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Pueblo Grande de Nevada Manuscript Collection
Identifier
MS-00208
Abstract
The Pueblo Grande de Nevada Manuscript Collection (1924-1983) contains journal articles, photocopies of artifact inventories, reports, correspondence, and field notes related to the Pueblo Grande de Nevada archaeological site located in the Overton Valley of Southern Nevada. The bulk of the materials are related to Mark R. Harrington's archaeological reports, journal articles, and data from sites throughout the Overton and Moapa valleys. The collection also includes materials related to the Boulder Dam Park Museum (Lost City Museum of Archaeology) located in Overton, Nevada, which housed many of the artifacts and photographs from Harrington's archaeological sites.
Archival Collection
Photographs of Desert Moon Motel sign, Las Vegas (Nev.), April 18, 2017
Date
2017-04-18
2017-08-22
Description
The Desert Moon Motel sign sits at 1701 Fremont Street in Downtown Las Vegas. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survey Data Sheet.
Site name: Desert Moon Motel (Las Vegas, Nev.)
Site address: 1701 Fremont St
Sign owner: Jerzy and Celina Kosla
Sign details: The building was constructed in 1942 (Assessor). According to one commentator, the Desert Moon motel opened on the site in 1952 (Roadside Architecture.com). The cars on a vintage postcard of the motel appear to date from the late 1940's or early 1950's (Ebay). The same vintage postcard (Ebay) shows the motel as a member of United Motor Courts, an early motel referral chain founded in 1933 which published a travel guide until the early 1950's (Wikipedia). Based in Santa Barbara, California, United Motor Courts was made up of "a friendly group of independent owners of motor lodges..." (Historic Highways). The Quality Inn motel franchise was a spinoff of United Motor Courts (Wikipedia). The motel has been renovated by its current owner, Polish immigrant George (Jerzy) Kosla (Glionna, 2017).
Sign condition: The sign is Condition 4, good. The paint appears slightly faded but there is no flaking or peeling. The cabinets, reader boards, and fiberglass moon are all in good condition. The neon is intact.
Sign form: Pole sign
Sign-specific description: The sign pole and metal cabinets are painted pink. The design and lettering are the same on both sides of the sign. The trapezoid-shaped lower cabinet extends horizontally toward the street. It contains a rectangular white plastic lightbox which states "FREE ADULT MOVIES" in red sans serif letters and "FLAT SCREEN TV'S in smaller black san serif letters. To the left of the letters is the black silhouette of a female figure. On the metal below the plastic screen are clear sans serif neon letters which spell out, "NO VACANCY" in red when illuminated. The upper metal cabinet hangs from the street side of the pole. White painted san serif letters, covered by clear sans serif neon letters which glow red when illuminated, run vertically down the cabinet to spell out, "XXX MOVIES". Five metal cabinets attached to the street side of the sign run vertically to spell out, "M-O- T-E- L" in white painted sans serif letters covered by yellow sans serif neon letters. On top of the pole is a white p
Sign - type of display: Neon, Lightbox
Sign - media: Steel, Plastic, Fiberglass
Sign - non-neon treatments: Lightbox
Sign environment: East Fremont Street, surrounded by other motels.
Sign - date of installation: c. 1950s
Sign - date of redesign/move: The now pink or faded red sign cabinets were painted blue in a 2003 photograph
Sign - thematic influences: Desert, Space Age, Western
Sign - artistic significance: The current sign appears to have taken the Western/Lunar theme from the previous sign and transformed it into a 1950's/1960's Space Age/Lunar theme
Survey - research locations: Assessor's website
Survey - research notes: Ebay. Las Vegas NV Desert Moon Motel roadside Nevada vintage linen postcard ca 1940s. Retrieved from https://picclick.com/LAS-VEGAS- NV-Desert- Moon-Motel- Roadside-Nevada- 141923576051.html Glionna, J. M. (2017 April 23). Motel, once a haven, now a crime-ridden jungle in downtown Las Vegas. Las Vegas Review Journal. Retrieved https://www.reviewjournal.com/local/local-las- vegas/downtown/motel-once- a-haven- now-a- crime-ridden- jungle-in- downtown-las- vegas/ Historic Highways. (2007 July 14). Archive for the "Motel Associations" category: Looking for a motel in 1933. Retrieved from https://historichighways.wordpress.com/category/motel-associations/ Roadside Architecture. com (n.d.). Las Vegas Signs: Desert Moon Motel. Retrieved from http://www.roadarch.com/signs/nvvegas.html RoadsidPeek.com. (n.d.). Downtown motels Las Vegas: Desert Moon Motel. Retrieved from http://www.roadsidepeek.com/roadusa/southwest/nevada/vegas/lvmotel/lvdownmotel/index5.htm Wikipedia. (n.d.). Motel: 2.6 R
Survey - other remarks: A postcard circa early 1950's features a different sign with a saguaro cactus and quarter moon (Ebay). The current sign appears to have taken the Western/Lunar theme from the previous sign and transformed it into a Space Age/Lunar theme, which may indicate that the sign dates from the date from the late 1950's or 1960's.
Surveyor: Mitchell Cohen
Survey - date completed: 2017-08-22
Sign keywords: Neon; Steel; Plastic; Fiberglass; Pole sign; Light box; Sculptural
Site name: Desert Moon Motel (Las Vegas, Nev.)
Site address: 1701 Fremont St
Sign owner: Jerzy and Celina Kosla
Sign details: The building was constructed in 1942 (Assessor). According to one commentator, the Desert Moon motel opened on the site in 1952 (Roadside Architecture.com). The cars on a vintage postcard of the motel appear to date from the late 1940's or early 1950's (Ebay). The same vintage postcard (Ebay) shows the motel as a member of United Motor Courts, an early motel referral chain founded in 1933 which published a travel guide until the early 1950's (Wikipedia). Based in Santa Barbara, California, United Motor Courts was made up of "a friendly group of independent owners of motor lodges..." (Historic Highways). The Quality Inn motel franchise was a spinoff of United Motor Courts (Wikipedia). The motel has been renovated by its current owner, Polish immigrant George (Jerzy) Kosla (Glionna, 2017).
Sign condition: The sign is Condition 4, good. The paint appears slightly faded but there is no flaking or peeling. The cabinets, reader boards, and fiberglass moon are all in good condition. The neon is intact.
Sign form: Pole sign
Sign-specific description: The sign pole and metal cabinets are painted pink. The design and lettering are the same on both sides of the sign. The trapezoid-shaped lower cabinet extends horizontally toward the street. It contains a rectangular white plastic lightbox which states "FREE ADULT MOVIES" in red sans serif letters and "FLAT SCREEN TV'S in smaller black san serif letters. To the left of the letters is the black silhouette of a female figure. On the metal below the plastic screen are clear sans serif neon letters which spell out, "NO VACANCY" in red when illuminated. The upper metal cabinet hangs from the street side of the pole. White painted san serif letters, covered by clear sans serif neon letters which glow red when illuminated, run vertically down the cabinet to spell out, "XXX MOVIES". Five metal cabinets attached to the street side of the sign run vertically to spell out, "M-O- T-E- L" in white painted sans serif letters covered by yellow sans serif neon letters. On top of the pole is a white p
Sign - type of display: Neon, Lightbox
Sign - media: Steel, Plastic, Fiberglass
Sign - non-neon treatments: Lightbox
Sign environment: East Fremont Street, surrounded by other motels.
Sign - date of installation: c. 1950s
Sign - date of redesign/move: The now pink or faded red sign cabinets were painted blue in a 2003 photograph
Sign - thematic influences: Desert, Space Age, Western
Sign - artistic significance: The current sign appears to have taken the Western/Lunar theme from the previous sign and transformed it into a 1950's/1960's Space Age/Lunar theme
Survey - research locations: Assessor's website
Survey - research notes: Ebay. Las Vegas NV Desert Moon Motel roadside Nevada vintage linen postcard ca 1940s. Retrieved from https://picclick.com/LAS-VEGAS- NV-Desert- Moon-Motel- Roadside-Nevada- 141923576051.html Glionna, J. M. (2017 April 23). Motel, once a haven, now a crime-ridden jungle in downtown Las Vegas. Las Vegas Review Journal. Retrieved https://www.reviewjournal.com/local/local-las- vegas/downtown/motel-once- a-haven- now-a- crime-ridden- jungle-in- downtown-las- vegas/ Historic Highways. (2007 July 14). Archive for the "Motel Associations" category: Looking for a motel in 1933. Retrieved from https://historichighways.wordpress.com/category/motel-associations/ Roadside Architecture. com (n.d.). Las Vegas Signs: Desert Moon Motel. Retrieved from http://www.roadarch.com/signs/nvvegas.html RoadsidPeek.com. (n.d.). Downtown motels Las Vegas: Desert Moon Motel. Retrieved from http://www.roadsidepeek.com/roadusa/southwest/nevada/vegas/lvmotel/lvdownmotel/index5.htm Wikipedia. (n.d.). Motel: 2.6 R
Survey - other remarks: A postcard circa early 1950's features a different sign with a saguaro cactus and quarter moon (Ebay). The current sign appears to have taken the Western/Lunar theme from the previous sign and transformed it into a Space Age/Lunar theme, which may indicate that the sign dates from the date from the late 1950's or 1960's.
Surveyor: Mitchell Cohen
Survey - date completed: 2017-08-22
Sign keywords: Neon; Steel; Plastic; Fiberglass; Pole sign; Light box; Sculptural
Mixed Content
Contract between the Union Pacific and Los Angeles & Salt Lake Railroad Companies, and the Las Vegas Valley Water District, August 29, 1952
Date
1952-08-29
Description
Second redraft of contract for the Las Vegas Valley Water District to remove all power lines and water pipelines from railroad property after a yet to be agreed upon number of months.
Text
Epilogue: UNLV Yearbook, 1976
Date
1976
Description
Yearbook main highlights: schools and departments; detailed lists with names and headshots of faculty, administration and students; variety of photos from activities, festivals, campus life, and buildings; campus organizations such as sororities, fraternities and councils; beauty contest winners; college sports and featured athletes; and printed advertisements of local businesses; Institution name: University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Mixed Content
Jamey Stillings Artist Statement: "Changing Perspectives: The Evolution of Ivanpah Solar," 2015
Date
1905-07-07
Description
Artist Statement
Text
Photographs of Walgreens signs, Las Vegas (Nev.), 2002
Date
2002
Description
Daytime views of the Walgreens signs on the Strip. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survey Data Sheet.
Site address: 3765 S Las Vegas Blvd
Sign condition: Structure 5 Surface 3 Lighting 5
Sign form: Fascia
Sign-specific description: The Walgreens lot is shared with the Fat Burger establishment, and a strip mall of assorted shops. The lot is located on the east side of the strip, just north of the Showcase Mall. On the west elevation of the building the Walgreen's cursive, logo script spells out the word "Walgreen's". The same sign design is repeated on the north face of the building also. The two signs are crafted out of channel letter, with blue and red neon in the interior of the channel. In small black channel letters, a bit further below the logos, there are three separate sets of much smaller channel letters. These spell the phrases "Pharmacy," "24HRS," and "1 Hour Photo." These are also lined on the interior with red and blue neon. Above the entrance to the building, a wall sign crafted of neon in the shape of the "mortar and pestle" is perched above the customers head as they enter the building from the NW. The entire structure of the image of the Walgreen's mortar and pestle, as well as the outline of the exterior stars, is constructed of one giant pan channel. The body of the pestle is made of a series of blue neon tubing which starts in the center of the pan in a square shape and creates a concentric pattern, filling the pan. Small white neon stars float to the top of the sign and into the body of the sign. Below that image, on the same elevated plane, the Walgreen's script logo is written in channel letters with white neon. Below that script is written independently in neon reading "The Pharmacy that America Trusts." Facing north /south, the street-side, pylon sign for the Walgreen's establishment is a multi-use pylon. The sign boasts advertisements for several other businesses, however the Walgreen's advertisement is the most visible and dominant on the face. The architecture of the sign is mostly a giant, stucco covered vertical rectangle with a simple crown cornice molding on the top edge of the structure. The other establishments mentioned on the sign are as read from the top of the sign to the bottom: Alan Albert's Lobster House, Club Utopia, Fatburger, and a small back-lit plastic sign for ice cream and t-shirts. At the bottom of the sign, channel letters spell the phrase parking in rear, with an arrow of the same concept pointing east toward the rear of the property. The pylon is two sided, with almost the entire top of the sign belonging to Walgreen's, and sculpted almost completely out of neon. Red, horizontal neon tubes form a field of light for the neon mortar and pestle, as seen above the entrance. The red field is also home to the cursive, Walgreen's logo script, and the phrase "Open 24 hours." The mortar and pestle are a pan channel including the stars floating out of the top incorporated into its design. Crafted in blue, with white neon for the stars, the mortar handle portion sticking out of the top of the pestle animates to appear as if it is stirring, while the stars turn on and off, representing the concoction being stirred in the body of the image. The Walgreen's script is made of channel letters filled with white neon. The bottom line of the sign that reads "Open 24 Hours," is in all caps, and channel letters with white neon on the interior. They animate in sequence one word at a time from left to right. Along the vertical edge width of the sign, the words "The Plaza" are spelled in red neon.
Sign - type of display: Neon
Sign - media: Steel
Sign - non-neon treatments: Paint
Sign animation: Chasing, flashing, oscillating
Notes: The text, which resides on the southern wall and reads "Casino," is filled with incandescent bulbs that all illuminate at the same time, and oscillate. They then shut off at the same time, and then repeat. The raceways of incandescent bulbs chase each other while the neon, which surrounds the back lit, plastic, screens on this wall flash on then off. The bottom two raceways sandwiching the reflective panel chase from left to right, while the remainder of the raceways surrounding the signs, run right to left. The incandescent bulbs on the pylon chase each other gracefully up the length of the pylon. The animation is patterned so as to appear as if a section of several bulbs are pulsing its way up the towers, hugging the edge of the bulbous tops. The raceways continue around the east face of the building. The umbrellas in the plaza behind the pylon, also are animated with incandescent bulbs chasing each other downward along the raceways.
Sign manufacturer: Mikhon lighting and sign
Sign - date of installation: 1997
Sign - thematic influences: The thematic influence of the Walgreens pylon is based on the logo for the establishment, incorporated into the architectural design of a modern commercial signage. The objects represented in the logo's are based on historical peripheral tools used in the pharmaceutical trade. The mortar and pestle were instruments used by chemists and doctors to grind and pulverize chemical to me mixed together. Since Walgreen's is a pharmacy and purveyor of commonly used goods, the mortar and pestle are appropriate symbols of the property's function.
Sign - artistic significance: Walgreen's fits into a niche of locations on the Las Vegas Strip that are establishments that can be found anywhere in the United States.
Surveyor: Joshua Cannaday
Survey - date completed: 2002
Sign keywords: Flashing; Fascia; Neon; Steel; Paint
Site address: 3765 S Las Vegas Blvd
Sign condition: Structure 5 Surface 3 Lighting 5
Sign form: Fascia
Sign-specific description: The Walgreens lot is shared with the Fat Burger establishment, and a strip mall of assorted shops. The lot is located on the east side of the strip, just north of the Showcase Mall. On the west elevation of the building the Walgreen's cursive, logo script spells out the word "Walgreen's". The same sign design is repeated on the north face of the building also. The two signs are crafted out of channel letter, with blue and red neon in the interior of the channel. In small black channel letters, a bit further below the logos, there are three separate sets of much smaller channel letters. These spell the phrases "Pharmacy," "24HRS," and "1 Hour Photo." These are also lined on the interior with red and blue neon. Above the entrance to the building, a wall sign crafted of neon in the shape of the "mortar and pestle" is perched above the customers head as they enter the building from the NW. The entire structure of the image of the Walgreen's mortar and pestle, as well as the outline of the exterior stars, is constructed of one giant pan channel. The body of the pestle is made of a series of blue neon tubing which starts in the center of the pan in a square shape and creates a concentric pattern, filling the pan. Small white neon stars float to the top of the sign and into the body of the sign. Below that image, on the same elevated plane, the Walgreen's script logo is written in channel letters with white neon. Below that script is written independently in neon reading "The Pharmacy that America Trusts." Facing north /south, the street-side, pylon sign for the Walgreen's establishment is a multi-use pylon. The sign boasts advertisements for several other businesses, however the Walgreen's advertisement is the most visible and dominant on the face. The architecture of the sign is mostly a giant, stucco covered vertical rectangle with a simple crown cornice molding on the top edge of the structure. The other establishments mentioned on the sign are as read from the top of the sign to the bottom: Alan Albert's Lobster House, Club Utopia, Fatburger, and a small back-lit plastic sign for ice cream and t-shirts. At the bottom of the sign, channel letters spell the phrase parking in rear, with an arrow of the same concept pointing east toward the rear of the property. The pylon is two sided, with almost the entire top of the sign belonging to Walgreen's, and sculpted almost completely out of neon. Red, horizontal neon tubes form a field of light for the neon mortar and pestle, as seen above the entrance. The red field is also home to the cursive, Walgreen's logo script, and the phrase "Open 24 hours." The mortar and pestle are a pan channel including the stars floating out of the top incorporated into its design. Crafted in blue, with white neon for the stars, the mortar handle portion sticking out of the top of the pestle animates to appear as if it is stirring, while the stars turn on and off, representing the concoction being stirred in the body of the image. The Walgreen's script is made of channel letters filled with white neon. The bottom line of the sign that reads "Open 24 Hours," is in all caps, and channel letters with white neon on the interior. They animate in sequence one word at a time from left to right. Along the vertical edge width of the sign, the words "The Plaza" are spelled in red neon.
Sign - type of display: Neon
Sign - media: Steel
Sign - non-neon treatments: Paint
Sign animation: Chasing, flashing, oscillating
Notes: The text, which resides on the southern wall and reads "Casino," is filled with incandescent bulbs that all illuminate at the same time, and oscillate. They then shut off at the same time, and then repeat. The raceways of incandescent bulbs chase each other while the neon, which surrounds the back lit, plastic, screens on this wall flash on then off. The bottom two raceways sandwiching the reflective panel chase from left to right, while the remainder of the raceways surrounding the signs, run right to left. The incandescent bulbs on the pylon chase each other gracefully up the length of the pylon. The animation is patterned so as to appear as if a section of several bulbs are pulsing its way up the towers, hugging the edge of the bulbous tops. The raceways continue around the east face of the building. The umbrellas in the plaza behind the pylon, also are animated with incandescent bulbs chasing each other downward along the raceways.
Sign manufacturer: Mikhon lighting and sign
Sign - date of installation: 1997
Sign - thematic influences: The thematic influence of the Walgreens pylon is based on the logo for the establishment, incorporated into the architectural design of a modern commercial signage. The objects represented in the logo's are based on historical peripheral tools used in the pharmaceutical trade. The mortar and pestle were instruments used by chemists and doctors to grind and pulverize chemical to me mixed together. Since Walgreen's is a pharmacy and purveyor of commonly used goods, the mortar and pestle are appropriate symbols of the property's function.
Sign - artistic significance: Walgreen's fits into a niche of locations on the Las Vegas Strip that are establishments that can be found anywhere in the United States.
Surveyor: Joshua Cannaday
Survey - date completed: 2002
Sign keywords: Flashing; Fascia; Neon; Steel; Paint
Mixed Content
Photographs of Villa Roma Motel sign, Las Vegas (Nev.), 2002
Date
2002
Description
Daytime views of the Villa Roma Motel sign on the Strip. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survey Data Sheet.
Site address: 220 Convention Center Dr
Sign details: Just west of the Somerset is the Villa Roma Motel. The only significant signage is located in the pylon side on the edge of the street. The pylon resides on the north side of Convention Center drive with the property facing east/west.
Sign condition: Structure 4 Surface 4 Lighting 4
Sign form: Pylon
Sign-specific description: Just west of the Somerset is the Villa Roma Motel. The pylon resides on the north side of the street with the property facing east/west. The sign consists of a tall white steel pole supporting two double backed cabinets, along with decorative raceways, as well as a logo cabinet. About halfway up the pole, an internally lit, double backed, cabinet cantilevers off of the south side of the pole, facing east/west also. The top of the sign is two horizontal rectangular cabinets, sitting one on top of the other, in close proximity to each other. The cabinets possess aspects of design which add a bit of flavor to plain geometric shape. The faces of the cabinet themselves are concave, bowing in along the length. The maroon surface is also fluted vertically, dividing the surface up into a pattern of vertical rectangles. Along the width of each one of the cabinets, smaller black cabinets run vertically along the edge. These cabinets are adorned with maroon graphically painted scroll work. Channel letters spell the name of the establishment on the two cabinets. The thinner, top cabinet possesses the channel letter text spelling, "Villa Roma," painted white on the interiors. The bottom cabinet's surface contains the text "Motel" in larger all capital channel letter. The interiors of both of both sets of letters are filled with neon. Attached to the bottom of the cabinet, an oval shaped cabinet resides on the north side of the cabinet. It is treated with same maroon color paint ,but the face is adorned with "vacancy" painted on the surface. "No" is spelled in neon as well as being vacancy being overlayed with neon as well. Two pairs of maroon raceways shoot out of the top of either side of the cabinet into the air, then arch inward, meeting at a common point in the center. The spot where each one of the raceway meets, a pseudo oval shaped, internally lit, double backed cabinet professes the logo for the Villa Roma Motel. The logo consists of A capital letter "V" sitting over a Letter "R" in red paint. The raceways also protrudes through the bottom of the cabinet on either side, for a short distance. The edges of the raceways are lined with incandescent bulbs.
Sign - type of display: Neon; Incandescent
Sign - media: Steel; Plastic
Sign animation: Chasing, flashing, oscillating
Notes: The text letters on the porte-cochere and entrances hold a three step animation: The incandescent bulbs all oscillate rapidly inside the letters, then steady burn on, and finally come to rest in the off position. The sequence then repeats. The main pylon sign carries several different sections which all hold different animation patterns. Inside the middle sculptural piece, the incandescent bulbs, which encrust the star shapes, oscillate in a twinkling fashion. The bulbs which border the outlying portion of the middle section chase each other, with the inner row running downward, and the outer row chasing upward. The double rows of incandescent bulbs that create the outer border, also chase each other in a similar fashion. The outer-most lane, of the double rowed bulbs, animate chasing downward, while the inner is treated with chasing animation, which chases upward. The bulbs, which encrust the bottom of the main marquee oscillate, as well as the bulbs on the widths edge of the main message center. The incandescent bulbs, which fill the text in the main marquee of the pylon, oscillate rapidly while the vertical red bars of neon, animate behind them. They star in the middle and chase out to either side illuminating all of the bars, then chase back to the center leaving them dark. They then start all illuminated, and curtain open to either side, then animates, chasing each other from either side back to the middle again. Once all illuminated, they flash off, on, off, on, then off. The marquee seems to be the one with a set sequence. On the main message board, the golden image of the cowboy animates in three stages, rocking back and forth, as if riding the bull. The letters, which adorn the tower of the building, animate in sequence. The incandescent bulbs in each letter light up individually one at a time from left to right, then once all are illuminated, they each oscillate one at a time, from left to right. They then light up continuously from left to right again one at a time, and then turn off. The letters, which run vertically on the northwest side of the tower, also have the same sequence.
Sign environment: The Villa Roma's area is interesting in itself. Convention Center Drive runs east west between the Strip and paradise road, and is home to a unique mix of signage and structures of close but not identical functions. It plays home to the Greek Isles, a bank building, dry cleaners, the Royal Casino, a giant parking lot for the Las Vegas Hilton, as well as the dying Silver Saddle. It stands as a reminder of a roadside motel that is still present, within the heart of an evolving Strip.
Surveyor: Joshua Cannaday
Survey - date completed: 2002
Sign keywords: Chasing; Pylon; Neon; Incandescent; Steel; Plastic
Site address: 220 Convention Center Dr
Sign details: Just west of the Somerset is the Villa Roma Motel. The only significant signage is located in the pylon side on the edge of the street. The pylon resides on the north side of Convention Center drive with the property facing east/west.
Sign condition: Structure 4 Surface 4 Lighting 4
Sign form: Pylon
Sign-specific description: Just west of the Somerset is the Villa Roma Motel. The pylon resides on the north side of the street with the property facing east/west. The sign consists of a tall white steel pole supporting two double backed cabinets, along with decorative raceways, as well as a logo cabinet. About halfway up the pole, an internally lit, double backed, cabinet cantilevers off of the south side of the pole, facing east/west also. The top of the sign is two horizontal rectangular cabinets, sitting one on top of the other, in close proximity to each other. The cabinets possess aspects of design which add a bit of flavor to plain geometric shape. The faces of the cabinet themselves are concave, bowing in along the length. The maroon surface is also fluted vertically, dividing the surface up into a pattern of vertical rectangles. Along the width of each one of the cabinets, smaller black cabinets run vertically along the edge. These cabinets are adorned with maroon graphically painted scroll work. Channel letters spell the name of the establishment on the two cabinets. The thinner, top cabinet possesses the channel letter text spelling, "Villa Roma," painted white on the interiors. The bottom cabinet's surface contains the text "Motel" in larger all capital channel letter. The interiors of both of both sets of letters are filled with neon. Attached to the bottom of the cabinet, an oval shaped cabinet resides on the north side of the cabinet. It is treated with same maroon color paint ,but the face is adorned with "vacancy" painted on the surface. "No" is spelled in neon as well as being vacancy being overlayed with neon as well. Two pairs of maroon raceways shoot out of the top of either side of the cabinet into the air, then arch inward, meeting at a common point in the center. The spot where each one of the raceway meets, a pseudo oval shaped, internally lit, double backed cabinet professes the logo for the Villa Roma Motel. The logo consists of A capital letter "V" sitting over a Letter "R" in red paint. The raceways also protrudes through the bottom of the cabinet on either side, for a short distance. The edges of the raceways are lined with incandescent bulbs.
Sign - type of display: Neon; Incandescent
Sign - media: Steel; Plastic
Sign animation: Chasing, flashing, oscillating
Notes: The text letters on the porte-cochere and entrances hold a three step animation: The incandescent bulbs all oscillate rapidly inside the letters, then steady burn on, and finally come to rest in the off position. The sequence then repeats. The main pylon sign carries several different sections which all hold different animation patterns. Inside the middle sculptural piece, the incandescent bulbs, which encrust the star shapes, oscillate in a twinkling fashion. The bulbs which border the outlying portion of the middle section chase each other, with the inner row running downward, and the outer row chasing upward. The double rows of incandescent bulbs that create the outer border, also chase each other in a similar fashion. The outer-most lane, of the double rowed bulbs, animate chasing downward, while the inner is treated with chasing animation, which chases upward. The bulbs, which encrust the bottom of the main marquee oscillate, as well as the bulbs on the widths edge of the main message center. The incandescent bulbs, which fill the text in the main marquee of the pylon, oscillate rapidly while the vertical red bars of neon, animate behind them. They star in the middle and chase out to either side illuminating all of the bars, then chase back to the center leaving them dark. They then start all illuminated, and curtain open to either side, then animates, chasing each other from either side back to the middle again. Once all illuminated, they flash off, on, off, on, then off. The marquee seems to be the one with a set sequence. On the main message board, the golden image of the cowboy animates in three stages, rocking back and forth, as if riding the bull. The letters, which adorn the tower of the building, animate in sequence. The incandescent bulbs in each letter light up individually one at a time from left to right, then once all are illuminated, they each oscillate one at a time, from left to right. They then light up continuously from left to right again one at a time, and then turn off. The letters, which run vertically on the northwest side of the tower, also have the same sequence.
Sign environment: The Villa Roma's area is interesting in itself. Convention Center Drive runs east west between the Strip and paradise road, and is home to a unique mix of signage and structures of close but not identical functions. It plays home to the Greek Isles, a bank building, dry cleaners, the Royal Casino, a giant parking lot for the Las Vegas Hilton, as well as the dying Silver Saddle. It stands as a reminder of a roadside motel that is still present, within the heart of an evolving Strip.
Surveyor: Joshua Cannaday
Survey - date completed: 2002
Sign keywords: Chasing; Pylon; Neon; Incandescent; Steel; Plastic
Mixed Content
Photographs of Gameworks signs, Las Vegas (Nev.), 2002
Date
2002
Description
Daytime and nighttime views of the Gameworks' signs on the Strip. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survey Data Sheet.
Site address: 3785 S Las Vegas Blvd
Sign details: Game Works is located on the underground level of The Showcase Plaza, which is also home to such establishments as M&M World and the Show case theatres. Two small gateway pylons for the Game Works center, stand on other side of staircases that lead to the underground facility. Just east of there a large wall front design hands approximately nine feet above the ground on the structure of the mall.
Sign condition: Structure 5 Surface 4 Lighting 5
Sign form: Pylon; Fascia
Sign-specific description: The large wall marquee that reads GAMEWORKS in all capitals, utilizes deep, yellow, steel, channel letters painted black on the exteriors. The slightly arched sign is on the West wall of the building, facing West from the East side of the strip. The interior of the text contains double rows of yellow neon. The cabinet, which the words sit upon, is a black steel cabinet shadowing the individual letters in one cabinet. The backing cabinet itself is illuminated from its interior, with middle section of the width of the cabinet is made of a steel grating. This function allows the blue neon on the inside to cast a blue glowing halo seen from the exterior. Sitting on top of the right hand side of the marquee are two steel boxes manufactured into the shape of a male and female figure dashing to the end of the sign. These figures are made of black steel box like formations while retaining a cartoon-ish silhouette. Their posture suggests motion or running. These figures are constructed in the same fashion as the black cabinet, which the text is supported upon. They too are glowing with the blue interior neon halo. In front of the large wall sign are the two, single sided, gateway pylons. They serve as markers for the stairs that lead the underground facility. They sit on either end of the large channel cut into the sidewalk. One faces South on the South entrance, and one faces North at the North end. The signage is actually a smaller replica of the large building front logo. The same interior lit cabinet supports the same design of yellow channel letters, with the backing "shadow" cabinet. A difference between the larger and smaller cabinets is that the cabinets are surfaced with the grated material. The only difference in the channel letters besides their obvious discrepancy in size, is that single rows of neon comprise the interior of the channel letters. On either side of the sign, two, "space age" themed posts provide support. They are topped with a sculpted cylindrical fashion capital. The bases for which they are attached to the concrete with, are blue in color. The actual shaft of the pole is made of several smaller pipes, with a plastic cylindrical tube in the center. Inside this tube is a string of attached incandescent bulbs running vertically. Below the text, suspended with two rods, is an oval shaped, aluminum cabinet. In the face of the cabinet there are the words "cafe" and "lounge" painted in blue. Over the painted text is blue neon. From both sides of the sign, the blue neon scrawl is visible Separating the two words is a black circle with a red neon rectangular shape in the center. The ends of the cabinet are made small circular cabinets approximately seven inches in diameter.
Sign - type of display: Neon; Incandescent; Backlit
Sign - media: Steel; Plastic; Fiberglass
Sign - non-neon treatments: Paint
Sign animation: none
Sign environment: The Game Works facility is located directly across the street from the pedestrian "Brooklyn Bridge" element of the New York New York and sit is the shadow of the MGM super pylon. The vibrant yellow of the sign do stand out as distinct among the tremendous and attractive signage of the Showcase plaza. The large channel cut into the sidewalk, along with its large surrounding counterparts, makes the entrance reminiscent of that of a subway. The plaza itself is self-contained and while standing along the front a person is enveloped in the plaza without being distracted by the rest of the strip itself. The large signage looms over a pedestrian while walking by, or shouts at you while sitting along the shrub filled flowerbeds.
Sign - thematic influences: The actual theme of the sign is correspondent to that of the business, which the sign advertises. The property is an interactive gaming facility and lounge. The use of the glow of a monitor or computer screen. The polished aluminum poles supporting the gateways are reminiscent of the futuristic, or "space-age" theming associated with the classic representations of science fiction in movies and television throughout the twentieth century. Such examples of this classic representations may be seen in television programs from the past like "Lost in Space," or even literary descriptions in Orson Well's "War of The Worlds" of Ray Bradbury's "Martian Chronicles" The combination of materials along with the innovative use of lighting also suggests electricity and digital elements which associate with the function of the facility.
Sign - artistic significance: If not significant for simply combining different elements to create a completely self-contained sign, it fits into the movement in Las Vegas's history , which is geared more toward the family. Not only the space that it occupies, but also the function itself in intended to attract young people if not children into it domain. It is an obvious standout for the vote to make Las Vegas move toward a more family oriented town. Aesthetically the signage is modern innovation on a classic design.
Surveyor: Joshua Cannaday
Survey - date completed: 2002
Sign keywords: Pylon; Fascia; Neon; Incandescent; Backlit; Steel; Plastic; Fiberglass; Paint
Site address: 3785 S Las Vegas Blvd
Sign details: Game Works is located on the underground level of The Showcase Plaza, which is also home to such establishments as M&M World and the Show case theatres. Two small gateway pylons for the Game Works center, stand on other side of staircases that lead to the underground facility. Just east of there a large wall front design hands approximately nine feet above the ground on the structure of the mall.
Sign condition: Structure 5 Surface 4 Lighting 5
Sign form: Pylon; Fascia
Sign-specific description: The large wall marquee that reads GAMEWORKS in all capitals, utilizes deep, yellow, steel, channel letters painted black on the exteriors. The slightly arched sign is on the West wall of the building, facing West from the East side of the strip. The interior of the text contains double rows of yellow neon. The cabinet, which the words sit upon, is a black steel cabinet shadowing the individual letters in one cabinet. The backing cabinet itself is illuminated from its interior, with middle section of the width of the cabinet is made of a steel grating. This function allows the blue neon on the inside to cast a blue glowing halo seen from the exterior. Sitting on top of the right hand side of the marquee are two steel boxes manufactured into the shape of a male and female figure dashing to the end of the sign. These figures are made of black steel box like formations while retaining a cartoon-ish silhouette. Their posture suggests motion or running. These figures are constructed in the same fashion as the black cabinet, which the text is supported upon. They too are glowing with the blue interior neon halo. In front of the large wall sign are the two, single sided, gateway pylons. They serve as markers for the stairs that lead the underground facility. They sit on either end of the large channel cut into the sidewalk. One faces South on the South entrance, and one faces North at the North end. The signage is actually a smaller replica of the large building front logo. The same interior lit cabinet supports the same design of yellow channel letters, with the backing "shadow" cabinet. A difference between the larger and smaller cabinets is that the cabinets are surfaced with the grated material. The only difference in the channel letters besides their obvious discrepancy in size, is that single rows of neon comprise the interior of the channel letters. On either side of the sign, two, "space age" themed posts provide support. They are topped with a sculpted cylindrical fashion capital. The bases for which they are attached to the concrete with, are blue in color. The actual shaft of the pole is made of several smaller pipes, with a plastic cylindrical tube in the center. Inside this tube is a string of attached incandescent bulbs running vertically. Below the text, suspended with two rods, is an oval shaped, aluminum cabinet. In the face of the cabinet there are the words "cafe" and "lounge" painted in blue. Over the painted text is blue neon. From both sides of the sign, the blue neon scrawl is visible Separating the two words is a black circle with a red neon rectangular shape in the center. The ends of the cabinet are made small circular cabinets approximately seven inches in diameter.
Sign - type of display: Neon; Incandescent; Backlit
Sign - media: Steel; Plastic; Fiberglass
Sign - non-neon treatments: Paint
Sign animation: none
Sign environment: The Game Works facility is located directly across the street from the pedestrian "Brooklyn Bridge" element of the New York New York and sit is the shadow of the MGM super pylon. The vibrant yellow of the sign do stand out as distinct among the tremendous and attractive signage of the Showcase plaza. The large channel cut into the sidewalk, along with its large surrounding counterparts, makes the entrance reminiscent of that of a subway. The plaza itself is self-contained and while standing along the front a person is enveloped in the plaza without being distracted by the rest of the strip itself. The large signage looms over a pedestrian while walking by, or shouts at you while sitting along the shrub filled flowerbeds.
Sign - thematic influences: The actual theme of the sign is correspondent to that of the business, which the sign advertises. The property is an interactive gaming facility and lounge. The use of the glow of a monitor or computer screen. The polished aluminum poles supporting the gateways are reminiscent of the futuristic, or "space-age" theming associated with the classic representations of science fiction in movies and television throughout the twentieth century. Such examples of this classic representations may be seen in television programs from the past like "Lost in Space," or even literary descriptions in Orson Well's "War of The Worlds" of Ray Bradbury's "Martian Chronicles" The combination of materials along with the innovative use of lighting also suggests electricity and digital elements which associate with the function of the facility.
Sign - artistic significance: If not significant for simply combining different elements to create a completely self-contained sign, it fits into the movement in Las Vegas's history , which is geared more toward the family. Not only the space that it occupies, but also the function itself in intended to attract young people if not children into it domain. It is an obvious standout for the vote to make Las Vegas move toward a more family oriented town. Aesthetically the signage is modern innovation on a classic design.
Surveyor: Joshua Cannaday
Survey - date completed: 2002
Sign keywords: Pylon; Fascia; Neon; Incandescent; Backlit; Steel; Plastic; Fiberglass; Paint
Mixed Content
Photographs of Harley Davidson Cafe signs, Las Vegas (Nev.), 2002
Date
2002
Description
Daytime and nighttime views of the Harley Davidson Cafe signs on the Strip. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survey Data Sheet.
Site address: 3725 S Las Vegas Blvd
Sign owner: Marc Packer
Sign details: Just north of the Tourist center the Harley Davidson cafe sits on the corner of Harmon and Las Vegas Blvd, facing west, with the corner pointing to the northwest. This properties exterior signage consists of two wall marquee wall signs on the west and north faces of the building, a small hanging sign above the entrance, a tall north/south facing pylon sign on the south end of the concrete courtyard that comprises the front of the property. A giant three-dimensional sculpture of a Harley Davidson motorcycle is integrated into the structure of the building to appear as if it is bursting out of the northwest corner of the building. Above the motorcycle is a marquee cabinet advertising for the cafe.
Sign condition: Structure 5 Surface 5 Lighting 5 Notes: See description
Sign form: Pylon; Fascia
Sign-specific description: On the west and north faces of the building, "Harley Davidson Cafe" is spelled in a continuous channel design, only being interrupted by the break between the rest of the text and the word "Cafe." This text is supported by a sleek, black, steel cabinet, that mimics the style of font used for the logo. The letters are crafted of red, shallow, steel channel letters, with white neon around the border as well as red neon on the interior. Standing on the South end of the property the pylon sign is reminiscent of old roadside pole signs, for it is mostly pole. The faceted pole is finished in polished stainless steel giving it highly metallic finish. At the top of the sign a sculpted marquee cabinet holds the advertisement for the cafe. The top portion of the cabinet is the Harley Davidson text logo, supported by an inverted triangle shape, with two lengths running along the underside of the text. The design for the letters is the same as that found on the buildings wall signs with white neon outlining the text, with red neon on the interior. The cabinet itself, without the text, is bordered with red neon, illuminating the highly polished surface of the cabinet. Underneath the Harley Davidson text on the outstretched arms the text "Las Vegas" is spelled in small, black, channel letters with white neon on the interior. Inside the inverted triangle shape created by the cabinet, is another inverted red triangle created by an open channel pan. Cutting across the triangle is channel letters, which spell the word "cafe" painted white on the interior. This text is filled with white neon. The pole continues above the cabinet a short distance. Along the length of the pole, "V" shaped channels repeat, forming a sort of directional sign pointing toward the ground. The channels are filled with tubes of red neon. These chase each other downward pointing toward the plaza and a small blurb of text painted at eye level in red paint. The phrase reads "The best BBQ in Las Vegas," in all caps. The text is then overlaid with red neon. The cabinet on the top of the pylon is repeated over the giant replica motorcycle, facing northwest, upon the northwest face of the wall. The neon scheme is the same as the pylon sign but the "cafe text" is filled with incandescent bulbs. Beneath the motorcycle, and directly over the door, a small back-lit version of the northwest wall above head height.
Sign - type of display: Neon; Incandescent; Backlit
Sign - media: Steel
Sign - non-neon treatments: Graphics
Sign animation: Chasing, flashing, oscillating
Notes: The incandescent bulbs inside the text reading "Paris" on the balloon oscillate rapidly.
Sign environment: Harmon and Las Vegas Boulevard plays host to the Aladdin, which includes the Blue Note jazz and blues club. The Harley Davidson Cafe's sun drenched patio creates the west facade while it stretches east down Harmon to face the Blue Note. This orientation actually creates an intimate feel to the street, seemingly separated from the strip.
Sign manufacturer: Mikhon Lighting and Sign
Sign designer: Roger Pratt
Sign - date of installation: 1999
Sign - thematic influences: The theme of the exterior revolves around the design of the Harley Davidson motorcycle. The slightly italicized Impact text is reminiscent of the text seen on the motorcycles' fuselages. The vertical pylon sign is clearly influenced by roadside, marquee pylon signs, treated in a material also reminiscent of the steel beasts. The exposed metal exterior of the poles can only be associated with the aesthetic so commonly associated with the vehicles.
Sign - artistic significance: Similar to properties that are representative of everyday establishments such as McDonald's and Walgreen's, the Harley Davidson is representative of the themed restaurant, catered to a family environment. It too is an everyday occurrence, of a cafe, dressed with a theme to attract patrons, as well as survive and fit it in the context Las Vegas Blvd Even though the themed restaurant is a popular idea abroad, The Harley Davidson fits in with its partners in the themed cafe industry such as the NASCAR Cafe and Planet Hollywood. Many restaurants among the casinos are themed but, there are only a few that are independently represented with their own signage. The giant replica of the Harley Davidson is also in the tradition of other giant Casino mascots throughout local history. Such mascots could include The Coin King, Mr. O' Lucky, and the original Aladdin sculpture.
Surveyor: Joshua Cannaday
Survey - date completed: 2002
Sign keywords: Chasing; Flashing; Oscillating; Pylon; Fascia; Neon; Incandescent; Backlit; Steel; Graphics
Site address: 3725 S Las Vegas Blvd
Sign owner: Marc Packer
Sign details: Just north of the Tourist center the Harley Davidson cafe sits on the corner of Harmon and Las Vegas Blvd, facing west, with the corner pointing to the northwest. This properties exterior signage consists of two wall marquee wall signs on the west and north faces of the building, a small hanging sign above the entrance, a tall north/south facing pylon sign on the south end of the concrete courtyard that comprises the front of the property. A giant three-dimensional sculpture of a Harley Davidson motorcycle is integrated into the structure of the building to appear as if it is bursting out of the northwest corner of the building. Above the motorcycle is a marquee cabinet advertising for the cafe.
Sign condition: Structure 5 Surface 5 Lighting 5 Notes: See description
Sign form: Pylon; Fascia
Sign-specific description: On the west and north faces of the building, "Harley Davidson Cafe" is spelled in a continuous channel design, only being interrupted by the break between the rest of the text and the word "Cafe." This text is supported by a sleek, black, steel cabinet, that mimics the style of font used for the logo. The letters are crafted of red, shallow, steel channel letters, with white neon around the border as well as red neon on the interior. Standing on the South end of the property the pylon sign is reminiscent of old roadside pole signs, for it is mostly pole. The faceted pole is finished in polished stainless steel giving it highly metallic finish. At the top of the sign a sculpted marquee cabinet holds the advertisement for the cafe. The top portion of the cabinet is the Harley Davidson text logo, supported by an inverted triangle shape, with two lengths running along the underside of the text. The design for the letters is the same as that found on the buildings wall signs with white neon outlining the text, with red neon on the interior. The cabinet itself, without the text, is bordered with red neon, illuminating the highly polished surface of the cabinet. Underneath the Harley Davidson text on the outstretched arms the text "Las Vegas" is spelled in small, black, channel letters with white neon on the interior. Inside the inverted triangle shape created by the cabinet, is another inverted red triangle created by an open channel pan. Cutting across the triangle is channel letters, which spell the word "cafe" painted white on the interior. This text is filled with white neon. The pole continues above the cabinet a short distance. Along the length of the pole, "V" shaped channels repeat, forming a sort of directional sign pointing toward the ground. The channels are filled with tubes of red neon. These chase each other downward pointing toward the plaza and a small blurb of text painted at eye level in red paint. The phrase reads "The best BBQ in Las Vegas," in all caps. The text is then overlaid with red neon. The cabinet on the top of the pylon is repeated over the giant replica motorcycle, facing northwest, upon the northwest face of the wall. The neon scheme is the same as the pylon sign but the "cafe text" is filled with incandescent bulbs. Beneath the motorcycle, and directly over the door, a small back-lit version of the northwest wall above head height.
Sign - type of display: Neon; Incandescent; Backlit
Sign - media: Steel
Sign - non-neon treatments: Graphics
Sign animation: Chasing, flashing, oscillating
Notes: The incandescent bulbs inside the text reading "Paris" on the balloon oscillate rapidly.
Sign environment: Harmon and Las Vegas Boulevard plays host to the Aladdin, which includes the Blue Note jazz and blues club. The Harley Davidson Cafe's sun drenched patio creates the west facade while it stretches east down Harmon to face the Blue Note. This orientation actually creates an intimate feel to the street, seemingly separated from the strip.
Sign manufacturer: Mikhon Lighting and Sign
Sign designer: Roger Pratt
Sign - date of installation: 1999
Sign - thematic influences: The theme of the exterior revolves around the design of the Harley Davidson motorcycle. The slightly italicized Impact text is reminiscent of the text seen on the motorcycles' fuselages. The vertical pylon sign is clearly influenced by roadside, marquee pylon signs, treated in a material also reminiscent of the steel beasts. The exposed metal exterior of the poles can only be associated with the aesthetic so commonly associated with the vehicles.
Sign - artistic significance: Similar to properties that are representative of everyday establishments such as McDonald's and Walgreen's, the Harley Davidson is representative of the themed restaurant, catered to a family environment. It too is an everyday occurrence, of a cafe, dressed with a theme to attract patrons, as well as survive and fit it in the context Las Vegas Blvd Even though the themed restaurant is a popular idea abroad, The Harley Davidson fits in with its partners in the themed cafe industry such as the NASCAR Cafe and Planet Hollywood. Many restaurants among the casinos are themed but, there are only a few that are independently represented with their own signage. The giant replica of the Harley Davidson is also in the tradition of other giant Casino mascots throughout local history. Such mascots could include The Coin King, Mr. O' Lucky, and the original Aladdin sculpture.
Surveyor: Joshua Cannaday
Survey - date completed: 2002
Sign keywords: Chasing; Flashing; Oscillating; Pylon; Fascia; Neon; Incandescent; Backlit; Steel; Graphics
Mixed Content
Photographs of Skyline Hotel and Casino sign, Las Vegas (Nev.), March 14, 2017
Date
2017-03-14
2017-09-18
Description
The Skyline Hotel and Casino sign sits at 1741 North Boulder Highway. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survey Data Sheet.
Site address: 1741 N Boulder Hwy
Sign owner: Jim Marsh American Corp.
Sign details: The business began as the Dixie bar, which was operating by 1948 in what was then known as Pittman, Nevada (Moore, 2016; Skyline Casino, n.d.). The property's colorful history includes the suicide of one of the original owners on the motel premises and the first library in Pittman, which was located inside the tavern (Skyline Casino, n.d.). The Skyline Casino and restaurant was built on the property in 1964 (Benston, 2003; Meehan, 2016; Skyline Casino, n.d.). The name was briefly changed to Wheel and then returned to Skyline (Old-And the new, 1988). Jim Marsh purchased the Skyline from the son of the original owner in 2003 (Benston, 2003; Meehan, 2016; Skyline Casino, n.d.). In June of 2017, Marsh added a hotel to the casino and restaurant (Meehan, 2016; Moore, 2016; Skyline Casino, n.d.).
Sign condition: Condition is 5, fully restored to a "like new" state. The cabinet, paint and lights are in excellent shape.
Sign form: Pole Sign
Sign-specific description: The sign consists of a rectangular metal pole which supports an electronic reader board topped by a badge-shaped metal cabinet. The pole is painted yellow with a red stripe running down the center. The frame of the reader board is black metal. The badge-shaped metal cabinet is painted red outlined in gold. Yellow incandescent light bulbs outline the cabinet. Light boxes framed in black metal faced with yellow plastic spell out "SKYLINE HOTEL" in western-style serif letters. "SKYLINE" is stacked over "HOTEL", the words separated by a horizontal ornamental design. Below the light boxes, "NO VACANCY" is spelled out in clear skeleton neon letters.
Sign - type of display: Neon
Sign - media: Steel, Plastic
Sign - non-neon treatments: Incandescent lightbulbs, lightboxes and electronic readerboard
Sign environment: Property is located on Boulder Highway near the Skyline Casino
Sign - date of installation: c. 1988
Sign - thematic influences: Western style, common to a lot of Las Vegas valley casino and motel properties
Sign - artistic significance: The property opened in the 1960s, still during the heyday of Western themed properties
Survey - research locations: Assessor's website
Survey - research notes: Benston, L. (2003 June 5). Owner to sell Henderson's Skyline casino. Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved from https://lasvegassun.com/news/2003/jun/05/owner-to- sell-hendersons- skyline-casino/ Meehan, J. (2016 June 26). Marsh adding hotel to Skyline Casino. Las Vegas Business Press. Retrieved from https://businesspress.vegas/gaming-hospitality/marsh- adding-hotel- to-skyline- casino/ Moore, T. (2016 October 11). Changing Skyline: Hotel wing coming to old-time casino. Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved from https://lasvegassun.com/news/2016/oct/11/changing-skyline- hotel-wing- coming-to- old- time-cas/ Old-And the new. (1988 October 20). Henderson Home News [Newspaper clipping]. Retrieved from http://www.recapturist.com/wp-content/uploads/Sky- Motel_Henderson-Home- News-19881020.jpg Sky Motel. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.recapturist.com/portfolio/sky-motel/ Skyline Casino. (n.d.). Wikipedia. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skyline_Casino Skyline Casino & Restaurant. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.cardcow.com/368494/skyline-casino- restaurant-henderson/
Survey - other remarks: Date(s) of any major redesign/move: An undated postcard shows the sign sometime between 1964 and 1988 (Skyline Casino & Restaurant, n.d.). A round pole supports a light box type reader board topped by a badge-shaped metal cabinet. Yellow incandescent light bulbs outline the cabinet. "SKYLINE" is spelled out in clear red skeleton neon sans serif letters. "CASINO" is spelled out in blue skeleton neon western-style serif letters. "RESTAURANT" is spelled out in clear red neon skeleton neon sans serif letters. A photograph taken for a news article in 1988 shows the sign with the same design when it was taken down and moved next door to the Sky Motel (Old-And the new, 1988). The Sky Motel retained the round pole, the reader board, the badge-shaped cabinet and the incandescent light bulbs outlining the cabinet. The Skyline lettering was removed and replaced. "SKY MOTEL" was spelled out in white channel western-style serif letters which were outlined in the interior by white neon tubing. Below "SKY MOTEL" were clear skeleton neon san serif letters which spelled out "NO VACANCY". The Skyline Hotel reclaimed the sign when it opened in 2017. The current sign has a rectangular support, although the original round pole might still be inside. The light box has been replaced by an electronic reader board. The "SKY MOTEL" channel letters have been replaced with light box "SKYLINE HOTEL" letters. The "NO VACANCY" letters from the Sky Motel have been retained.
Surveyor: Mitchell Cohen
Survey - date completed: 2017-09-18
Sign keywords: Neon; Steel; Plastic; Incandescent; Reader board; Pole sign; Light box
Site address: 1741 N Boulder Hwy
Sign owner: Jim Marsh American Corp.
Sign details: The business began as the Dixie bar, which was operating by 1948 in what was then known as Pittman, Nevada (Moore, 2016; Skyline Casino, n.d.). The property's colorful history includes the suicide of one of the original owners on the motel premises and the first library in Pittman, which was located inside the tavern (Skyline Casino, n.d.). The Skyline Casino and restaurant was built on the property in 1964 (Benston, 2003; Meehan, 2016; Skyline Casino, n.d.). The name was briefly changed to Wheel and then returned to Skyline (Old-And the new, 1988). Jim Marsh purchased the Skyline from the son of the original owner in 2003 (Benston, 2003; Meehan, 2016; Skyline Casino, n.d.). In June of 2017, Marsh added a hotel to the casino and restaurant (Meehan, 2016; Moore, 2016; Skyline Casino, n.d.).
Sign condition: Condition is 5, fully restored to a "like new" state. The cabinet, paint and lights are in excellent shape.
Sign form: Pole Sign
Sign-specific description: The sign consists of a rectangular metal pole which supports an electronic reader board topped by a badge-shaped metal cabinet. The pole is painted yellow with a red stripe running down the center. The frame of the reader board is black metal. The badge-shaped metal cabinet is painted red outlined in gold. Yellow incandescent light bulbs outline the cabinet. Light boxes framed in black metal faced with yellow plastic spell out "SKYLINE HOTEL" in western-style serif letters. "SKYLINE" is stacked over "HOTEL", the words separated by a horizontal ornamental design. Below the light boxes, "NO VACANCY" is spelled out in clear skeleton neon letters.
Sign - type of display: Neon
Sign - media: Steel, Plastic
Sign - non-neon treatments: Incandescent lightbulbs, lightboxes and electronic readerboard
Sign environment: Property is located on Boulder Highway near the Skyline Casino
Sign - date of installation: c. 1988
Sign - thematic influences: Western style, common to a lot of Las Vegas valley casino and motel properties
Sign - artistic significance: The property opened in the 1960s, still during the heyday of Western themed properties
Survey - research locations: Assessor's website
Survey - research notes: Benston, L. (2003 June 5). Owner to sell Henderson's Skyline casino. Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved from https://lasvegassun.com/news/2003/jun/05/owner-to- sell-hendersons- skyline-casino/ Meehan, J. (2016 June 26). Marsh adding hotel to Skyline Casino. Las Vegas Business Press. Retrieved from https://businesspress.vegas/gaming-hospitality/marsh- adding-hotel- to-skyline- casino/ Moore, T. (2016 October 11). Changing Skyline: Hotel wing coming to old-time casino. Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved from https://lasvegassun.com/news/2016/oct/11/changing-skyline- hotel-wing- coming-to- old- time-cas/ Old-And the new. (1988 October 20). Henderson Home News [Newspaper clipping]. Retrieved from http://www.recapturist.com/wp-content/uploads/Sky- Motel_Henderson-Home- News-19881020.jpg Sky Motel. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.recapturist.com/portfolio/sky-motel/ Skyline Casino. (n.d.). Wikipedia. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skyline_Casino Skyline Casino & Restaurant. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.cardcow.com/368494/skyline-casino- restaurant-henderson/
Survey - other remarks: Date(s) of any major redesign/move: An undated postcard shows the sign sometime between 1964 and 1988 (Skyline Casino & Restaurant, n.d.). A round pole supports a light box type reader board topped by a badge-shaped metal cabinet. Yellow incandescent light bulbs outline the cabinet. "SKYLINE" is spelled out in clear red skeleton neon sans serif letters. "CASINO" is spelled out in blue skeleton neon western-style serif letters. "RESTAURANT" is spelled out in clear red neon skeleton neon sans serif letters. A photograph taken for a news article in 1988 shows the sign with the same design when it was taken down and moved next door to the Sky Motel (Old-And the new, 1988). The Sky Motel retained the round pole, the reader board, the badge-shaped cabinet and the incandescent light bulbs outlining the cabinet. The Skyline lettering was removed and replaced. "SKY MOTEL" was spelled out in white channel western-style serif letters which were outlined in the interior by white neon tubing. Below "SKY MOTEL" were clear skeleton neon san serif letters which spelled out "NO VACANCY". The Skyline Hotel reclaimed the sign when it opened in 2017. The current sign has a rectangular support, although the original round pole might still be inside. The light box has been replaced by an electronic reader board. The "SKY MOTEL" channel letters have been replaced with light box "SKYLINE HOTEL" letters. The "NO VACANCY" letters from the Sky Motel have been retained.
Surveyor: Mitchell Cohen
Survey - date completed: 2017-09-18
Sign keywords: Neon; Steel; Plastic; Incandescent; Reader board; Pole sign; Light box
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