Founder’s Forum features LaFaye Leavitt and Claire Leavitt Crowther

Thursday, April 15, 2010

In conjunction with Mesquite Days 2010, LaFaye Leavitt Lee and Claire Leavitt Crowther will be guests of the Virgin Valley Historical Committee at a Founder’s Forum at 7 p.m., on Friday, April 23, in the Council Chambers at Mesquite City Hall. They will share their memories of life in Mesquite and of Faye’s Café. The event is open to the public and is free of charge. The event will also be broadcast live on local public access channels.

LaFaye Leavitt Lee and Claire Leavitt Crowther are the great granddaughters of Dudley and Mary H. Leavitt—some of the first settlers of the Virgin Valley. Being loyal to their rich heritage, these two sisters and their families have contributed much to the success and the development of the city of Mesquite.

Though born in Las Vegas, both LaFaye and Claire were raised from their infancy in Mesquite in a home built where the City Hall sits today. They fondly remember a time when the valley’s population numbered less than 500 and children were taught to address adults as “Aunt” or “Uncle” regardless of familial connections.

Their parents, Lenard Fay and La Nora Sylvester Leavitt, originally opened and operated Faye's Café—a favorite eating place in Mesquite renowned for its fine home cooked meals and homemade pies. Because of its proximity to “old Highway 91,” (now Mesquite Boulevard), the family cafe also quickly became a traditional stopping place for tourists and truck drivers.

LaFaye married Berl (Blackie) Lee, another valley resident, and they proudly raised one daughter and two sons. Together LaFaye and Blackie owned and operated the Western Auto Hardware store in the old Fayes Café building before Blackie passed away in 1980. Later LaFaye worked many years for the Virgin Valley Credit Union, which later became the American First Credit Union. She now lives in Mesquite, enjoying her retirement and her successful posterity which includes 13 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.

Claire met her husband Glenn while attending Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. Originally they lived in Las Vegas while Glenn taught at Clark High School, but were delighted when he was offered a job to teach at Virgin Valley High School. While in Mesquite, Glenn brought the Clark County Community College branch to the valley and acted as the coordinator for many years. Similarly, Claire has taught at Virgin Valley Elementary School for the past 28 years where she still dearly loves teaching the children. Together, Claire and Glenn raised one son and four daughters in Mesquite where they have enjoyed a great feeling of security and love. The Crowthers now find enormous pride in their 23 grandchildren.

Vince Leavitt will moderate the forum. As with past forums, the moderator will present questions to the guests, which will help them share their experiences and knowledge of the Virgin Valley. There will also be a period when members of the audience can ask questions of the speakers.

For more information regarding the Founder’s Forum, please contact City of Mesquite Planning and Redevelopment Department at (702) 346-2835.