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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 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 Fun City Motel, Las Vegas (Nev.), March 1, 2017
Date
2017-03-01
2017-08-30
Description
The Fun City Motel sits at 2233 South Las Vegas Boulevard. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survey Data Sheet.
Site address: 2233 S Las Vegas Blvd
Sign owner: Rick Trusdell and Chetak Development Corporation
Sign details: Originally the Glenn Vegas Motel in early 50's then the sign was reused for Holiday Motel in 1960's and later to the Fun City Motel circa 1970's to current.
Sign condition: This is rated a 2 since the structure is in semi-salvage condition. No treatment seems to have been done. The damage from the sun has left the bright red hue into a grayish purple color. Part of the neon lettering from Fun City is not in working condition.
Sign form: Pole
Sign-specific description: The Fun City Motel sign was installed in 1952. However, the sign has been used in other properties before it became the Fun City Motel. The Sign was first used for the Glenn Motel circa 1950's with a western theme. The reason why the Fun City Motel doesn't resemble Googie influence is because the original funky curvilinear shape was designed to be a peanut. The Glenn Vegas Motel sign included an illustrated rodeo cowgirl holding a looped rope towards the left end of the sign. In the middle top of the sign is a woman diver; towards the bottom of the sign is an outline of a pool with the word swimming pool in the middle. The peanut shape is painted black. In-between all the designs; in large letters Glenn Vegas Motel is written in white with the female diver drawing separating the two words. Underneath the peanut shaped structure is a rectangular sign held by two hooks on each sign with the word motel. The entire structure itself is held by two steel poles with a blue incandescent directional squiggly arrow facing downwards. The Holiday Motel version changed from the black background to a brilliant red with white large neon letters reading Holiday. The sign removed all implication of the western theme and changed the squiggly directional arrow from light blue to a silver hue. There were two additions to the sign; the first is the word motel vertically connected to the side of the directional arrow and second is a circular structure in white and yellow. Later with the Fun City Motel sign there wasn't much change from Holiday Motel. The only significant change was the name of the establishment. The fun city lettering lights up in multiple colors like the rainbow at night. And the two poles that hold up the structure were painted to black. Today the sign itself has lost all its brilliant red hue and is now a gray color from over sun exposure and no maintenance done to the sign. The directional incandescent arrow is still bright yellow.
Sign - type of display: Neon and incandescent
Sign - media: Steel and fiber glass
Sign animation: Chasers for the incandescent directional arrow. The circular structure on the tops of the curvilinear shape have incandescent lights following a circular motion.
Sign environment: This location is on the North end of the strip near the Holiday House, Holiday Motel, and Kaei Thai restaurant.
Sign manufacturer: YESCO
Sign - date of installation: Circa 1970's
Sign - date of redesign/move: 1950's the sign was used for Glenn Vegas Motel, and in 1960's into the Holiday Motel.
Sign - thematic influences: The fun city sign is funky with an odd curvilinear shape that was originally used for a western theme motel as a peanut. Today the theme seems to be clownish with its colorful palette and rainbow neon.
Sign - artistic significance: The fun city sign is funky with an odd curvilinear shape that was originally used for a western theme motel as a peanut. Today the theme seems to be clownish with its colorful palette and rainbow neon.
Survey - research locations: Assessor's page, Photographs on the internet from Vintage Vegas website http://vintagelasvegas.com/search/Fun+City+Motel
Surveyor: Gisselle Tipp
Survey - date completed: 2017-08-30
Sign keywords: Neon; Incandescent; Steel; Chasing; Pole sign; Roof Sign; Back to back; Backlit
Site address: 2233 S Las Vegas Blvd
Sign owner: Rick Trusdell and Chetak Development Corporation
Sign details: Originally the Glenn Vegas Motel in early 50's then the sign was reused for Holiday Motel in 1960's and later to the Fun City Motel circa 1970's to current.
Sign condition: This is rated a 2 since the structure is in semi-salvage condition. No treatment seems to have been done. The damage from the sun has left the bright red hue into a grayish purple color. Part of the neon lettering from Fun City is not in working condition.
Sign form: Pole
Sign-specific description: The Fun City Motel sign was installed in 1952. However, the sign has been used in other properties before it became the Fun City Motel. The Sign was first used for the Glenn Motel circa 1950's with a western theme. The reason why the Fun City Motel doesn't resemble Googie influence is because the original funky curvilinear shape was designed to be a peanut. The Glenn Vegas Motel sign included an illustrated rodeo cowgirl holding a looped rope towards the left end of the sign. In the middle top of the sign is a woman diver; towards the bottom of the sign is an outline of a pool with the word swimming pool in the middle. The peanut shape is painted black. In-between all the designs; in large letters Glenn Vegas Motel is written in white with the female diver drawing separating the two words. Underneath the peanut shaped structure is a rectangular sign held by two hooks on each sign with the word motel. The entire structure itself is held by two steel poles with a blue incandescent directional squiggly arrow facing downwards. The Holiday Motel version changed from the black background to a brilliant red with white large neon letters reading Holiday. The sign removed all implication of the western theme and changed the squiggly directional arrow from light blue to a silver hue. There were two additions to the sign; the first is the word motel vertically connected to the side of the directional arrow and second is a circular structure in white and yellow. Later with the Fun City Motel sign there wasn't much change from Holiday Motel. The only significant change was the name of the establishment. The fun city lettering lights up in multiple colors like the rainbow at night. And the two poles that hold up the structure were painted to black. Today the sign itself has lost all its brilliant red hue and is now a gray color from over sun exposure and no maintenance done to the sign. The directional incandescent arrow is still bright yellow.
Sign - type of display: Neon and incandescent
Sign - media: Steel and fiber glass
Sign animation: Chasers for the incandescent directional arrow. The circular structure on the tops of the curvilinear shape have incandescent lights following a circular motion.
Sign environment: This location is on the North end of the strip near the Holiday House, Holiday Motel, and Kaei Thai restaurant.
Sign manufacturer: YESCO
Sign - date of installation: Circa 1970's
Sign - date of redesign/move: 1950's the sign was used for Glenn Vegas Motel, and in 1960's into the Holiday Motel.
Sign - thematic influences: The fun city sign is funky with an odd curvilinear shape that was originally used for a western theme motel as a peanut. Today the theme seems to be clownish with its colorful palette and rainbow neon.
Sign - artistic significance: The fun city sign is funky with an odd curvilinear shape that was originally used for a western theme motel as a peanut. Today the theme seems to be clownish with its colorful palette and rainbow neon.
Survey - research locations: Assessor's page, Photographs on the internet from Vintage Vegas website http://vintagelasvegas.com/search/Fun+City+Motel
Surveyor: Gisselle Tipp
Survey - date completed: 2017-08-30
Sign keywords: Neon; Incandescent; Steel; Chasing; Pole sign; Roof Sign; Back to back; Backlit
Mixed Content
Carolyn Merriam Collection on the Sands Hotel
Identifier
MS-00673
Abstract
The Carolyn Merriam Collection on the Sands Hotel (1972-1998) consists primarily of Sands Hotel merchandise and ephemera, including mugs, glassware, playing cards, dice, an ashtray, and a tote bag. The collection also contains several framed photograph reproductions depicting Las Vegas, Nevada in the 1950s and 1960s. The Sands Hotel operated in Las Vegas, Nevada from 1952 to 1996.
Archival Collection
UNLV Libraries Collection of Sands Hotel and Casino Promotional Materials and Reports
Identifier
MS-00934
Abstract
The UNLV Libraries Collection of Sands Hotel and Casino Promotional Materials and Reports includes equity research, clippings, press releases, press kits, and promotional materials for Sands Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, dating from 1958 to 2014.
Archival Collection
Sands Hotel Photograph Collection
Identifier
PH-00287
Abstract
The Sands Hotel Photograph Collection depicts entertainers, celebrities, events, amenities, and staff at the Sands Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada from approximately 1952 to 1980. The photographs primarily depict entertainers like Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and the Copa Girls performing in the Copa Room, the showroom of the Sands Hotel. The photographs also depict patrons gambling, events held in the Sands Hotel's ballrooms, banquets, the pool, rooms in the hotel, as well as Jack Entratter, the hotel'’s director of entertainment.
Archival Collection
Photographs of Rummel Motel sign, Las Vegas (Nev.), February 23, 2017
Date
2017-02-23
2017-09-18
Description
The Rummel Motel sits north of The Strip at 1809 Las Vegas Boulevard South. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survey Data Sheet.
Site address: 1809 S Las Vegas Blvd
Sign owner: Yeh Chia-Hong
Sign details: The motel was founded by Marvin Rummel in 1945 (VintageLasVegas, n.d.), although the Clark County Assessor lists the original construction year as 1951 (Assessor, n.d.). Undated vintage postcards, one describing the motel as "new" (Rummel Motel, 1809 So. 5th St. U.S. 91 - L.A. Highway Las Vegas, Nevada original vintage postcard, n.d.) show that a two-story building was later added to the back of the motor court (VintageLasVegas). The addition may explain the discrepancy in construction dates. The Roles family purchased the property in 1958 (VintageLasVegas; Noted bowler, hotel owner dies, 2002). Ralph Roles also operated the Del Mar Motel (the Del Mar's sign, designed by Betty Willis, is now at the Neon Museum). A vintage postcard from 1958 shows that motel was endorsed by the Automobile Association of America and another automobile club (Garofalo, 2011). The motel was severely damaged by fire on April 30 2017 (VintageLasVegas; Hershkovitz, 2017) and is currently closed.
Sign condition: The condition is 2, fair. The lower portion of the cabinet is dented and access panels are damaged or missing. The upper portions of the cabinet display numerous metal patches. The plastic on the reader board has holes. The remaining neon tubing appears to be intact. All incandescent light bulbs are missing.
Sign form: Pylon sign
Sign-specific description: The sign is supported by a rectangular blue metal pylon. A blue metal-framed reader board and orange metal upper cabinet are cantilevered out from the pylon toward the street. In the center of the upper cabinet is an amoeba-shaped area which is painted black and outlined by white skeleton neon. Inside the black amoeba are individual cursive letters which spell out "Rummel Motel" in white paint traced by white skeleton neon. Atop the upper cabinet is a smaller orange metal cabinet which is wing-shaped. Above the wing is a blue metal circle. Inside the channel of the circle are six concentric circles of empty light sockets. On the outside of the circle is a semi-circular metal frame which holds five white skeleton neon five-pointed stars.
Sign - type of display: Neon, incandescent and reader board
Sign - media: Steel and plastic
Sign - non-neon treatments: Incandescent light bulbs and a reader board
Sign environment: This is located on Las Vegas Boulevard South just north of the Las Vegas Strip
Sign - date of installation: The current sign dates back to at least 1958, but probably is not the original motel sign. A vintage postcard shows that before the two-story addition, the motel had a simple double pole sign with the name "Rummel Motel" enclosed by an open oval (Rummel Motel, 1809 So. 5th St. U.S. 91 - L.A. Highway Las Vegas, Nevada original vintage postcard, n.d.). The colors, lettering style and oval shape of the former sign appear to have inspired the design of the sign seen in a postcard from 1958 (Garofalo, 2011). The latter sign, with heavy modification, is the sign seen on the property today. The sign as currently configured is recognizable in a postcard from the late 1950's or early 1960's (Las Vegas motels then and now, n.d.).
Sign - date of redesign/move: The circa 1958 sign (Garofalo, 2011) was supported by double poles. The pole on the street side of the sign can still be seen on the upper cabinet, but it no longer reaches to the ground. The pole on the motel side of the sign ran from the ground toward the center of the sign, and then doglegged inward toward the motel to support the sign from the side. That pole appears to be the same one now enclosed by the pylon. The shadow of the pole can be seen inside the current reader board, which was a later addition attached below the circa 1958 sign. Automobile club shields at the bottom of the circa 1958 sign have been removed. A black metal directional arrow pointing toward the motel from the street side of the sign has also been removed. A circular white or light yellow metal cabinet with concentric rows of incandescent lightbulbs in the interior and a semi-circle of neon stars on the exterior has been moved from the top of the former directional arrow to the top of the wing-shaped cabinet. The circa 1958 wing-shaped cabinet was flush with the street side of the sign and contained skeleton neon which advertised, "HEATED POOL". The current wing-shaped cabinet contains no neon and has been pushed to the center of the sign. The lower cabinet of the circa 1958 sign was painted orange and black, which is now all orange. The amoeba shape was painted blue and is now black. Below the amoeba were skeleton neon letters which spelled out, "NO VACANCY" and "24 HOUR ROOM SERVICE". The neon is now gone. A small black metal cabinet attached at the bottom of the sign contained what appear to be either painted or skeleton neon letters which state, "COOLED BY REFRIGERATION". That portion of the sign is now gone.
Sign - thematic influences: This sign showcases 1950's and 1960's Googie trends. This also conveys earlier motor court designs in the building and the sign.
Survey - research locations: Clark County Assessor, Parcel No. 162-03-310-007, Retrieved from http://www.clarkcountynv.gov/assessor/Pages/PropertyRecords.aspx?H=redrock&P=assrrealprop/pcl.aspx Garofalo, M. (2011 November 2). Still standing-Rummel Motel. Retrieved from https://www.flickr.com/photos/vintageroadtrip/6304823598/ Hershkovitz, R. (2017 April 30). Fire damages vacant downtown Las Vegas motel. Las Vegas Review Journal. Retrieved from https://www.reviewjournal.com/local/local-las-vegas/downtown/fire-damages-vacant-downtown-las-vegas-motel/ Las Vegas motels-Then and now. (n.d.). Rummel Motel. Retrieved from http://stefanidrivesvegas.com/8.html Noted bowler, motel owner Roles dies. (2002 July 30). Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved from https://lasvegassun.com/news/2002/jul/30/noted-bowler-motel-owner-roles-dies/ RoadsideArchitecture. (n.d.) The Rummel Motel. Retrieved from http://www.roadarch.com/signs/nvvegas3.html Rummel Motel, 1809 So. 5th St. U.S. 91 - L.A. Highway Las Vegas, Nevada original vintage postcard. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.amazon.com/Rummel-Motel-1809-So-U-S/dp/B00P9LEQCS VintageLasVegas. (n.d.). Rummel Motel. Retrieved from http://vintagelasvegas.com/post/160953547509/rummel-motel-1809-s-las-vegas-blvd-built-by
Surveyor: Mitchell Cohen
Survey - date completed: 2017-09-18
Sign keywords: Pylon; Neon; Incandescent; Reader board; Plastic; Steel
Site address: 1809 S Las Vegas Blvd
Sign owner: Yeh Chia-Hong
Sign details: The motel was founded by Marvin Rummel in 1945 (VintageLasVegas, n.d.), although the Clark County Assessor lists the original construction year as 1951 (Assessor, n.d.). Undated vintage postcards, one describing the motel as "new" (Rummel Motel, 1809 So. 5th St. U.S. 91 - L.A. Highway Las Vegas, Nevada original vintage postcard, n.d.) show that a two-story building was later added to the back of the motor court (VintageLasVegas). The addition may explain the discrepancy in construction dates. The Roles family purchased the property in 1958 (VintageLasVegas; Noted bowler, hotel owner dies, 2002). Ralph Roles also operated the Del Mar Motel (the Del Mar's sign, designed by Betty Willis, is now at the Neon Museum). A vintage postcard from 1958 shows that motel was endorsed by the Automobile Association of America and another automobile club (Garofalo, 2011). The motel was severely damaged by fire on April 30 2017 (VintageLasVegas; Hershkovitz, 2017) and is currently closed.
Sign condition: The condition is 2, fair. The lower portion of the cabinet is dented and access panels are damaged or missing. The upper portions of the cabinet display numerous metal patches. The plastic on the reader board has holes. The remaining neon tubing appears to be intact. All incandescent light bulbs are missing.
Sign form: Pylon sign
Sign-specific description: The sign is supported by a rectangular blue metal pylon. A blue metal-framed reader board and orange metal upper cabinet are cantilevered out from the pylon toward the street. In the center of the upper cabinet is an amoeba-shaped area which is painted black and outlined by white skeleton neon. Inside the black amoeba are individual cursive letters which spell out "Rummel Motel" in white paint traced by white skeleton neon. Atop the upper cabinet is a smaller orange metal cabinet which is wing-shaped. Above the wing is a blue metal circle. Inside the channel of the circle are six concentric circles of empty light sockets. On the outside of the circle is a semi-circular metal frame which holds five white skeleton neon five-pointed stars.
Sign - type of display: Neon, incandescent and reader board
Sign - media: Steel and plastic
Sign - non-neon treatments: Incandescent light bulbs and a reader board
Sign environment: This is located on Las Vegas Boulevard South just north of the Las Vegas Strip
Sign - date of installation: The current sign dates back to at least 1958, but probably is not the original motel sign. A vintage postcard shows that before the two-story addition, the motel had a simple double pole sign with the name "Rummel Motel" enclosed by an open oval (Rummel Motel, 1809 So. 5th St. U.S. 91 - L.A. Highway Las Vegas, Nevada original vintage postcard, n.d.). The colors, lettering style and oval shape of the former sign appear to have inspired the design of the sign seen in a postcard from 1958 (Garofalo, 2011). The latter sign, with heavy modification, is the sign seen on the property today. The sign as currently configured is recognizable in a postcard from the late 1950's or early 1960's (Las Vegas motels then and now, n.d.).
Sign - date of redesign/move: The circa 1958 sign (Garofalo, 2011) was supported by double poles. The pole on the street side of the sign can still be seen on the upper cabinet, but it no longer reaches to the ground. The pole on the motel side of the sign ran from the ground toward the center of the sign, and then doglegged inward toward the motel to support the sign from the side. That pole appears to be the same one now enclosed by the pylon. The shadow of the pole can be seen inside the current reader board, which was a later addition attached below the circa 1958 sign. Automobile club shields at the bottom of the circa 1958 sign have been removed. A black metal directional arrow pointing toward the motel from the street side of the sign has also been removed. A circular white or light yellow metal cabinet with concentric rows of incandescent lightbulbs in the interior and a semi-circle of neon stars on the exterior has been moved from the top of the former directional arrow to the top of the wing-shaped cabinet. The circa 1958 wing-shaped cabinet was flush with the street side of the sign and contained skeleton neon which advertised, "HEATED POOL". The current wing-shaped cabinet contains no neon and has been pushed to the center of the sign. The lower cabinet of the circa 1958 sign was painted orange and black, which is now all orange. The amoeba shape was painted blue and is now black. Below the amoeba were skeleton neon letters which spelled out, "NO VACANCY" and "24 HOUR ROOM SERVICE". The neon is now gone. A small black metal cabinet attached at the bottom of the sign contained what appear to be either painted or skeleton neon letters which state, "COOLED BY REFRIGERATION". That portion of the sign is now gone.
Sign - thematic influences: This sign showcases 1950's and 1960's Googie trends. This also conveys earlier motor court designs in the building and the sign.
Survey - research locations: Clark County Assessor, Parcel No. 162-03-310-007, Retrieved from http://www.clarkcountynv.gov/assessor/Pages/PropertyRecords.aspx?H=redrock&P=assrrealprop/pcl.aspx Garofalo, M. (2011 November 2). Still standing-Rummel Motel. Retrieved from https://www.flickr.com/photos/vintageroadtrip/6304823598/ Hershkovitz, R. (2017 April 30). Fire damages vacant downtown Las Vegas motel. Las Vegas Review Journal. Retrieved from https://www.reviewjournal.com/local/local-las-vegas/downtown/fire-damages-vacant-downtown-las-vegas-motel/ Las Vegas motels-Then and now. (n.d.). Rummel Motel. Retrieved from http://stefanidrivesvegas.com/8.html Noted bowler, motel owner Roles dies. (2002 July 30). Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved from https://lasvegassun.com/news/2002/jul/30/noted-bowler-motel-owner-roles-dies/ RoadsideArchitecture. (n.d.) The Rummel Motel. Retrieved from http://www.roadarch.com/signs/nvvegas3.html Rummel Motel, 1809 So. 5th St. U.S. 91 - L.A. Highway Las Vegas, Nevada original vintage postcard. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.amazon.com/Rummel-Motel-1809-So-U-S/dp/B00P9LEQCS VintageLasVegas. (n.d.). Rummel Motel. Retrieved from http://vintagelasvegas.com/post/160953547509/rummel-motel-1809-s-las-vegas-blvd-built-by
Surveyor: Mitchell Cohen
Survey - date completed: 2017-09-18
Sign keywords: Pylon; Neon; Incandescent; Reader board; Plastic; Steel
Mixed Content
Sands Hotel Public Relations Records
Identifier
MS-00417
Abstract
The Sands Hotel Public Relations Records document the history of the Las Vegas casino and hotel from 1952 to 1977. It is comprised primarily of photographs, mostly 8x10 black-and-white prints, color prints, and transparencies. Most were produced by the Las Vegas News Bureau. Also included are newspaper clippings, brochures, press releases, and inter-office memos relating to the advertising and promotion department. Materials also include reels of 16mm film of the Sands opening, various shows and events including Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin's "Summit Meeting" performances with the Rat Pack, and footage from various television productions filmed at the Sands.
Archival Collection
Martin Stern Architectural Records
Identifier
MS-00382
Abstract
The collection is comprised of drawings (1950-1990) completed by American architect Martin Stern and/or his architectural firm, Martin Stern Jr., AIA Architect and Associates, and contains 400 cubic feet of materials including 710 drawings from over 300 different projects involving over 100 buildings. Stern’s work focused on the resort centers of Las Vegas, Nevada; Reno, Nevada; Lake Tahoe, Stateline, Nevada; and Atlantic City, New Jersey. The materials feature hand-drawn architectural drawings, ranging from pencil and ink on tracing paper preliminary sketches to ink on Mylar (TM) construction documents, and a number of artist’s renderings, used for presentations and promotional materials. The drawings also contain work from a number of consultants, engineers, and other architects who collaborated on the development of the various projects. The collection includes architectural drawings for: hotels, casinos, integrated casino resorts, office towers, multi-family residential developments, and custom single-family homes.
Archival Collection
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