambling has on the Las Vegas economy.

Harold Smith oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Harold Smith conducted by Troy Durham on July 08, 1975 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Smith discusses arriving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1943 and recalls his first impressions of the city. Smith also talks about his employment at the Basic Magnesium Plant in Henderson, Nevada. Finally, he discusses the development of Fremont Street, recreational activities, and the Las Vegas Strip.

Grant Snow oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Grant Snow conducted by Elizabeth Nelson Patrick on November 16, 1982 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Snow discusses arriving to St. Thomas, Nevada in 1925. Snow also describes teaching in St. Thomas, the significance of mines to the region, and increase of local businesses.

Mary V. Strachan oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Mary V. Strachan conducted by Bill Strachan on February 26, 1979 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Strachan discusses her personal history before arriving in Boulder City, Nevada in 1953. Strachan also describes population growth in Boulder City and Las Vegas, Nevada, as well as the development of Boulder City Hospital. Lastly, Strachan discusses her employment as a nurse at Boulder City Hospital.

Robert Alton Thielke oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interviews with Robert Alton Thielke conducted by his grandson, Harry Stephen Lauer, on March 12, 1975 and an unknown date in 1975 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In these interviews, Thielke discusses his personal history working for railroads, gas companies, and munitions manufacturers before moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1948. Thielke describes life in Las Vegas during the 1940s and taking road trips in a Ford Model T roadster. He talks about how Las Vegas has changed and grown, as well as rodeos in the city.

Tonopah, Nevada Mining Town Photograph Album

Abstract

The Tonopah, Nevada Mining Town Photograph Album (approximately 1908) consists of twenty-two photographs in a leather-bound album. The photographs depict businesses, townspeople, street scenes, and mining operations in Tonopah, Nevada and the surrounding areas of Goldfield, Nevada and Mina, Nevada. Also included are photographs of a fire on May 12, 1908 that destroyed a block of commercial buildings in Tonopah, which were taken by local photographer E. W. Smith., and views of the downtown area both before and after the fire.

Iona Thompson oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Iona Thompson conducted by Lisa C. Krueger on March 08, 1978 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Thompson discusses different aspects of life in Las Vegas, Nevada during World War II. Thompson describes the rationing of food and fuel, as well as the increased military presence in Las Vegas and how that affected the city.

Rick Tilman oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Rick Tilman conducted by Nicholas Christie on February 28, 1979 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Tilman discusses his personal history and his educational background. Tilman then describes changes in Las Vegas, Nevada and how gambling helped the Las Vegas economy grow. He later recalls atomic bomb testing, local politics, and the rise of crime throughout Las Vegas.

Jane Reid Yeager oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Jane Reid Yeager conducted by Lois J. Cooper on July 03, 1975 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Yeager begins by discussing owning a cafe in Henderson, Nevada and the Mexican and Asian populations in Southern Nevada. She describes visits by prominent politicians and life in Henderson, as well as changes she has observed in Nevada, including the construction of highways, increased tourism, and the development of casinos in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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