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Helen Winthrop oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Helen Winthrop conducted by Ron Valles on February 20, 1980 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Winthrop discusses her personal history and living in Las Vegas, Nevada. Winthrop describes her family, education, and marriage to her husband. She also describes her recreational activities and places she has traveled with her family. Winthrop explains the differences between the Las Vegas Strip and the rest of the city, as well as how Las Vegas is developing and changing.

C. D. Williams oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with C. D. Williams conducted by Edwin R. Smith on July 07, 1975 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Williams discusses his career as a firefighter in Las Vegas, Nevada and the history of the Las Vegas Fire & Rescue Department. He describes his early history, moving to Las Vegas in 1942, and how he obtained his position in the Las Vegas Fire & Rescue Department. Williams also describes his training, the equipment they utilized, and how that equipment, as well as the fire department itself, has changed over time.

William Star oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with William Star conducted by Tony Morneau on September 15, 1973 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Star discusses moving from Brooklyn, New York to Henderson, Nevada in 1955. In 1959, Star moved from Henderson to Las Vegas, Nevada to run a family-owned pawn shop. Star goes into detail about atomic bomb testing, the growth of Las Vegas, and gambling.

Ward W. Wengert oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Ward W. Wengert conducted by Robert D. Myles on March 01, 1976 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Wengert discusses his personal history and Las Vegas, Nevada history. Wengert describes living in Las Vegas, observing the nuclear tests, and economic and environmental changes of Las Vegas. Wengert also discusses how Las Vegas has developed and changed, and flooding in Nevada.

Harriet Trudell oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Harriet Trudell conducted by Shannon Beesley on February 26, 1977 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Trudell begins by describing her early history in St. Petersburg, Florida, including her education and lobbying for labor unions. She discusses her career working for the presidential campaigns during the 1960s and 1970s.

Nanyu Tomiyasu oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Nanyu Tomiyasu conducted by Mark French on April 12, 1977 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Tomiyasu begins by discussing his father's immigration from Japan to North America in 1898, and his move to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1916. He talks about his father's work in agriculture and the types of crops grown in Las Vegas during the early twentieth century. Tomiyasu also discusses his own upbringing in Las Vegas, how the city has changed and grown, and his education.

Barbara Davis oral history interviews

Abstract

Oral history interviews with Barbara Davis conducted by Joanne Goodwin on December 18, 1996 and March 25, 1997 for the Women's Research Institute of Nevada (WRIN) Las Vegas Women Oral History Project. Davis opens her interviews by discussing her audition for the Folies Bergere as a dancer with limited experience. Davis describes working with the Folies Bergere as a touring showgirl in the 1940s. She discusses touring the United States in the Folies Bergere, touring South America for three years, and going to college at night while performing during the day.

Thomas Cooper oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Thomas Cooper conducted by Irene Rostine on August 04, 2011 for the Women's Research Institute of Nevada (WRIN). Cooper begins his interview by describing his journey from Dublin, Ireland to Ohio, California, and eventually Las Vegas, Nevada to work for the Centel Telephone Company and Centel Business Systems. Cooper explains his job responsibilities and talks about what phone companies and telecom systems were like in the 1950s. Cooper goes into detail about the tools and equipment needed to install telecom systems in hotels and businesses.

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