Charles Aplin Photograph Collection (PH-00236)

Charles William Aplin was born on March 30, 1887 to Amanda Jane and William Luther Aplin. He was raised in Southern California, where his father worked painting buildings. Charles first came to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1904, and then returned with his family to settle permanently in Las Vegas in 1905. Charles and his father William established a painting business that same year. Charles went to Bakersfield, California in 1910 to work in the oil industry, and it was there that he joined the Fraternal Order of Eagles in 1911. In 1921, Charles established the Pioneer Painting Co., which he operated until 1942. He helped establish the first painter's union in Las Vegas, Local No. 159, and was the chapter’s first president. After selling his painting company in 1942, Charles began working for the Nevada State Highway Department, where he was employed until he retired in 1962. Hilda and Charles Aplin married in 1927, were longtime residents of Las Vegas, Nevada, and active in community organizations. Charles Aplin was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Knights of Pythias, North Las Vegas Lions Club, and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Charles served as president of the Las Vegas Eagles in 1938 and 1949, and State Aerie President in 1957. The Aplins had four children: Charles Milton, William, Thelma, and Nadine.

Charles Aplin died at age 84 on November 13, 1971.

Sources:

Aplin, Charles W. “Charles W. Aplin: An Old Timer of Las Vegas.” Interview by Mary Ellen Glass. University of Nevada Oral

History Program, February 26-29, 1968. Transcript. https://archive.org/details/AplinCharles/mode/2up.

"Charles Aplin Funeral Services Set." Las Vegas Review-Journal, November 15, 1971.