Hilda B. Aplin Collection, T-61, Special Collections, UNLV Libraries, University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
Donated by Charles M. Aplin.
Marie Imus, June 1995.
This collection is open for research.
For permission to reproduce or publish from this collection, please contact the Director of Special Collections.
Hilda A. Bush completed an elementary teacher’s training course through the Mennonite Church of America Board of Education in September 1925. In 1926, Hilda married Charles W. Aplin. Aplin’s parents – Amanda Jane and William l. – were early Las Vegas settlers, who came to Las Vegas in 1905.
The couple were active members in numerous organizations. Hilda was a charter member of the Las Vegas Eagles Auxiliary #1213 which was formed in April 1934. She served as the auxiliary’s fourth president. Hilda also was a charter member of the Emblem Club. Other organizations Hilda belonged to include: Pythion Sisters, Navy Mothers, Oasis Rebekah Lodge #31, the Red Cross, and three local P.T.A. chapters. Hilda and Charles had four children: Charles Milton, William, Thelma and Nadine.
The focus of this collection is Hilda’s participation in various organizations. The Las Vegas Eagles Auxiliary #1213 and its activities are the most prominent in this collection. Its value is enhanced Hilda’s handwritten commentary, which accompanies the photos, cards, newsclippings, letters, and Eagles auxiliary memorabilia contained in the albums. While researchers may find these materials interesting, they may also be disappointed by the collection’s limited scope.
The brick red album seems to be a family album that begins in 1927 and ends in the mid 1950s. Some are vaguely labeled, but many are not identified at all. The black album begins in 1934 and ends in May 1963. The commentary was written over a several week period in 1963. This album contains photos, clippings and cards in addition to the reminiscences. The beige album (titled “Book 2” by Hilda Aplin) picks up in 1963 and ends in 1971. It follows the same format as the black album.
The collection is comprised of a single series which includes 3 family albums listed in chronological order.
Two loose photographs and a negative were removed from the Hilda Aplin Collection to Photo Collection #0236. One photo was of Charles W. Aplin as a small child and the other was of the Las Vegas Railroad Station roundhouse and shops. The negative was of three women and two men. A noted date 9/8/77 suggests the people in the negative may be Aplin’s sisters on 4th Street by the 5th Street school.
For related topics and further information see the following collections:
Beckley Collection T187
Spencer and Georgia Butterfield Collection 78-107
Mrs. E. W. (Seely) Cragin Collection 77-76
Archie and Zora Grant Collection T-25
Luanna Mitchell Collection 94-26
Mary Jane Reiter Griffith Collection 86-31
family album.
contains photos, clippings, and cards. Materials are both personal and related to the Eagles Auxiliary.
– (Hilda Aplin titled it “Book 2”) includes Eagles materials.