Stocker Family Papers (MS-00154)

Oscar Stocker and Mayme Virginia Clifton were married in Reading, Pennsylvania on December 26, 1891. Oscar Stocker, who was born on April 1, 1872 in Easton, Pennsylvania, was employed by the railroad. Mayme, who had worked at a silk mill in Philipsburg, New Jersey, was born in Reading on September 5, 1875. The Stocker's three sons were all born in Reading. Lester Stocker was born on November 16, 1892, followed by Clarence on April 10, 1894. The youngest son, Harold, was born March 8, 1900.

The Stocker family left Reading, Pennsylvania in 1904 and after numerous moves, settled in Las Vegas in October 1911. Mayme opened the Northern Club at 15 E. Fremont Street in Las Vegas, Nevada in 1920 after her sons became unemployed as a result of a railroad strike. She became the first recipient of a gaming license, after Governor Fred Balzar signed the bill legalizing gaming in 1931. Oscar's name could not appear on the license, because he was a railroad employee. The Stockers operated the club until the depression forced its closure. They continued to operate the hotel and leased out the first floor.

Lester and Clarence Stocker were charter members of the Las Vegas Elks Lodge. Lester Stocker died in Las Vegas on December 17, 1934. Clarence Stocker died June 5, 1951 in Las Vegas. Their father, Oscar, a thirty-nine year member of the Brotherhood of Railroad Trainsmen, died September 10, 1941 in Las Vegas.

Mayme Stocker was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary to the Brotherhood of Railroad Trainsmen, a social member of the Royal Neighbors, the D.A.R., and other organizations. Mayme Stocker died December 12, 1972.

Harold Stocker operated Nevada Silica Sand Company in Overton, Nevada, from 1932 to 1940. He was elected to the Clark County Commission in 1938. In 1939, he built the Chief Hotel Court, and in 1948, the Desert Plaza Apartments. Stocker was state GOP chairman in the 1950s. Harold died January 9, 1983 in Las Vegas.