The documentation of the Holocaust of World War II reveals the desperation of Jewish families to protect their loved ones from doom. In this oral history, Sonja (neé Niekerk) Walter recalls the story of being an infant handed off to a family friend for safety and nurturing. Next to Sonja is Wilma, her “sister” and the biological daughter of that friend. Sonja and Wilma are tethered together by history and love for Cor Vandenberg, mother and protector. Sonja was born in 1943 Holland to Simon and Rose Niekerk. At thirteen days of age she was given sanctuary by Cor, who raise her as her own for the next two and half years. She and Wilma reminisce about the circumstances that brought them together, their love of Cor, and the impact of being a child survivor of the Holocaust. Sonja also shares her family’s journey to the United States and to Las Vegas.
The business and legal series consists mainly of Harold Stocker’s papers related to his southern Nevada businesses and covers the years from 1930 through 1977. The majority of these files pertain to the years 1950 through 1977. Most of these papers are deeds, leases, and such business agreements. There are also estate papers, civil suits, personal taxes, and Chief Hotel Court statements and room accounts.
Archival Collection
Stocker Family Papers
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Collection Number: MS-00154 Collection Name: Stocker Family Papers Box/Folder: N/A
Three photographs of people at Desert Inn in Las Vegas, Nevada. Going clockwise, from left to right: handwritten text under the top left image: "1963 New Years"; handwritten text under the right image: "Keely Smith, Nita Wininger, Betty Grable, Bo, Toni"; and handwritten under the bottom image: "Happy New Year, Bernie."