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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 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
Howard Hughes Public Relations Reference Files
Identifier
MS-00380
Abstract
The Howard Hughes Public Relations Reference Files (1931-1997) were compiled by Richard "Dick" Hannah, vice-president of the Los Angeles public relations firm Carl Byoir & Associates, which was hired to direct public relations for Hughes’ companies. The collection is primarily composed of newspaper clippings organized into reference files. A significant number of the files contain articles about Howard Hughes’ personal life, the operations of his companies, and legal and political disputes involving Hughes and his companies. The files also document a range of other subjects related to his business ventures, including aviation, aerospace, defense industries, motion picture studios, film stars, communism in Hollywood, and the House on Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC). Later in life Hughes became obsessed with how he was being portrayed in the media. In addition to collecting magazine articles, newspaper clippings, transcripts, screenplays, and books that referenced him. He also collected newspaper clippings about the activities of print media outlets, columnists, radio-television stations, current and former employees, and competitors. The collection also contains newspaper clippings about Watergate, organized crime, gambling, and Las Vegas and contains press releases, correspondence and records generated by Carl Byoir & Associates as well as Rosemont Enterprise, Inc.
Archival Collection
Aruba Hotel (Thunderbird) Neon Survey document, August 30, 2017
Date
2017-08-30
Description
Information about the Aruba Hotel (Thunderbird) sign that sits at 1215 S Las Vegas Blvd.
Site name: Thunderbird Hotel and Casino (Las Vegas, Nev.)
Site address: 1215 S Las Vegas Blvd
Sign owner: 1215 Las Vegas Blvd LLC; C.F. Saticoy, LP
Sign details: The building was constructed in 1964 (Assessor). A vintage postcard from 1967 shows the Lotus Inn Motel and a Sambo's restaurant (VintageVegas.com, 2017). The hotel was renamed the Monte Carlo Inn in 1979, but reverted in the 1980's to the Lotus Inn (VintageVegas, 2017). In 1985, it became the Tally Ho (VintageVegas). Casino owner Bob Stupak renamed it the Thunderbird in 1986 or 1987 (VintageVegas). Stupak proposed building 15-story, $400 million resort hotel called the Titanic on the site, but vocal opposition from residents of the nearby John S. Park neighborhood and a trademark controversy derailed the project (Knightly, 2014). The property was renamed the Aruba Hotel in the early 2000's and became the Thunderbird in 2016 (O'Brien, 2016; VintageVegas). As of April 2017, a 15-story residential building was planned for the site (Carter, 2017).
Sign condition: Condition is 5, excellent. The lower portion of the sign is wrapped in plastic. The exposed upper portion of the sign shows the cabinet, paint and neon all in new condition. All of the neon tubes are intact and functioning.
Sign form: Blade
Sign-specific description: The lower portion of the rectangular metal cabinet is wrapped in black plastic. "THUNDERBIRD" is spelled out in white blocks and red serif letters which run vertically down both sides of the plastic wrap. The upper portion of the cabinet is exposed. The cabinet is topped by a bird shape facing the street. The bird and visible part of the rectangular cabinet are painted forest green. Both sides of the bird are covered in white, blue, pink, yellow and green skeleton neon. Underneath the bird , a horizontal yellow skeleton neon tube is visible.
Sign - type of display: Neon
Sign - media: Steel
Sign environment: Las Vegas Blvd north of the Strip. Property is surrounded by other motels and wedding chapels.
Sign - date of installation: c. 2007
Sign - thematic influences: Tropical, Caribbean and Old Vegas. The parrot on top of the sign closely resembles the symbol of the former Thunderbird hotel on the Las Vegas Strip. The property has used the Thunderbird name intermittently since the 1980's, even when it was the Aruba hotel and the word "THUNDERBIRD" appeared over an "Aruba" sign. (Vegas24Seven, 2012)
Survey - research locations: Assessor's website
Survey - research notes: Carter, J. (2017 April 27). Fights are brewing over a proposed 15-story building downtown. Las Vegas Weekly. Retrieved from https://lasvegasweekly.com/intersection/2017/apr/27/fights-are- brewing-over- proposed-building- downtown/ Knightly, A. M. (2014 August 31). A history of landmarks never built. Las Vegas Review Journal. Retrieved from https://www.reviewjournal.com/news/a-history- of-landmarks- never-built/ O'Brien, J. (2016 January 21). Thunderbird Hotel reopening with former Arts Factory owner at helm. Retrieved from http://vegasseven.com/2016/01/21/thunderbird-hotel- reopens/ http://www.vegas24seven.com/substance-cd- release-sinicle- the-great- circuiting-mechanical- death-a- sinners-confession- at-the- aruba-hotel- saturday-june- 30th/ Vegas24Seven.com. (2012). Substance CD Release, Sinicle, The Great Circuiting, Mechanical Death, A Sinners Confession at The Aruba Hotel Saturday June 30th . Retrieved from Vintage Vegas. (2017 February 16). Archive: Lotus Inn Motel, c. 1967. Retrieved from http://vintagelasvegas.com/post/157345077754/lotus-inn- las-vegas Zeitzer, I. (2007 June 29). On The One, The Aruba Hotel " Las Vegas, NV- 6/22. Retrieved from http://www.jambands.com/reviews/shows/2007/06/29/on-the- one-the- aruba-hotel- las-vegas- nv-6-22#ixzz4rBUwxlkh
Surveyor: Mitchell Cohen
Survey - date completed: 2017-08-30
Sign keywords: Blade; Neon; Steel
Site name: Thunderbird Hotel and Casino (Las Vegas, Nev.)
Site address: 1215 S Las Vegas Blvd
Sign owner: 1215 Las Vegas Blvd LLC; C.F. Saticoy, LP
Sign details: The building was constructed in 1964 (Assessor). A vintage postcard from 1967 shows the Lotus Inn Motel and a Sambo's restaurant (VintageVegas.com, 2017). The hotel was renamed the Monte Carlo Inn in 1979, but reverted in the 1980's to the Lotus Inn (VintageVegas, 2017). In 1985, it became the Tally Ho (VintageVegas). Casino owner Bob Stupak renamed it the Thunderbird in 1986 or 1987 (VintageVegas). Stupak proposed building 15-story, $400 million resort hotel called the Titanic on the site, but vocal opposition from residents of the nearby John S. Park neighborhood and a trademark controversy derailed the project (Knightly, 2014). The property was renamed the Aruba Hotel in the early 2000's and became the Thunderbird in 2016 (O'Brien, 2016; VintageVegas). As of April 2017, a 15-story residential building was planned for the site (Carter, 2017).
Sign condition: Condition is 5, excellent. The lower portion of the sign is wrapped in plastic. The exposed upper portion of the sign shows the cabinet, paint and neon all in new condition. All of the neon tubes are intact and functioning.
Sign form: Blade
Sign-specific description: The lower portion of the rectangular metal cabinet is wrapped in black plastic. "THUNDERBIRD" is spelled out in white blocks and red serif letters which run vertically down both sides of the plastic wrap. The upper portion of the cabinet is exposed. The cabinet is topped by a bird shape facing the street. The bird and visible part of the rectangular cabinet are painted forest green. Both sides of the bird are covered in white, blue, pink, yellow and green skeleton neon. Underneath the bird , a horizontal yellow skeleton neon tube is visible.
Sign - type of display: Neon
Sign - media: Steel
Sign environment: Las Vegas Blvd north of the Strip. Property is surrounded by other motels and wedding chapels.
Sign - date of installation: c. 2007
Sign - thematic influences: Tropical, Caribbean and Old Vegas. The parrot on top of the sign closely resembles the symbol of the former Thunderbird hotel on the Las Vegas Strip. The property has used the Thunderbird name intermittently since the 1980's, even when it was the Aruba hotel and the word "THUNDERBIRD" appeared over an "Aruba" sign. (Vegas24Seven, 2012)
Survey - research locations: Assessor's website
Survey - research notes: Carter, J. (2017 April 27). Fights are brewing over a proposed 15-story building downtown. Las Vegas Weekly. Retrieved from https://lasvegasweekly.com/intersection/2017/apr/27/fights-are- brewing-over- proposed-building- downtown/ Knightly, A. M. (2014 August 31). A history of landmarks never built. Las Vegas Review Journal. Retrieved from https://www.reviewjournal.com/news/a-history- of-landmarks- never-built/ O'Brien, J. (2016 January 21). Thunderbird Hotel reopening with former Arts Factory owner at helm. Retrieved from http://vegasseven.com/2016/01/21/thunderbird-hotel- reopens/ http://www.vegas24seven.com/substance-cd- release-sinicle- the-great- circuiting-mechanical- death-a- sinners-confession- at-the- aruba-hotel- saturday-june- 30th/ Vegas24Seven.com. (2012). Substance CD Release, Sinicle, The Great Circuiting, Mechanical Death, A Sinners Confession at The Aruba Hotel Saturday June 30th . Retrieved from Vintage Vegas. (2017 February 16). Archive: Lotus Inn Motel, c. 1967. Retrieved from http://vintagelasvegas.com/post/157345077754/lotus-inn- las-vegas Zeitzer, I. (2007 June 29). On The One, The Aruba Hotel " Las Vegas, NV- 6/22. Retrieved from http://www.jambands.com/reviews/shows/2007/06/29/on-the- one-the- aruba-hotel- las-vegas- nv-6-22#ixzz4rBUwxlkh
Surveyor: Mitchell Cohen
Survey - date completed: 2017-08-30
Sign keywords: Blade; Neon; Steel
Text
Photograph of The Griffin sign, Las Vegas (Nev.), June 28, 2017
Date
2017-06-28
2017-08-15
Description
The sign for The Griffin sits at 511 Fremont Street in Downtown Las Vegas. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survey Data Sheet.
Site address: 511 Fremont St
Sign owner: Aaron Chepenik and Jonathan Hensleigh
Sign details: Opened in February of 2007 as a medieval British pub/ tavern style bar. This location brought on a wave of revitalization of the East Fremont District especially since many new bars/restaurants started to open in this area after this bar did.
Sign condition: 5- still looks relatively new
Sign form: Blade and overlay neon on building
Sign-specific description: Placed above the entrance their brick building the letters The Griffin Cocktails is painted with white block letters outlined with black paint is painted on the building itself. These letters have skeletal neon surrounding the letters. The Griffin letters are yellow tubes and do illuminate green at night, the word cocktails lights up white. To the left of the entrance but still on the building is a green painted griffin drinking a painted white martini ( also all outlined with black paint) The neon tubing outlining the griffin is a yellow tubing but glows green at night ( possibly argon inserted to make it glow green). The Blade is placed a little left of the entrance and hangs off of the building by two blue steel beams, but in between the beams is a beautiful swirl design. At the top of the Blade there is a green griffin sipping a martini (same design as the one painted on the building). At the base of the griffin is white THE letters painted with skeletal neon. Then below is the blue portion of the blade spelling out GRIFFIN in a Britannic looking font in white channeled letters which do illuminate white at night. This part of the blade is outlined in neon ,possibly argon, since it does illuminate blue at night. On the side of the blade ( if you're looking from the road) there are about 14 red curved neon tubes lining the sign.
Sign - type of display: Neon
Sign - media: Steel and Brick Wall
Sign - non-neon treatments: Using the brick wall as a portion of the sign is a design not seen often in Vegas.
Sign animation: Oscillation of red neon tubes on the side of the sign.
Sign environment: Located in the Fremont East District in between Las Vegas Blvd. and 6th St. This location has The Vault to the East of it and The Smashed Pig Gastropub to the west. It is across the street from the Park and Evil Pie. In the middle of the street right in front of the Griffin Bar is the Martini Glass sign.
Sign manufacturer: YESCO
Sign designer: Owners Aaron Chepenik and Jonathan Hensleigh-Aaron stated that the blade portion of the sign was inspired by the old Boulder Club Blade sign
Sign - date of installation: Slightly before they opened so late 2006/early 2007
Sign - thematic influences: Griffin shows that it has a medieval and kind of fantasy kind of feel since its interior does have that cool medieval tavern vibe to it, especially with their fireplaces. Using their brick wall as a part of the sign is a cool innovative way to use their space and stay true to their theme.
Sign - artistic significance: Medieval theme. The blade is a prominent theme in the 50s/60s, though their blade sign was inspired by the Boulder Club (opened 1931-1960) blade.
Survey - research locations: Acessors page, outreach to owner Aaron Chepenik
Survey - research notes: Possible use of argon within their yellow painted tubes, similar to the Yucca Motel signs leaves.
Survey - other remarks: The Blade does look very similar to the Boulder Club blade, so its awesome to see modern properties paying homage to the ones that are no longer around.
Surveyor: Emily Fellmer
Survey - date completed: 2017-09-15
Sign keywords: Oscillating; Steel; Neon; Blade; Fascia; Building-front design
Site address: 511 Fremont St
Sign owner: Aaron Chepenik and Jonathan Hensleigh
Sign details: Opened in February of 2007 as a medieval British pub/ tavern style bar. This location brought on a wave of revitalization of the East Fremont District especially since many new bars/restaurants started to open in this area after this bar did.
Sign condition: 5- still looks relatively new
Sign form: Blade and overlay neon on building
Sign-specific description: Placed above the entrance their brick building the letters The Griffin Cocktails is painted with white block letters outlined with black paint is painted on the building itself. These letters have skeletal neon surrounding the letters. The Griffin letters are yellow tubes and do illuminate green at night, the word cocktails lights up white. To the left of the entrance but still on the building is a green painted griffin drinking a painted white martini ( also all outlined with black paint) The neon tubing outlining the griffin is a yellow tubing but glows green at night ( possibly argon inserted to make it glow green). The Blade is placed a little left of the entrance and hangs off of the building by two blue steel beams, but in between the beams is a beautiful swirl design. At the top of the Blade there is a green griffin sipping a martini (same design as the one painted on the building). At the base of the griffin is white THE letters painted with skeletal neon. Then below is the blue portion of the blade spelling out GRIFFIN in a Britannic looking font in white channeled letters which do illuminate white at night. This part of the blade is outlined in neon ,possibly argon, since it does illuminate blue at night. On the side of the blade ( if you're looking from the road) there are about 14 red curved neon tubes lining the sign.
Sign - type of display: Neon
Sign - media: Steel and Brick Wall
Sign - non-neon treatments: Using the brick wall as a portion of the sign is a design not seen often in Vegas.
Sign animation: Oscillation of red neon tubes on the side of the sign.
Sign environment: Located in the Fremont East District in between Las Vegas Blvd. and 6th St. This location has The Vault to the East of it and The Smashed Pig Gastropub to the west. It is across the street from the Park and Evil Pie. In the middle of the street right in front of the Griffin Bar is the Martini Glass sign.
Sign manufacturer: YESCO
Sign designer: Owners Aaron Chepenik and Jonathan Hensleigh-Aaron stated that the blade portion of the sign was inspired by the old Boulder Club Blade sign
Sign - date of installation: Slightly before they opened so late 2006/early 2007
Sign - thematic influences: Griffin shows that it has a medieval and kind of fantasy kind of feel since its interior does have that cool medieval tavern vibe to it, especially with their fireplaces. Using their brick wall as a part of the sign is a cool innovative way to use their space and stay true to their theme.
Sign - artistic significance: Medieval theme. The blade is a prominent theme in the 50s/60s, though their blade sign was inspired by the Boulder Club (opened 1931-1960) blade.
Survey - research locations: Acessors page, outreach to owner Aaron Chepenik
Survey - research notes: Possible use of argon within their yellow painted tubes, similar to the Yucca Motel signs leaves.
Survey - other remarks: The Blade does look very similar to the Boulder Club blade, so its awesome to see modern properties paying homage to the ones that are no longer around.
Surveyor: Emily Fellmer
Survey - date completed: 2017-09-15
Sign keywords: Oscillating; Steel; Neon; Blade; Fascia; Building-front design
Mixed Content
Photographs of The D signs, Las Vegas (Nev.), April 18, 2017
Date
2017-04-18
2017-08-12
Description
The D Hotel and Casino sign sits at 301 Fremont Street inside the Fremont Street Experience. Photos show signs on The D, including signs for the casino itself and a McDonald's inside of it. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survey Sheet.
Site address: 301 Fremont St
Sign owner: Derek Stevens
Sign details: This location first opened as the Sundance in 1980 which was known for its affiliation with Moe Dalitz of the Cleveland syndicate. Then the location was reopened in 1987 as the Fitzgerald's by owner Don Barden, one of the first African American casino owners in Las Vegas. Then in 2012 the renovation process began for Derek Stevens to open up the D casino. The D is named after Derek Steven's hometown of Detroit, Michigan.
Sign condition: 5- Very good condition
Sign form: Variation of a Bull Nose sign, signs on buildings and other entrance signs
Sign-specific description: Above their main entrance on Third and Fremont there is a black backdrop that states "the D" the letters the are in gold lights, then the letter D is in a big red steel box that showcases a tv screen in the big part of the letter, but this letter is outlined in two strips of red neon. Underneath this variation of a bull nose sign is a tv plasma screen that they have wrapped around the building. - On the second story of their casino there is a Vintage Vegas section that can be accessed from the street via escalator, above this second floor entrance is a sign stating "the D Vintage Vegas" At the Top of the building is an animated sculptural sign which is a slot machine with a lever that pulls down with the reels changing such as an old slot machine would have done. Then below this are neon coins that light up in order to look like they are falling out of the slot machine. On the top left portion of the coins states "the (in white) D (in red)", but under the logo is a solid yellow neon line. On top of the yellow line states "Vintage" and on the bottom states "Vegas" in a retro 50's 60's font.
Sign - type of display: Neon, LED, Plasma screen
Sign - media: Steel, some plastic
Sign - non-neon treatments: Light bulbs, T.V. screen and sculptural sign
Sign animation: The coins light up in order to look as though they are falling out of the sculptural slot machine. The lever on the slot machine moves to activate the moving reels in the slot machine.
Sign environment: On the corner of Third and Fremont St. West of the building is the Four Queens, to the North West is the Fremont Casino and Hotel. Across Fremont street from the D is little shops including where the El Portal Movie Theater used to be. Also along Fremont Street the D opened a bar which is very helpful with foot traffic. Also Third Street right in front of their main entrance there is a stage that hold concerts.
Sign manufacturer: AD/S Companies
Sign - date of installation: 2012
Sign - thematic influences: This variation of a Bull Nose sign is similar to many of the other entrance signs for casinos on Fremont Street.
Sign - artistic significance: The Vintage Vegas sign has a retro 1950's/60's type font. The sign really does represent the theme of that section of the casino well by having the old slot machine sculptural sign.
Survey - research locations: Acessor's office website, the D website http://www.thed.com/hotel/ , Neon Museum Tour Manual
Survey - research notes: Derek Stevens also owns the Golden Gate. He bought out the Glitter Gulch, Mermaids and La Bayou in 2015 then the Las Vegas club in 2016. La Bayou was demolished in 2016. The summer of 2017 is when the demolition of Glitter Gulch, Mermaids and the Las Vegas Club began.
Surveyor: Emily Fellmer
Survey - date completed: 2017-08-12
Sign keywords: Neon; LED; Steel; Plastic; Bullnose; Building-front design; Plasma display; Video screen; Sculptural
Site address: 301 Fremont St
Sign owner: Derek Stevens
Sign details: This location first opened as the Sundance in 1980 which was known for its affiliation with Moe Dalitz of the Cleveland syndicate. Then the location was reopened in 1987 as the Fitzgerald's by owner Don Barden, one of the first African American casino owners in Las Vegas. Then in 2012 the renovation process began for Derek Stevens to open up the D casino. The D is named after Derek Steven's hometown of Detroit, Michigan.
Sign condition: 5- Very good condition
Sign form: Variation of a Bull Nose sign, signs on buildings and other entrance signs
Sign-specific description: Above their main entrance on Third and Fremont there is a black backdrop that states "the D" the letters the are in gold lights, then the letter D is in a big red steel box that showcases a tv screen in the big part of the letter, but this letter is outlined in two strips of red neon. Underneath this variation of a bull nose sign is a tv plasma screen that they have wrapped around the building. - On the second story of their casino there is a Vintage Vegas section that can be accessed from the street via escalator, above this second floor entrance is a sign stating "the D Vintage Vegas" At the Top of the building is an animated sculptural sign which is a slot machine with a lever that pulls down with the reels changing such as an old slot machine would have done. Then below this are neon coins that light up in order to look like they are falling out of the slot machine. On the top left portion of the coins states "the (in white) D (in red)", but under the logo is a solid yellow neon line. On top of the yellow line states "Vintage" and on the bottom states "Vegas" in a retro 50's 60's font.
Sign - type of display: Neon, LED, Plasma screen
Sign - media: Steel, some plastic
Sign - non-neon treatments: Light bulbs, T.V. screen and sculptural sign
Sign animation: The coins light up in order to look as though they are falling out of the sculptural slot machine. The lever on the slot machine moves to activate the moving reels in the slot machine.
Sign environment: On the corner of Third and Fremont St. West of the building is the Four Queens, to the North West is the Fremont Casino and Hotel. Across Fremont street from the D is little shops including where the El Portal Movie Theater used to be. Also along Fremont Street the D opened a bar which is very helpful with foot traffic. Also Third Street right in front of their main entrance there is a stage that hold concerts.
Sign manufacturer: AD/S Companies
Sign - date of installation: 2012
Sign - thematic influences: This variation of a Bull Nose sign is similar to many of the other entrance signs for casinos on Fremont Street.
Sign - artistic significance: The Vintage Vegas sign has a retro 1950's/60's type font. The sign really does represent the theme of that section of the casino well by having the old slot machine sculptural sign.
Survey - research locations: Acessor's office website, the D website http://www.thed.com/hotel/ , Neon Museum Tour Manual
Survey - research notes: Derek Stevens also owns the Golden Gate. He bought out the Glitter Gulch, Mermaids and La Bayou in 2015 then the Las Vegas club in 2016. La Bayou was demolished in 2016. The summer of 2017 is when the demolition of Glitter Gulch, Mermaids and the Las Vegas Club began.
Surveyor: Emily Fellmer
Survey - date completed: 2017-08-12
Sign keywords: Neon; LED; Steel; Plastic; Bullnose; Building-front design; Plasma display; Video screen; Sculptural
Mixed Content
Photographs of Golden Gate Hotel and Casino signs, Las Vegas (Nev.), April 18, 2017
Date
2017-04-18
2017-09-22
Description
The Golden Gate Hotel and Casino signs sit at 1 Fremont Street in Downtown Las Vegas. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survey Sheet.
Site address: 1 Fremont St
Sign owner: Derek and Greg Stevens
Sign details: This location originally held the Hotel Nevada that opened in 1906. This location had the first phone that was installed in Las Vegas in 1907. The building dates back to 1935, but in 1990 Mark and Craig Italo restored the exterior of the building to reflect the original art deco look to the building. This property was named Sal Sagev (Las Vegas spelled backwards) before it changed to the Golden Gate in 1955. This location was made famous with their bargain shrimp cocktail. This location has exhibits near their check-in desk showcasing older casino memorabilia, old slot machines, as well as an old phone.
Sign condition: 5- still shines brightly and paint is holding up very well
Sign form: Blade and semi-decorated shed
Sign-specific description: Their blade sign is on the corner of Main and Fremont on the top of the blade is a spherical yellow light with two neon 3-D diagonal oval shapes beneath it the with the top one blue and the bottom one a fuchsia pink. The main portion of the blade is made up by sideways rusty colored squares spelling out "GOLDEN GATE" in block letters (one letter in each box) each containing flashing incandescent light bulbs. Beneath this is a rusty colored rectangular box that spells out "CASINO" in the interior with white neon letters with the box outlined in sparkling incandescent light bulbs. Underneath the rectangle is a rusty colored circle with white block letters spelling out "HOTEL" in neon, and underneath the words is a red skeletal neon outline of the Golden Gate Bridge. On the corner of the building right underneath the blade is is a rectangle sign with red neon spelling out "CASINO". There are chasing incandescent light bulbs surrounding the first second story of the building with the words "GOLDEN GATE" in channeled white neon letters that are outlined with blue neon and have sparkling incandescent light bulbs at night, and are both on the west and north side of the building. Also there are the words "RESTAURANT" as well as "CASINO" both in flashing incandescent light bulbs on both sides of the building as well. There are also LED lights that illuminate the building's windows at night time.
Sign - type of display: Neon, Incandescent light bulbs and LED
Sign - media: Steel
Sign - non-neon treatments: Incandescent light bulbs on signs and LED lights illuminating the building
Sign animation: Chasing, flashing
Notes: incandescent light bulbs
Sign environment: This location is on the corner of Main and Fremont which is the entrance to the Fremont Street Experience. There is also a concert stage in front of this property. Across the street would have been the Las Vegas Club, the Glitter Gulch and Mermaids; but have been demolished in recent times.
Sign - date of installation: 1964
Sign - date of redesign/move: When the sign was installed in 1964 the bottom circle of the blade stated "HOTEL SAL SAGEV" but now there is the Golden Gate bridge, so it must have switched when the Sal Sagev name was not affiliated with that location anymore.
Sign - artistic significance: This blade looks similar to the old Sal Sagev sign that was up on this building previous to this sign. The blade also was a prominent theme for signs in the 50's and 60's especially down on Fremont.
Survey - research locations: Assessor's Page, Tour outline, Golden Gate website for history http://www.goldengatecasino.com/history/#
Survey - research notes: http://www.goldengatecasino.com/history/# has a good timeline of the history of the casino as well as some good Vegas history notes as well.
Surveyor: Emily Fellmer
Survey - date completed: 2017-09-22
Sign keywords: Neon; Incandescent; Chasing; Flashing; Decorated shed; Steel; Pole sign
Site address: 1 Fremont St
Sign owner: Derek and Greg Stevens
Sign details: This location originally held the Hotel Nevada that opened in 1906. This location had the first phone that was installed in Las Vegas in 1907. The building dates back to 1935, but in 1990 Mark and Craig Italo restored the exterior of the building to reflect the original art deco look to the building. This property was named Sal Sagev (Las Vegas spelled backwards) before it changed to the Golden Gate in 1955. This location was made famous with their bargain shrimp cocktail. This location has exhibits near their check-in desk showcasing older casino memorabilia, old slot machines, as well as an old phone.
Sign condition: 5- still shines brightly and paint is holding up very well
Sign form: Blade and semi-decorated shed
Sign-specific description: Their blade sign is on the corner of Main and Fremont on the top of the blade is a spherical yellow light with two neon 3-D diagonal oval shapes beneath it the with the top one blue and the bottom one a fuchsia pink. The main portion of the blade is made up by sideways rusty colored squares spelling out "GOLDEN GATE" in block letters (one letter in each box) each containing flashing incandescent light bulbs. Beneath this is a rusty colored rectangular box that spells out "CASINO" in the interior with white neon letters with the box outlined in sparkling incandescent light bulbs. Underneath the rectangle is a rusty colored circle with white block letters spelling out "HOTEL" in neon, and underneath the words is a red skeletal neon outline of the Golden Gate Bridge. On the corner of the building right underneath the blade is is a rectangle sign with red neon spelling out "CASINO". There are chasing incandescent light bulbs surrounding the first second story of the building with the words "GOLDEN GATE" in channeled white neon letters that are outlined with blue neon and have sparkling incandescent light bulbs at night, and are both on the west and north side of the building. Also there are the words "RESTAURANT" as well as "CASINO" both in flashing incandescent light bulbs on both sides of the building as well. There are also LED lights that illuminate the building's windows at night time.
Sign - type of display: Neon, Incandescent light bulbs and LED
Sign - media: Steel
Sign - non-neon treatments: Incandescent light bulbs on signs and LED lights illuminating the building
Sign animation: Chasing, flashing
Notes: incandescent light bulbs
Sign environment: This location is on the corner of Main and Fremont which is the entrance to the Fremont Street Experience. There is also a concert stage in front of this property. Across the street would have been the Las Vegas Club, the Glitter Gulch and Mermaids; but have been demolished in recent times.
Sign - date of installation: 1964
Sign - date of redesign/move: When the sign was installed in 1964 the bottom circle of the blade stated "HOTEL SAL SAGEV" but now there is the Golden Gate bridge, so it must have switched when the Sal Sagev name was not affiliated with that location anymore.
Sign - artistic significance: This blade looks similar to the old Sal Sagev sign that was up on this building previous to this sign. The blade also was a prominent theme for signs in the 50's and 60's especially down on Fremont.
Survey - research locations: Assessor's Page, Tour outline, Golden Gate website for history http://www.goldengatecasino.com/history/#
Survey - research notes: http://www.goldengatecasino.com/history/# has a good timeline of the history of the casino as well as some good Vegas history notes as well.
Surveyor: Emily Fellmer
Survey - date completed: 2017-09-22
Sign keywords: Neon; Incandescent; Chasing; Flashing; Decorated shed; Steel; Pole sign
Mixed Content
Photographs of Monterey Motel sign, Las Vegas (Nev.), February 12, 2017
Date
2017-02-12
2017-09-04
Description
Monterey Motel sits against a cloudy sky at 1133 South Las Vegas Boulevard. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survey Data Sheet.
Site address: 1133 S Las Vegas Blvd
Sign owner: Monterey Motel Corp.
Sign details: The building was constructed in 1944 (Assessor). The business opened as the Monterey Lodge Motel (RoadsideArchitecture). A vintage postcard from 1954 shows The Monterrey Lodge Motel with much of the current architecture, although a different sign is present (Las Vegas motels then and now). The motel advertises itself as endorsed by several automobile clubs, including the Automobile Association of America (AAA).
Sign condition: Condition is 4, good. The cabinets, light boxes and neon are intact and in good condition. The paint shows slight fading and no flaking or peeling, except for light to moderate deterioration and rust on the bottom of the lower cabinet.
Sign form: Double pole sign
Sign-specific description: Double poles painted in bands of pink topped by bands of white support a rectangular reader board with a pink metal cabinet. Plastic pink sans serif letters spell out "FAMILY UNITS" on the face of the readerboard. On the lower motel side of the readerboard is a rectangular black plastic sign which states, "COLOR TV by RCA" in multi-colored san serif letters. At the top of the cabinet on the motel side is an arrow pointing toward the business. At the top of the north face of the cabinet is white coated skeleton neon tubing which states, "ENTER NO VACANCY" in sans serif letters. On the south face of the cabinet the lettering is reversed to say, "NO VACANCY ENTER". Mounted above the readerboard are three poles. The two outside poles are painted white and consist of round pedestals, shafts and capitals. The capitals are outlined in white skeleton neon. The rectangular interior pole is painted pink. A pink, rectangular bar (from an asterisk now covered by plastic wrap advertising) intersects the middle of all three poles. A rectangular shield shaped metal cabinet painted pink sits on the poles above the readerboard. White sans serif letters outlined in black paint and clear skeleton neon spell out "MOTEL". The three poles continue out of the cabinet to support a second pink metal readerboard which features "Monterey" spelled in plastic cursive letters. The three poles extend above the second reader board where they join to make an arch. The two outside poles are outlined in white skeleton neon.
Sign - type of display: Neon and Reader boards
Sign - media: Steel and Plastic
Sign - non-neon treatments: Reader boards
Sign environment: This is located on Las Vegas Boulevard South just north of the strip.
Sign - date of installation: Circa 1950's-1960's (RoadsideArchitecture)
Sign - date of redesign/move: A 2009 photograph shows the sign painted blue (Virus, 2009). Flaking paint under the "COLOR TV by RCA" sign shows an older layer of blue paint. A sign of similar age in the parking lot of the motel is still painted the same light blue shown in the photograph.
Sign - thematic influences: There is a Googie star on the sign as well as an arch which was a popular 1950's/60's sign design. Also they advertise automobile clubs on their sign and have a western ranch style building which are also Mid-Century Modern trends as well.
Sign - artistic significance: The sign showcases Googie, Western and motor court artistic aspects.
Survey - research locations: Clark County Assessor, Parcel No. 162-03-112-034. Retrieved from http://www.clarkcountynv.gov/assessor/Pages/PropertyRecords.aspx?H=redrock&P=assrrealprop/pcl.aspx Las Vegas motels then and now. (n.d.) Monterey Lodge - 1133 South Las Vegas Blvd. Retrieved from http://stefanidrivesvegas.com/8.html RoadsideArchitecture. (n.d.). Monterey Motel. Retrieved from http://www.roadarch.com/signs/nvvegas3.html Virus, R. (2009 April 5). Monterey Motel, Las Vegas, NV. Retrieved from https://www.flickr.com/photos/25229906@N00/5769946413/in/photostream/
Surveyor: Mitchell Cohen
Survey - date completed: 2017-09-04
Sign keywords: Steel; Plastic; Reader board; Neon; Pole sign; Back to back; Backlit
Site address: 1133 S Las Vegas Blvd
Sign owner: Monterey Motel Corp.
Sign details: The building was constructed in 1944 (Assessor). The business opened as the Monterey Lodge Motel (RoadsideArchitecture). A vintage postcard from 1954 shows The Monterrey Lodge Motel with much of the current architecture, although a different sign is present (Las Vegas motels then and now). The motel advertises itself as endorsed by several automobile clubs, including the Automobile Association of America (AAA).
Sign condition: Condition is 4, good. The cabinets, light boxes and neon are intact and in good condition. The paint shows slight fading and no flaking or peeling, except for light to moderate deterioration and rust on the bottom of the lower cabinet.
Sign form: Double pole sign
Sign-specific description: Double poles painted in bands of pink topped by bands of white support a rectangular reader board with a pink metal cabinet. Plastic pink sans serif letters spell out "FAMILY UNITS" on the face of the readerboard. On the lower motel side of the readerboard is a rectangular black plastic sign which states, "COLOR TV by RCA" in multi-colored san serif letters. At the top of the cabinet on the motel side is an arrow pointing toward the business. At the top of the north face of the cabinet is white coated skeleton neon tubing which states, "ENTER NO VACANCY" in sans serif letters. On the south face of the cabinet the lettering is reversed to say, "NO VACANCY ENTER". Mounted above the readerboard are three poles. The two outside poles are painted white and consist of round pedestals, shafts and capitals. The capitals are outlined in white skeleton neon. The rectangular interior pole is painted pink. A pink, rectangular bar (from an asterisk now covered by plastic wrap advertising) intersects the middle of all three poles. A rectangular shield shaped metal cabinet painted pink sits on the poles above the readerboard. White sans serif letters outlined in black paint and clear skeleton neon spell out "MOTEL". The three poles continue out of the cabinet to support a second pink metal readerboard which features "Monterey" spelled in plastic cursive letters. The three poles extend above the second reader board where they join to make an arch. The two outside poles are outlined in white skeleton neon.
Sign - type of display: Neon and Reader boards
Sign - media: Steel and Plastic
Sign - non-neon treatments: Reader boards
Sign environment: This is located on Las Vegas Boulevard South just north of the strip.
Sign - date of installation: Circa 1950's-1960's (RoadsideArchitecture)
Sign - date of redesign/move: A 2009 photograph shows the sign painted blue (Virus, 2009). Flaking paint under the "COLOR TV by RCA" sign shows an older layer of blue paint. A sign of similar age in the parking lot of the motel is still painted the same light blue shown in the photograph.
Sign - thematic influences: There is a Googie star on the sign as well as an arch which was a popular 1950's/60's sign design. Also they advertise automobile clubs on their sign and have a western ranch style building which are also Mid-Century Modern trends as well.
Sign - artistic significance: The sign showcases Googie, Western and motor court artistic aspects.
Survey - research locations: Clark County Assessor, Parcel No. 162-03-112-034. Retrieved from http://www.clarkcountynv.gov/assessor/Pages/PropertyRecords.aspx?H=redrock&P=assrrealprop/pcl.aspx Las Vegas motels then and now. (n.d.) Monterey Lodge - 1133 South Las Vegas Blvd. Retrieved from http://stefanidrivesvegas.com/8.html RoadsideArchitecture. (n.d.). Monterey Motel. Retrieved from http://www.roadarch.com/signs/nvvegas3.html Virus, R. (2009 April 5). Monterey Motel, Las Vegas, NV. Retrieved from https://www.flickr.com/photos/25229906@N00/5769946413/in/photostream/
Surveyor: Mitchell Cohen
Survey - date completed: 2017-09-04
Sign keywords: Steel; Plastic; Reader board; Neon; Pole sign; Back to back; Backlit
Mixed Content
Photographs of Golden Goose sign, Las Vegas (Nev.), June 24, 2016
Date
2016-06-24 to 2017-09-17
Description
A sign for the permanently closed Golden Goose Gentlemen's Club sits at the Fremont Street Experience. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survery Data Sheet.
Sign owner: Derek and Greg Stevens
Sign details: The Golden Goose is next to Glitter Gulch. This now closed property has a long history in Las Vegas. In 1959, the Fortune Club was where the Glitter Gulch would soon replace it. For the history of the Golden Goose: Herb Pastor bought the Mecca Club from Sylvia Sioratta in 1974 then opened up the Golden Goose soon after. Mr. Reed's was the property that sat next to the Golden Goose at this time; however, that then became Bob Stupak's Glitter in 1980. In 1981, Pastor ended up buying the Glitter Gulch. In 1991, Pastor merged both of these properties into a strip club. Both of these properties ultimate closed in the summer of 2016. The signage was taken down in 2017.
Sign condition: 3, the Golden Goose signage is still on Fremont Street and in good condition.
Sign form: Blade and sculptural sign
Sign-specific description: Perched atop the signage for the Golden Goose is a sculptural goose made out of fiberglass wearing a brown cowboy hat and red scarf around its neck with white polka dots all over it. In its right hand it hold a golden egg covered in incandescent light bulbs, which looks just like the eggs surrounding the bottom of the goose. Under the goose and the eggs surrounding it is a base that has a yellow border on the top and bottom of it and yellow incandescent light bulbs lining these lines. In the center is an orange band. The main portion of the signage for the Golden Goose is an interesting organic shape in a red/brown color that curves inward at in the middle top of the sign and in the middle side of the sign that faces Fremont. The edge of the sign that faces Fremont Street is lined with ten golden eggs that look just like the ones surrounding the goose; however, these vary in size and do not line all the way down the entire sign. This edge of the sign also has red incandescent light bulbs covering it. Each side of the sign is lined with a yellow line that outlines the sign and incandescent light bulbs are part of that line as well. "Golden Goose" is in a stylish mustard yellow font with made up of open channel letters filled with incandescent light bulbs. This sign is also lined with neon tubes that run up and down the sign and oscillate at night.
Sign - type of display: Neon, incandescent, back lit
Sign - media: Steel, plastic, fiberglass
Sign - non-neon treatments: Fiberglass and back lit plastic
Sign animation: Neon tubes lining the Golden Goose sign oscillate.
Sign environment: These signs sit in the midst of the excitement on Fremont Street Experience. Some of the other properties that sit near them are Binion's, Golden Gate Hotel & Casino, and the Plaza Hotel & Casino.
Sign - date of installation: About 1974
Sign - date of redesign/move: The Golden Goose sign was removed from Fremont in 2017.
Sign - thematic influences: Both of the Golden Goose and Glitter Gulch signs are extremely iconic signs in Las Vegas history and combine elements that are typically used in signage throughout the city, such as: sculptural signage and signs that have a dominant theme for the property. The signage for the Golden Goose features a sculpture of a goose to drive the theme of the property to motorists and pedestrians. They are elaborately designed to draw people's attention to these businesses, which many other signs throughout the city aim to do as well.
Sign - artistic significance: These sign are significant because the design of them is elaborate and they are excellent examples of signs that use sculpture/image to help convey the theme of the property. They are also crafted in such an excellent manner and filled with numerous details.
Survey - research locations: Fox news website http://www.fox5vegas.com/story/31783315/d-las-vegas-owner-buys-3-more-fremont-properties , Vintage Las Vegas website http://vintagelasvegas.com/search/glitter+gulch, Review Journal Article https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/casinos-gaming/mermaids-la-bayou-and-glitter-gulch-come-to-a-close-on-fremont-photos/
Surveyor: Lauren Vaccaro
Survey - date completed: 2017-09-17
Sign keywords: Blade; Sculptural; Neon; Incandescent; Backlit; Plastic; Oscillating; Steel; Fiberglass
Sign owner: Derek and Greg Stevens
Sign details: The Golden Goose is next to Glitter Gulch. This now closed property has a long history in Las Vegas. In 1959, the Fortune Club was where the Glitter Gulch would soon replace it. For the history of the Golden Goose: Herb Pastor bought the Mecca Club from Sylvia Sioratta in 1974 then opened up the Golden Goose soon after. Mr. Reed's was the property that sat next to the Golden Goose at this time; however, that then became Bob Stupak's Glitter in 1980. In 1981, Pastor ended up buying the Glitter Gulch. In 1991, Pastor merged both of these properties into a strip club. Both of these properties ultimate closed in the summer of 2016. The signage was taken down in 2017.
Sign condition: 3, the Golden Goose signage is still on Fremont Street and in good condition.
Sign form: Blade and sculptural sign
Sign-specific description: Perched atop the signage for the Golden Goose is a sculptural goose made out of fiberglass wearing a brown cowboy hat and red scarf around its neck with white polka dots all over it. In its right hand it hold a golden egg covered in incandescent light bulbs, which looks just like the eggs surrounding the bottom of the goose. Under the goose and the eggs surrounding it is a base that has a yellow border on the top and bottom of it and yellow incandescent light bulbs lining these lines. In the center is an orange band. The main portion of the signage for the Golden Goose is an interesting organic shape in a red/brown color that curves inward at in the middle top of the sign and in the middle side of the sign that faces Fremont. The edge of the sign that faces Fremont Street is lined with ten golden eggs that look just like the ones surrounding the goose; however, these vary in size and do not line all the way down the entire sign. This edge of the sign also has red incandescent light bulbs covering it. Each side of the sign is lined with a yellow line that outlines the sign and incandescent light bulbs are part of that line as well. "Golden Goose" is in a stylish mustard yellow font with made up of open channel letters filled with incandescent light bulbs. This sign is also lined with neon tubes that run up and down the sign and oscillate at night.
Sign - type of display: Neon, incandescent, back lit
Sign - media: Steel, plastic, fiberglass
Sign - non-neon treatments: Fiberglass and back lit plastic
Sign animation: Neon tubes lining the Golden Goose sign oscillate.
Sign environment: These signs sit in the midst of the excitement on Fremont Street Experience. Some of the other properties that sit near them are Binion's, Golden Gate Hotel & Casino, and the Plaza Hotel & Casino.
Sign - date of installation: About 1974
Sign - date of redesign/move: The Golden Goose sign was removed from Fremont in 2017.
Sign - thematic influences: Both of the Golden Goose and Glitter Gulch signs are extremely iconic signs in Las Vegas history and combine elements that are typically used in signage throughout the city, such as: sculptural signage and signs that have a dominant theme for the property. The signage for the Golden Goose features a sculpture of a goose to drive the theme of the property to motorists and pedestrians. They are elaborately designed to draw people's attention to these businesses, which many other signs throughout the city aim to do as well.
Sign - artistic significance: These sign are significant because the design of them is elaborate and they are excellent examples of signs that use sculpture/image to help convey the theme of the property. They are also crafted in such an excellent manner and filled with numerous details.
Survey - research locations: Fox news website http://www.fox5vegas.com/story/31783315/d-las-vegas-owner-buys-3-more-fremont-properties , Vintage Las Vegas website http://vintagelasvegas.com/search/glitter+gulch, Review Journal Article https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/casinos-gaming/mermaids-la-bayou-and-glitter-gulch-come-to-a-close-on-fremont-photos/
Surveyor: Lauren Vaccaro
Survey - date completed: 2017-09-17
Sign keywords: Blade; Sculptural; Neon; Incandescent; Backlit; Plastic; Oscillating; Steel; Fiberglass
Mixed Content
Photographs of Girls of Glitter Gulch signs, Las Vegas (Nev.), June 24, 2016
Date
2016-06-24 to 2017-09-17
Description
The famed Vegas Vickie sign advertising the now permanently closed Girls of Glitter Gulch adult entertainment club sits at 20 Fremont Street at the Fremont Street Experience. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survery Data Sheet.
Site address: 20 Fremont St
Sign owner: Derek and Greg Stevens
Sign details: Glitter Gulch is next to the Golden Goose. This now closed property has a long history in Las Vegas. In 1959, the Fortune Club was where the Glitter Gulch would soon replace it. For the history of the Golden Goose: Herb Pastor bought the Mecca Club from Sylvia Sioratta in 1974 then opened up the Golden Goose soon after. Mr. Reed's was the property that sat next to the Golden Goose at this time; however, that then became Bob Stupak's Glitter in 1980. In 1981, Pastor ended up buying the Glitter Gulch. In 1991, Pastor merged both of these properties into a strip club. Both of these properties ultimate closed in the summer of 2016. The signage was taken down in 2017.
Sign condition: Vegas Vickie has been taken down and half the Glitter Gulch sign was also taken down.
Sign form: Blade and sculptural sign
Sign-specific description: Perched atop the signage for the Glitter Gulch is Las Vegas favorite girl, Vegas Vickie. She is dressed up in cowgirl attire and kicking her leg out onto Fremont Street. She is painted so you can see all her details in the day and she is a channeled sign lined with neon tubes that matches her paint so you can see her at night as well. She sits on top of a very geometric piece of gold (like a golden nugget) that shines brightly and dotted with incandescent light bulbs. The "Glitter Gulch" letters are open channeled, lined with neon tubes that glow red at night, and filled with neon tubes that glow blue at night and oscillate as well. During the day these letters are a bold white font and instead of a dot for the "I" it is a four point star. Underneath the golden nugget like structure of the sign is a bunch of silver coins lined with neon tubes.
Sign - type of display: Neon, incandescent, back lit
Sign - media: Steel, plastic, fiberglass
Sign - non-neon treatments: Fiberglass and back lit plastic
Sign animation: Neon in Glitter Gulch text oscillates
Sign environment: These signs sit in the midst of the excitement on Fremont Street Experience. Some of the other properties that sit near them are Binion's, Golden Gate Hotel & Casino, and the Plaza Hotel & Casino.
Sign manufacturer: Ad Art
Sign designer: Jack Dubois and Charles Barnard of Ad Art
Sign - date of installation: 1980
Sign - date of redesign/move: Vegas Vickie was taken down in 2017 for restoration and may return back to Fremont after.
Sign - thematic influences: Both of the Glitter Gulch and Golden Goose signs are extremely iconic signs in Las Vegas history and combine elements that are typically used in signage throughout the city, such as: sculptural signage and signs that have a dominant theme for the property. Vegas Vickie being a part of the signage for the Glitter Gulch also gives some indication that this property is a gentleman's club. They are elaborately designed to draw people's attention to these businesses, which many other signs throughout the city aim to do as well.
Sign - artistic significance: These signs are significant because the design of them is elaborate and they are excellent examples of signs that use sculpture/image to help convey the theme of the property. They are also crafted in such an excellent manner and filled with numerous details.
Survey - research locations: Fox news website http://www.fox5vegas.com/story/31783315/d-las-vegas-owner-buys-3-more-fremont-properties , Vintage Las Vegas website http://vintagelasvegas.com/search/glitter+gulch, Review Journal Article https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/casinos-gaming/mermaids-la-bayou-and-glitter-gulch-come-to-a-close-on-fremont-photos/
Surveyor: Lauren Vaccaro
Survey - date completed: 2017-09-17
Sign keywords: Blade; Sculptural; Neon; Incandescent; Backlit; Plastic; Oscillating; Steel
Site address: 20 Fremont St
Sign owner: Derek and Greg Stevens
Sign details: Glitter Gulch is next to the Golden Goose. This now closed property has a long history in Las Vegas. In 1959, the Fortune Club was where the Glitter Gulch would soon replace it. For the history of the Golden Goose: Herb Pastor bought the Mecca Club from Sylvia Sioratta in 1974 then opened up the Golden Goose soon after. Mr. Reed's was the property that sat next to the Golden Goose at this time; however, that then became Bob Stupak's Glitter in 1980. In 1981, Pastor ended up buying the Glitter Gulch. In 1991, Pastor merged both of these properties into a strip club. Both of these properties ultimate closed in the summer of 2016. The signage was taken down in 2017.
Sign condition: Vegas Vickie has been taken down and half the Glitter Gulch sign was also taken down.
Sign form: Blade and sculptural sign
Sign-specific description: Perched atop the signage for the Glitter Gulch is Las Vegas favorite girl, Vegas Vickie. She is dressed up in cowgirl attire and kicking her leg out onto Fremont Street. She is painted so you can see all her details in the day and she is a channeled sign lined with neon tubes that matches her paint so you can see her at night as well. She sits on top of a very geometric piece of gold (like a golden nugget) that shines brightly and dotted with incandescent light bulbs. The "Glitter Gulch" letters are open channeled, lined with neon tubes that glow red at night, and filled with neon tubes that glow blue at night and oscillate as well. During the day these letters are a bold white font and instead of a dot for the "I" it is a four point star. Underneath the golden nugget like structure of the sign is a bunch of silver coins lined with neon tubes.
Sign - type of display: Neon, incandescent, back lit
Sign - media: Steel, plastic, fiberglass
Sign - non-neon treatments: Fiberglass and back lit plastic
Sign animation: Neon in Glitter Gulch text oscillates
Sign environment: These signs sit in the midst of the excitement on Fremont Street Experience. Some of the other properties that sit near them are Binion's, Golden Gate Hotel & Casino, and the Plaza Hotel & Casino.
Sign manufacturer: Ad Art
Sign designer: Jack Dubois and Charles Barnard of Ad Art
Sign - date of installation: 1980
Sign - date of redesign/move: Vegas Vickie was taken down in 2017 for restoration and may return back to Fremont after.
Sign - thematic influences: Both of the Glitter Gulch and Golden Goose signs are extremely iconic signs in Las Vegas history and combine elements that are typically used in signage throughout the city, such as: sculptural signage and signs that have a dominant theme for the property. Vegas Vickie being a part of the signage for the Glitter Gulch also gives some indication that this property is a gentleman's club. They are elaborately designed to draw people's attention to these businesses, which many other signs throughout the city aim to do as well.
Sign - artistic significance: These signs are significant because the design of them is elaborate and they are excellent examples of signs that use sculpture/image to help convey the theme of the property. They are also crafted in such an excellent manner and filled with numerous details.
Survey - research locations: Fox news website http://www.fox5vegas.com/story/31783315/d-las-vegas-owner-buys-3-more-fremont-properties , Vintage Las Vegas website http://vintagelasvegas.com/search/glitter+gulch, Review Journal Article https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/casinos-gaming/mermaids-la-bayou-and-glitter-gulch-come-to-a-close-on-fremont-photos/
Surveyor: Lauren Vaccaro
Survey - date completed: 2017-09-17
Sign keywords: Blade; Sculptural; Neon; Incandescent; Backlit; Plastic; Oscillating; Steel
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