A long time before the gaming industry brought bundles of prosperity and worldwide notoriety to Las Vegas, Mr. and Mrs. William Beckley made a living in this community through hard work, sacrifice, and faith in the future.

William Beckley arrived in Las Vegas on March 9, 1908. He became a leading clothier and remained one until his retirement in 1941. During his retirement he maintained an office in the Beckley building at 1st and Fremont Street. On frequent constitutionals through the Downtown area, the long time pioneer would go unnoticed by tourists as he surveyed the development of the business district. As the clothing business prospered, they invested in Downtown real estate. They also took an active roll in community affairs. Mr. William Beckley died on January 30, 1966 at age 63. He was a victim of cancer. He lived with his wife Leva Beckley in a modest house at 120 South Fourth Street in the heart of the Downtown business district.

Today the house where Mr. and Mrs. Beckley lived is a part of Las Vegas history at the Clark County Heritage Museum in Henderson, NV.