This program has fundraising advertisements from community members, celebrities and performers in Las Vegas who supported the event that benefited the Variety Club.
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On March 9, 1975, Maisie Gibson interviewed Fred Gibson (born 1927 in Golden, Colorado) about his life in Nevada. Gibson first talks about his family’s background, their move to Nevada, and his education in early Las Vegas schools. He also mentions his service in the U.S. Army, his college education, and his occupation as an engineer at various companies. Gibson then talks about the various locations at which he has lived, his membership in clubs and charitable organizations, and his memories of the first properties on Fremont Street as well as those of the Helldorado Parade. The interview then covers the topics of mining, the atomic testing, economic and environmental changes, and social changes. The interview concludes with a discussion on the growth and development of Henderson, Nevada.
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Dennis McBride interviews Eddie Anderson (born 1946) about his role in advocating for LGBT rights, specifically his participation in the various political and social movements during previous decades. The interview begins with a discussion of Anderson’s background, including his experiences growing up in children’s homes and living with his grandparents. Anderson mentions marching with his grandparents for both workers’ and women’s rights as some of his first political involvements. Anderson also discusses his original aspirations for becoming a priest as well as his memories of meeting President John F. Kennedy during a visit to his high school when Anderson was student body president. Anderson then discusses travelling to the South, specifically in Selma, Alabama, during one summer while in high school in order to help register Black voters. Anderson then discusses his friendship with Nevada Senator Bill Raggio and his wife, and his joining of the U.S. Navy, where he met President Ri
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On March 14, 1981, Randall Williams interviewed Eldon Cunningham (born 1920 in Granby, Missouri) about his life in Las Vegas, Nevada. Cunningham first talks about his family background, his reason for moving to Las Vegas, and his service in the military during World War II. He also mentions the Twin Lakes area of Las Vegas, his hobby of prospecting, and his work with Clark County Electric as an electrician. Cunningham also talks in detail about some of his experiences while working at the Nevada Test Site in electrical work. As the interview concludes, Cunningham talks more about family illnesses, experiments at the Test Site, and his former hunting practices.
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On March 13, 1976, Mary Germain interviewed Thalia Dondero (born 1921 in Greeley, Colorado) about her life in Nevada and her experiences as the first female commissioner for the Clark County Commission. Dondero first talks about her upbringing and her eventual move to Southern Nevada. She also discusses her involvement in extracurricular activities, such as being a leader for the Girl Scouts, and how some of those experiences led her to get involved in politics. Dondero also mentions her work with National Geographic and her passion for working with oil paintings and watercolors. The final part of the interview involves some of Dondero’s accounts as a commissioner for Clark County and some of the challenges she has faced in that position.
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On March 15, 1981, Robert A. Kamp interviewed Donald (Don) L. Eckert (born 1953 in Las Vegas, Nevada) about his experiences while living in Nevada. Eckert first explains the geographical boundaries of Las Vegas when he was first born and the types of recreation in which both youth and adults would take part. Eckert then discusses the Helldorado events and how they have changed over the years before describing how the University of Nevada, Las Vegas has changed as well. The interview then shifts to the topic of Eckert’s college major, hotel management, and then to a brief discussion about the MGM fire. Eckert also talks about horse racing in Las Vegas, changes in gaming, the Basic Magnesium plant, and the development of Mount Charleston. The interview concludes with Eckert’s thoughts on the legalization of gambling in other states and how that trend relates to the future of Las Vegas.
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On February 20, 1979, Keith Thomas interviewed Dr. Holbert H. Hendrix (born 1914 in French Lick, Indiana) about his life in early Las Vegas, Nevada. The interview takes place at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas in Room 312 of the Education Building. Dr. Hendrix first discusses his personal background and interests, as well as his occupational background in teaching. The two discuss changes at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, including construction, when the university began awarding degrees, and Dr. Hendrix’s reasons for moving to Las Vegas. Dr. Hendrix then describes changes to the Strip and how the hotel industry has changed since he first arrived in Nevada. The two briefly discuss how problems with prostitution may have increased since Dr. Hendrix arrived in Nevada. The interview concludes with Dr. Hendrix contemplating new problems that may arise in Las Vegas as a result of an expected population boom and his hopes that the Nevada state government would invest more into funding for education.
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