72°F
weather icon Windy

Historian to bring tales of ‘Dam Women’ to life

Ever since his childhood, Boulder City native Dennis McBride has been fascinated by the stories told by the women who helped transform the community from tents and temporary houses into homes and a fledgling city.

“It’s an alternative history that no one knows about or asks about,” he said.

He will share some of those stories at 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 20, when he presents “Those Dam Women: The Women That Helped Build the Hoover Dam and Boulder City” in the community room of the Boulder City Library, 701 Adams Blvd.

McBride said he heard many of these stories in his grandparents’ home in McKeeversville.

“The women were all in the kitchen gossiping and telling stories. That’s where I wanted to be,” he said. “I grew up feeling women played a more important role than they got credit for.”

McBride calls his informal slide presentation “just conversation — the stories behind the stories,” and he encourages those who attend to ask questions. He also said he hopes the informal nature will elicit stories from those attending.

In addition to the tales he heard as a youngster, the historian and author of several books about Boulder City and Hoover Dam conducted many interviews with the women who created the city’s strong foundation.

“The point I want to make is that the men built the houses, but the women made them homes.”

Without the women, many of whom were pioneers establishing businesses and services, the town likely wouldn’t have survived long after the completion of the dam, he said.

Among those women is Ida “Ma” Browder, who opened the town’s first commercial business, a restaurant at Nevada Way and Wyoming Street. In addition, she founded the first public library, provided banking services and often acted as a liaison between the dam workers and management.

Another was Virginia Thompson, the first manager of the Boulder Dam Hotel, who hosted liquor and gambling parties in the basement.

McBride is director of the Nevada State Museum in Las Vegas. Before becoming director in 2012, he had served as curator of history and collections since 2007. Previously, he was in charge of the Boulder City Museum and Historical Association’s library and research facility.

His presentation is sponsored by the Boulder City History and Arts Foundation.

Hali Bernstein Saylor is editor of the Boulder City Review. She can be reached at hsaylor@bouldercityreview.com or at 702-586-9523. Follow @HalisComment on Twitter.

MOST READ
LISTEN TO THE TOP FIVE HERE
THE LATEST
Rating reflects teachers’ commitment and determination of students

There’s no better way to begin this school year than by celebrating a truly incredible accomplishment of Garrett Junior High School officially earning a 5-Star school rating. This distinction represents the highest level of achievement under Nevada’s School Performance Framework and recognizes not only strong academic performance, but also growth, teamwork, and a positive school culture.

Everything from A to Z available at Country Store

Whether you call it a garage sale, yard sale or tag sale, Grace Community Church’s Country Store is one of the largest of its kind in the area.

Homecoming: Small town tradition

There’s something special about Homecoming in Boulder City.

Student achievement main focus at Mitchell

Mitchell Elementary has enjoyed a great beginning to our school year as our staff continues to serve our students and families as their children learn and grow their leadership skills.

What is a PSA test and why you need one

PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) is a protein produced by the prostate gland, which is found in small amounts in the blood. The PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) test is a blood test used to screen for prostate health and to help detect prostate cancer.

Wurst Fest kicks off fall event season

For nearly three decades it kicks off a very busy event season in Boulder City; one that goes up into the holidays.

Chugging Along

Photos by Ron Eland/Boulder City Review

Class In Session: Bobcats hit the ground running

The 2025-2026 school year is off to an exciting start at Garrett Junior High School. From impressive academic growth to new STEAM classes, our Bobcats are showing what it means to learn, lead, and succeed.

BCHS going strong at 85

The 2025–26 school year is off to a fantastic start at Boulder City High School.

Falls at home place seniors at significant risk

We may crack up watching slip and fall accidents on TikTok or “America’s Funniest Home Videos”, but in real life, especially for seniors, it’s no laughing matter.