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Billie Mae Polson oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Billie Mae Polson conducted by Eva Diane Head on March 08, 1978 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Polson discusses arriving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1947. She also describes her employment at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) James R. Dickinson Library (now Lied Library) and recalls the construction of the Library's upper floors. Later, Polson discusses the Library's switch to an automated circulation system.

Jack West oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Jack West conducted by Perry Kaufman on June 12, 1972 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, West discusses his experience and employment in the advertising industry in Las Vegas, Nevada. West also explains the significance of publicity campaigns for companies.

Lillian Whalen oral history interviews

Abstract

Oral history interviews with Lillian Whalen conducted by Laura Bell on September 21, 1974 and November 22, 1974 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Whalen discusses her personal history in Boulder City, Nevada since the 1930s. Whalen then describes social life, the increase of local businesses, and the overall growth of Boulder City.

Leonard Stubbs oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Leonard Stubbs conducted by Jay Brewer on April 09, 1975 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Stubbs begins by describing his father's history as a merchant in Boulder City, Nevada, life in Boulder City during the construction of Hoover Dam (Boulder Dam) and World War II, and what the local school system was like. Stubbs discusses how Boulder City has developed economically through commerce, how the city has grown, and owning his own businesses.

Robert M. Smith oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Robert M. Smith conducted by Mary Ellen Crane on March 15, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Smith discusses his career in cosmetology and being a hair dresser for shows in Las Vegas, Nevada casinos, such as the Copa Line in the Sands Hotel & Casino. He also describes owning his own salon, how entertainment and casinos have changed in Las Vegas, and aspects of the beauty industry in Nevada. Smith concludes by talking about Las Vegas' growth and his experiences in real estate.

Felice John "Rocky" Russo oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Felice John "Rocky" Russo conducted by Marta Planzo on March 14, 1976 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Russo discusses his life and living in Las Vegas, Nevada. Russo describes moving to Las Vegas to work in construction, later becoming a teamster, and making deliveries in several towns in Nevada. Russo also talks about seeing Howard Hughes at the El Rancho Hotel and Casino and Hughes' effect on the town, how Las Vegas has changed and expanded, and the various social clubs in the city.

Eleanor and Elmer H. Nighswonger oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Eleanor and Elmer H. Nighswonger conducted by Rick Isom on September 24, 1972 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Elmer and Eleanor explain why they moved to Southern Nevada, Elmer's career as battalion chief of the Las Vegas Fire & Rescue Department, and living in Boulder City, Nevada. The Nighswongers also discuss Elmer's political affiliation, nuclear weapons tests, economic changes of Southern Nevada, and pollution caused by the chemical and metal plants in Henderson, Nevada.

Melvin Albert Weasa oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Melvin Albert Weasa conducted by Al Weasa on October 01, 1971 for the Ralph Roske Oral history project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Weasa discusses living in Las Vegas, Nevada since the 1940s. He then describes recreational activities and recalls his different occupations while living in Las Vegas. Weasa also discusses his employment at Union Plaza Hotel (Plaza Hotel and Casino) as a pit boss. Later, Weasa describes the development of casinos and hotels on the Las Vegas Strip as well as Boulder Highway.

Alice Waite oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Alice Waite conducted by Carole Terry and Donna Andress on October 19, 2011 on behalf of the Junior League of Las Vegas. Waite opens her interview by discussing her family's move to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1940 so her father could work as a school teacher. She talks about her childhood education and her father's civic engagement. Waite then discusses her husband, children, and working on her education while raising a family. She then describes her time as a teacher, and the events she helped produce for the Junior League, including a puppetry convention.

Mabel Stone oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Mabel Stone conducted by S. A. Ulsamer on August 29, 1975 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Stone begins by discussing her move to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1942 and her career as a waitress in several different casinos, including the El Rancho Hotel and Casino and the Nevada Biltmore Hotel. She describes the development of the Las Vegas Strip and her interactions with Howard Hughes. Stone also discusses her recreational activities, nuclear weapons tests, and how Las Vegas has changed.

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