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C. A. Earle Rinker Papers
Identifier
MS-00514
Abstract
The C. A. Earle Rinker Papers (1880-1960) contain materials that document the history of early twentieth century Goldfield, located in central Nevada, as well as the life of Rinker. Materials in the collection include correspondence, mining prospectuses, maps, ledgers, souvenirs, photographic negatives, and ephemera that document mining and daily life. Also included is biographical material that tells the story of Earle Rinker and his family before 1906 and after 1909, documenting his life in Indiana and Illinois.
Archival Collection
Culinary Workers Union Local 226 Las Vegas, Nevada Photographs
Identifier
PH-00382
Abstract
The Culinary Workers Union Local 226 Las Vegas, Nevada Photographs document various activities of the Culinary Union, from the 1950s to 2006, with the bulk of the material documenting the 1990s. Prominently featured in the collection are various strikes, pickets, marches, parades, rallies, and demonstrations from the late 1980s to early 2000s. A large portion of these photographs documents the Frontier Strike of the 1990s. Also included are photographs of press conferences, political rallies, internal committee meetings, Hotel Employees and Restaurant Employees (H.E.R.E.) conventions, and various social events. Materials contain photographic prints, photographic negatives, and a small number of slides.
Archival Collection
Daniel Tafoya oral history interview: transcript
Date
2018-12-12
Description
Oral history interview with Daniel Tafoya conducted by Laurents Bañuelos-Benitez and Barbara Tabach on December 12, 2018 for the Latinx Voices of Southern Nevada Oral History Project. In this interview, Tafoya discusses his early life in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He talks about his father's life story, his educational experience with learning disabilities, and joining the United States Air Force. Tafoya describes his career in the military, and being stationed at Nellis Airforce Base. Lastly, Tafoya discusses with involvement with the Clark County School District (CCSD) and with the Latin Chamber of Commerce.
Text
Horacio Lopez oral history interview: transcript
Date
2018-09-05
Description
Oral history interview with Horacio Lopez conducted by Laurents Bañuelos-Benitez on September 05, 2018 for the Latinx Voices of Southern Nevada Oral History Project. In this interview, Lopez discusses his early life in Cordova, New Mexico and arriving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1963. He recalls the establishment of the Nevada Association of Latin Americans (NALA), the increase of Latin Americans in the southwest region of the United States, and his role as the Vice President of the Latin Chamber of Commerce. Lastly, Lopez discusses his thoughts on the future of Latino culture.
Text
Bluebell Girls: scrapbook of newspaper clippings
Date
1935 to 1957
Description
From Margaret Kelly Collection on the Bluebell Girls, MS-00604. The scrapbook includes newspaper and magazine clippings covering Kelly's work at the Folies-Bergère and Lido de Paris, Paris, France, and her long career as creator and manager of the world famous Bluebell Girls.
Mixed Content
Photographs of Las Vegas Helicopter Tours signs, Las Vegas (Nev.), 2002
Date
2002
Description
Nighttime views of the Las Vegas Helicopter Tours signs on the Strip. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survey Data Sheet.
Site address: 3712 S Las Vegas Blvd
Sign details: The establishment rests in a lot on the western side of the strip adjacent to the airfield, which is utilized for takeoff and landing of the aircraft. The Las Vegas Helicopter facility is also adjacent to and shares a building with a souvenir shop.
Sign condition: Structure 5 Surface 5 Lighting 5
Sign form: Fascia
Sign-specific description: The Las Vegas Helicopter tours facility possesses a quite elaborate wall sign which wraps the fascia of the building. The face of the building looks east. The eastern face is an entablature bordered in with polished gold aluminum raceway lined with incandescent bulbs. In the center of the eastern face of the narrow border transforms into a rectangular face, which juts upward. A giant pan channel representing the American flag occupies the space in the section. The horizontal red and white stripes are painted channels, and the blue field in the upper left- hand corner is a channel itself. The horizontal channels are lined with tubes of neon in a corresponding color. The blue field is bordered in blue neon, with incandescent bulbs in the center of graphically painted stars. The entire flag is bordered in red neon. The entablature below which runs along the entire face of the building plays home to several phrases of different text and designs. The center portion is taken up by a phrase "Las Vegas Helicopters," in black channel letters painted red on the interior. The exterior edge is lined with a border of red neon. The text is also filled with incandescent bulbs. To the left of the main title, smaller black, channel letters filled incandescent bulbs read, "Nightly Strip Rides" in all caps. The raceway deviated from the straight form underneath the secondary text, next to the primary title. On the bottom edge beneath the phrase, the raceway turns into an arrow pointing downward. The incandescent bulbs are still present along this deviation.
Sign - type of display: Neon; Incandescent; Backlit
Sign - media: Steel; Glass
Sign - non-neon treatments: Graphics; Paint
Sign animation: Chasing, flashing, oscillating
Notes: The incandescent bulbs inside the text reading "Paris" on the balloon oscillate rapidly.
Sign manufacturer: Sign Systems, Inc
Sign - date of installation: 1996
Sign - thematic influences: There is no real present theme evident in the appearance other than the Emblem of the American flag crafted in neon on the front of the building. The incandescent bulb lined raceways and bulb filled channel letters, placed within a pediment hanging above the pedestrians head, posses a theme in a sense. It is a common occurrence to see such a combination of lighting among the strip to designate an establishment so its theme cold be considered to be that of Las Vegas. It's artistic significance can only be linked to such a trait. It is one of the most unique properties considering its function. Yes there are many facilities which offer tours but, this is the only one which provides helicopter tours that the pedestrian may watch take off. It is also one of the only establishments where the American flag is represented on the exterior in neon. It is also one of the only establishments where the incandescent bulb lined raceway is shaped into arrows. An interesting use of the most common adornment of exterior surveyed signage.
Surveyor: Joshua Cannaday
Survey - date completed: 2002
Sign keywords: Chasing; Flashing; Oscillating; Fascia; Neon; Incandescent; Backlit; Steel; Glass; Graphics; Paint
Site address: 3712 S Las Vegas Blvd
Sign details: The establishment rests in a lot on the western side of the strip adjacent to the airfield, which is utilized for takeoff and landing of the aircraft. The Las Vegas Helicopter facility is also adjacent to and shares a building with a souvenir shop.
Sign condition: Structure 5 Surface 5 Lighting 5
Sign form: Fascia
Sign-specific description: The Las Vegas Helicopter tours facility possesses a quite elaborate wall sign which wraps the fascia of the building. The face of the building looks east. The eastern face is an entablature bordered in with polished gold aluminum raceway lined with incandescent bulbs. In the center of the eastern face of the narrow border transforms into a rectangular face, which juts upward. A giant pan channel representing the American flag occupies the space in the section. The horizontal red and white stripes are painted channels, and the blue field in the upper left- hand corner is a channel itself. The horizontal channels are lined with tubes of neon in a corresponding color. The blue field is bordered in blue neon, with incandescent bulbs in the center of graphically painted stars. The entire flag is bordered in red neon. The entablature below which runs along the entire face of the building plays home to several phrases of different text and designs. The center portion is taken up by a phrase "Las Vegas Helicopters," in black channel letters painted red on the interior. The exterior edge is lined with a border of red neon. The text is also filled with incandescent bulbs. To the left of the main title, smaller black, channel letters filled incandescent bulbs read, "Nightly Strip Rides" in all caps. The raceway deviated from the straight form underneath the secondary text, next to the primary title. On the bottom edge beneath the phrase, the raceway turns into an arrow pointing downward. The incandescent bulbs are still present along this deviation.
Sign - type of display: Neon; Incandescent; Backlit
Sign - media: Steel; Glass
Sign - non-neon treatments: Graphics; Paint
Sign animation: Chasing, flashing, oscillating
Notes: The incandescent bulbs inside the text reading "Paris" on the balloon oscillate rapidly.
Sign manufacturer: Sign Systems, Inc
Sign - date of installation: 1996
Sign - thematic influences: There is no real present theme evident in the appearance other than the Emblem of the American flag crafted in neon on the front of the building. The incandescent bulb lined raceways and bulb filled channel letters, placed within a pediment hanging above the pedestrians head, posses a theme in a sense. It is a common occurrence to see such a combination of lighting among the strip to designate an establishment so its theme cold be considered to be that of Las Vegas. It's artistic significance can only be linked to such a trait. It is one of the most unique properties considering its function. Yes there are many facilities which offer tours but, this is the only one which provides helicopter tours that the pedestrian may watch take off. It is also one of the only establishments where the American flag is represented on the exterior in neon. It is also one of the only establishments where the incandescent bulb lined raceway is shaped into arrows. An interesting use of the most common adornment of exterior surveyed signage.
Surveyor: Joshua Cannaday
Survey - date completed: 2002
Sign keywords: Chasing; Flashing; Oscillating; Fascia; Neon; Incandescent; Backlit; Steel; Glass; Graphics; Paint
Mixed Content
Photographs of Sahara Hotel and Casino signs, Las Vegas (Nev.), 2002
Date
2002
Description
Nighttime views of the Sahara Hotel and Casino signs on the Strip. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survey Data Sheet.
Site name: Sahara Hotel and Casino (Las Vegas, Nev.)
Site address: 2535 S Las Vegas Blvd
Sign owner: William Bennett
Sign details: The Sahara lies at the northern most end of the survey, on Sahara, and Las Vegas Blvd The Sahara was remodeled in the late nineties to create an entirely new facade utilizing a large pylon, a porte cochere and various independent illuminated signs. On the eastern side of the property another porte cochere is located just west of Paradise Rd. across the street from the Sahara's original pylon.
Sign condition: Structure 5 Surface 5 Lighting 5
Sign form: Pylon; Fascia; Porte-cochère
Sign - type of display: Neon; Incandescent; Backlit
Sign - media: Steel; Plastic
Sign - non-neon treatments: Graphics; Paint
Sign animation: Flashing, oscillating
Sign environment: The Sahara utilizes many of the new elements of Las Vegas to create an environment. The western side of the property facing the strip is composed of a giant pylon, a domed porte cochere, and a roller coaster for the themed attraction incorporated into the property. To the north across Sahara Ave. the Holy Cow casino gives way to the distinctly older and smaller venues on the remaining northern stretch of the strip, while the entire heart of the boulevard lies to the South. Palm trees and various foliage surround winding drives which lead up to the open air dome, fore the circular valet. Along the twisting lanes leading to the parking garage, you can see fiberglass figures riding on camels, and various text signage upon the structures. Walking through the lush surroundings toward the north side of the property, you encounter the giant pylon, being able to walk right up next to it. The roar of the rollercoaster is rather deafening as it zooms right over a pedestrians head, as the signage for the NASCAR gives way to human sight.
Sign manufacturer: Mikhon Lighting and sign
Sign designer: New Pylon: Jack M. Larsen Jr. and Mikhon Lighting and sign
Sign - date of installation: 1996-2000
Sign - date of redesign/move: During the reconstruction which took place between 1996 and 2000, the original pylon was moved east across Paradise Rd
Sign - thematic influences: The theme of the Sahara is definitely linked to the desert theme so often seen throughout Las Vegas history. The name itself is the name of what is probably the most famous desert in the world. Elements of the design give way to this theme with rather heavy-handed iconography. Examples of this include the image of a camel on the pylon and rear porte cochere, as well as the statuary of men riding on camels. The text is the same classic Sahara text seen throughout the properties history, and definite reference the cure and angle of some Arabic writing, but also are linked to shapes seen in the architecture from that region of the world. Other properties which can be linked to this theme in Las Vegas History include, the Dunes, and the Aladdin. The Aladdin and the Sahara also share the trait of being a Vegas icon, revamped to meet the current trends of Las Vegas. The Sahara falls into that trend of being geared more toward the family theme these days, with the addition of the NASCAR Cafe as well as the roller coaster. The other property which incorporates a roller coaster is the New York New York.
Surveyor: Joshua Cannaday
Survey - date completed: 2002
Sign keywords: Flashing; Oscillating; Pylon; Fascia; Porte-cochère; Neon; Incandescent; Backlit; Steel; Plastic; Paint; Graphics
Site name: Sahara Hotel and Casino (Las Vegas, Nev.)
Site address: 2535 S Las Vegas Blvd
Sign owner: William Bennett
Sign details: The Sahara lies at the northern most end of the survey, on Sahara, and Las Vegas Blvd The Sahara was remodeled in the late nineties to create an entirely new facade utilizing a large pylon, a porte cochere and various independent illuminated signs. On the eastern side of the property another porte cochere is located just west of Paradise Rd. across the street from the Sahara's original pylon.
Sign condition: Structure 5 Surface 5 Lighting 5
Sign form: Pylon; Fascia; Porte-cochère
Sign - type of display: Neon; Incandescent; Backlit
Sign - media: Steel; Plastic
Sign - non-neon treatments: Graphics; Paint
Sign animation: Flashing, oscillating
Sign environment: The Sahara utilizes many of the new elements of Las Vegas to create an environment. The western side of the property facing the strip is composed of a giant pylon, a domed porte cochere, and a roller coaster for the themed attraction incorporated into the property. To the north across Sahara Ave. the Holy Cow casino gives way to the distinctly older and smaller venues on the remaining northern stretch of the strip, while the entire heart of the boulevard lies to the South. Palm trees and various foliage surround winding drives which lead up to the open air dome, fore the circular valet. Along the twisting lanes leading to the parking garage, you can see fiberglass figures riding on camels, and various text signage upon the structures. Walking through the lush surroundings toward the north side of the property, you encounter the giant pylon, being able to walk right up next to it. The roar of the rollercoaster is rather deafening as it zooms right over a pedestrians head, as the signage for the NASCAR gives way to human sight.
Sign manufacturer: Mikhon Lighting and sign
Sign designer: New Pylon: Jack M. Larsen Jr. and Mikhon Lighting and sign
Sign - date of installation: 1996-2000
Sign - date of redesign/move: During the reconstruction which took place between 1996 and 2000, the original pylon was moved east across Paradise Rd
Sign - thematic influences: The theme of the Sahara is definitely linked to the desert theme so often seen throughout Las Vegas history. The name itself is the name of what is probably the most famous desert in the world. Elements of the design give way to this theme with rather heavy-handed iconography. Examples of this include the image of a camel on the pylon and rear porte cochere, as well as the statuary of men riding on camels. The text is the same classic Sahara text seen throughout the properties history, and definite reference the cure and angle of some Arabic writing, but also are linked to shapes seen in the architecture from that region of the world. Other properties which can be linked to this theme in Las Vegas History include, the Dunes, and the Aladdin. The Aladdin and the Sahara also share the trait of being a Vegas icon, revamped to meet the current trends of Las Vegas. The Sahara falls into that trend of being geared more toward the family theme these days, with the addition of the NASCAR Cafe as well as the roller coaster. The other property which incorporates a roller coaster is the New York New York.
Surveyor: Joshua Cannaday
Survey - date completed: 2002
Sign keywords: Flashing; Oscillating; Pylon; Fascia; Porte-cochère; Neon; Incandescent; Backlit; Steel; Plastic; Paint; Graphics
Mixed Content
Photographs of ESPN Zone signs, Las Vegas (Nev.), 2002
Date
2002
Description
Daytime and nighttime views of the ESPN Zone signs on the Strip. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survey Data Sheet.
Site name: New York-New York Hotel and Casino (Las Vegas, Nev.)
Site address: 3790 S Las Vegas Blvd
Sign details: Located in New York-New York Casino and Hotel
Sign condition: Structure 5 Surface 5 Lighting 5
Sign form: Pylon; Fascia; Porte-cochère
Sign-specific description: The northern end of the property is dominated by the signage for the ESPN Zone sports lounge, located inside the NY NY. The exterior signage is basically a theatre marquee entrance with a long overhang supporting an electronic message banner that reads from left to right. The majority of the theatre front is polished aluminum with thin tubes of red neon above and below the electronic reader board. Above the top edge of the actual front of the sign is a design of pan channels, crafted and shaped to form a complex background for the logo text spelling "ESPN." A wavy green crafted channel creates what looks like a horizon. The space between the marquee and the green channel is a black field laden with incandescent bulbs. Above the green channel an array of pan channels crafted into interlocking, swaying, pointed shapes. They are painted yellow and orange so the result is a bed of flames. These too are lined in the interior of the contour in red and orange neon. In the center of the entire face of the overhand in a black steel cabinet with the logo for the establishment spelling "ESPN Zone." The First portion of the two-word phrase is spelled in shallow channel letters lined with horizontal bars of white neon. The text is outlined in red neon as well. The second half spells "Zone," and is written in the same font with the "Z" being the largest letter in the sign, designed with the bottom horizontal leg underlining the rest of the letters in the word. The word is outlined with white neon as well. The latter portion is filled with horizontal bars of red neon. Situated along the middle of the sign, and against the vertical plane of the building, a blade sign repeats the design and colors of the bottom portion of the sign. The vertical cabinet is double sided spelling the "ESPN Zone" logo vertically with the same neon treatments for the respective words. The three toned background of black, green, red and orange on the bottom of the sign is interpreted on the blade. Running vertically, the black portion laden with bulbs runs against the wall, with the wavy channel next to that, disappearing temporarily behind the letters. The flames hang off of the outer edge of the sign. All of the neon treatments are seen here as well. Crowning the top of the blade sign two circular cabinets are arranged touching each other at one end, the faces pointing out to angled directions. Here the ESPN logo is arranged inside a circle. The bottom half below the letters is filled with horizontal bars of green neon, while the flames are present on the top half. The same cabinets can be seen mounted on the ends of the bottom overhang.
Sign - type of display: Neon; Incandescent; Backlit
Sign - media: Steel; Plastic
Sign - non-neon treatments: Graphics
Sign animation: Notes: The letters in the vertical blade portion of the ESPN Zone illuminate one at a time, starting from the top. Once the entire phrase is lit, in flashes off then on then off, before restating. The orange and red neon tubing which resides inside the pan channels that represent flames flash on and off in a relaxed manner as if to animate the flickering of the flames. The small incandescent bulbs on the black portions above the main matrix reader board flash on and off subtly.
Surveyor: Joshua Cannaday
Survey - date completed: 2002
Sign keywords: Chasing; Flashing; Oscillating; Pylon; Fascia; Porte-cochère; Neon; Incandescent; Backlit; Steel; Plastic; Graphics
Site name: New York-New York Hotel and Casino (Las Vegas, Nev.)
Site address: 3790 S Las Vegas Blvd
Sign details: Located in New York-New York Casino and Hotel
Sign condition: Structure 5 Surface 5 Lighting 5
Sign form: Pylon; Fascia; Porte-cochère
Sign-specific description: The northern end of the property is dominated by the signage for the ESPN Zone sports lounge, located inside the NY NY. The exterior signage is basically a theatre marquee entrance with a long overhang supporting an electronic message banner that reads from left to right. The majority of the theatre front is polished aluminum with thin tubes of red neon above and below the electronic reader board. Above the top edge of the actual front of the sign is a design of pan channels, crafted and shaped to form a complex background for the logo text spelling "ESPN." A wavy green crafted channel creates what looks like a horizon. The space between the marquee and the green channel is a black field laden with incandescent bulbs. Above the green channel an array of pan channels crafted into interlocking, swaying, pointed shapes. They are painted yellow and orange so the result is a bed of flames. These too are lined in the interior of the contour in red and orange neon. In the center of the entire face of the overhand in a black steel cabinet with the logo for the establishment spelling "ESPN Zone." The First portion of the two-word phrase is spelled in shallow channel letters lined with horizontal bars of white neon. The text is outlined in red neon as well. The second half spells "Zone," and is written in the same font with the "Z" being the largest letter in the sign, designed with the bottom horizontal leg underlining the rest of the letters in the word. The word is outlined with white neon as well. The latter portion is filled with horizontal bars of red neon. Situated along the middle of the sign, and against the vertical plane of the building, a blade sign repeats the design and colors of the bottom portion of the sign. The vertical cabinet is double sided spelling the "ESPN Zone" logo vertically with the same neon treatments for the respective words. The three toned background of black, green, red and orange on the bottom of the sign is interpreted on the blade. Running vertically, the black portion laden with bulbs runs against the wall, with the wavy channel next to that, disappearing temporarily behind the letters. The flames hang off of the outer edge of the sign. All of the neon treatments are seen here as well. Crowning the top of the blade sign two circular cabinets are arranged touching each other at one end, the faces pointing out to angled directions. Here the ESPN logo is arranged inside a circle. The bottom half below the letters is filled with horizontal bars of green neon, while the flames are present on the top half. The same cabinets can be seen mounted on the ends of the bottom overhang.
Sign - type of display: Neon; Incandescent; Backlit
Sign - media: Steel; Plastic
Sign - non-neon treatments: Graphics
Sign animation: Notes: The letters in the vertical blade portion of the ESPN Zone illuminate one at a time, starting from the top. Once the entire phrase is lit, in flashes off then on then off, before restating. The orange and red neon tubing which resides inside the pan channels that represent flames flash on and off in a relaxed manner as if to animate the flickering of the flames. The small incandescent bulbs on the black portions above the main matrix reader board flash on and off subtly.
Surveyor: Joshua Cannaday
Survey - date completed: 2002
Sign keywords: Chasing; Flashing; Oscillating; Pylon; Fascia; Porte-cochère; Neon; Incandescent; Backlit; Steel; Plastic; Graphics
Mixed Content
Photographs of Fatburger signs, Las Vegas (Nev.), 2002
Date
2002
Description
Daytime views of the Fatburger signs on the Strip. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survey Data Sheet.
Site address: 3763 S Las Vegas Blvd
Sign details: The Fatburger establishment is directly north across a small drive from Walgreen's. The pylon contains a logo sign, but the most dominant is the text logo above the main entrance. The small parking in front of the building is illuminated with its incandescence. Smaller signs spread out evenly on both the west and south walls.
Sign condition: Structure 5 Surface 5 Lighting 5
Sign form: Pylon; Fascia
Sign-specific description: The Fatburger eatery is directly north from Walgreen's in the same parking lot. It resides on the east side of the strip. The entrance faces SW, mirroring the Walgreen's entrance. It is a rounded storefront design with "Fatburger" spelled in all capital, large, red, channel letters bordered in red neon. The letters face outward and follow the same radius of the entrance, creating a fascia effect with the size of the text. They are filled with incandescent bulbs, which oscillate in a random pattern. Open, red, channel letters, filled with red neon sit above and below the large "Fatburger" text. Above the main sign the letters read "open" and below they read "24 Hours". At the north end of the west face of the building is a diamond shaped, red, steel box with the "Fatburger" in silver channel letters with yellow neon in the interior of the letters. The diamond shape has a border of red neon on its face. Flanking the main entrance, on the south and west face of the building in red steel channel letters, with red translucent plastic faces, the phrase "The last great hamburger stand" is spelled in all caps. They reside approximately the same height on the building as the "24 Hours" script on the main sign. Additional signage is located on the bottom portion of the pylon sign designated for the "The Plaza." Above the back-lit cabinet is an arrangement of text and logo for Fatburger. From left to right, "Fatburger" is spelled in channel letters, the diamond logo is in the center of the sign, then "Fatburger" is spelled again in yellow channel letters. The channel letters are closed front with red translucent plastic. The diamond is outlined in red neon.
Sign - type of display: Neon; Backlit
Sign - media: Steel; Plastic
Sign - non-neon treatments: Graphics; Paint
Sign animation: Flashing, oscillating
Notes: The incandescent bulbs which are present inside the main channel letters, over the main entrance all turn on and hold, oscillate rapidly, then shut off.
Sign environment: The Fatburger eatery is in a unique position, being a widely known property located in a conglomerate of shops including such other well traveled properties such as Walgreen's and McDonald's. In fact, the building is located exactly between these locations. Walgreen's lies directly to the south, with McDonald's to the north. The small stretch of properties is dwarfed by the megalithic MGM further to the north, while the elaborate detail of the New York New York resides west across Las Vegas Blvd Once a pedestrian passes the MGM, headed north, on the east-side of the strip, the Fatburger does makes an lasting impression upon the passerby, being the brightest of the three immediate company.
Sign - thematic influences: Fatburger is another example of a typical everyday establishment turned into an electrifying display to fit in with its environment. No particular theme can be seen specifically other than the logo and color scheme influenced by the establishment itself. The entrance to the establishment contains the text wrapping the radius of the corner, creating a beacon for pedestrians. Such influence can be seen in other larger properties with corner entrances such as the Flamingo, the Barbary Coast, Harrah's, and O'Shea's.
Surveyor: Joshua Cannaday
Survey - date completed: 2002
Sign keywords: Flashing; Oscillating; Pylon; Fascia; Neon; Backlit; Steel; Plastic; Graphics; Paint
Site address: 3763 S Las Vegas Blvd
Sign details: The Fatburger establishment is directly north across a small drive from Walgreen's. The pylon contains a logo sign, but the most dominant is the text logo above the main entrance. The small parking in front of the building is illuminated with its incandescence. Smaller signs spread out evenly on both the west and south walls.
Sign condition: Structure 5 Surface 5 Lighting 5
Sign form: Pylon; Fascia
Sign-specific description: The Fatburger eatery is directly north from Walgreen's in the same parking lot. It resides on the east side of the strip. The entrance faces SW, mirroring the Walgreen's entrance. It is a rounded storefront design with "Fatburger" spelled in all capital, large, red, channel letters bordered in red neon. The letters face outward and follow the same radius of the entrance, creating a fascia effect with the size of the text. They are filled with incandescent bulbs, which oscillate in a random pattern. Open, red, channel letters, filled with red neon sit above and below the large "Fatburger" text. Above the main sign the letters read "open" and below they read "24 Hours". At the north end of the west face of the building is a diamond shaped, red, steel box with the "Fatburger" in silver channel letters with yellow neon in the interior of the letters. The diamond shape has a border of red neon on its face. Flanking the main entrance, on the south and west face of the building in red steel channel letters, with red translucent plastic faces, the phrase "The last great hamburger stand" is spelled in all caps. They reside approximately the same height on the building as the "24 Hours" script on the main sign. Additional signage is located on the bottom portion of the pylon sign designated for the "The Plaza." Above the back-lit cabinet is an arrangement of text and logo for Fatburger. From left to right, "Fatburger" is spelled in channel letters, the diamond logo is in the center of the sign, then "Fatburger" is spelled again in yellow channel letters. The channel letters are closed front with red translucent plastic. The diamond is outlined in red neon.
Sign - type of display: Neon; Backlit
Sign - media: Steel; Plastic
Sign - non-neon treatments: Graphics; Paint
Sign animation: Flashing, oscillating
Notes: The incandescent bulbs which are present inside the main channel letters, over the main entrance all turn on and hold, oscillate rapidly, then shut off.
Sign environment: The Fatburger eatery is in a unique position, being a widely known property located in a conglomerate of shops including such other well traveled properties such as Walgreen's and McDonald's. In fact, the building is located exactly between these locations. Walgreen's lies directly to the south, with McDonald's to the north. The small stretch of properties is dwarfed by the megalithic MGM further to the north, while the elaborate detail of the New York New York resides west across Las Vegas Blvd Once a pedestrian passes the MGM, headed north, on the east-side of the strip, the Fatburger does makes an lasting impression upon the passerby, being the brightest of the three immediate company.
Sign - thematic influences: Fatburger is another example of a typical everyday establishment turned into an electrifying display to fit in with its environment. No particular theme can be seen specifically other than the logo and color scheme influenced by the establishment itself. The entrance to the establishment contains the text wrapping the radius of the corner, creating a beacon for pedestrians. Such influence can be seen in other larger properties with corner entrances such as the Flamingo, the Barbary Coast, Harrah's, and O'Shea's.
Surveyor: Joshua Cannaday
Survey - date completed: 2002
Sign keywords: Flashing; Oscillating; Pylon; Fascia; Neon; Backlit; Steel; Plastic; Graphics; Paint
Mixed Content
Photographs of Backstage Bar & Billiards, Las Vegas (Nev.), 2016-2017
Date
2016-04-28 to 2017-08-11
Description
The sign for Backstage Bar & Billiards sits at 601 Fremont Street in Downtown Las Vegas. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survey Data Sheet.
Site address: 601 Fremont St
Sign owner: DJ Lethal co-owned with DJ Scotty
Sign details: This building dates back to 1957. Triple B opened in 2012 as a billiard hall bar and concert venue. It is filled with a lot of Rock Memorabilia which includes a "turntable library" which they claim showcases over 8 decades of rock history. This location was furnished by rock outfitter Anvil Cases. This property got its name by being "backstage" to the adjoining Fremont Country Club.
Sign condition: 5- looks relatively new and still in great condition
Sign form: Variation of a Bull Nose Sign
Sign-specific description: Their entrance is on the corner of 6th (going South) and Fremont with a blue bull nose type sign in a triangle shape. The base of the triangle sign is right above the entrance. The triangle border has a blue (argon) strip with incandescents lining both sides of the neon tubing. At the base of the sign there is a blue (argon) curved platform (half circle placed adjoining to the base of the triangle). On this platform there are 5 separate strips of argon tubes. Above the platform states "Backstage Bar & Billiards" in white cursive channeled letters. Above the words Backstage and Billiards there are two martini glasses with a pool ball and flag in each glass. At the top of the triangle portion of the sign there is their logo "Triple B" in cursive with Triple in Blue and B in white. Below the bull nose sign there is a reader board that wraps around the building. This reader board is also lined with incandescent light bulbs. In the middle of the of the reader board there is a black background rectangle with 3 rhombus's lined in incandescent light bulbs in a design.
Sign - type of display: Neon, incandescent and reader board
Sign - media: Steel and Plastic
Sign - non-neon treatments: Reader Board
Sign animation: Flasher for incandescent light bulbs
Sign environment: Fremont East district East District, next to other bars and restaurants. This location is right across the street from the El Cortez. Also they claim to be "backstage" to the adjoining Fremont Country Club which inspired their name.
Sign manufacturer: Ultra Signs' recently bought out by Jones Las Vegas ( of Jones SIgns) who did not have records of this sign.
Sign - date of installation: 2012 when the bar opened
Sign - thematic influences: On Fremont many of the entrances are at the corner intersections, so the bull nose sign has been prominent design type to draw attention to the entrance of the company. This is remnant of the Golden Nugget and Binion's Horseshoe put up their bull nose signs in 1961.
Sign - artistic significance: The curved platform at the bottom of their bull nose sign looks like an old retro movie theater style sign platform that you would see in the 1940's/50's. Particularly with their reader board with incandescent light bulbs speaks to this era as well.
Survey - research locations: Assessor's page, triple B website http://www.backstagebarlv.com/ , Las Vegas Weekly Newspaper article https://lasvegasweekly.com/nightlife/lowball-diary/2012/dec/05/triple-b-fills-downtowns-watering-hole-hole/
Survey - research notes: Fremont Bars.com has a photo of their main sign being installed. http://www.fremontstreetbars.com/2012/11/29/welcome-to-the-neighborhood-backstage-bar-billiards/
Survey - other remarks: The Ultra Signs logo is visible on the left side of the sign.
Surveyor: Emily Fellmer
Survey - date completed: 2017-08-11
Sign keywords: Neon; Incandescent; Steel; Plastic; Flashing; Reader board; Bullnose; Marquee
Site address: 601 Fremont St
Sign owner: DJ Lethal co-owned with DJ Scotty
Sign details: This building dates back to 1957. Triple B opened in 2012 as a billiard hall bar and concert venue. It is filled with a lot of Rock Memorabilia which includes a "turntable library" which they claim showcases over 8 decades of rock history. This location was furnished by rock outfitter Anvil Cases. This property got its name by being "backstage" to the adjoining Fremont Country Club.
Sign condition: 5- looks relatively new and still in great condition
Sign form: Variation of a Bull Nose Sign
Sign-specific description: Their entrance is on the corner of 6th (going South) and Fremont with a blue bull nose type sign in a triangle shape. The base of the triangle sign is right above the entrance. The triangle border has a blue (argon) strip with incandescents lining both sides of the neon tubing. At the base of the sign there is a blue (argon) curved platform (half circle placed adjoining to the base of the triangle). On this platform there are 5 separate strips of argon tubes. Above the platform states "Backstage Bar & Billiards" in white cursive channeled letters. Above the words Backstage and Billiards there are two martini glasses with a pool ball and flag in each glass. At the top of the triangle portion of the sign there is their logo "Triple B" in cursive with Triple in Blue and B in white. Below the bull nose sign there is a reader board that wraps around the building. This reader board is also lined with incandescent light bulbs. In the middle of the of the reader board there is a black background rectangle with 3 rhombus's lined in incandescent light bulbs in a design.
Sign - type of display: Neon, incandescent and reader board
Sign - media: Steel and Plastic
Sign - non-neon treatments: Reader Board
Sign animation: Flasher for incandescent light bulbs
Sign environment: Fremont East district East District, next to other bars and restaurants. This location is right across the street from the El Cortez. Also they claim to be "backstage" to the adjoining Fremont Country Club which inspired their name.
Sign manufacturer: Ultra Signs' recently bought out by Jones Las Vegas ( of Jones SIgns) who did not have records of this sign.
Sign - date of installation: 2012 when the bar opened
Sign - thematic influences: On Fremont many of the entrances are at the corner intersections, so the bull nose sign has been prominent design type to draw attention to the entrance of the company. This is remnant of the Golden Nugget and Binion's Horseshoe put up their bull nose signs in 1961.
Sign - artistic significance: The curved platform at the bottom of their bull nose sign looks like an old retro movie theater style sign platform that you would see in the 1940's/50's. Particularly with their reader board with incandescent light bulbs speaks to this era as well.
Survey - research locations: Assessor's page, triple B website http://www.backstagebarlv.com/ , Las Vegas Weekly Newspaper article https://lasvegasweekly.com/nightlife/lowball-diary/2012/dec/05/triple-b-fills-downtowns-watering-hole-hole/
Survey - research notes: Fremont Bars.com has a photo of their main sign being installed. http://www.fremontstreetbars.com/2012/11/29/welcome-to-the-neighborhood-backstage-bar-billiards/
Survey - other remarks: The Ultra Signs logo is visible on the left side of the sign.
Surveyor: Emily Fellmer
Survey - date completed: 2017-08-11
Sign keywords: Neon; Incandescent; Steel; Plastic; Flashing; Reader board; Bullnose; Marquee
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