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Joseph C. Mattingly oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Joseph C. Mattingly conducted by Sean Powers on February 23, 1979 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In the interview, Mattingly discusses moving back and forth between Las Vegas and Reno, Nevada during the 1930s and 1940s before finally settling in Las Vegas in 1954. Mattingly also discusses his life as a sheet metal worker for commercial buildings, Las Vegas Strip hotels, and buildings on the University of Nevada, Las Vegas campus.

James Matson oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with James Matson conducted by Ken Rose on February 23, 1980 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In the interview, Matson discusses his early life in Pensacola, Florida and moving to Las Vegas, Nevada to work in resort and housing construction in 1952. Matson also discusses his family, his part-time work as a personal security guard, and the growth of Las Vegas. Lastly, he discusses African American racial discrimination and economic opportunities in Las Vegas in the 1950s to the 1980s.

Abe Schiller oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Abe Schiller conducted by Perry Kaufman on April 25, 1972 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Schiller discusses the history of the Las Vegas Strip. He also discusses his career as the head of publicity for the Flamingo Las Vegas. Lastly, Schiller discusses working with various stars and entertainers in order to draw business to the hotel.

James A. Matlock oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with James A. Matlock conducted by Clinton F. Whidden on November 13, 1975 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In the interview, Matlock discusses moving from Oklahoma to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1949, as well as his work as a United States Air Force supply inspector and Teamster supervisor. Matlock also discusses the Helldorado parade, the El Rancho Vegas, atomic testing, and the closing and reopening of Nellis Air Force Base in 1950.

Frank Mathews oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Frank Mathews conducted by Pat Kohlman on December 07, 1975 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In the interview, Mathews discusses his life as a teacher at J. D. Smith Middle School in Las Vegas, Nevada from 1953 to 1975. He discusses traveling through the city during its early stages of growth, employment, and home construction in various Las Vegas Valley locations including Lorenzi Park (currently known as Twin Lakes), Hyde Park, and North Las Vegas, Nevada.

Byrde Rafael oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Byrde Rafael conducted by Cheryl Stewart on February 14, 1977 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Rafael describes the Stewart Ranch and "Grandma Stewart's" collection of Native American baskets. Rafael also discusses the crash of Carole Lombard's plane, nuclear testing, and the development of Las Vegas, Nevada.

Glenn G. Massey oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Glenn G. Massey conducted by David A. Schulman on March 26, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In the interview, Massey discusses life in Las Vegas, Nevada between 1952 to 1981. He also discusses his work as a automobile body shop owner and manager, the owner of the Eldorado Canyon Resort between 1962 and 1970, a trailer park owner, and his employment with Las Vegas automobile dealers.

Jack White and William Pyborne oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Jack White and William Pyborne conducted by Jan Weiler on March 26, 1976 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, White and Pyborne describe their lives as cowboys in Nevada, mainly focusing on how life was in rural Nevada. White describes breaking and selling horses, leading search parties on Mt. Charleston, and doing stunts at the Wild West shows in Bonnie Springs.

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