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Photographs of Starlite Motel at dusk, Las Vegas (Nev.), March 17, 2017
Date
2017-03-17
2017-09-05
Description
The Starlite Motel sits at 1873 North Las Vegas Boulevard. Shortly after this photo was taken, the sign was scrubbed of its neon and made dormant. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survey Data Sheet.
Site address: 1873 N Las Vegas Blvd
Sign owner: LAS VEGAS DRAGON HOTEL LLC
Sign details: This motel resides in North Las Vegas and is one of the few around that still offers traditional roadside lodging.
Sign condition: 5 - Sign was recently updated with was appears to be newer neon and a different color scheme, going with a bright blue and brown. New white vinyl letters have been added.
Sign form: Pole
Sign-specific description: Previous to the spring 2017 upgrade: This pole sign extends out toward the street for motorists and pedestrians to see. This pole is a bright red color. A four pointed red star sits at the top of the red pole for everyone to see. This is outlined with neon tubes that glow blue at night. In the spaces between the points of the star the neon tube is bent to create smaller points. In the middle of the star painted in bold white script is the word "Starlite." This is also outlined with neon tubes to glow at night. Under this is the word "VACANCY" painted in bold white text, but the neon tubes that outline it light up red. Attached to the point of the star that extends toward the road is a long, rectangular sign that reads "MOTEL" in bold white text with a black outline on a light blue background. Extending from the "MOTEL" sign towards the red star are 3 smaller four pointed stars that have incandescent light bulbs in their center and are outlined by neon tubes that glow blue at night. On top of the "MOTEL" sign is another one of these four pointed stars that sits on the outer edge of the sign. Next to this is a larger, light blue four pointed star with an incandescent light bulb in the center and a smaller four pointed star made from a neon tube surrounding the light bulb. The neon tube that outlines the larger portion of the star is bent to create smaller points in the portions of the star without points.
Sign - type of display: Neon and incandescent
Sign - media: Steel
Sign - non-neon treatments: Paint
Sign animation: Unknown since update
Sign environment: The surrounding properties are Jerry's Nugget and the Silver Nugget casinos. It is also just down the street from the Cultural Corridor which includes the Neon Museum and the Las Vegas Natural History Museum. The Las Vegas Library is also down the street.
Sign - date of installation: c. 1950s
Sign - date of redesign/move: Spring 2017
Sign - thematic influences: This property is one of many star-themed motels throughout the city. The 1950's was a popular time for space age/ star themed business due to the Space Age and explorations during this time period. Also, since the name of the property is the "Starlite Motel", the amount of stars included in this sign emphasizes this theme.
Sign - artistic significance: This sign has a heavy influence of the Space Age due to the stars throughout the sign that are telling of the theme for the property. The specific stars for this sign have a Googie-like influence as well because they are very stylized in a futuristic manner.
Survey - research locations: Assessor's website, roadarch.com
Survey - other remarks: http://www.roadsidepeek.com/roadusa/southwest/nevada/vegas/lvmotel/lvnorthmotel/index.htm#sta rlitemotel
Surveyor: Lauren Vaccaro
Survey - date completed: 2017-09-05
Sign keywords: Neon; Incandescent; Steel; Paint; Pole sign
Site address: 1873 N Las Vegas Blvd
Sign owner: LAS VEGAS DRAGON HOTEL LLC
Sign details: This motel resides in North Las Vegas and is one of the few around that still offers traditional roadside lodging.
Sign condition: 5 - Sign was recently updated with was appears to be newer neon and a different color scheme, going with a bright blue and brown. New white vinyl letters have been added.
Sign form: Pole
Sign-specific description: Previous to the spring 2017 upgrade: This pole sign extends out toward the street for motorists and pedestrians to see. This pole is a bright red color. A four pointed red star sits at the top of the red pole for everyone to see. This is outlined with neon tubes that glow blue at night. In the spaces between the points of the star the neon tube is bent to create smaller points. In the middle of the star painted in bold white script is the word "Starlite." This is also outlined with neon tubes to glow at night. Under this is the word "VACANCY" painted in bold white text, but the neon tubes that outline it light up red. Attached to the point of the star that extends toward the road is a long, rectangular sign that reads "MOTEL" in bold white text with a black outline on a light blue background. Extending from the "MOTEL" sign towards the red star are 3 smaller four pointed stars that have incandescent light bulbs in their center and are outlined by neon tubes that glow blue at night. On top of the "MOTEL" sign is another one of these four pointed stars that sits on the outer edge of the sign. Next to this is a larger, light blue four pointed star with an incandescent light bulb in the center and a smaller four pointed star made from a neon tube surrounding the light bulb. The neon tube that outlines the larger portion of the star is bent to create smaller points in the portions of the star without points.
Sign - type of display: Neon and incandescent
Sign - media: Steel
Sign - non-neon treatments: Paint
Sign animation: Unknown since update
Sign environment: The surrounding properties are Jerry's Nugget and the Silver Nugget casinos. It is also just down the street from the Cultural Corridor which includes the Neon Museum and the Las Vegas Natural History Museum. The Las Vegas Library is also down the street.
Sign - date of installation: c. 1950s
Sign - date of redesign/move: Spring 2017
Sign - thematic influences: This property is one of many star-themed motels throughout the city. The 1950's was a popular time for space age/ star themed business due to the Space Age and explorations during this time period. Also, since the name of the property is the "Starlite Motel", the amount of stars included in this sign emphasizes this theme.
Sign - artistic significance: This sign has a heavy influence of the Space Age due to the stars throughout the sign that are telling of the theme for the property. The specific stars for this sign have a Googie-like influence as well because they are very stylized in a futuristic manner.
Survey - research locations: Assessor's website, roadarch.com
Survey - other remarks: http://www.roadsidepeek.com/roadusa/southwest/nevada/vegas/lvmotel/lvnorthmotel/index.htm#sta rlitemotel
Surveyor: Lauren Vaccaro
Survey - date completed: 2017-09-05
Sign keywords: Neon; Incandescent; Steel; Paint; Pole sign
Mixed Content
Photographs of Desert Star Motel sign, Las Vegas (Nev.), March 24, 2017
Date
2017-03-24
2017-09-09
Description
The Desert Star Motel sign sits aglow at 1210 South Las Vegas Boulevard. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survey Data Sheet.
Site address: 1210 S Las Vegas Blvd
Sign owner: Desert Star Motel Enterprises
Sign details: The original construction of this motel was in 1961 and has acted as a motel since.
Sign condition: 3, sign is in decent condition. Some portions of it do not light up anymore.
Sign form: Roadside pole sign
Sign-specific description: This sign sits directly on the roadside along Las Vegas Boulevard. The sign consists of a large black pole with many different back lit signs extending toward Las Vegas Boulevard attached to it. Staring from the top of the sign. There is a plastic back lit sign reading "DESERT STAR" in bold white letters against a red background. Under this are individual square signs each containing one letter. Moving down the length of the pole they spell out the word "MOTEL". Each of these letters are red against a white background. Under this series of letters is a star shaped back lit sign reading "DESERT STAR" in bold red text against a white background. This sign is outlined by a neon tube that no longer works. Attached to the bottom points of the star is a rectangular back sign with "VACANCY" painted on it in white. Neon tubes outline the word "NO" as well as "VACANCY." Under this sign is another plastic back lit sign reading "Check Out our Weekly & Daily Rates" in white letters against a red background. Finally, the last portion of this sign is another plastic back lit sign reading "Free Local Calls" in white letters against a red background.
Sign - type of display: Neon and back lit plastic sign
Sign - media: Steel and plastic
Sign - non-neon treatments: Plastic backlit sign
Sign environment: This motel sits very close to the intersection of Las Vegas Boulevard and Charleston. It is a short distance away from the Arts District and Fremont Street. It is a few blocks north of the Stratosphere hotel. A few properties that are close to this motel are the Little White Wedding Chapel as well as many other hostels and motels.
Sign - date of redesign/move: From an earlier photograph, this sign has changed from what appears to might have been their original sign. There is no exact year when the sign changed. The sign that they had in the 60s looks similar to their sign today, but with different colors. The earlier sign had the same "MOTEL" running down the side of the pole, but the letters were black against a yellow background and the pole was white. The star under this was white with forest green letters reading "DESERT STAR." There were three other rectangular signs under this. Each of these had forest green letters against a white background. The sign under the star sign and the "NO VACANCY" attached to that read " TV PHONES." The second sign said "REFRIGERATION." And the third said "AAA HEATED POOL."
Sign - thematic influences: The name "DESERT STAR" could've taken influence from the Space Age. There were plenty of motels that had a star theme or "star" in their name all throughout the city.
Sign - artistic significance: This is a good example of how roadside signs could be simple, yet eye catching to motorists and pedestrians. It does keep in theme with many of the other motel signs throughout the city by sitting directly along the roadside to be noticeable.
Survey - research locations: Assessor's Page, Stephani Drives Las Vegas Website http://stefanidrivesvegas.com/8.html
Survey - research notes: There in not much information on the history of this property.
Surveyor: Emily Fellmer
Survey - date completed: 2017-09-09
Sign keywords: Neon; Plastic; Backlit; Steel; Roadside; Pole sign
Site address: 1210 S Las Vegas Blvd
Sign owner: Desert Star Motel Enterprises
Sign details: The original construction of this motel was in 1961 and has acted as a motel since.
Sign condition: 3, sign is in decent condition. Some portions of it do not light up anymore.
Sign form: Roadside pole sign
Sign-specific description: This sign sits directly on the roadside along Las Vegas Boulevard. The sign consists of a large black pole with many different back lit signs extending toward Las Vegas Boulevard attached to it. Staring from the top of the sign. There is a plastic back lit sign reading "DESERT STAR" in bold white letters against a red background. Under this are individual square signs each containing one letter. Moving down the length of the pole they spell out the word "MOTEL". Each of these letters are red against a white background. Under this series of letters is a star shaped back lit sign reading "DESERT STAR" in bold red text against a white background. This sign is outlined by a neon tube that no longer works. Attached to the bottom points of the star is a rectangular back sign with "VACANCY" painted on it in white. Neon tubes outline the word "NO" as well as "VACANCY." Under this sign is another plastic back lit sign reading "Check Out our Weekly & Daily Rates" in white letters against a red background. Finally, the last portion of this sign is another plastic back lit sign reading "Free Local Calls" in white letters against a red background.
Sign - type of display: Neon and back lit plastic sign
Sign - media: Steel and plastic
Sign - non-neon treatments: Plastic backlit sign
Sign environment: This motel sits very close to the intersection of Las Vegas Boulevard and Charleston. It is a short distance away from the Arts District and Fremont Street. It is a few blocks north of the Stratosphere hotel. A few properties that are close to this motel are the Little White Wedding Chapel as well as many other hostels and motels.
Sign - date of redesign/move: From an earlier photograph, this sign has changed from what appears to might have been their original sign. There is no exact year when the sign changed. The sign that they had in the 60s looks similar to their sign today, but with different colors. The earlier sign had the same "MOTEL" running down the side of the pole, but the letters were black against a yellow background and the pole was white. The star under this was white with forest green letters reading "DESERT STAR." There were three other rectangular signs under this. Each of these had forest green letters against a white background. The sign under the star sign and the "NO VACANCY" attached to that read " TV PHONES." The second sign said "REFRIGERATION." And the third said "AAA HEATED POOL."
Sign - thematic influences: The name "DESERT STAR" could've taken influence from the Space Age. There were plenty of motels that had a star theme or "star" in their name all throughout the city.
Sign - artistic significance: This is a good example of how roadside signs could be simple, yet eye catching to motorists and pedestrians. It does keep in theme with many of the other motel signs throughout the city by sitting directly along the roadside to be noticeable.
Survey - research locations: Assessor's Page, Stephani Drives Las Vegas Website http://stefanidrivesvegas.com/8.html
Survey - research notes: There in not much information on the history of this property.
Surveyor: Emily Fellmer
Survey - date completed: 2017-09-09
Sign keywords: Neon; Plastic; Backlit; Steel; Roadside; Pole sign
Mixed Content
Photographs of Golden Steer Steakhouse sign, Las Vegas (Nev.), March 3, 2017
Date
2017-03-03
2017-07-28
Description
The Golden Steer Steakhouse sign sits at 308 West Sahara Avenue. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survey Data Sheet.
Site name: Golden Steer Steak House (Las Vegas, Nev.)
Site address: 308 W Sahara Ave
Sign owner: Dr. Michael J. Signorelli has owned it since 2001 after purchasing it from the original owners
Sign details: Opened 1958, and started expanding in the 1970's by buying out neighboring shops. They redesigned their interior in the 90's but still kept it true to the original design. The Rat Pack was known to frequent this steakhouse and even have a dedicated booth to them. Tony Spilotro, Elvis Presley and Nat "King" Cole were a few of the many famous customers. This is the Oldest Steakhouse in Las Vegas, and still maintains their original old Vegas dining style.
Sign condition: 4-The sign looks as though it has aged, but it has done so gracefully
Sign form: Pylon with sculptural element and entrance sign on building
Sign-specific description: The Pylon sign has the main logo stating "Golden Steer Steakhouse" on a yellow sign with a black border. The black border has yellow/gold incandescent light bulbs with a small gold Fleur-de-Lis on the top. Under the main logo there is a shelf/stage holding a golden sculptural steer. The sign above the entrance is a wrap around yellow sign similar to their pylon sign with their logo and an image of a steer in between the words Golden and Steer. They also advertise Prime Rib and Seafood on the wrap around sign.
Sign - type of display: Incandescents surrounding all of their "reader board" type signs, no neon tubing
Sign - media: Plastic and steel
Sign - non-neon treatments: Reader board type plastic for for all the wording
Sign animation: Chasing:
Notes: ncandescent light bulbs
Sign environment: On West Sahara a few blocks West of Las Vegas Blvd.
Sign manufacturer: Wright Signs
Sign designer: Origninal Steer from the 60's and John Burke said the record of the designer was lost
Sign - date of installation: Pylon sign-1960's but refabricated around 2015 to its original condition, but still original steer. Sign above entrance still from the 1970's.
Sign - date of redesign/move: Pylon sign-1960's but restored around 2015 to its original condition, but still original steer. Sign above entrance still from the 1970's.
Sign - thematic influences: Sign shows old west type font. The Golden sculptural steer helps show it is a steakhouse but one that is top of the line since their sign is golden.
Sign - artistic significance: Opened in 1958, still had the prominent old west/ ranch theme that was popular in Vegas in the 1950's. Though the interior was classy their signage shows the old west cowboy style.
Survey - research locations: Assessor's page, Golden Steer website https://www.goldensteerlasvegas.com/our_history.html , Telephone conversation with John Burke the General Manager of the restaurant
Survey - research notes: John Burke has a lot of great info on their signage as well as their property. Also the Golden Steer website had a great history of the property.
Survey - other remarks: Some of the older Golden Steer signage is in the Neon Museum.
Surveyor: Emily Fellmer
Survey - date completed: 2017-07-28
Sign keywords: Sculptural; Plastic; Steel; Incandescent; Chasing; Reader board; Building-front design; Pole sign
Site name: Golden Steer Steak House (Las Vegas, Nev.)
Site address: 308 W Sahara Ave
Sign owner: Dr. Michael J. Signorelli has owned it since 2001 after purchasing it from the original owners
Sign details: Opened 1958, and started expanding in the 1970's by buying out neighboring shops. They redesigned their interior in the 90's but still kept it true to the original design. The Rat Pack was known to frequent this steakhouse and even have a dedicated booth to them. Tony Spilotro, Elvis Presley and Nat "King" Cole were a few of the many famous customers. This is the Oldest Steakhouse in Las Vegas, and still maintains their original old Vegas dining style.
Sign condition: 4-The sign looks as though it has aged, but it has done so gracefully
Sign form: Pylon with sculptural element and entrance sign on building
Sign-specific description: The Pylon sign has the main logo stating "Golden Steer Steakhouse" on a yellow sign with a black border. The black border has yellow/gold incandescent light bulbs with a small gold Fleur-de-Lis on the top. Under the main logo there is a shelf/stage holding a golden sculptural steer. The sign above the entrance is a wrap around yellow sign similar to their pylon sign with their logo and an image of a steer in between the words Golden and Steer. They also advertise Prime Rib and Seafood on the wrap around sign.
Sign - type of display: Incandescents surrounding all of their "reader board" type signs, no neon tubing
Sign - media: Plastic and steel
Sign - non-neon treatments: Reader board type plastic for for all the wording
Sign animation: Chasing:
Notes: ncandescent light bulbs
Sign environment: On West Sahara a few blocks West of Las Vegas Blvd.
Sign manufacturer: Wright Signs
Sign designer: Origninal Steer from the 60's and John Burke said the record of the designer was lost
Sign - date of installation: Pylon sign-1960's but refabricated around 2015 to its original condition, but still original steer. Sign above entrance still from the 1970's.
Sign - date of redesign/move: Pylon sign-1960's but restored around 2015 to its original condition, but still original steer. Sign above entrance still from the 1970's.
Sign - thematic influences: Sign shows old west type font. The Golden sculptural steer helps show it is a steakhouse but one that is top of the line since their sign is golden.
Sign - artistic significance: Opened in 1958, still had the prominent old west/ ranch theme that was popular in Vegas in the 1950's. Though the interior was classy their signage shows the old west cowboy style.
Survey - research locations: Assessor's page, Golden Steer website https://www.goldensteerlasvegas.com/our_history.html , Telephone conversation with John Burke the General Manager of the restaurant
Survey - research notes: John Burke has a lot of great info on their signage as well as their property. Also the Golden Steer website had a great history of the property.
Survey - other remarks: Some of the older Golden Steer signage is in the Neon Museum.
Surveyor: Emily Fellmer
Survey - date completed: 2017-07-28
Sign keywords: Sculptural; Plastic; Steel; Incandescent; Chasing; Reader board; Building-front design; Pole sign
Mixed Content
Photographs of Somerset Shopping Center sign, Las Vegas (Nev.), April 4, 2017
Date
2017-04-04
2017-09-01
Description
The Somerset Shopping Center sign sits at 252 Convention Center Drive. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survey Data Sheet.
Site address: 252 Convention Center Dr
Sign owner: Somerset Shopping Center CO LP
Sign details: This shopping center was built in 1966 next to the Somerset House Motel. The motel was demolished in 2011; however, the shopping center is still around. Some businesses that reside in the shopping center include: a hair and nail salon, a dry cleaners, an Ethiopian restaurant, and a place for banquets to name a few.
Sign condition: 5, the sign is in beautiful condition.
Sign form: Pole
Sign-specific description: This pole sign sits close to the street so motorists and pedestrians can view it easily. A light blue pole holds up the main portion of this sign, as well as back lit plastic signs on each side of the pole that display what businesses are in the shopping center. The sign itself consists of a yellow ring that encircles three other signs. This yellow circle is covered in incandescent light bulbs that chase when the sign is lit up at night. Also, extending from this yellow circle are light blue poles in various lengths that are surrounded in neon tubes and oscillate around the yellow circle when the sign is lit up at night. In the center of the circle are three signs. The first sign is an elongated oval that has the word "SOMERSET" painted on it in bold white letters with a black outline on a light blue background. Neon tubes outline these letters. The sign under that is a large rectangle shape with each of the sides curving inward. There are also incandescent light bulbs lining the outer edge of this sign that chase when the sign is lit up. This sign has the word "SHOPPING" painted on it in bold white text against a red background. Neon tubes outline each letter of this word. The sign under this is another elongated oval that is a similar size to the "SOMERSET" sign. This sign reads "CENTER" in bold white text against a red background and neon tubes outline this word as well.
Sign - type of display: Neon, Incandescent light bulbs and back lit
Sign - media: Steel and plastic
Sign - non-neon treatments: Plastic portion of sign
Sign animation: Oscillating, chasing
Sign environment: The shopping center that this sign is located in is about a block away from the Strip and is near a few monumental properties. It resides close to the Las Vegas Country Club, the Las Vegas Convention Center, and the Guardian Angel Cathedral that Paul Revere Williams designed. It is down the road from casinos like the Wynn, Encore, Circus Circus, and the Westgate. The Peppermill, an iconic Las Vegas restaurant, is down the street as well. It was down the street from the Stardust when that property was up and running.
Sign manufacturer: YESCO
Sign - date of installation: Most likely 1966, 1960's era
Sign - thematic influences: The design of this sign is very eye-catching from the road, as are many roadside signs throughout this era of the city. Bold text and light animation make this a standout sign to attract motorists and pedestrians to the shopping center.
Sign - artistic significance: This sign appears to have some Googie design influence throughout it. It has a space age feel to it because of the yellow circle that surrounds the "SOMERSET SHOPPING CENTER" signs and the blue poles that extend from it also add to this style.
Survey - research locations: Assessor's Page http://www.clarkcountynv.gov/assessor/Pages/searchbybusinessname.aspx , Vintage Las Vegas website http://vintagelasvegas.com/search/somerset , Roadside architecture website http://www.roadarch.com/signs/nvvegas.html
Surveyor: Lauren Vaccaro
Survey - date completed: 2017-09-01
Sign keywords: Neon; Incandescent; Backlit; Steel; Plastic; Oscillating; Chasing; Pole sign
Site address: 252 Convention Center Dr
Sign owner: Somerset Shopping Center CO LP
Sign details: This shopping center was built in 1966 next to the Somerset House Motel. The motel was demolished in 2011; however, the shopping center is still around. Some businesses that reside in the shopping center include: a hair and nail salon, a dry cleaners, an Ethiopian restaurant, and a place for banquets to name a few.
Sign condition: 5, the sign is in beautiful condition.
Sign form: Pole
Sign-specific description: This pole sign sits close to the street so motorists and pedestrians can view it easily. A light blue pole holds up the main portion of this sign, as well as back lit plastic signs on each side of the pole that display what businesses are in the shopping center. The sign itself consists of a yellow ring that encircles three other signs. This yellow circle is covered in incandescent light bulbs that chase when the sign is lit up at night. Also, extending from this yellow circle are light blue poles in various lengths that are surrounded in neon tubes and oscillate around the yellow circle when the sign is lit up at night. In the center of the circle are three signs. The first sign is an elongated oval that has the word "SOMERSET" painted on it in bold white letters with a black outline on a light blue background. Neon tubes outline these letters. The sign under that is a large rectangle shape with each of the sides curving inward. There are also incandescent light bulbs lining the outer edge of this sign that chase when the sign is lit up. This sign has the word "SHOPPING" painted on it in bold white text against a red background. Neon tubes outline each letter of this word. The sign under this is another elongated oval that is a similar size to the "SOMERSET" sign. This sign reads "CENTER" in bold white text against a red background and neon tubes outline this word as well.
Sign - type of display: Neon, Incandescent light bulbs and back lit
Sign - media: Steel and plastic
Sign - non-neon treatments: Plastic portion of sign
Sign animation: Oscillating, chasing
Sign environment: The shopping center that this sign is located in is about a block away from the Strip and is near a few monumental properties. It resides close to the Las Vegas Country Club, the Las Vegas Convention Center, and the Guardian Angel Cathedral that Paul Revere Williams designed. It is down the road from casinos like the Wynn, Encore, Circus Circus, and the Westgate. The Peppermill, an iconic Las Vegas restaurant, is down the street as well. It was down the street from the Stardust when that property was up and running.
Sign manufacturer: YESCO
Sign - date of installation: Most likely 1966, 1960's era
Sign - thematic influences: The design of this sign is very eye-catching from the road, as are many roadside signs throughout this era of the city. Bold text and light animation make this a standout sign to attract motorists and pedestrians to the shopping center.
Sign - artistic significance: This sign appears to have some Googie design influence throughout it. It has a space age feel to it because of the yellow circle that surrounds the "SOMERSET SHOPPING CENTER" signs and the blue poles that extend from it also add to this style.
Survey - research locations: Assessor's Page http://www.clarkcountynv.gov/assessor/Pages/searchbybusinessname.aspx , Vintage Las Vegas website http://vintagelasvegas.com/search/somerset , Roadside architecture website http://www.roadarch.com/signs/nvvegas.html
Surveyor: Lauren Vaccaro
Survey - date completed: 2017-09-01
Sign keywords: Neon; Incandescent; Backlit; Steel; Plastic; Oscillating; Chasing; Pole sign
Mixed Content
Photographs of Milan Bakery, Las Vegas (Nev.), April 18, 2017
Date
2017-04-18
2017-08-17
Description
The Milan Bakery sign sits at 1625 Fremont Street in Downtown Las Vegas. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survey Sheet.
Site address: 1625 Fremont St
Sign owner: Selak, LLC
Sign details: The building was constructed in 1952 (Assessor). Milan Selakovik acquired the property from the Salvation Army in 1966 (Assessor).
Sign condition: The sign is condition 2, fair to poor. The paint is flaking. Approximately a third of cabinet bottom has rusted out. No neon remains on the sign.
Sign form: Blade sign
Sign-specific description: The background of the entire sign is painted red. The top and bottom of the sign are attached to the building by two metal cabinets. The lower cabinet is irregularly shaped. On the west side of the lower cabinet, the telephone and fax numbers are painted in peeling yellow. The paint has almost completely flaked off around the area where a cursive "Fax" formerly appeared. Attached to the street side of the sign is a vertical metal cabinet which runs almost the entire height of the sign. The word "BAKERY" is painted in white sans serif letters which run vertically over most of the cabinet. Extending horizontally from the cabinet toward the building are three small metal cabinets. A horizontal white line is painted on each of the three cabinets. A larger cabinet attached next to the "B" in "BAKERY" extends horizontally toward the building. The cabinet has a medallion shaped black and white cartoon of a baker holding a tray of baked goods. An irregularly shaped cabinet topping the sign contains the name, "MILAN" painted in white sans serif letters. The east side of the sign is painted similarly to the west, except that: 1) a cursive white or silver "Fax" is located at the bottom of the sign to the left of the fax number and, 2) extreme flaking has completely removed what was painted on the medallion at the top of the sign.
Sign - type of display: Formerly neon
Sign - media: Steel
Sign environment: Down on the East side of Fremont Street
Sign - date of installation: Based on the acquisition date of the property by Milan Selakovik in 1966, the current design of the sign possibly dates from the 1960's.
Sign - date of redesign/move: The unusual shape of the sign indicates that it has been modified over time. The form suggests that the sign was originally a directional arrow which pointed down from the roof toward the entrance to the business, with additional cabinets added later. A 2004 photograph shows the current sign design and color scheme (RoadsidePeek.com). A drawing of a baker's head was located in the medallion where the cartoon baker now resides. The three small cabinets which jut out horizontally from the sign formerly stated, "BREAD", "CAKES" and "PASTRY". The lower portion of the sign advertised "FRESH SANDWICHES".
Sign - thematic influences: Their sign showcases similar themes to cartoons, bakers and bakeries.
Sign - artistic significance: The sign portrays similar designs to other signs manufactured in the 1960's.
Survey - research locations: Clark County Assessor Parcel No. 139-35-315-002. Retrieved from http://www.clarkcountynv.gov/assessor/Pages/PropertyRecords.aspx?H=redrock&P=assrrealprop/pcl.aspx RoadsidePeek.com. Milan Bakery. Retrieved from http://roadsidepeek.com/roadusa/southwest/nevada/vegas/lvsign/lvothersign/index2.htm
Surveyor: Mitchell Cohen
Survey - date completed: 2017-08-17
Sign keywords: Blade; Neon; Steel
Site address: 1625 Fremont St
Sign owner: Selak, LLC
Sign details: The building was constructed in 1952 (Assessor). Milan Selakovik acquired the property from the Salvation Army in 1966 (Assessor).
Sign condition: The sign is condition 2, fair to poor. The paint is flaking. Approximately a third of cabinet bottom has rusted out. No neon remains on the sign.
Sign form: Blade sign
Sign-specific description: The background of the entire sign is painted red. The top and bottom of the sign are attached to the building by two metal cabinets. The lower cabinet is irregularly shaped. On the west side of the lower cabinet, the telephone and fax numbers are painted in peeling yellow. The paint has almost completely flaked off around the area where a cursive "Fax" formerly appeared. Attached to the street side of the sign is a vertical metal cabinet which runs almost the entire height of the sign. The word "BAKERY" is painted in white sans serif letters which run vertically over most of the cabinet. Extending horizontally from the cabinet toward the building are three small metal cabinets. A horizontal white line is painted on each of the three cabinets. A larger cabinet attached next to the "B" in "BAKERY" extends horizontally toward the building. The cabinet has a medallion shaped black and white cartoon of a baker holding a tray of baked goods. An irregularly shaped cabinet topping the sign contains the name, "MILAN" painted in white sans serif letters. The east side of the sign is painted similarly to the west, except that: 1) a cursive white or silver "Fax" is located at the bottom of the sign to the left of the fax number and, 2) extreme flaking has completely removed what was painted on the medallion at the top of the sign.
Sign - type of display: Formerly neon
Sign - media: Steel
Sign environment: Down on the East side of Fremont Street
Sign - date of installation: Based on the acquisition date of the property by Milan Selakovik in 1966, the current design of the sign possibly dates from the 1960's.
Sign - date of redesign/move: The unusual shape of the sign indicates that it has been modified over time. The form suggests that the sign was originally a directional arrow which pointed down from the roof toward the entrance to the business, with additional cabinets added later. A 2004 photograph shows the current sign design and color scheme (RoadsidePeek.com). A drawing of a baker's head was located in the medallion where the cartoon baker now resides. The three small cabinets which jut out horizontally from the sign formerly stated, "BREAD", "CAKES" and "PASTRY". The lower portion of the sign advertised "FRESH SANDWICHES".
Sign - thematic influences: Their sign showcases similar themes to cartoons, bakers and bakeries.
Sign - artistic significance: The sign portrays similar designs to other signs manufactured in the 1960's.
Survey - research locations: Clark County Assessor Parcel No. 139-35-315-002. Retrieved from http://www.clarkcountynv.gov/assessor/Pages/PropertyRecords.aspx?H=redrock&P=assrrealprop/pcl.aspx RoadsidePeek.com. Milan Bakery. Retrieved from http://roadsidepeek.com/roadusa/southwest/nevada/vegas/lvsign/lvothersign/index2.htm
Surveyor: Mitchell Cohen
Survey - date completed: 2017-08-17
Sign keywords: Blade; Neon; Steel
Mixed Content
Photographs of Holiday Motel, Las Vegas (Nev.), March 1, 2017
Date
2017-03-01
2017-08-25
Description
The multi-colored Holiday Motel sign sits at 2205 South Las Vegas Boulevard. Originally Holiday Inn, the motel has operated for over 50 years. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survey Data Sheet.
Site address: 2205 S Las Vegas Blvd
Sign owner: Calcaterra Family and Trust
Sign details: Holiday Motel was built-in 1952 - a one acre lot with 14,238 sq. ft. of living space.
Sign condition: 2 - The neon is not working completely, majority of the lights have not been repaired or maintained. The actual paint has shifted from a brilliant red into a subdued salmon rustic color from exposure of Sun/UV and wind.
Sign form: Pole mounted sign with reader board
Sign-specific description: The Holiday Motel is an animated sign that is part of the mid-century and Googie design. The color scheme is mostly a primary color palette of red, blue and yellow. The neon holiday typography is the only element of the sign that differs from the palette, but only when it is lit up. Instead the holiday font illuminates multiple colors to continue the clown theme effect. The sign is in true Googie fashion that popularized roadside signage from 1950s-late1960s. It is in the style of a pylon sign with a directional arrow that points towards the motel entryway. When the sign lights up the directional arrow uses a chaser to animate the arrow and its design with incandescent bulbs. The directional arrow surrounds the holiday motel square shaped portion of the sign. On the top portion of the sign is a rainbow design with five metal rods with circles at the end shooting out of the rainbow. These five rods when lit up in the evening are animated as well and produce a wave motion. On the side of the sign are separate white letters encased in red circles and are designed vertically reading the word motel.
Sign - type of display: Neon, incadescent
Sign - media: Steel and plastic
Sign animation: Animation with upper circles/rods chasing from one to the next.
Sign environment: Property is near other motels and the Stratosphere.
Sign manufacturer: YESCO
Sign - date of installation: c. 1952
Sign - thematic influences: This sign is completely influenced by the 1952 Holiday Inn sign. Both are include an animated chaser direction arrow. The initial design is completely replicated from the Holiday Inn sign. The only difference is the five animated rods in Holiday Motel and where Holiday inn sign has a star instead of a rainbow at the top of the sign. The main difference is that the Holiday Motel sign includes a side panel with the word motel spelled vertically.
Sign - artistic significance: Artistic theme includes a circus theme, but also involves the Googie roadside sign that channels the space age landing beacon. As for majority of signs in 1950s-1960s the sign itself was quite colorful and in the shape of a pylon sign to grab the travelers attention.
Survey - research locations: roadarch.com, assessor's website
Survey - research notes: There was hardly any information pertaining to the history of the Holiday Motel sign. The property was originally called the Holiday Inn Motel but had to change its name in the 1960s due to the large Holiday Inn chain.
Surveyor: Gisselle Tipp
Survey - date completed: 2017-08-25
Sign keywords: Neon; Incandescent; Steel; Plastic; Chasing; Reader board; Pole sign
Site address: 2205 S Las Vegas Blvd
Sign owner: Calcaterra Family and Trust
Sign details: Holiday Motel was built-in 1952 - a one acre lot with 14,238 sq. ft. of living space.
Sign condition: 2 - The neon is not working completely, majority of the lights have not been repaired or maintained. The actual paint has shifted from a brilliant red into a subdued salmon rustic color from exposure of Sun/UV and wind.
Sign form: Pole mounted sign with reader board
Sign-specific description: The Holiday Motel is an animated sign that is part of the mid-century and Googie design. The color scheme is mostly a primary color palette of red, blue and yellow. The neon holiday typography is the only element of the sign that differs from the palette, but only when it is lit up. Instead the holiday font illuminates multiple colors to continue the clown theme effect. The sign is in true Googie fashion that popularized roadside signage from 1950s-late1960s. It is in the style of a pylon sign with a directional arrow that points towards the motel entryway. When the sign lights up the directional arrow uses a chaser to animate the arrow and its design with incandescent bulbs. The directional arrow surrounds the holiday motel square shaped portion of the sign. On the top portion of the sign is a rainbow design with five metal rods with circles at the end shooting out of the rainbow. These five rods when lit up in the evening are animated as well and produce a wave motion. On the side of the sign are separate white letters encased in red circles and are designed vertically reading the word motel.
Sign - type of display: Neon, incadescent
Sign - media: Steel and plastic
Sign animation: Animation with upper circles/rods chasing from one to the next.
Sign environment: Property is near other motels and the Stratosphere.
Sign manufacturer: YESCO
Sign - date of installation: c. 1952
Sign - thematic influences: This sign is completely influenced by the 1952 Holiday Inn sign. Both are include an animated chaser direction arrow. The initial design is completely replicated from the Holiday Inn sign. The only difference is the five animated rods in Holiday Motel and where Holiday inn sign has a star instead of a rainbow at the top of the sign. The main difference is that the Holiday Motel sign includes a side panel with the word motel spelled vertically.
Sign - artistic significance: Artistic theme includes a circus theme, but also involves the Googie roadside sign that channels the space age landing beacon. As for majority of signs in 1950s-1960s the sign itself was quite colorful and in the shape of a pylon sign to grab the travelers attention.
Survey - research locations: roadarch.com, assessor's website
Survey - research notes: There was hardly any information pertaining to the history of the Holiday Motel sign. The property was originally called the Holiday Inn Motel but had to change its name in the 1960s due to the large Holiday Inn chain.
Surveyor: Gisselle Tipp
Survey - date completed: 2017-08-25
Sign keywords: Neon; Incandescent; Steel; Plastic; Chasing; Reader board; Pole sign
Mixed Content
Photographs of Bonanza Gift Shop, Las Vegas (Nev.), March 6, 2017
Date
2017-03-06
2017-08-12
Description
The Bonanza Gift Shop sits at 2440 South Las Vegas Boulevard. The shopping center holds a space of forty-thousand square feet and is self-proclaimed, "The World's Largest Gift Shop." Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survey Data Sheet.
Site address: 2440 S Las Vegas Blvd
Sign owner: Haim Gabay
Sign details: The Bonanza Gift Shop opened in 1981 marketing as the world's largest gift shop. Though in 1963 a portion of the property opened as an Honest John's Casino. In 1971 the Big Wheel opened next to Honest John's Casino. After 1974 Big Wheel changed to Centerfold Casino 1975-1977. In 1977 the Centerfold Casino changed to Jolly Trolley Restaurant, Saloon and Dining Depot. From 1977-1981 Jolly Trolley remained at the location; it seems at one point Jolly Trolley took over the entire shopping center and casinos. Between 1977 and 1981, a 24 Hour Adult Book Store was taken over by Jolly Trolley that allowed Bonanza Gift Shop to purchase the whole property. The sign's design and theme has stayed the same from 1963 to current. The gift shop was sold for $50 million in 2016 to Haim Gabay.
Sign condition: 3- the paint is peeling off, and the signs have holes in them. The incandescent light bulbs and marquee are not working to full capacity; some portions do not light up at all.
Sign form: This is considered an architectural sign with the reader boards-marquee built into the building. The sign at the end of the corner is considered a cantilever construction.
Sign-specific description: The sign is mainly rusty red and a gold-yellow that surrounds the building with multiple "Bonanza Gift Shop" logos in a old west type font. Also there is a reader board surrounding the building as well.
Sign - type of display: The Display used is a reader board, neon, incandescent, and fluorescent lighting.
Sign - media: Plastic, Steel and Fiberglass
Sign - non-neon treatments: Plastic for reader board
Sign animation: Chasing
Notes: Incandescent light bulbs that surround the building and logos
Sign environment: The property is on the west corner of Las Vegas Blvd and Sahara. The stores surrounding the establishment are Naughty Town, Walgreens, Essence Cannabis, Strip Gun Club and Diversity Tattoos.
Sign - date of installation: Estimated 1963 or earlier
Sign - date of redesign/move: 1963 Honest John's cantilever construction. 1971 Big Wheel opened up and added the projection sign. In 1974 the Big wheel changed to Centerfold Casino and in 1977 name changed to Jolly Trolley. In 1981 the Jolly Trolley projection and cantilever construction sign changed to Bonanza Gift Shop.
Sign - thematic influences: The sign dates back to 1963 and resembles the golden nugget decorated shed concept along with the cantilever construction sign similar to golden nugget's 1946 sign, except circular rather than organic. The actual sign uses color psychology to attract consumers to the gift shop. The theme is definitely western themed.
Survey - research locations: https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/bonanza-gift-shop-in-las-vegas-sold-for-50m-records-show/ about new owner purchase. Vintage Las Vegas http://vintagelasvegas.com/search/Bonanza+Gift+Shop helped with dates of property change. Author Paul W. Papa's book "Discovering Vintage Las Vegas: A Guide to the City's Timeless Shops"
Surveyor: Gisselle Tipp
Survey - date completed: 2017-08-12
Sign keywords: Architectural; Plastic; Steel; Incandescent; Chasing; Reader board; Neon; Marquee; Fluorescent; Roof Sign
Site address: 2440 S Las Vegas Blvd
Sign owner: Haim Gabay
Sign details: The Bonanza Gift Shop opened in 1981 marketing as the world's largest gift shop. Though in 1963 a portion of the property opened as an Honest John's Casino. In 1971 the Big Wheel opened next to Honest John's Casino. After 1974 Big Wheel changed to Centerfold Casino 1975-1977. In 1977 the Centerfold Casino changed to Jolly Trolley Restaurant, Saloon and Dining Depot. From 1977-1981 Jolly Trolley remained at the location; it seems at one point Jolly Trolley took over the entire shopping center and casinos. Between 1977 and 1981, a 24 Hour Adult Book Store was taken over by Jolly Trolley that allowed Bonanza Gift Shop to purchase the whole property. The sign's design and theme has stayed the same from 1963 to current. The gift shop was sold for $50 million in 2016 to Haim Gabay.
Sign condition: 3- the paint is peeling off, and the signs have holes in them. The incandescent light bulbs and marquee are not working to full capacity; some portions do not light up at all.
Sign form: This is considered an architectural sign with the reader boards-marquee built into the building. The sign at the end of the corner is considered a cantilever construction.
Sign-specific description: The sign is mainly rusty red and a gold-yellow that surrounds the building with multiple "Bonanza Gift Shop" logos in a old west type font. Also there is a reader board surrounding the building as well.
Sign - type of display: The Display used is a reader board, neon, incandescent, and fluorescent lighting.
Sign - media: Plastic, Steel and Fiberglass
Sign - non-neon treatments: Plastic for reader board
Sign animation: Chasing
Notes: Incandescent light bulbs that surround the building and logos
Sign environment: The property is on the west corner of Las Vegas Blvd and Sahara. The stores surrounding the establishment are Naughty Town, Walgreens, Essence Cannabis, Strip Gun Club and Diversity Tattoos.
Sign - date of installation: Estimated 1963 or earlier
Sign - date of redesign/move: 1963 Honest John's cantilever construction. 1971 Big Wheel opened up and added the projection sign. In 1974 the Big wheel changed to Centerfold Casino and in 1977 name changed to Jolly Trolley. In 1981 the Jolly Trolley projection and cantilever construction sign changed to Bonanza Gift Shop.
Sign - thematic influences: The sign dates back to 1963 and resembles the golden nugget decorated shed concept along with the cantilever construction sign similar to golden nugget's 1946 sign, except circular rather than organic. The actual sign uses color psychology to attract consumers to the gift shop. The theme is definitely western themed.
Survey - research locations: https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/bonanza-gift-shop-in-las-vegas-sold-for-50m-records-show/ about new owner purchase. Vintage Las Vegas http://vintagelasvegas.com/search/Bonanza+Gift+Shop helped with dates of property change. Author Paul W. Papa's book "Discovering Vintage Las Vegas: A Guide to the City's Timeless Shops"
Surveyor: Gisselle Tipp
Survey - date completed: 2017-08-12
Sign keywords: Architectural; Plastic; Steel; Incandescent; Chasing; Reader board; Neon; Marquee; Fluorescent; Roof Sign
Mixed Content
Photographs of Cupid's Wedding Chapel signs, Las Vegas (Nev.), March 13, 2017
Date
2017-03-13
2017-09-09
Description
The Cupid's Wedding Chapel sits at the north east corner of East Hoover Avenue at 827 South Las Vegas Boulevard. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survey Data Sheet.
Site address: 827 S Las Vegas Blvd
Sign owner: Bellevue Holdings
Sign details: The original construction of this building was in 1950. This chapel is known for their weddings with Elvis Presley, James Brown and Johnny Cash impersonators.
Sign condition: 5- The sign is in very good condition with bright colored graphics with little/no fading
Sign form: Pylon
Sign-specific description: This sign has a white steel beam as its base. The shape of their sign is a red heart with a white arrow going through it. The red heart portion of the sign has a red steel sign box within this is a back lit red plastic sign with white font on it. Surrounding this sign is exterior skeletal neon that illuminates red at night time. The font on their sign states "Cupid's Wedding Chapel" with the word Cupid in a bubble cursive font and the "Wedding Chapel" portion in a white block font. Surrounding these letters are white hearts as well as an image of Cupid shooting a love arrow. The white arrow that shoots through the heart sign showcases flashing incandescent light bulbs.
Sign - type of display: Neon, incandescent and plastic backlit sign
Sign - media: Steel and plastic
Sign - non-neon treatments: Plastic backlit sign
Sign animation: Flasher for incandescent light bulbs
Sign environment: This location is a few blocks south of Fremont Street on Las Vegas Blvd. This chapel has other wedding chapels near it as well as the city courthouse and a few antique shops.
Sign - date of installation: This sign has been up since at least 2007.
Sign - thematic influences: The heart and arrow is symbolic to depict love and Cupid specifically, which helps showcase the theme and name of this location.
Sign - artistic significance: Chapels perpetuate Las Vegas as the Marriage capital of the world as well as maintaining their Neon Signs really pays tribute to Las Vegas' vintage culture.
Survey - research locations: Cupid's Chapel website http://www.cupidswedding.com/, Asessor's Page, Top 20 chapels in Vegas website https://www.gpsmycity.com/tours/top-20- vegas-wedding- chapels-1018.html , history channel website http://www.history.com/topics/valentines-day/history-of- valentines- day/pictures/valentines-day/cupids- wedding-chapel- in-las- vegas
Survey - research notes: The Cupid's Wedding Chapel sign was showcased on History. Com discussing Valentine's Day Weddings, and they gave the number that there were 2.2 million marriages in the U.S. in 2007 and 126,354 took place in Nevada. http://www.history.com/topics/valentines-day/history-of- valentines- day/pictures/valentines-day/cupids- wedding-chapel- in-las- vegas
Survey - other remarks: They were ranked 5 on the top 20 chapels to get married at here in Vegas. https://www.gpsmycity.com/tours/top-20- vegas-wedding- chapels-1018.html
Surveyor: Emily Fellmer
Survey - date completed: 2017-09-09
Sign keywords: Steel; Plastic; Backlit; Incandescent; Flashing; Neon; Pole sign
Site address: 827 S Las Vegas Blvd
Sign owner: Bellevue Holdings
Sign details: The original construction of this building was in 1950. This chapel is known for their weddings with Elvis Presley, James Brown and Johnny Cash impersonators.
Sign condition: 5- The sign is in very good condition with bright colored graphics with little/no fading
Sign form: Pylon
Sign-specific description: This sign has a white steel beam as its base. The shape of their sign is a red heart with a white arrow going through it. The red heart portion of the sign has a red steel sign box within this is a back lit red plastic sign with white font on it. Surrounding this sign is exterior skeletal neon that illuminates red at night time. The font on their sign states "Cupid's Wedding Chapel" with the word Cupid in a bubble cursive font and the "Wedding Chapel" portion in a white block font. Surrounding these letters are white hearts as well as an image of Cupid shooting a love arrow. The white arrow that shoots through the heart sign showcases flashing incandescent light bulbs.
Sign - type of display: Neon, incandescent and plastic backlit sign
Sign - media: Steel and plastic
Sign - non-neon treatments: Plastic backlit sign
Sign animation: Flasher for incandescent light bulbs
Sign environment: This location is a few blocks south of Fremont Street on Las Vegas Blvd. This chapel has other wedding chapels near it as well as the city courthouse and a few antique shops.
Sign - date of installation: This sign has been up since at least 2007.
Sign - thematic influences: The heart and arrow is symbolic to depict love and Cupid specifically, which helps showcase the theme and name of this location.
Sign - artistic significance: Chapels perpetuate Las Vegas as the Marriage capital of the world as well as maintaining their Neon Signs really pays tribute to Las Vegas' vintage culture.
Survey - research locations: Cupid's Chapel website http://www.cupidswedding.com/, Asessor's Page, Top 20 chapels in Vegas website https://www.gpsmycity.com/tours/top-20- vegas-wedding- chapels-1018.html , history channel website http://www.history.com/topics/valentines-day/history-of- valentines- day/pictures/valentines-day/cupids- wedding-chapel- in-las- vegas
Survey - research notes: The Cupid's Wedding Chapel sign was showcased on History. Com discussing Valentine's Day Weddings, and they gave the number that there were 2.2 million marriages in the U.S. in 2007 and 126,354 took place in Nevada. http://www.history.com/topics/valentines-day/history-of- valentines- day/pictures/valentines-day/cupids- wedding-chapel- in-las- vegas
Survey - other remarks: They were ranked 5 on the top 20 chapels to get married at here in Vegas. https://www.gpsmycity.com/tours/top-20- vegas-wedding- chapels-1018.html
Surveyor: Emily Fellmer
Survey - date completed: 2017-09-09
Sign keywords: Steel; Plastic; Backlit; Incandescent; Flashing; Neon; Pole sign
Mixed Content
Photographs of Gold and Silver Pawn Shop signs, Las Vegas (Nev.), March 3, 2017
Date
2017-03-03
2017-08-12
Description
The Gold and Silver Pawn Shop sits at 713 South Las Vegas Boulevard in Downtown Las Vegas. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survey Data Sheet.
Site address: 713 S Las Vegas Blvd
Sign owner: Richard Harrison
Sign details: This pawn shop was opened by Richard Harrison in 1988. Rick , Richard and Corey Harrison along with Austin Russell made this store famous with the History Channel reality T.V. show Pawn Stars which started airing in 2009. This show has made this location a tourist destination, so much so there is even a line to get in sometimes. With the rise of popularity they added Rick Harrison's Pawn Plaza which is a shopping center with eateries.
Sign condition: 4- looks relatively new and not too faded
Sign form: Rectangular Blade
Sign-specific description: The whole blade sign is outlined with a gold trim and red LED lights surrounding the gold. The main long rectangle blade spells out "PAWN" lengthwise in black on white backdrop. Right above the white part of the blade is a black rectangle (long side of rectangle is above the white blade) stating "Gold & Silver" written in white thin printed letters. Above this is a little white diamond. Below the white PAWN blade is a white rectangle stating "OPEN 24 HRS" in red block print letters. This blade-type sign is held right next to the building on a big white beam that has their address "713" painted on it. On the building above the entrance states "World Famous (in yellow) Gold and Silver (In red) Pawn Shop ( in Green) in back lit plastic letters. Also to the left of the entrance they have 3 plastic rectangle back lit signs that they have switched out over the years, but the current ones have been up since 2011/12. The one in the middle states "World Famous Gold & Silver Pawn Shop" in an elaborate white cursive font written on a black background. The other two showcase the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Logo but states "World Famous Gold & Silver Las Vegas" . Below these three rectangle signs there is another smaller one with a white background stating "We Never Close" in thick blue type font letters.
Sign - type of display: Back lit plastic signs, LED lights
Sign - media: Steel, Plastic
Sign - non-neon treatments: Back lit plastic
Sign animation: Charger with red LED's
Sign environment: Halfway between the strip and downtown on Las Vegas Blvd. There are a few antique shops near the pawn shop. Right next door is now Rick Harrison's Pawn Plaza Shopping Center as well as a nice sized parking lot to accommodate their guests.
Sign - date of installation: Has been up since at least 2007
Sign - date of redesign/move: Some of the plastic back lit signs have been switched out over the years
Sign - thematic influences: Gold+ Silver- could refer to the mining times in Nevada and since it is a pawn shop it could mean that you can strike it rich with bringing something there. Similar to finding gold or silver.
Sign - artistic significance: The blade type sign was popular in the 50's for directions in the car consumer and traveling era.
Survey - research locations: Acessor's page, Nevada Magazine http://nevadamagazine.com/home/inside-the-magazine/city-limits/gold-silver-pawn-shop/ , Gold and Silver Pawn Shop website https://gspawn.com/ , history.com for information on the show
Surveyor: Emily Fellmer
Survey - date completed: 2017-08-12
Sign keywords: Backlit; Plastic; LED; Steel; Pole sign
Site address: 713 S Las Vegas Blvd
Sign owner: Richard Harrison
Sign details: This pawn shop was opened by Richard Harrison in 1988. Rick , Richard and Corey Harrison along with Austin Russell made this store famous with the History Channel reality T.V. show Pawn Stars which started airing in 2009. This show has made this location a tourist destination, so much so there is even a line to get in sometimes. With the rise of popularity they added Rick Harrison's Pawn Plaza which is a shopping center with eateries.
Sign condition: 4- looks relatively new and not too faded
Sign form: Rectangular Blade
Sign-specific description: The whole blade sign is outlined with a gold trim and red LED lights surrounding the gold. The main long rectangle blade spells out "PAWN" lengthwise in black on white backdrop. Right above the white part of the blade is a black rectangle (long side of rectangle is above the white blade) stating "Gold & Silver" written in white thin printed letters. Above this is a little white diamond. Below the white PAWN blade is a white rectangle stating "OPEN 24 HRS" in red block print letters. This blade-type sign is held right next to the building on a big white beam that has their address "713" painted on it. On the building above the entrance states "World Famous (in yellow) Gold and Silver (In red) Pawn Shop ( in Green) in back lit plastic letters. Also to the left of the entrance they have 3 plastic rectangle back lit signs that they have switched out over the years, but the current ones have been up since 2011/12. The one in the middle states "World Famous Gold & Silver Pawn Shop" in an elaborate white cursive font written on a black background. The other two showcase the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Logo but states "World Famous Gold & Silver Las Vegas" . Below these three rectangle signs there is another smaller one with a white background stating "We Never Close" in thick blue type font letters.
Sign - type of display: Back lit plastic signs, LED lights
Sign - media: Steel, Plastic
Sign - non-neon treatments: Back lit plastic
Sign animation: Charger with red LED's
Sign environment: Halfway between the strip and downtown on Las Vegas Blvd. There are a few antique shops near the pawn shop. Right next door is now Rick Harrison's Pawn Plaza Shopping Center as well as a nice sized parking lot to accommodate their guests.
Sign - date of installation: Has been up since at least 2007
Sign - date of redesign/move: Some of the plastic back lit signs have been switched out over the years
Sign - thematic influences: Gold+ Silver- could refer to the mining times in Nevada and since it is a pawn shop it could mean that you can strike it rich with bringing something there. Similar to finding gold or silver.
Sign - artistic significance: The blade type sign was popular in the 50's for directions in the car consumer and traveling era.
Survey - research locations: Acessor's page, Nevada Magazine http://nevadamagazine.com/home/inside-the-magazine/city-limits/gold-silver-pawn-shop/ , Gold and Silver Pawn Shop website https://gspawn.com/ , history.com for information on the show
Surveyor: Emily Fellmer
Survey - date completed: 2017-08-12
Sign keywords: Backlit; Plastic; LED; Steel; Pole sign
Mixed Content
4 Mile Bar Neon Survey document, September 8, 2017
Date
2017-09-08
Description
Information about the 4 Mile Bar sign that sits at 3650 Boulder Hwy.
Site name: 4 Mile Bar (Las Vegas, Nev.)
Site address: 3650 Boulder Hwy
Sign owner: Bob and Bill Joslin
Sign details: This is one of the most historic bars in Las Vegas. The original site of the bar was actually where one of the oldest communities in town began called Formyle. The community was there long before The Boulder Highway or US Highway 95. The area where the bar currently resides was called Four Mile Spring because it was "four miles from the center of town" and for the natural spring that was there. This part of town, for much of its history, was outside of Las Vegas city limits and outside of the laws for the rest of the city as well. This site was originally a brothel when it opened in the 1950s. In 1954, the property was raided by the FBI and then ended up turning into a bar. It is "one of the Valley's last true-blue roadhouses" and it is named because it sits four miles away from the Downtown area. They are also known for their very popular karaoke nights.
Sign condition: 4, the roadside sign is in good condition, but the sign that is attached to the building has some light bulbs that have been burned out on it.
Sign form: Roadside sign is a pole sign with a message center and there is an architectural sign attached to the facade of the building.
Sign-specific description: The road side portion of the signage for the 4 Mile Bar is fairly simple. The top of the sign features a plastic, backlit square that has a large red "4" and "MILE" in bold white text in the middle of the number. Underneath this is "BAR" in a bold red text against a white background. About a foot or two underneath this sign is a large plastic, backlit reader board. The main support for the sign is a white rectangular structure with two red stripes running down the center of it with a few inches of space between the lines. The architectural sign that is on the facade of the building is uncomplicated as well. The shape of it fits the top portion of the building and looks like a stretched out rectangle. All of the edges are lined by incandescent light bulbs. In the middle of the sign in open channel letters are the words "4 MILE BAR" that are filled with white glowing neon tubes.
Sign - type of display: Incandescent, neon and backlit plastic portion
Sign - media: Steel and plastic
Sign - non-neon treatments: Plastic
Sign environment: This bar sits at the cusp where Fremont Street transitions to Boulder Highway. Many of the immediate properties that sit near this bar are motels and mobile home communities. This is also just down the road from Boulder Station Hotel and Casino as well as the Winchester Cultural Center.
Sign - thematic influences: The roadside sign is very straightforward since it just displays the name of the bar, but there could have been a stylistic choice to use the actual number "4" instead of the word "four."
Sign - artistic significance: The most notable feature about this sign is the number "4" instead of the word "four" that is used, possibly for stylistic reasons.
Survey - research locations: Accessor's Page http://www.clarkcountynv.gov/assessor/Pages/searchbybusinessname.aspx, Review Journal articles https://storify.com/ReviewJournal/7-of-the-most-historic-bars-in-las-vegas and https://www.reviewjournal.com/uncategorized/over-a-century-four-mile-has-gone-from-trailside-oasis-to-brothel-to-bar/ , Vegas Seven article http://vegasseven.com/2013/06/12/las-vegas-bar-hall-fame/
Surveyor: Lauren Vaccaro
Survey - date completed: 2017-09-08
Sign keywords: Architectural; Incandescent; Neon; Backlit; Plastic; Steel; Pole sign; Roadside
Site name: 4 Mile Bar (Las Vegas, Nev.)
Site address: 3650 Boulder Hwy
Sign owner: Bob and Bill Joslin
Sign details: This is one of the most historic bars in Las Vegas. The original site of the bar was actually where one of the oldest communities in town began called Formyle. The community was there long before The Boulder Highway or US Highway 95. The area where the bar currently resides was called Four Mile Spring because it was "four miles from the center of town" and for the natural spring that was there. This part of town, for much of its history, was outside of Las Vegas city limits and outside of the laws for the rest of the city as well. This site was originally a brothel when it opened in the 1950s. In 1954, the property was raided by the FBI and then ended up turning into a bar. It is "one of the Valley's last true-blue roadhouses" and it is named because it sits four miles away from the Downtown area. They are also known for their very popular karaoke nights.
Sign condition: 4, the roadside sign is in good condition, but the sign that is attached to the building has some light bulbs that have been burned out on it.
Sign form: Roadside sign is a pole sign with a message center and there is an architectural sign attached to the facade of the building.
Sign-specific description: The road side portion of the signage for the 4 Mile Bar is fairly simple. The top of the sign features a plastic, backlit square that has a large red "4" and "MILE" in bold white text in the middle of the number. Underneath this is "BAR" in a bold red text against a white background. About a foot or two underneath this sign is a large plastic, backlit reader board. The main support for the sign is a white rectangular structure with two red stripes running down the center of it with a few inches of space between the lines. The architectural sign that is on the facade of the building is uncomplicated as well. The shape of it fits the top portion of the building and looks like a stretched out rectangle. All of the edges are lined by incandescent light bulbs. In the middle of the sign in open channel letters are the words "4 MILE BAR" that are filled with white glowing neon tubes.
Sign - type of display: Incandescent, neon and backlit plastic portion
Sign - media: Steel and plastic
Sign - non-neon treatments: Plastic
Sign environment: This bar sits at the cusp where Fremont Street transitions to Boulder Highway. Many of the immediate properties that sit near this bar are motels and mobile home communities. This is also just down the road from Boulder Station Hotel and Casino as well as the Winchester Cultural Center.
Sign - thematic influences: The roadside sign is very straightforward since it just displays the name of the bar, but there could have been a stylistic choice to use the actual number "4" instead of the word "four."
Sign - artistic significance: The most notable feature about this sign is the number "4" instead of the word "four" that is used, possibly for stylistic reasons.
Survey - research locations: Accessor's Page http://www.clarkcountynv.gov/assessor/Pages/searchbybusinessname.aspx, Review Journal articles https://storify.com/ReviewJournal/7-of-the-most-historic-bars-in-las-vegas and https://www.reviewjournal.com/uncategorized/over-a-century-four-mile-has-gone-from-trailside-oasis-to-brothel-to-bar/ , Vegas Seven article http://vegasseven.com/2013/06/12/las-vegas-bar-hall-fame/
Surveyor: Lauren Vaccaro
Survey - date completed: 2017-09-08
Sign keywords: Architectural; Incandescent; Neon; Backlit; Plastic; Steel; Pole sign; Roadside
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