Oral history interview with Jenkins L. Wright conducted by Cliff Keeuer on October 06, 1973 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Wright discusses Southern Nevada and personal history. Wright also talks about the growth of casinos and gaming throughout Las Vegas.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Lois Bell conducted by Sam Cusimano on unknown date for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Bell discusses her time as a cocktail waitress in various casinos, including her experiences of waiting on various celebrities. Bell also describes the changes of the Las Vegas Strip, her account of witnessing atomic testing events, and her position at Roxie’s, a brothel that existed during the early days of Las Vegas, Nevada.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Wendell Bunker on October of 1971 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Wendell Bunker (b. 1911 in St. Thomas, Nevada), discusses early Las Vegas, Nevada and the socio-economic changes that have taken place in the Valley. Bunker talks about the Boulder (Hoover) Dam and religion and education in Nevada. He also describes working for the Union Pacific Railroad and the importance of the railroad to the economic development of Las Vegas.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Betty Counts conducted by Jim Phillips on October 29, 1972 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Counts first talks about her early life in Las Vegas, Nevada, including her educational background and some of the recreational activities in which she took part. She also discusses the atomic testing, the changes in Las Vegas over time, and her familiarity with political figures, and the police department.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Robert F. Gilbert conducted by Rosemary Howe on February 2, 1972 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Gilbert first talks about his educational background in Las Vegas, Nevada. He then talks about his political involvement, activity in social clubs, early air conditioning, and the illegal production of whiskey. He also talks about the Helldorado Parade, railroad activity, and early policing practices in Las Vegas.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Russel Howard conducted by James W. Howard on January 10, 1972 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Howard recalls being transferred to Las Vegas, Nevada for work in 1947 and how impressed he was by the number of celebrities from the movie and entertainment industry that frequented Las Vegas in the early 1950s. He also discusses the expansion of the Las Vegas Strip and how rapidly the number of hotels grew.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Ron Lurie conducted by Stefani Evans and Claytee D. White on October 17, 2016 and November 10, 2016 for the Building Las Vegas Oral History Project. In the first interview, Lurie discusses his upbringing in Los Angeles, California and moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1953. He recalls his father’s business, Market Town, graduating from Las Vegas High School, and becoming manager for three Wonder World convenient stores. Lurie talks about his campaign to become Mayor of Las Vegas, running for Las Vegas City Council, and the redevelopment of Downtown Las Vegas. In the second interview, Lurie discusses the Las Vegas Downtown Progress Association, the National League of Cities, and the Las Vegas monorail. Lastly, Lurie talks about employee longevity and unionization.
Archival Collection
Oral history interviews with Julia Payne conducted by Claytee D. White on February 11, 2004 and March 07, 2004 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In the first interview, Payne discusses arriving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1961. She describes discrimination, redlining on the Westside, and recalls the lack of integration at the time. Payne then discusses Jackson Street and compares it to the Las Vegas Strip. Lastly, Payne talks about Cove Hotel, Hank’s Place, Colony Club, and the decline in African American businesses on Jackson Street. In the second interview, Payne discusses welfare rights, changes to the Westside and growth of suburban areas. She describes her employment with the Southern Nevada Drug Abuse Council and becoming the first African American substance abuse counselor. Lastly, Payne discusses her position as Executive Director of Nevada Treatment Center.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Charles Hirsch conducted by Mike Olson on September 28, 1973 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Hirsch discusses arriving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1938, how gambling became popular as more casinos were being built, his different occupations, and above ground atomic testing.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Patricia Hesse conducted by James M. Greene on February 05, 1975 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Hesse discusses her personal history and the general social life of early Las Vegas, Nevada. Hesse also shares experiences that she has had with her friends while living in Las Vegas.
Archival Collection
