Oral history interview with Gary Porter conducted by Stefani Evans on April 26, 2017 for the Building Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Porter discusses his early life in Oklahoma. He recalls moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1970 as a new accountant, and his employment at the Hughes Corporation. He talks about the growth of Las Vegas, the charter market in Las Vegas during the late 1970s, and joining Hughes Aviation in 1977. Lastly, Porter describes the evolution of the aviation industry, and explains the work Hughes Aviation does to service airplanes.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Jean Jenkins conducted by Claytee D. White on August 07, 2014 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Jenkins discusses her career in real estate and starting her own real estate business in Las Vegas, Nevada. Jenkins describes the methods involved with selling real estate, working in Las Vegas during the late 1960s, and advertising properties in newspapers. She discusses her contributions to changing commission policies for brokers and how this would eventually help the Board of Realtors in Las Vegas.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Austin R. Wardle conducted by Elizabeth Nelson Patrick on August 05, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Wardle discusses the history of Tonopah, Nevada, a town in which he first arrived in 1902. Wardle discusses theaters in Tonopah, Jewish families that lived in Tonopah, and the prominent immigrant population that worked in the mines. He continues talking about other families that have lived in Tonopah and life in the town. Wardle also discusses how Tonopah has changed, housing in Tonopah, and the mining industry of the town.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with David Pearl conducted by Cameron Holloway on February 27, 1979 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Pearl recalls his first impressions of Las Vegas, Nevada when arriving in 1949. Pearl then discusses the environmental and social changes in Las Vegas. Pearl later describes his work as a boxing referee and recalls stories of some of the matches that he refereed. Lastly, Pearl discusses the Athletic Department at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) and talks about the growth of athletics at UNLV.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Marie Padgett conducted by Tori Ascolillo on April 30, 1986 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Padgett discusses her family moving from Arkansas to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1955. Padgett discusses her involvement in local organizations including the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce, the Women's Council, and the Allied Arts Council. She later discusses changes in Las Vegas such as the building of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, the growth of the Strip, World War II, and atomic bomb testing.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Esther Wolverton conducted by David Haymack on March 13, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Wolverton discusses arriving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1927 and recalls her first impressions of the city. She also describes experiencing the first Helldorado Parade, social life in Las Vegas, and her employment as a waitress. Later, Wolverton discusses the construction and development of McCarran Airport. Lastly, she talks about population growth in Las Vegas and the significance gaming has to the city.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Elmer H. Nighswonger conducted by James F. Sullivan on February 21, 1979 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Nighswonger describes joining the Las Vegas Fire & Rescue Department in 1946 and his career as a firefighter. Nighswonger discusses what the fire department was like during the 1940s, and how it and Las Vegas, Nevada has changed. He also talks about several fires and calls he attended, the fire engines used by the city during that time, and the limitations of those fire engines.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Victoria Nozero conducted by Claytee D. White on December 03, 2012 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Nozero discusses her personal history, experiences in law school, and her employment at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). Nozero describes the committees she has been involved with at UNLV and becoming the director of User Services in the Circulation Department at Lied Library. Later, she discusses the significance of reference work, and the challenges of making information accessible. Lastly, Nozero describes changes in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Mark Whitmore conducted by William M. Paradiss on March 03, 1975 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Whitmore discusses growing up in Las Vegas, Nevada since 1948 and recalls his family history. Whitmore then describes the growth of Las Vegas, specifically the expansion toward the west side of the city. Whitmore later discusses social and environmental changes, the increase in pollution, and recreational activities at the time. Lastly, Whitmore recalls his experience as a student at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas during the mid-1960s.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with J.T. Thomas conducted by Samuel Greene on February 13, 1979 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Thomas discusses his arrival to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1913 in search of job opportunities. Thomas also describes the development of Las Vegas, specifically the increase of hotels and casinos. Thomas then discusses segregation in schools and explains that African Americans were only allowed to live on the West Side of Las Vegas. Thomas later recalls downtown Las Vegas and changes in the state's educational curriculum.
Archival Collection
