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The Lounge wall mounted sign, Monte Carlo wall mounted sign, and the Commercial Hotel roof and wall mounted signs, Elko, Nevada: photographic print, approximately 1930 to 1939
Level of Description
File
Archival Collection
Northern Nevada Neon Photograph Collection
To request this item in person:
Collection Number: PH-00439
Collection Name: Northern Nevada Neon Photograph Collection
Box/Folder: Digital File 00
Collection Name: Northern Nevada Neon Photograph Collection
Box/Folder: Digital File 00
Archival Component
Photographs of Sahara Hotel and Casino signs, Las Vegas (Nev.), 2002
Date
2002
Description
Nighttime views of the Sahara Hotel and Casino signs on the Strip. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survey Data Sheet.
Site name: Sahara Hotel and Casino (Las Vegas, Nev.)
Site address: 2535 S Las Vegas Blvd
Sign owner: William Bennett
Sign details: The Sahara lies at the northern most end of the survey, on Sahara, and Las Vegas Blvd The Sahara was remodeled in the late nineties to create an entirely new facade utilizing a large pylon, a porte cochere and various independent illuminated signs. On the eastern side of the property another porte cochere is located just west of Paradise Rd. across the street from the Sahara's original pylon.
Sign condition: Structure 5 Surface 5 Lighting 5
Sign form: Pylon; Fascia; Porte-cochère
Sign - type of display: Neon; Incandescent; Backlit
Sign - media: Steel; Plastic
Sign - non-neon treatments: Graphics; Paint
Sign animation: Flashing, oscillating
Sign environment: The Sahara utilizes many of the new elements of Las Vegas to create an environment. The western side of the property facing the strip is composed of a giant pylon, a domed porte cochere, and a roller coaster for the themed attraction incorporated into the property. To the north across Sahara Ave. the Holy Cow casino gives way to the distinctly older and smaller venues on the remaining northern stretch of the strip, while the entire heart of the boulevard lies to the South. Palm trees and various foliage surround winding drives which lead up to the open air dome, fore the circular valet. Along the twisting lanes leading to the parking garage, you can see fiberglass figures riding on camels, and various text signage upon the structures. Walking through the lush surroundings toward the north side of the property, you encounter the giant pylon, being able to walk right up next to it. The roar of the rollercoaster is rather deafening as it zooms right over a pedestrians head, as the signage for the NASCAR gives way to human sight.
Sign manufacturer: Mikhon Lighting and sign
Sign designer: New Pylon: Jack M. Larsen Jr. and Mikhon Lighting and sign
Sign - date of installation: 1996-2000
Sign - date of redesign/move: During the reconstruction which took place between 1996 and 2000, the original pylon was moved east across Paradise Rd
Sign - thematic influences: The theme of the Sahara is definitely linked to the desert theme so often seen throughout Las Vegas history. The name itself is the name of what is probably the most famous desert in the world. Elements of the design give way to this theme with rather heavy-handed iconography. Examples of this include the image of a camel on the pylon and rear porte cochere, as well as the statuary of men riding on camels. The text is the same classic Sahara text seen throughout the properties history, and definite reference the cure and angle of some Arabic writing, but also are linked to shapes seen in the architecture from that region of the world. Other properties which can be linked to this theme in Las Vegas History include, the Dunes, and the Aladdin. The Aladdin and the Sahara also share the trait of being a Vegas icon, revamped to meet the current trends of Las Vegas. The Sahara falls into that trend of being geared more toward the family theme these days, with the addition of the NASCAR Cafe as well as the roller coaster. The other property which incorporates a roller coaster is the New York New York.
Surveyor: Joshua Cannaday
Survey - date completed: 2002
Sign keywords: Flashing; Oscillating; Pylon; Fascia; Porte-cochère; Neon; Incandescent; Backlit; Steel; Plastic; Paint; Graphics
Site name: Sahara Hotel and Casino (Las Vegas, Nev.)
Site address: 2535 S Las Vegas Blvd
Sign owner: William Bennett
Sign details: The Sahara lies at the northern most end of the survey, on Sahara, and Las Vegas Blvd The Sahara was remodeled in the late nineties to create an entirely new facade utilizing a large pylon, a porte cochere and various independent illuminated signs. On the eastern side of the property another porte cochere is located just west of Paradise Rd. across the street from the Sahara's original pylon.
Sign condition: Structure 5 Surface 5 Lighting 5
Sign form: Pylon; Fascia; Porte-cochère
Sign - type of display: Neon; Incandescent; Backlit
Sign - media: Steel; Plastic
Sign - non-neon treatments: Graphics; Paint
Sign animation: Flashing, oscillating
Sign environment: The Sahara utilizes many of the new elements of Las Vegas to create an environment. The western side of the property facing the strip is composed of a giant pylon, a domed porte cochere, and a roller coaster for the themed attraction incorporated into the property. To the north across Sahara Ave. the Holy Cow casino gives way to the distinctly older and smaller venues on the remaining northern stretch of the strip, while the entire heart of the boulevard lies to the South. Palm trees and various foliage surround winding drives which lead up to the open air dome, fore the circular valet. Along the twisting lanes leading to the parking garage, you can see fiberglass figures riding on camels, and various text signage upon the structures. Walking through the lush surroundings toward the north side of the property, you encounter the giant pylon, being able to walk right up next to it. The roar of the rollercoaster is rather deafening as it zooms right over a pedestrians head, as the signage for the NASCAR gives way to human sight.
Sign manufacturer: Mikhon Lighting and sign
Sign designer: New Pylon: Jack M. Larsen Jr. and Mikhon Lighting and sign
Sign - date of installation: 1996-2000
Sign - date of redesign/move: During the reconstruction which took place between 1996 and 2000, the original pylon was moved east across Paradise Rd
Sign - thematic influences: The theme of the Sahara is definitely linked to the desert theme so often seen throughout Las Vegas history. The name itself is the name of what is probably the most famous desert in the world. Elements of the design give way to this theme with rather heavy-handed iconography. Examples of this include the image of a camel on the pylon and rear porte cochere, as well as the statuary of men riding on camels. The text is the same classic Sahara text seen throughout the properties history, and definite reference the cure and angle of some Arabic writing, but also are linked to shapes seen in the architecture from that region of the world. Other properties which can be linked to this theme in Las Vegas History include, the Dunes, and the Aladdin. The Aladdin and the Sahara also share the trait of being a Vegas icon, revamped to meet the current trends of Las Vegas. The Sahara falls into that trend of being geared more toward the family theme these days, with the addition of the NASCAR Cafe as well as the roller coaster. The other property which incorporates a roller coaster is the New York New York.
Surveyor: Joshua Cannaday
Survey - date completed: 2002
Sign keywords: Flashing; Oscillating; Pylon; Fascia; Porte-cochère; Neon; Incandescent; Backlit; Steel; Plastic; Paint; Graphics
Mixed Content
Photographs of Gateway Motel sign, Las Vegas (Nev.), March 12, 2017
Date
2017-03-12
2017-08-30
Description
The Gateway Motel sign sits in early evening light at the northeast corner at 928 South Las Vegas Boulevard. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survey Data Sheet
Site address: 928 S Las Vegas Blvd
Sign owner: Vinod Soni and Gateway Motel Inc
Sign details: The Gateway Motel dates back to early 1930's and could be considered one of the earliest motels to pop up in Las Vegas. Before the name changed to Gateway Motel it was named as the Gateway Auto Court circa 1930-1946 it was known as the Gateway Auto Court. The first sign was built circa 1930's and their new remodeled sign which is still in use today was built circa 1950's. The 1950's sign was originally painted darker colors and had a larger graphic of a gate. The original 1930's sign has the streamline modern influence that was prominent in 1930's and 40's. The sign itself is a pole sign with a square structure at the top. The font Auto-Court is in pure neon with that fire-red hue; the font is placed in the middle to stand out the most. The word Gateway is on top of Auto-Court in black with black streamline lines surrounding the word. Underneath is a small wooden board hanging probably stating no vacancy. The background color of the square structure is in pure white and the pole is chrome.
Sign condition: The condition of the sign is a 3.5. Some of the neon is not working when it's turned on at night. The paint has some sun/UV damage since it looks faded. The reader board has a stained effect from sun damage.
Sign form: Pylon with three separate signs converged into one.
Sign-specific description: The sign is made out of glass, steel, plastic, and concrete. The color palette is light blue, white and a cream white. The sign is designed in separate sections. The white cream based portion is situated at the top with a gate and bridge illustrative design in glass tubes and neon. The gate itself lights up yellow with red on the side. The font Gateway is larger than the gate and is in the color white when lit up. Underneath the Gateway word is a subliminal directional arrow pointing towards the motel buildings This section is in the color sky blue with the word motel in massive white letters. Underneath the directional arrow is the reader board surrounded by the steel light blue border. The reader board states Free Wi-Fi and HBO. Underneath in the left corner is a small light blue board that states "no vacancy" in neon. These three separate signs are all connected like blocks with a concrete pillar structure holding up the sign. During the evening, the light blue paint is not shown and is just pure black with the neon illuminating the sign.
Sign - type of display: Neon and plastic back lit sign
Sign - media: Steel, plastic and concrete
Sign - non-neon treatments: Plastic back lit portion
Sign environment: This location is on the corner of Las Vegas Blvd and Charleston. This is right next to the original Dona Maria Tamales restaurant.
Sign - date of installation: Circa 1950's
Sign - date of redesign/move: From a 1930's streamline modern sign to a 1950's Mid-Century modern architectural roadside motel sign.
Sign - thematic influences: The sign is influenced by Mid-Century Modern roadside architecture, with the directional arrow as a staple in many motel roadside designs of the 1950's and 60's to accommodate the car consumer era.
Sign - artistic significance: One main trends of the 1950's designs with neon signs is using illustrative motifs with the inclusion of directional arrows to lend to the highway travelers an idea of where the property is located. To make sure these travelers don't miss the establishment in an empty road.
Survey - research locations: Assessor's Page, Roadside Architecture Website http://www.roadarch.com/signs/nvvegas.html , Neon Museum book Spectacular, Vintage Las Vegas http://vintagelasvegas.com/search/Gateway+Motel
Surveyor: Gisselle Tipp
Survey - date completed: 2017-08-30
Sign keywords: Neon; Plastic; Backlit; Steel; Concrete; Roadside; Reader board; Back to back
Site address: 928 S Las Vegas Blvd
Sign owner: Vinod Soni and Gateway Motel Inc
Sign details: The Gateway Motel dates back to early 1930's and could be considered one of the earliest motels to pop up in Las Vegas. Before the name changed to Gateway Motel it was named as the Gateway Auto Court circa 1930-1946 it was known as the Gateway Auto Court. The first sign was built circa 1930's and their new remodeled sign which is still in use today was built circa 1950's. The 1950's sign was originally painted darker colors and had a larger graphic of a gate. The original 1930's sign has the streamline modern influence that was prominent in 1930's and 40's. The sign itself is a pole sign with a square structure at the top. The font Auto-Court is in pure neon with that fire-red hue; the font is placed in the middle to stand out the most. The word Gateway is on top of Auto-Court in black with black streamline lines surrounding the word. Underneath is a small wooden board hanging probably stating no vacancy. The background color of the square structure is in pure white and the pole is chrome.
Sign condition: The condition of the sign is a 3.5. Some of the neon is not working when it's turned on at night. The paint has some sun/UV damage since it looks faded. The reader board has a stained effect from sun damage.
Sign form: Pylon with three separate signs converged into one.
Sign-specific description: The sign is made out of glass, steel, plastic, and concrete. The color palette is light blue, white and a cream white. The sign is designed in separate sections. The white cream based portion is situated at the top with a gate and bridge illustrative design in glass tubes and neon. The gate itself lights up yellow with red on the side. The font Gateway is larger than the gate and is in the color white when lit up. Underneath the Gateway word is a subliminal directional arrow pointing towards the motel buildings This section is in the color sky blue with the word motel in massive white letters. Underneath the directional arrow is the reader board surrounded by the steel light blue border. The reader board states Free Wi-Fi and HBO. Underneath in the left corner is a small light blue board that states "no vacancy" in neon. These three separate signs are all connected like blocks with a concrete pillar structure holding up the sign. During the evening, the light blue paint is not shown and is just pure black with the neon illuminating the sign.
Sign - type of display: Neon and plastic back lit sign
Sign - media: Steel, plastic and concrete
Sign - non-neon treatments: Plastic back lit portion
Sign environment: This location is on the corner of Las Vegas Blvd and Charleston. This is right next to the original Dona Maria Tamales restaurant.
Sign - date of installation: Circa 1950's
Sign - date of redesign/move: From a 1930's streamline modern sign to a 1950's Mid-Century modern architectural roadside motel sign.
Sign - thematic influences: The sign is influenced by Mid-Century Modern roadside architecture, with the directional arrow as a staple in many motel roadside designs of the 1950's and 60's to accommodate the car consumer era.
Sign - artistic significance: One main trends of the 1950's designs with neon signs is using illustrative motifs with the inclusion of directional arrows to lend to the highway travelers an idea of where the property is located. To make sure these travelers don't miss the establishment in an empty road.
Survey - research locations: Assessor's Page, Roadside Architecture Website http://www.roadarch.com/signs/nvvegas.html , Neon Museum book Spectacular, Vintage Las Vegas http://vintagelasvegas.com/search/Gateway+Motel
Surveyor: Gisselle Tipp
Survey - date completed: 2017-08-30
Sign keywords: Neon; Plastic; Backlit; Steel; Concrete; Roadside; Reader board; Back to back
Mixed Content
Sierra Cyclesmith Bicycle Shop mounted sign, Reno, Nevada
Date
2021
Description
A mounted sign for Sierra Cyclesmith Bicycle Shop during the day with unlit neon.
7007 S Virginia St # A, Reno, NV 89511
Sierra Cyclesmith Bicycle Smith
Image
National Bowling Stadium wall mounted signs, Reno, Nevada
Date
2016 (year approximate) to 2020 (year approximate)
Description
View of the National Bowling Stadium wall mounted signs during the day with unlit neon.
300 N Center St, Reno, NV 89501
National Bowling Stadium
Image
Slide of the neon sign for the Keno Motel, Reno, Nevada, 1986
Date
1986
Description
A color image of the Googie-style neon sign for the Keno Motel in Reno. Site Name: Keno Motel (Reno, Nev.)
Image
Slide of the neon sign for the Uptown Motel, Reno, Nevada, 1986
Date
1986
Description
A color image of the neon sign for the Uptown Motel, lit up at night. Site Name: Uptown Motel (Reno, Nev.)
Image
Photograph of Therapy restaurant sign, Las Vegas (Nev.), June 28, 2017
Date
2017-06-28
2017-08-06
Description
The sign for Therapy sits at 518 Fremont Street in Downtown Las Vegas. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survey Data Sheet.
Site address: 518 Fremont St
Sign owner: Jared Weiss and Sig Rogich (Motion Corp)
Sign details: The building is from 1951, so within the restaurant there are exposed bricks and wood ceiling from the original building. Therapy restaurant opened in 2015 as a gastropub with Daniel Octiveas as the chef. Previous to turning into the Therapy restaurant this location held a Dollar Store.
Sign condition: 5, a newer sign still in very good condition
Sign form: Hanging sign and entrance sign
Sign-specific description: Pink lettering. The T is a solid print type font, then the rest of the letters are in cursive. There is a period at the end of the word Therapy. Each individual letter is in its own channeled block to contain the light for each letter. Also above their door there is a small black rectangular sign with the Therapy logo (same manufacturing style as the letters previously noted). There is a pink arrow starting from the farthest (from the entrance) top of the sign pointing towards the entrance. On this arrow there are sparking incandescent light bulbs.
Sign - type of display: Neon and Incandescent
Sign - media: Steel
Sign animation: Flasher for Incandescent light bulbs on the arrow to show the entrance of the property.
Sign environment: This property is in between 6th and Las Vegas Blvd. on the North side of Fremont St. This district in the past few years has shaped into its own creative and artsy area.
Sign manufacturer: Vision Signs
Sign designer: Gerrit Blok and Rob McGuire
Sign - date of installation: 2015 when the restaurant opened
Sign - thematic influences: The sign above the door has the arrow which was a popular trend in 1950s signs with the car consumer era, but also helps with the pedestrian traffic on Fremont St.
Sign - artistic significance: The simple yet beautiful cursive font shows that there is simplicity and elegance. Also the arrow above the entrance could be a hint of subliminal messaging, as well as a great direction indicator. The channeled letters shows how to capture illumination compared to skeletal Neon.
Survey - research locations: Therapy website http://www.therapylv.com/ , Las Vegas Weekly Article https://lasvegasweekly.com/dining/reviews/2015/aug/12/therapy-downtown-restaurant-review-fremont-east/ , Acessor's office, discussion with owner and contact with Vision signs
Survey - research notes: Eater Las Vegas (2015 article) shows cool pictures of the building being renovated. https://vegas.eater.com/2015/6/25/8845981/las-vegas-restaurants-therapy#5
Surveyor: Emily Fellmer
Survey - date completed: 2017-08-06
Sign keywords: Neon; Incandescent; Steel; Flashing; Hanging; Building-front design; Fascia; Cantilever construction
Site address: 518 Fremont St
Sign owner: Jared Weiss and Sig Rogich (Motion Corp)
Sign details: The building is from 1951, so within the restaurant there are exposed bricks and wood ceiling from the original building. Therapy restaurant opened in 2015 as a gastropub with Daniel Octiveas as the chef. Previous to turning into the Therapy restaurant this location held a Dollar Store.
Sign condition: 5, a newer sign still in very good condition
Sign form: Hanging sign and entrance sign
Sign-specific description: Pink lettering. The T is a solid print type font, then the rest of the letters are in cursive. There is a period at the end of the word Therapy. Each individual letter is in its own channeled block to contain the light for each letter. Also above their door there is a small black rectangular sign with the Therapy logo (same manufacturing style as the letters previously noted). There is a pink arrow starting from the farthest (from the entrance) top of the sign pointing towards the entrance. On this arrow there are sparking incandescent light bulbs.
Sign - type of display: Neon and Incandescent
Sign - media: Steel
Sign animation: Flasher for Incandescent light bulbs on the arrow to show the entrance of the property.
Sign environment: This property is in between 6th and Las Vegas Blvd. on the North side of Fremont St. This district in the past few years has shaped into its own creative and artsy area.
Sign manufacturer: Vision Signs
Sign designer: Gerrit Blok and Rob McGuire
Sign - date of installation: 2015 when the restaurant opened
Sign - thematic influences: The sign above the door has the arrow which was a popular trend in 1950s signs with the car consumer era, but also helps with the pedestrian traffic on Fremont St.
Sign - artistic significance: The simple yet beautiful cursive font shows that there is simplicity and elegance. Also the arrow above the entrance could be a hint of subliminal messaging, as well as a great direction indicator. The channeled letters shows how to capture illumination compared to skeletal Neon.
Survey - research locations: Therapy website http://www.therapylv.com/ , Las Vegas Weekly Article https://lasvegasweekly.com/dining/reviews/2015/aug/12/therapy-downtown-restaurant-review-fremont-east/ , Acessor's office, discussion with owner and contact with Vision signs
Survey - research notes: Eater Las Vegas (2015 article) shows cool pictures of the building being renovated. https://vegas.eater.com/2015/6/25/8845981/las-vegas-restaurants-therapy#5
Surveyor: Emily Fellmer
Survey - date completed: 2017-08-06
Sign keywords: Neon; Incandescent; Steel; Flashing; Hanging; Building-front design; Fascia; Cantilever construction
Mixed Content
Owl Motel double mounted sign, Reno, Nevada: photographic print
Date
1986
Description
Sign for the Owl Motel.
Image
Circus Circus wall signs, Reno, Nevada: photographic print
Date
1980 (year approximate) to 1989 (year approximate)
Description
Exterior views of the Circus Circus. Views include shots of the hotel and the clown sign.
500 N Sierra St, Reno, NV 89503
Image
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