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Newspaper article featuring Lucretia Stevens. She moved to Las Vegas in 1923 when the town was about six blocks square and about 60 people made up the black community.
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English
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Fetes Negro's Contributions Pioneer Las Vegan Sees Town Grow A pioneer Negro woman in I this area can look back on 42 years of life in Las Vegas and site a number of firsts, both as an individual and from the | family standpoint. When Mrs. Lucretia Stevens I moved to Las Vegas in 1923, the town was about six blocks square and streets were lined with trees from where the Union Pacific Depot stands, all the way to where Penney's I and Sears are now situated. It was a friendly town and about 60 persons made up the Negro community. MOVED HERE Mrs. Stevens, who was born in Salt Lake City, was married in Idaho to Earn Stevens, and the two, along with four of their children moved here to settle down in the small town. Over the years, Mrs. Stevens has worked for many of the community's pioneer citizens — the James Cashmans, Dr. R. Martin, Dr. F. Mildren and others — and raised her seven children in addition. All seven grew up in the Las Vegas area and some were, 1 graduated from Las Vegas High School. Juanita Stevens Barr, her youngest daughter, was one of the first Negro FAMILIAR TASK—Mrs. Lucretia Stevens, a pioneer in the Las Vegas area, performs a familiar task as she holds her great-granddaughter, Susan Lucretia Cole. Mrs. Stevens raised seven children in the Las Vegas area, and also has 16 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. She is a member of Pilgrim Church of Christ and has been active in church work. (SUNfoto) children to be educated from kindergarten through high school in the Clark County School District system. MAIL CARRIER A grandson, Ray L. Christ-ensen, was the first Negro mail carrier, and her granddaughter, Barbara Cole, was the first and only Negro girl to become a Las Vegas High School Rythmette and a charter member of the group. Mrs. Stevens, who became a widow several years ago, is a member of Pilgrim Church of Christ, 1616 D St., and has been active in church work over the years. She has been president of the ladies auxiliary of the church, and has also served as secretary and treasurer. And she recalls with pride that her church, guided by Rev. George L. Harris, is the first Negro church to be built in the area. Mrs. Stevens, who lives at 1004 Wyatt Ave., has 16 grandchildren, and 20 great-grand-children — the latest addition bears her great-grandmother's name —? the three-month-old girl is Susan Lucretia Cole.