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Cragin, Ernie W. (Ernest Wunibald), 1895-1959
Description
Ernie W. Cragin was the mayor of Las Vegas, Nevada, serving his first time between 1931 and 1935, then his second term between 1943 and 1951. He was born in Wyoming on April 17, 1895 to James H. and Margaret Cragin. He moved to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1911 where Ernie Cragin's father worked with the San Pedro, Los Angeles & Salt Lake Railroad. Ernie Cragin later attended business school, married Lucille Marleau in 1917, and opened the El Portal theater in 1928 with his business partner William Pike. In 1931, Ernie Cragin became mayor of Las Vegas, and during this term, he called for city property lines, sidewalks, street access, enforced speed limits, and parking safety. He lost the 1935 election to Leonard Arnett over New Deal contract criticisms, later becoming involved with the Elks Helldorado celebration. However, due to continued administrative issues, Arnett resigned in 1938, and Ernie Cragin became mayor again by default in 1943.
During his second term, Ernie Cragin served as part of the group that converted the Basic Magnesium Inc. complex in Henderson, Nevada to peacetime uses after World War II. He also launched programs to fund civic improvements including a new police stations, street pavements, and public swimming pools. However, during this time, he received opposition for attempting to annex the Las Vegas Strip and for policies furthering the segregation of Las Vegas's black communities. Las Vegas police actively enforced segregation throughout Ernie Cragin's second term. C. D. Baker defeated Ernie Cragin in the 1951 election. Afterwards, Ernie Cragin would work in the insurance office in the El Portal until his death on July 13, 1959.
Sources:
Hopkins, A. D. "Ernie Cragin."
Genealogy files about "Ernie W Cragin" Accessed on March 18, 2020 on familysearch.org