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Audrey Wickman oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Audrey Wickman conducted by Joanne L. Goodwin on June 24, 1996 for the Women's Research Institute of Nevada (WRIN) Las Vegas Women Oral History Project. Wickman opens her interview by discussing her upbringing in Kentucky, and her young adult life in Colorado. Wickman then talks about moving to Las Vegas, Nevada with her husband during the Depression to look for employment. She then describes the Mesquite Club in detail, including its members and the club's activities from the 1930s to 1950s. Audrey Swenson, Wickman's daughter, joins the interview at the end.

James Ryan oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with James "Sailor" Ryan conducted by Perry Kaufman in 1975 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Ryan discusses moving to Nevada from Montana in 1935. Ryan describes his career as a construction laborer for the Hoover Dam (Boulder Dam) as well as later positions in construction. Ryan also details his involvement in politics and his position in the Nevada Assembly. Lastly, Ryan discusses gambling and the growth of Las Vegas, Nevada.

Don Welch oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Don Welch conducted by his daughter, Kelly Welch, on March 15, 1978 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Welch discusses his personal history and the history of Las Vegas, Nevada, including being raised in Las Vegas and life in the city during the 1930s. He describes how Las Vegas and the surrounding areas have grown and changed, his education, and the construction of casinos and other important buildings.

Joni Naves-Neal Photograph Collection

Abstract

The Joni Naves-Neal Photograph Collection (approximately 1980-1982) contains two black-and-white photographic prints, one color photographic print, and one photographic negative. Two of the black-and-white photographic prints and the photographic negative are reproductions of an image of three gamblers seated at an overturned table with gaming materials and steins from approximately 1880. The final item is a color photographic print of the Tower Casino sign in Stateline (Primm), Nevada from 1982.

Shelia White oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Shelia White conducted by Irene Rostine on May 24, 2012 for the Women's Research Institute of Nevada (WRIN) Las Vegas Women Oral History Project. White opens her interview by discussing her move to Boulder City, Nevada in 1953 with her mother. White then talks about her experiences working for the Southern Nevada Telephone company in the 1960s as a switchboard operator and how she eventually became a low-level customer service manager. She describes leaving the Southern Nevada Telephone company and being hired at the Desert Inn Hotel and Casino.

Ruth Poirier oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Ruth Poirier conducted by Joanne Goodwin on February 05, 2003 for the Women's Research Institute of Nevada (WRIN) Las Vegas Women Oral History Project. Poirier opens her interview by discussing her partner Doris Pressler, who had passed away before the interview. She describes Doris' upbringing, her role in the first band at the Roseland Ballroom in New York, and explains how an all-women band in the 1930s and 1940s was a phenomenon. Poirier then discusses her own history, including how she became involved in music and all-women bands, and how she met Doris.

Helen Naugle oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Helen Naugle conducted by Irene Rostine on October 31, 1996 for the Women's Research Institute of Nevada (WRIN) Las Vegas Women Oral History Project. Naugle opens her interview by discussing moving to Las Vegas, Nevada after she visited the city on a family vacation. She then talks about attending the University of Nevada, Las Vegas in order to obtain her real estate license. Naugle describes opening her own real estate office, the types of properties she brokered, and her participation in the Las Vegas Board of Realtors.

Janet Kravenko oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Janet Kravenko conducted by Bridget Kelly on August 07, 2002 for the Women's Research Institute of Nevada (WRIN) Las Vegas Women Oral History Project. Kravenko opens her interview by discussing the importance of dance to her family, and her early interest in becoming a member of the Bluebell Girls dance troupe. She describes the rules of touring as a Bluebell Girl and her experiences traveling the world for two years. She then discusses her first contract in Las Vegas, Nevada at the Lido de Paris show.

Allen Sharpe oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Allen Sharpe conducted by Patricia Holland on May 10, 1977 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Sharpe discusses arriving in Las Vegas, Nevada in 1929 and moving into one of the first homes in North Las Vegas. He then talks about the expansion of West Las Vegas and the increase of casinos on the Las Vegas Strip. Lastly, Sharpe discusses his job as a painter and recalls experiences in the painting business.

Max Velasquez oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Max Velasquez conducted by Janice F. Hurtubise on March 08, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Velasquez discusses his personal history as a construction worker in Las Vegas, Nevada. He describes the construction projects he worked on and the differences between 1950s construction and construction at the current time. Velasquez goes on to discuss the government regulations workers had to follow, how water pipelines were laid, and the types of equipment used in construction.

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