Search the Special Collections and Archives Portal
Search Results
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
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority 46th Far West Regional conference program (M.G.M. Grand)
Date
1975-06-26 to 1975-06-29
Description
From the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Theta Theta Omega Chapter Records (MS-01014) -- Ivy Leaf magazines and event souvenir programs file.
Text
Gary Sternberg Papers
Identifier
MS-00717
Abstract
The Gary Sternberg Papers are comprised of correspondence, publications, and videos documenting Sternberg's involvement with the Las Vegas Jewish community from 1983 to 2015. Organizations represented in the collection include Congregation Ner Tamid and the Holocaust Survivors Group of Southern Nevada. Also included are digital photographs of Sternberg in 2015 wearing his Caesars Palace dealer's uniform.
Archival Collection
Rabbi Yocheved Mintz Photographs
Identifier
PH-00406
Abstract
The collection is comprised primarily of photographs of Rabbi Yocheved Mintz at different events and programs held at Las Vegas, Nevada synagogue Congregation P'nai Tikvah from 2006 to 2017. The collection includes photographs of congregants during different workshops and events held at the synagogue. The collection also includes photographs of Rabbi Mintz and congregants during holidays (Hannukah, Purim, Rosh Hashanah, and Passover), Jewlicious (Jewish education classes and workshops), and from the congregation newsletter.
Archival Collection
Clark County Department of Air Quality and Environmental Management Records
Identifier
MS-00777
Abstract
The Clark County Department of Air Quality and Environmental Management Records (1988-2006) contain materials related to Southern Nevada resource management, air quality, and community planning, particularly related to population growth in Clark County, Nevada. Materials include federal regulations and acts, reports, and land sales, as well as local agency reports, memorandums, workshop pamphlets, maps, and plans.
Archival Collection
"Blacks and the Boulder Dam Project": manuscript draft by Roosevelt Fitzgerald
Date
1970 (year approximate) to 1996 (year approximate)
Description
From the Roosevelt Fitzgerald Professional Papers (MS-01082) -- Unpublished manuscripts file.
Text
"The Impact of the Hoover Dam Project on Race Relations in Southern Nevada": manuscript draft by Roosevelt Fitzgerald
Date
1970 (year approximate) to 1996 (year approximate)
Description
From the Roosevelt Fitzgerald Professional Papers (MS-01082) -- Unpublished manuscripts file.
Text
Joy Rineer oral history interview: transcript
Date
2017-12-07
Description
Oral history interview with Joy Rineer conducted by Claytee D. White on December 07, 2017 for the Remembering 1 October Oral History Project. In this interview, Rineer discusses her upbringing in Las Vegas, Nevada. She describes her career as an architect, designing the Resilience Center for those affected by the 1 October shooting, and the city’s response to the shooting. Later, Rineer describes helping the grief-stricken city through architecture, establishing the Leadership Las Vegas program, and organizing blood drives. Lastly, Rineer discusses the changes in Las Vegas after the tragedy.
Text
Photographs of Frontier signs, Las Vegas (Nev.), 2002
Date
2002
Description
Daytime views of the Frontier Hotel and Casino signs on the Strip. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survey Data Sheet.
Site name: Frontier Hotel and Casino
Site address: 3120 S Las Vegas Blvd
Sign owner: Phil Ruffin
Sign details: The New Frontier Hotel and Casino sits south of the Stardust, on the east side of Las Vegas Blvd The Frontier main pylon still remains at the south end of the property, a short distance from the southeast, near the porte-cochere. A rear port e cochere also resides on the east side of the building . Like so many other properties the Frontier is composed of a low-rise building accompanied by, another higher rise structure, and a tower of rooms. A parking lot sits on the north end of the property, denoted by a small, double-sided pole sign. Two porte-cocheres adorn on the southeast and west sides of the property, as well as the famous pylon outside the eastern porte- cochere.
Sign condition: Structure 4 Surface 4 Lighting 4
Sign form: Pylon; Porte-cochère; Fascia
Sign-specific description: A parking lot sits on the north end of the property, denoted by a small, double-sided pole sign. It is a simple rectangular cabinet, with a small steel circular cabinet on the top east edge of the sign, and a triangle on the west edge of the height, pointing west. The two are connected by a long horizontal section, which runs along the top of the cabinet. The circle, arrow, and connecting pieces are lined with incandescent bulbs. The surface if the Frontier is reserved, not holding too many exterior references to a western theme, besides the actual script of the logo, and wood paneling of the overhangs, little else is there to support the theme. Just south of the parking lot and on the west side of the strip, the Frontier is separated from the sidewalk with a large section of green lawn, and a guard of tall palm trees against the east face of the building. Tall windows occupy most of the wall separated by columns of brick. The structure continues south and juts east to create an entrance, with a text logo above the door with brass edges and a wood panel facade. The three sided entrance is two tiered flat font design, with the lower half being taller, fit with a backlit message board. The top half is shorter in height, and plays home to the polished channel letters spelling "Frontier," and filled with incandescent bulbs. The surface of the top half of the facade is a rusted brown color, referencing panels of exposed wooden construction. The bottom edge of the entire face of the sign is a protruding brass geometric edge, as well as being the device that separates the two parts of the sign. The top edge of the top section is brass treatment also, but is crafted into different forms along its path. Directly in the center of the front face, there is an arch curving over a set of vents. The two sides are treated with an pointed triangular shape. The porte-cochere is located just south, if you follow the property, pointed toward the southeast extending off of the building. The northeast and southwest sides of the porte- cochere are lined on the top and the bottom with the same protruding, square molding, rising into a long, low rising arch, peaking in the center of the sign. The center portions of the sides are the same rusted brown tone seen on the entrance mentioned earlier. Suggestions of the paneling are evident at the edges. The "Old west" font, polished channel letters spell out "Frontier" on the rust facade. Each is filled with incandescent bulbs, and outlined in neon. Most impressive about the covered area is the space occupied by the ceiling. The underside of the port-cochere is separated by four large, deep, recessed rectangles with mirrored walls. The walls slope into another smaller recessed rectangle rising straight up only a sort distance before stopping. Standing directly underneath the section, it is seen as a smaller rectangle located within a larger one. Both rectangles are lined on all edges by polished gold raceways, and incandescent bulbs. The open space is occupied by multi armed, ornate brass chandelier. Each arm is adorned with faux gas lanterns. The arms are curved in a quite extreme fashion, making the piece appear more as an organic shape, or a creature such as an octopus. The centers are adorned with decorative silver spheres. Over the doors to the casino a large backlit message center panel, curves with the radius of the face of the building. The brown and polished metal edges of the sign combined with the incorporation of the architecture of the building, gives it a reserved, streamlined look. South of here the building grows in height and becomes a series of tall windows that create the wall. Following the property around to the building's west side, another porte-cochere can be seen. An eight-sided post serves as a valet station. The facade of the roof is treated as the entrance on the east side of the building. Protruding square brass edges form borders for polished channel letters filled with incandescent bulbs. Text is contained within the southwest, southeast, and western panels. Frontier is spelled in the properties font on both the southeast, and western sides. The southwest side reads "Parking" in the company's font, but is flanked by "self" and "valet," in smaller plain white channel letters filled with neon. The western and southeastern sides are crafted with the top edge of the pediments being an arch flanked by two triangle shaped rooflines. Elements also seen elsewhere over the other entrances. Looking up, facing this porte-cochere, the tower of rooms looms high overhead. Signage is located on all four sides of the tower. The northeast and southwest sides of the tower hold giant channel letters that spell "Frontier" with the interior being a reflective orange material. The facade is a giant replication of the two sides of the southeast and western sides of the multisided porte-cochere below. A giant polished metal framework, with a rounded arch flanked by two A frame roof lines, as well as the rust colored background hold the letters. The text is filled with incandescent bulbs. Along the northwest and southeast sides of the tower "Frontier" is spelled vertically down the face of the building in the distinctive channel letters. They too are filled with incandescent bulbs and finished orange on the inside. The famed main pylon sign for the frontier still stands in good repair, as reminder of Las Vegas past. It is located in the south side of the Frontier property facing north south. The two-sided sign is essentially pair of close set steel legs joined by an arch at the top to create one continuous shape. The steel is treated in a pastel pink coloring lined on both edges with a double row of incandescent bulbs. The inner portion of the arch contains three elements. The small cabinet at the top holds the image of the Frontier "F" logo. The edge of this cabinet is painted yellow, with a white internally lit face below that a long cabinet runs the length of the remaining space to the ground. The interior of the cabinet has been cut away to form a pattern of repeated circular holes down the length of the cabinet. This portion has been painted a teal color, with the edges lined with incandescent bulbs. In the space inside of the circles a continuous string of star shapes, reminiscent of the Stardust star emblems, are crafted in yellow painted steel and laden with small incandescent bulbs. The shape is interrupted twice with the main marquee logo for the establishment as well as well as a large internally lit message center. Both portions are not solid, double faced cabinets, but four single faced cabinets. The design is also seen in the Westward HO pylon. The bottom section message center can divided into essentially six parts: four individually denoted sections for vinyl lettering, and two steel panels with an animated neon silhouette of a cowboy riding a mechanical bull. The bottom half of the cabinet is one portion of the collection of section, with a thin, one letter width portion running the length of the cabinet, separating the sign into two halves. The top half is another section flanked by the two steel panels containing the bull rider. The middle portion contains crafted red vinyl logo the "Gilley's" establishment. A thin, one letter space cabinet, emerges out of the top of the sign, running a bit shorter than the length of the cabinet. The panel with the rider is actually three separate images, crafted with gold neon stacked on top of another in different positions to allow the three-stage animation process of the rider to be realized. Fashioned out of red neon text is written in the same text as the Frontier wall logo's above and below the rider. The word "Ride" sits above and the phrase "The Bull" is below the rider. He entire width edge of both the North and South sides are encrusted with yellow incandescent bulbs. While the bottom half of the pylon is dominated by the message center, a bit further up on the structure is the main marquee logo. The green steel cabinet is a rectangular with added elements of shape and design. The ends of the plane are slightly curved back into space, with the actual surface of the shape rising into a small pointed crest in the center. Across the surface of the cabinet the word "Frontier" is spelled in the "Western Font" in channel letters. The letters are outlined in neon and filled with incandescent bulbs. The surface of the cabinet is striped horizontally with tubes of red neon.
Sign - type of display: Neon; Incandescent; Backlit
Sign - media: Steel; Plastic
Sign - non-neon treatments: Graphics; Paint
Sign animation: Chasing, flashing, oscillating
Notes: The incandescent bulbs inside the text reading "Paris" on the balloon oscillate rapidly.
Sign environment: Sitting north of the Fashion Show Mall and, south of the Stardust, the Frontier seems to create its own environment upon an expansive property. The expansive sidewalks, healthy landscaping, and clean, reserved faced, make the Frontier more akin to the larger corporate establishments such as the Mirage, or Monte Carlo. It is quite the dominant presence on the west side of the street, for the east side is the vacant lot where the Desert Inn used to reside. The Frontier stands clean and strong amongst the chaos of the Fashion Show construction, and the empty lot across the street.
Sign manufacturer: Ad-art (Pylon), Sign Systems, Inc (facade and porte-cochere)
Sign designer: Bill Clarke (Pylon) Brian K. Leming (facade and porte-cochere)
Sign - date of installation: pylon: 1967 porte-cochere and facade 1981
Sign - date of redesign/move: The face of the Frontier was remodeled in an effort to keep up with the larger corporate casinos in 1998, but retained the main pylon, tower signage, porte-cochere signage and various entrance signs.
Sign - thematic influences: The obvious theme of the hotel is a Western, cowboy/pioneer themed establishment. The facade of the structure was at one time engulfed in the theme, but has slowly over time changed to compete and fit in with the ever-changing Las Vegas strip. Vestiges of the Western theme are present in the remaining elements of the porte-cochere, side entrances, the tower fascia and roofline, as well as all the text, including the main pylon. Other establishments that carry the much popular theme throughout Las Vegas history, include the Westward Ho, The Golden Nugget, The Bonanza, Hotel Apache, the Boulder Club, and the Pioneer Club.
Sign - artistic significance: In 1967, the Frontier sign was considered the tallest sign on the Strip. The 24 x 84 foot signature panel proved to be one of the largest at the time as well. Charles Barnard's scale model displayed at the Montreal Expo and his design of the seventeen-foot tall logo cabinet, were instrumental in Ad-Art landing the contract for the establishment. (Barnard) The cabinet and center scalloping used to incorporate animatronics, turning in concert.
Surveyor: Joshua Cannaday
Survey - date completed: 2002
Sign keywords: Chasing; Flashing; Oscillating; Pylon; Porte-cochère; Fascia; Neon; Incandescent; Backlit; Steel; Plastic; Graphics; Paint
Site name: Frontier Hotel and Casino
Site address: 3120 S Las Vegas Blvd
Sign owner: Phil Ruffin
Sign details: The New Frontier Hotel and Casino sits south of the Stardust, on the east side of Las Vegas Blvd The Frontier main pylon still remains at the south end of the property, a short distance from the southeast, near the porte-cochere. A rear port e cochere also resides on the east side of the building . Like so many other properties the Frontier is composed of a low-rise building accompanied by, another higher rise structure, and a tower of rooms. A parking lot sits on the north end of the property, denoted by a small, double-sided pole sign. Two porte-cocheres adorn on the southeast and west sides of the property, as well as the famous pylon outside the eastern porte- cochere.
Sign condition: Structure 4 Surface 4 Lighting 4
Sign form: Pylon; Porte-cochère; Fascia
Sign-specific description: A parking lot sits on the north end of the property, denoted by a small, double-sided pole sign. It is a simple rectangular cabinet, with a small steel circular cabinet on the top east edge of the sign, and a triangle on the west edge of the height, pointing west. The two are connected by a long horizontal section, which runs along the top of the cabinet. The circle, arrow, and connecting pieces are lined with incandescent bulbs. The surface if the Frontier is reserved, not holding too many exterior references to a western theme, besides the actual script of the logo, and wood paneling of the overhangs, little else is there to support the theme. Just south of the parking lot and on the west side of the strip, the Frontier is separated from the sidewalk with a large section of green lawn, and a guard of tall palm trees against the east face of the building. Tall windows occupy most of the wall separated by columns of brick. The structure continues south and juts east to create an entrance, with a text logo above the door with brass edges and a wood panel facade. The three sided entrance is two tiered flat font design, with the lower half being taller, fit with a backlit message board. The top half is shorter in height, and plays home to the polished channel letters spelling "Frontier," and filled with incandescent bulbs. The surface of the top half of the facade is a rusted brown color, referencing panels of exposed wooden construction. The bottom edge of the entire face of the sign is a protruding brass geometric edge, as well as being the device that separates the two parts of the sign. The top edge of the top section is brass treatment also, but is crafted into different forms along its path. Directly in the center of the front face, there is an arch curving over a set of vents. The two sides are treated with an pointed triangular shape. The porte-cochere is located just south, if you follow the property, pointed toward the southeast extending off of the building. The northeast and southwest sides of the porte- cochere are lined on the top and the bottom with the same protruding, square molding, rising into a long, low rising arch, peaking in the center of the sign. The center portions of the sides are the same rusted brown tone seen on the entrance mentioned earlier. Suggestions of the paneling are evident at the edges. The "Old west" font, polished channel letters spell out "Frontier" on the rust facade. Each is filled with incandescent bulbs, and outlined in neon. Most impressive about the covered area is the space occupied by the ceiling. The underside of the port-cochere is separated by four large, deep, recessed rectangles with mirrored walls. The walls slope into another smaller recessed rectangle rising straight up only a sort distance before stopping. Standing directly underneath the section, it is seen as a smaller rectangle located within a larger one. Both rectangles are lined on all edges by polished gold raceways, and incandescent bulbs. The open space is occupied by multi armed, ornate brass chandelier. Each arm is adorned with faux gas lanterns. The arms are curved in a quite extreme fashion, making the piece appear more as an organic shape, or a creature such as an octopus. The centers are adorned with decorative silver spheres. Over the doors to the casino a large backlit message center panel, curves with the radius of the face of the building. The brown and polished metal edges of the sign combined with the incorporation of the architecture of the building, gives it a reserved, streamlined look. South of here the building grows in height and becomes a series of tall windows that create the wall. Following the property around to the building's west side, another porte-cochere can be seen. An eight-sided post serves as a valet station. The facade of the roof is treated as the entrance on the east side of the building. Protruding square brass edges form borders for polished channel letters filled with incandescent bulbs. Text is contained within the southwest, southeast, and western panels. Frontier is spelled in the properties font on both the southeast, and western sides. The southwest side reads "Parking" in the company's font, but is flanked by "self" and "valet," in smaller plain white channel letters filled with neon. The western and southeastern sides are crafted with the top edge of the pediments being an arch flanked by two triangle shaped rooflines. Elements also seen elsewhere over the other entrances. Looking up, facing this porte-cochere, the tower of rooms looms high overhead. Signage is located on all four sides of the tower. The northeast and southwest sides of the tower hold giant channel letters that spell "Frontier" with the interior being a reflective orange material. The facade is a giant replication of the two sides of the southeast and western sides of the multisided porte-cochere below. A giant polished metal framework, with a rounded arch flanked by two A frame roof lines, as well as the rust colored background hold the letters. The text is filled with incandescent bulbs. Along the northwest and southeast sides of the tower "Frontier" is spelled vertically down the face of the building in the distinctive channel letters. They too are filled with incandescent bulbs and finished orange on the inside. The famed main pylon sign for the frontier still stands in good repair, as reminder of Las Vegas past. It is located in the south side of the Frontier property facing north south. The two-sided sign is essentially pair of close set steel legs joined by an arch at the top to create one continuous shape. The steel is treated in a pastel pink coloring lined on both edges with a double row of incandescent bulbs. The inner portion of the arch contains three elements. The small cabinet at the top holds the image of the Frontier "F" logo. The edge of this cabinet is painted yellow, with a white internally lit face below that a long cabinet runs the length of the remaining space to the ground. The interior of the cabinet has been cut away to form a pattern of repeated circular holes down the length of the cabinet. This portion has been painted a teal color, with the edges lined with incandescent bulbs. In the space inside of the circles a continuous string of star shapes, reminiscent of the Stardust star emblems, are crafted in yellow painted steel and laden with small incandescent bulbs. The shape is interrupted twice with the main marquee logo for the establishment as well as well as a large internally lit message center. Both portions are not solid, double faced cabinets, but four single faced cabinets. The design is also seen in the Westward HO pylon. The bottom section message center can divided into essentially six parts: four individually denoted sections for vinyl lettering, and two steel panels with an animated neon silhouette of a cowboy riding a mechanical bull. The bottom half of the cabinet is one portion of the collection of section, with a thin, one letter width portion running the length of the cabinet, separating the sign into two halves. The top half is another section flanked by the two steel panels containing the bull rider. The middle portion contains crafted red vinyl logo the "Gilley's" establishment. A thin, one letter space cabinet, emerges out of the top of the sign, running a bit shorter than the length of the cabinet. The panel with the rider is actually three separate images, crafted with gold neon stacked on top of another in different positions to allow the three-stage animation process of the rider to be realized. Fashioned out of red neon text is written in the same text as the Frontier wall logo's above and below the rider. The word "Ride" sits above and the phrase "The Bull" is below the rider. He entire width edge of both the North and South sides are encrusted with yellow incandescent bulbs. While the bottom half of the pylon is dominated by the message center, a bit further up on the structure is the main marquee logo. The green steel cabinet is a rectangular with added elements of shape and design. The ends of the plane are slightly curved back into space, with the actual surface of the shape rising into a small pointed crest in the center. Across the surface of the cabinet the word "Frontier" is spelled in the "Western Font" in channel letters. The letters are outlined in neon and filled with incandescent bulbs. The surface of the cabinet is striped horizontally with tubes of red neon.
Sign - type of display: Neon; Incandescent; Backlit
Sign - media: Steel; Plastic
Sign - non-neon treatments: Graphics; Paint
Sign animation: Chasing, flashing, oscillating
Notes: The incandescent bulbs inside the text reading "Paris" on the balloon oscillate rapidly.
Sign environment: Sitting north of the Fashion Show Mall and, south of the Stardust, the Frontier seems to create its own environment upon an expansive property. The expansive sidewalks, healthy landscaping, and clean, reserved faced, make the Frontier more akin to the larger corporate establishments such as the Mirage, or Monte Carlo. It is quite the dominant presence on the west side of the street, for the east side is the vacant lot where the Desert Inn used to reside. The Frontier stands clean and strong amongst the chaos of the Fashion Show construction, and the empty lot across the street.
Sign manufacturer: Ad-art (Pylon), Sign Systems, Inc (facade and porte-cochere)
Sign designer: Bill Clarke (Pylon) Brian K. Leming (facade and porte-cochere)
Sign - date of installation: pylon: 1967 porte-cochere and facade 1981
Sign - date of redesign/move: The face of the Frontier was remodeled in an effort to keep up with the larger corporate casinos in 1998, but retained the main pylon, tower signage, porte-cochere signage and various entrance signs.
Sign - thematic influences: The obvious theme of the hotel is a Western, cowboy/pioneer themed establishment. The facade of the structure was at one time engulfed in the theme, but has slowly over time changed to compete and fit in with the ever-changing Las Vegas strip. Vestiges of the Western theme are present in the remaining elements of the porte-cochere, side entrances, the tower fascia and roofline, as well as all the text, including the main pylon. Other establishments that carry the much popular theme throughout Las Vegas history, include the Westward Ho, The Golden Nugget, The Bonanza, Hotel Apache, the Boulder Club, and the Pioneer Club.
Sign - artistic significance: In 1967, the Frontier sign was considered the tallest sign on the Strip. The 24 x 84 foot signature panel proved to be one of the largest at the time as well. Charles Barnard's scale model displayed at the Montreal Expo and his design of the seventeen-foot tall logo cabinet, were instrumental in Ad-Art landing the contract for the establishment. (Barnard) The cabinet and center scalloping used to incorporate animatronics, turning in concert.
Surveyor: Joshua Cannaday
Survey - date completed: 2002
Sign keywords: Chasing; Flashing; Oscillating; Pylon; Porte-cochère; Fascia; Neon; Incandescent; Backlit; Steel; Plastic; Graphics; Paint
Mixed Content
Photographs of McDonald's sign, 3755 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas (Nev.), 2002
Date
2002
Description
Daytime and evening views of a McDonald's sign on the Strip at 3755 S Las Vegas Blvd. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survey Data Sheet.
Site address: 3755 S Las Vegas Blvd
Sign details: The McDonald's pylon sits in the parking lot just to the north of the Fatburger establishment and the Walgreen's structures. It faces north/south in the parking lot of the Cable Center Shops. It sits across a property length parking lot, near Las Vegas Blvd It is also serves as advertising for the rest of the shops in the shopping center, but the main cabinet is dedicated to the McDonald's logo cabinet. The shops behind the sign are covered in the same stucco as seen on the surface of the pylon.
Sign condition: Structure 5 Surface 4.5 Lighting 5 Notes: It is noted that the structural integrity is intact. Certain elements of lighting are out or not working, but present still. The surface appears to be slightly deteriorating at this point.
Sign form: Pylon
Sign-specific description: The pylon sign for the McDonald's and the Cable Center Shops is essentially a double sided pole sign comprised of a two sided main logo cabinet and an internally lit rectangular cabinet. The internally lit cabinet located in the middle of the pole finished it's exterior the same as the rest of the actual pole. The post is covered in an off white stucco finish, with a green channel running up the center of each face. The channel T's off as well following the supporting stretch at the top of the rise, below the main cabinet. Three gold neon bars run up the center of the green channel. The internally lit cabinets face is adorned with graphics advertising for all of the shops located within the strip mall. Its luminescence is strong for an internally lit cabinet. A blue section at the top of the plastic face is designated blue with white script reading "Cable Center" shops. The rest of the text below that reads like two-sided menu. The McDonald's cabinet at the very top of the pole is constructed of red painted steel, as well as yellow painted steel for the golden arch crown designated as the top portion of the cabinet. The face of the cabinet is encrusted with red incandescent bulbs as well as being striped horizontally across its width edge with bars of red neon. The underside of the golden arches is also encrusted with yellow incandescent bulbs, while the faces of each arch is striped horizontally with neon bars as well bordered on the edges of the ace of the arch as well. The text McDonald's is spelled in white channel letters and lined on the interiors with white neon.
Sign - type of display: Neon; Incandescent; Backlit
Sign - media: Steel; Plastic
Sign - non-neon treatments: Paint
Sign animation: Oscillating, flashing
Notes: The incandescent bulbs located on the underside of the arches, as well as on the face of the sign oscillate rapidly, while the neon bars on the width of the sign and underneath chase each other from top to bottom. The neon bars, which comprise the face of the arches, chase each other also. The rest of the arch is dark as they start at the bottom of the middle point of the "M" shape. They chase each other until the surface of the sign is covered, and at this time they all flash off, then on, then off again before the entire sequence starts over.
Sign environment: It is an interesting section of the strip between the Showcase Pylon sign and the edge of the Cable Center shops. First, it is noticeably an interesting cross section of the Strip, because vicinity has three establishments which fit a specific genre of sign. The Fatburger, Walgreen's and McDonalds are properties which function in everyday America, but are suited up to be part of the neon charged appearance of this specific location. Not only are the establishments linked by nature to everyday America, but the face that a strip mall is added to the scenery, just adds to the point. The environment is a heavily pedestrian-accessed area, bombarded by the combination of all of the signage.
Sign manufacturer: YESCO
Sign - thematic influences: The theme of the McDonald's establishment is in the realm of the well-established McDonalds corporation. The golden arches, and solid red hue, have become synonymous with the name " McDonald's," and is an image, which has been communicated to the masses of people for half a century. It is an icon, which is associated with America all over the world. McDonalds has created it's own realm and thematic influence over the years from all of it's extensive advertisements and marketing. Therefore, the theme of the establishment's signs draws from itself and the world that the name has created. Being one of the most commonly seen images in America, this sign is tailored to fit into the illustrious, illuminative properties held on the Las Vegas Strip. It fits into the category of everyday images and businesses dressed up for Las Vegas, which include, Arby's, Arco AM/PM, Walgreen's, and Fatburger.
Surveyor: Joshua Cannaday
Survey - date completed: 2002
Sign keywords: Oscillating; Flashing; Pylon; Neon; Incandescent; Backlit; Steel; Plastic; Paint
Site address: 3755 S Las Vegas Blvd
Sign details: The McDonald's pylon sits in the parking lot just to the north of the Fatburger establishment and the Walgreen's structures. It faces north/south in the parking lot of the Cable Center Shops. It sits across a property length parking lot, near Las Vegas Blvd It is also serves as advertising for the rest of the shops in the shopping center, but the main cabinet is dedicated to the McDonald's logo cabinet. The shops behind the sign are covered in the same stucco as seen on the surface of the pylon.
Sign condition: Structure 5 Surface 4.5 Lighting 5 Notes: It is noted that the structural integrity is intact. Certain elements of lighting are out or not working, but present still. The surface appears to be slightly deteriorating at this point.
Sign form: Pylon
Sign-specific description: The pylon sign for the McDonald's and the Cable Center Shops is essentially a double sided pole sign comprised of a two sided main logo cabinet and an internally lit rectangular cabinet. The internally lit cabinet located in the middle of the pole finished it's exterior the same as the rest of the actual pole. The post is covered in an off white stucco finish, with a green channel running up the center of each face. The channel T's off as well following the supporting stretch at the top of the rise, below the main cabinet. Three gold neon bars run up the center of the green channel. The internally lit cabinets face is adorned with graphics advertising for all of the shops located within the strip mall. Its luminescence is strong for an internally lit cabinet. A blue section at the top of the plastic face is designated blue with white script reading "Cable Center" shops. The rest of the text below that reads like two-sided menu. The McDonald's cabinet at the very top of the pole is constructed of red painted steel, as well as yellow painted steel for the golden arch crown designated as the top portion of the cabinet. The face of the cabinet is encrusted with red incandescent bulbs as well as being striped horizontally across its width edge with bars of red neon. The underside of the golden arches is also encrusted with yellow incandescent bulbs, while the faces of each arch is striped horizontally with neon bars as well bordered on the edges of the ace of the arch as well. The text McDonald's is spelled in white channel letters and lined on the interiors with white neon.
Sign - type of display: Neon; Incandescent; Backlit
Sign - media: Steel; Plastic
Sign - non-neon treatments: Paint
Sign animation: Oscillating, flashing
Notes: The incandescent bulbs located on the underside of the arches, as well as on the face of the sign oscillate rapidly, while the neon bars on the width of the sign and underneath chase each other from top to bottom. The neon bars, which comprise the face of the arches, chase each other also. The rest of the arch is dark as they start at the bottom of the middle point of the "M" shape. They chase each other until the surface of the sign is covered, and at this time they all flash off, then on, then off again before the entire sequence starts over.
Sign environment: It is an interesting section of the strip between the Showcase Pylon sign and the edge of the Cable Center shops. First, it is noticeably an interesting cross section of the Strip, because vicinity has three establishments which fit a specific genre of sign. The Fatburger, Walgreen's and McDonalds are properties which function in everyday America, but are suited up to be part of the neon charged appearance of this specific location. Not only are the establishments linked by nature to everyday America, but the face that a strip mall is added to the scenery, just adds to the point. The environment is a heavily pedestrian-accessed area, bombarded by the combination of all of the signage.
Sign manufacturer: YESCO
Sign - thematic influences: The theme of the McDonald's establishment is in the realm of the well-established McDonalds corporation. The golden arches, and solid red hue, have become synonymous with the name " McDonald's," and is an image, which has been communicated to the masses of people for half a century. It is an icon, which is associated with America all over the world. McDonalds has created it's own realm and thematic influence over the years from all of it's extensive advertisements and marketing. Therefore, the theme of the establishment's signs draws from itself and the world that the name has created. Being one of the most commonly seen images in America, this sign is tailored to fit into the illustrious, illuminative properties held on the Las Vegas Strip. It fits into the category of everyday images and businesses dressed up for Las Vegas, which include, Arby's, Arco AM/PM, Walgreen's, and Fatburger.
Surveyor: Joshua Cannaday
Survey - date completed: 2002
Sign keywords: Oscillating; Flashing; Pylon; Neon; Incandescent; Backlit; Steel; Plastic; Paint
Mixed Content
Refine my results
Content Type
Creator or Contributor
Subject
Archival Collection
Digital Project
Resource Type
Year
Material Type
Place
Language
Records Classification