Ed Von Tobel

History

Ed Von Tobel

(1873 – 1967) was born to Swiss parents in 

Fairbury, Ill.inois. He came to Las Vegas in 

905 when the Los Angeles-Salt Lake City 

Railroad made this community a stopping 

point along their route and started Von Tobel 

Lumber in 1905. In 1908, he married Mary 

Haimerl and had 4 children, Jacob (1909), 

Elizabeth (1911), Ed Jr (1913) and George (1918). 

Ed Von Tobel also served on the first Board 

of City Commissioners. 

During the 1930's, business thrived in Las Vegas 

with the building of Hoover Dam, also known as 

the Boulder Dam, and additions built in the 

downtown area. With this boom, the Von Tobel 

family purchased many parcels of land and moved 

their store to those locations. For years, Von Tobel 

Lumber provided the building needs of all Las Vegas. 

In July of 1966, Ed Von Tobel Middle school was 

dedicated by the Clark County school board, with its 

first class enrollment in the 1967 school year.

George Von Tobel

In 1988, George Von Tobel established the

first-year College Aid Fund. The first recipients 

were announced in 1995. Students had to 

complete the three year program at Von Tobel 

Middle School, have a continuous enrollment 

in a Clark County high school and graduate with 

a diploma. If those three conditions were met, 

potential eligible recipients could receive monies 

to assist in paying for college, university or trade 

school education. Students must start sixth grade 

at Von Tobel Middle School. 

In 1993, Von Tobel Middle school was rededicated, 

and a time capsule was built in the front entry of the 

school to honor this family.