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Film transparency of Fremont Street at night, Las Vegas, Nevada, July, 1949
Date
1949-05
Description
Fremont Street at night. Visible on the left side of the street are neon signs for the Golden Nugget Gambling Hall, Nugget Saloon, Frontier Club, The White Spot Cafe, Pioneer Club, The Monte Carlo Club, The Union Pacific Railroad station sign (in the background, right of center). Visible on the right side of the street are neon signs for the Vegas Club, Hotel Apache, and the Eldorado Club. The Golden Nugget opened in 1946, and is the first structure designed from the ground up to be a casino. Steve Wynn became the majority shareholder in 1973, and built the first tower in 1977. In 1984, the neon was removed from the building and the spa tower was built, along with the showroom. The third tower was opened in 1989. The hotel now has 2,419 rooms and suites. The casino's large hotel sign at its entrance off Fremont and Casino Center was removed in 1984 when the casino underwent renovations. The old sign presently sits at the YESCO (Young Electric Sign Company) sign yard.
Image
Photographs of Tam O'Shanter signs, Las Vegas (Nev.), 2002
Date
2002
Description
Daytime and nighttime views of the Tam O' Shanter motel signs on The Strip. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survey Data Sheet.
Site address: 3317 S Las Vegas Blvd
Sign details: The Tam O'Shanter's signage is situated on the face of the property, which faces west on the east side of the street. Ten square, internally lit cabinets spell each letter of the title of the name of the motel across the overhang of the front structure of the motel. The facade is incorporated with the front office, the drive back into the motel section, and two small vendors offering various gifts, trips, and tourist information.
Sign condition: Structure 3 Surface 2 Lighting 3
Sign form: Pylon; Fascia
Sign - type of display: Neon; Incandescent; Backlit
Sign - media: Steel; Plastic
Sign - non-neon treatments: Graphics; Paint
Sign animation: Chasing, flashing, oscillating
Sign manufacturer: YESCO
Surveyor: Joshua Cannaday
Survey - date completed: 2002
Sign keywords: Chasing; Flashing; Oscillating; Pylon; Fascia; Neon; Incandescent; Backlit; Steel; Plastic; Paint; Graphics
Site address: 3317 S Las Vegas Blvd
Sign details: The Tam O'Shanter's signage is situated on the face of the property, which faces west on the east side of the street. Ten square, internally lit cabinets spell each letter of the title of the name of the motel across the overhang of the front structure of the motel. The facade is incorporated with the front office, the drive back into the motel section, and two small vendors offering various gifts, trips, and tourist information.
Sign condition: Structure 3 Surface 2 Lighting 3
Sign form: Pylon; Fascia
Sign - type of display: Neon; Incandescent; Backlit
Sign - media: Steel; Plastic
Sign - non-neon treatments: Graphics; Paint
Sign animation: Chasing, flashing, oscillating
Sign manufacturer: YESCO
Surveyor: Joshua Cannaday
Survey - date completed: 2002
Sign keywords: Chasing; Flashing; Oscillating; Pylon; Fascia; Neon; Incandescent; Backlit; Steel; Plastic; Paint; Graphics
Mixed Content
Handwritten notes for the Horseshoe Club neon sign (Las Vegas), circa 1960s
Date
1960 to 1969
Description
Handwritten notes with details for the neon facade of the Horseshoe Club.
Site Name: Horseshoe Club
Address: 128 East Fremont Street
Image
Handwritten plan with measurements of neon tubing needed for Vegas Vic, 1951
Date
1951
Description
Document showing lengths of different colors of neon tubing needed for the Vegas Vic sign to be installed at the Pioneer Club in Las Vegas.
Site Name: Pioneer Club
Address: 25 East Fremont Street
Text
Stefani Evans oral history interview: transcript
Date
2017-11-21
Description
Oral history interview with Stefani Evans conducted by Claytee D. White and Barbara Tabach on November 21, 2017 for the Remembering 1 October Oral History Project. In this interview, Stefani Evans discusses how she moved to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1980 with her husband and her feelings associated with the city, especially after the 2017 Las Vegas mass shooting. She describes in detail how she found out about the traumatic event as well as her experience of waiting all day to donate blood on October 2, 2017, the day after the shooting. Mostly, Evans explains with emphasis the good of humanity that she witnessed during the aftermath of that tragedy.
Text
Arizona Charlie's Hotel and Casino Neon Survey document, August 18, 2017
Date
2017-08-18
Description
Information about the Arizona Charlie's Hotel and Casino sign that sits at 4575 Boulder Hwy.
Site address: 4575 Boulder Hwy
Sign owner: American Casino and Entertainment Properties LLC
Sign details: Currently Arizona Charlie's Boulder is owned by the Parent company American Casino and Entertainment Properties LLC. The original Arizona Charlie's on Decatur was first opened around the 1980's owned by Ernest Becker III and his three sons. These locations were named for Becker's uncle Charlie Meadows. The Becker family has had a long history of development and real estate. Arizona Charlie's Boulder opened in 2001.
Sign condition: 5 - looks new
Sign form: Super Pylon
Sign-specific description: Octagonal design. Effigy of a cowboy at its center in an oval plastic backlit sign. There is the words "Arizona Charlie's Boulder" in channeled neon letters. Underneath is a Reader Board with a LED video screen.
Sign - type of display: Neon, Incandescent, Plasma T.V. screen and reader board
Sign - media: Steel and plastic
Sign - non-neon treatments: LED plasma screen and Incandescents
Sign animation: Flasher for incandescent bulbs
Sign environment: A residential area surrounds the property, and adjacent to the main property is their own RV park.
Sign manufacturer: Possibly YESCO
Sign - date of installation: c. 2007
Sign - thematic influences: The Red and yellow/gold color scheme adds an old west and cowboy theme to the sign. The old West theme was very prominent in Las Vegas in the 1940's.
Survey - research locations: Assessor's Page, Arizona Charlie's Website
Survey - research notes: http://www.arizonacharliesboulder.com/?gclid=Cj0KEQjw9uHOBRDtz6CKke3z6ecBEiQAu0Jr3mlOR65dHh6OypoEF3LcYOCTWpwRltGP9Kh6YWjwBKgaApoi8P8HAQ
Surveyor: Wyatt Currie-Diamond
Survey - date completed: 2017-08-18
Sign keywords: Pylon; Neon; Incandescent; Steel; Plastic; Flashing; Reader board; Video screen
Site address: 4575 Boulder Hwy
Sign owner: American Casino and Entertainment Properties LLC
Sign details: Currently Arizona Charlie's Boulder is owned by the Parent company American Casino and Entertainment Properties LLC. The original Arizona Charlie's on Decatur was first opened around the 1980's owned by Ernest Becker III and his three sons. These locations were named for Becker's uncle Charlie Meadows. The Becker family has had a long history of development and real estate. Arizona Charlie's Boulder opened in 2001.
Sign condition: 5 - looks new
Sign form: Super Pylon
Sign-specific description: Octagonal design. Effigy of a cowboy at its center in an oval plastic backlit sign. There is the words "Arizona Charlie's Boulder" in channeled neon letters. Underneath is a Reader Board with a LED video screen.
Sign - type of display: Neon, Incandescent, Plasma T.V. screen and reader board
Sign - media: Steel and plastic
Sign - non-neon treatments: LED plasma screen and Incandescents
Sign animation: Flasher for incandescent bulbs
Sign environment: A residential area surrounds the property, and adjacent to the main property is their own RV park.
Sign manufacturer: Possibly YESCO
Sign - date of installation: c. 2007
Sign - thematic influences: The Red and yellow/gold color scheme adds an old west and cowboy theme to the sign. The old West theme was very prominent in Las Vegas in the 1940's.
Survey - research locations: Assessor's Page, Arizona Charlie's Website
Survey - research notes: http://www.arizonacharliesboulder.com/?gclid=Cj0KEQjw9uHOBRDtz6CKke3z6ecBEiQAu0Jr3mlOR65dHh6OypoEF3LcYOCTWpwRltGP9Kh6YWjwBKgaApoi8P8HAQ
Surveyor: Wyatt Currie-Diamond
Survey - date completed: 2017-08-18
Sign keywords: Pylon; Neon; Incandescent; Steel; Plastic; Flashing; Reader board; Video screen
Text
Lawless Center Neon Survey document, August 25, 2017
Date
2017-08-25
Description
Information about the Lawless Center sign that sits at 4100 E Lake Mead Blvd.
Site address: 4100 E Lake Mead Blvd
Sign owner: Patricia Van Buskirk
Sign details: This location opened 1962, and has been family owned since then. This is a shopping center where businesses within it have changed over the years.
Sign condition: Needs some retouching but in good shape, 4
Sign form: Pylon
Sign-specific description: This pylon contains a mid-century modern star at the top of it that is painted white with skeletal neon that also illuminates white. Though each corner of the star has an incandescent light bulb. Under this are two googie style shapes one rusty-red and the other is a teal blue. These shapes have white letters stating "Lawless Center" in a mid-century modern font. The first word illuminates blue and the second is red. Underneath is a plastic reader board but does not illuminate at night time.
Sign - type of display: Neon and incandescent
Sign - media: Steel
Sign - non-neon treatments: Plastic for reader board but does not illuminate at night
Sign environment: This location is on East Lake Mead in a residential area, but also has an auto body and paint store near it.
Sign manufacturer: YESCO
Sign designer: Brian "Buzz" Lemming
Sign - date of installation: 1963
Sign - thematic influences: In the Mid-century modern design, Atomic and space theming popular during the era.
Sign - artistic significance: According to Buzz Lemming it is designed after Sputnik, the star looking part on top.
Survey - research locations: Review Journal artricle https://www.reviewjournal.com/uncategorized/naming-las-vegas-lawless-center-history-a-mystery-worth-solving/ (all information from this article).
Surveyor: Wyatt Currie-Diamond
Survey - date completed: 2017-08-25
Sign keywords: Neon; Incandescent; Steel; Plastic; Reader board; Pole sign; Back to back
Site address: 4100 E Lake Mead Blvd
Sign owner: Patricia Van Buskirk
Sign details: This location opened 1962, and has been family owned since then. This is a shopping center where businesses within it have changed over the years.
Sign condition: Needs some retouching but in good shape, 4
Sign form: Pylon
Sign-specific description: This pylon contains a mid-century modern star at the top of it that is painted white with skeletal neon that also illuminates white. Though each corner of the star has an incandescent light bulb. Under this are two googie style shapes one rusty-red and the other is a teal blue. These shapes have white letters stating "Lawless Center" in a mid-century modern font. The first word illuminates blue and the second is red. Underneath is a plastic reader board but does not illuminate at night time.
Sign - type of display: Neon and incandescent
Sign - media: Steel
Sign - non-neon treatments: Plastic for reader board but does not illuminate at night
Sign environment: This location is on East Lake Mead in a residential area, but also has an auto body and paint store near it.
Sign manufacturer: YESCO
Sign designer: Brian "Buzz" Lemming
Sign - date of installation: 1963
Sign - thematic influences: In the Mid-century modern design, Atomic and space theming popular during the era.
Sign - artistic significance: According to Buzz Lemming it is designed after Sputnik, the star looking part on top.
Survey - research locations: Review Journal artricle https://www.reviewjournal.com/uncategorized/naming-las-vegas-lawless-center-history-a-mystery-worth-solving/ (all information from this article).
Surveyor: Wyatt Currie-Diamond
Survey - date completed: 2017-08-25
Sign keywords: Neon; Incandescent; Steel; Plastic; Reader board; Pole sign; Back to back
Text
Golden Nugget Hotel and Casino Neon Survey document, September 8, 2017
Date
2017-09-08
Description
Information about the Golden Nugget Hotel and Casino sign that sits at 129 E Fremont St.
Site name: Golden Nugget Hotel and Casino (Las Vegas, Nev.)
Site address: 129 E Fremont St
Sign owner: Landry's INC
Sign details: This location opened in 1946 by Guy McAfee, a vice captain with the LAPD. It was bought by Steve Wynn in 1973 and remodeled in 1984.
Sign condition: 5- their sign has stayed in good condition since its installation
Sign form: Architectural
Sign-specific description: Their original concept was an old west cowboy theme and design with a Gold rush inspiration. Steve Wynn remodeled for a modest, modern design to the building almost abandoning the original design and theme. Currently there are many logos of "GOLDEN NUGGET" channeled letters containing incandescent light bulbs that have some exterior skeletal neon surrounding the letters. There are also LED lights surrounding most of the top of the first floor of the building. Also above the entrances there is a satin-like metallic gold material.
Sign - type of display: Incandescent, LED and some neon
Sign - media: Steel
Sign - non-neon treatments: Metallic gold material above entrances
Sign animation: Flashing Incandescent light bulbs
Sign environment: Located Downtown Las Vegas in the hearth of the Fremont Street Experience, across from Binion's and the Four Queens.
Sign manufacturer: AD-ART(1988)
Sign - date of installation: 1988
Sign - date of redesign/move: Mid 1980's Steve Wynn remodeled from the YESCO Kermit Wayne 1961 design to the current facade is installed between 1984-87
Sign - thematic influences: The Gold coloring in the lights and the metallic section of the sign above their entrance showcase their modern twist on their old theme.
Survey - research locations: Ad Art contact, Charles Banard's The Magic Sign, Neon Museum tour outline , Vintage Vegas Website http://vintagelasvegas.com/search/Golden+Nugget
Surveyor: Wyatt Currie-Diamond
Survey - date completed: 2017-09-08
Sign keywords: Architectural; Incandescent; LED; Neon; Steel; Flashing
Site name: Golden Nugget Hotel and Casino (Las Vegas, Nev.)
Site address: 129 E Fremont St
Sign owner: Landry's INC
Sign details: This location opened in 1946 by Guy McAfee, a vice captain with the LAPD. It was bought by Steve Wynn in 1973 and remodeled in 1984.
Sign condition: 5- their sign has stayed in good condition since its installation
Sign form: Architectural
Sign-specific description: Their original concept was an old west cowboy theme and design with a Gold rush inspiration. Steve Wynn remodeled for a modest, modern design to the building almost abandoning the original design and theme. Currently there are many logos of "GOLDEN NUGGET" channeled letters containing incandescent light bulbs that have some exterior skeletal neon surrounding the letters. There are also LED lights surrounding most of the top of the first floor of the building. Also above the entrances there is a satin-like metallic gold material.
Sign - type of display: Incandescent, LED and some neon
Sign - media: Steel
Sign - non-neon treatments: Metallic gold material above entrances
Sign animation: Flashing Incandescent light bulbs
Sign environment: Located Downtown Las Vegas in the hearth of the Fremont Street Experience, across from Binion's and the Four Queens.
Sign manufacturer: AD-ART(1988)
Sign - date of installation: 1988
Sign - date of redesign/move: Mid 1980's Steve Wynn remodeled from the YESCO Kermit Wayne 1961 design to the current facade is installed between 1984-87
Sign - thematic influences: The Gold coloring in the lights and the metallic section of the sign above their entrance showcase their modern twist on their old theme.
Survey - research locations: Ad Art contact, Charles Banard's The Magic Sign, Neon Museum tour outline , Vintage Vegas Website http://vintagelasvegas.com/search/Golden+Nugget
Surveyor: Wyatt Currie-Diamond
Survey - date completed: 2017-09-08
Sign keywords: Architectural; Incandescent; LED; Neon; Steel; Flashing
Text
Photographs of Tourist Center signs, Las Vegas (Nev.), 2002
Date
2002
Description
Daytime views of signs for a Tourist Center, Mini-Mart, and Travelodge on the Strip. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survey Data Sheet.
Sign details: Continuing north, a tourist and information center as well as a mini mart are incorporated into the front of a low rise Travelodge. A small parking lot creates the space between the structure and the street. The light earth tone stucco facade has a small high rise wall behind it, which is treated with signage and graphically treated with paint.
Sign form: Fascia
Sign-specific description: To the north of the Polo Towers plaza, a small lot located next to the Travelodge houses the Tourist Information Center and Gift Shop. A long, back-lit message center runs the length of the west face of the building along the front edge of the low-rise building. It is divided into three sections: The first belonging to the T-shirt mini mart on the north end of the lot, another small section advertising for the same business, then the rest of the sign stretching north belongs to the Tourist Center. The first section is not back-lit yet retains the steel raceway which encloses the entire sign. This section has a stucco background with green channel letters reading "Souvenirs Mini-Mart," with green neon on the interior. The second section is separated by a vertical raceway lined with bulbs. This section advertises for prices of shirts in the shop. The third section, which belongs to the Tourist Center, is dominated by red text which reads "Tourist Center." A higher elevation building sits right behind the front building. Assorted graphics adorn the surface of the building advertising for free maps and discounts. A rounded back-lit cabinet with two sections sticking out from either side hangs on the west face of this higher elevation structure. "Tourist Information" is spelled in red text, and the word "center" below that in black text. Green neon runs along the width edge of the cabinet, as well as the edges of the actual elevation of the building which it is hung, and the painted text below.
Sign - type of display: Neon; Incandescent; Backlit
Sign - media: Steel; Plastic
Sign - non-neon treatments: Paint
Sign animation: Chasing
Sign manufacturer: YESCO
Sign - date of installation: 35274
Surveyor: Joshua Cannaday
Survey - date completed: 2002
Sign keywords: Chasing; Fascia; Neon; Incandescent; Backlit; Steel; Plastic; Paint
Sign details: Continuing north, a tourist and information center as well as a mini mart are incorporated into the front of a low rise Travelodge. A small parking lot creates the space between the structure and the street. The light earth tone stucco facade has a small high rise wall behind it, which is treated with signage and graphically treated with paint.
Sign form: Fascia
Sign-specific description: To the north of the Polo Towers plaza, a small lot located next to the Travelodge houses the Tourist Information Center and Gift Shop. A long, back-lit message center runs the length of the west face of the building along the front edge of the low-rise building. It is divided into three sections: The first belonging to the T-shirt mini mart on the north end of the lot, another small section advertising for the same business, then the rest of the sign stretching north belongs to the Tourist Center. The first section is not back-lit yet retains the steel raceway which encloses the entire sign. This section has a stucco background with green channel letters reading "Souvenirs Mini-Mart," with green neon on the interior. The second section is separated by a vertical raceway lined with bulbs. This section advertises for prices of shirts in the shop. The third section, which belongs to the Tourist Center, is dominated by red text which reads "Tourist Center." A higher elevation building sits right behind the front building. Assorted graphics adorn the surface of the building advertising for free maps and discounts. A rounded back-lit cabinet with two sections sticking out from either side hangs on the west face of this higher elevation structure. "Tourist Information" is spelled in red text, and the word "center" below that in black text. Green neon runs along the width edge of the cabinet, as well as the edges of the actual elevation of the building which it is hung, and the painted text below.
Sign - type of display: Neon; Incandescent; Backlit
Sign - media: Steel; Plastic
Sign - non-neon treatments: Paint
Sign animation: Chasing
Sign manufacturer: YESCO
Sign - date of installation: 35274
Surveyor: Joshua Cannaday
Survey - date completed: 2002
Sign keywords: Chasing; Fascia; Neon; Incandescent; Backlit; Steel; Plastic; Paint
Mixed Content
Photographs of Palace Station sign, Las Vegas (Nev.), April 5, 2017
Date
2017-04-05
2017-09-10
Description
The Palace Station Hotel and Casino sign sits at 2411 West Sahara Avenue. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survey Data Sheet.
Site address: 2411 W Sahara Ave
Sign owner: Palace Station
Sign details: Founded by Frank Fertitta III, was originally Bingo Palace in 1976 but was changed to Palace Station
Sign condition: 4 - some broken lights on the sign but for the most part seems in great condition. Owners unsure if keeping the sign or replacing it with a new one during 2017 remodel of property
Sign form: back to back pylon
Sign-specific description: Double sided pylon road side sign, word "PALACE STATION HOTEL CASINO" In red encasement stuck to the front of a minimalistic image of a train, the word "BINGO" underneath the train front. Skeleton Neon is used to accentuate the features of the train and the lettering on the sign.
Sign - type of display: Neon and incandescent
Sign - media: Steel, Plastic
Sign animation: Chasers around "PALACE STATION HOTEL CASINO" and "BINGO" boxes and the neon in the boxes turn off then fill in from both sides until full again
Sign environment: Property is near the I-15, by local businesses and some residential
Sign - date of installation: c. 1983
Sign - thematic influences: Seeking to avoid the western theme popular among casinos at the time, Fertitta chose trains. Worried that the name Bingo Palace didn't highlight the full-range of gaming and amenities on offer at the expanded casino, Fertitta held an open contest to rename the casino later that year. More than 26,000 entries were received over three weeks. Las Vegas resident Claire Jarvis won as Palace Station touched on the new train theme while keeping part of the original name. - Las Vegas Review Journal
Sign - artistic significance: Owner Frank Ferttitta Jr held a contest for the casinos new theme and the "train station" theme was the favorite out of the entries.
Survey - research locations: UNLV Special Collections, Las Vegas Sun, YESCO, Review Journal
Surveyor: Danny Jacobs
Survey - date completed: 2017-09-10
Sign keywords: Pylon; Neon; Incandescent; Steel; Chasing; Back to back; Roadside; Video screen; Reader board
Site address: 2411 W Sahara Ave
Sign owner: Palace Station
Sign details: Founded by Frank Fertitta III, was originally Bingo Palace in 1976 but was changed to Palace Station
Sign condition: 4 - some broken lights on the sign but for the most part seems in great condition. Owners unsure if keeping the sign or replacing it with a new one during 2017 remodel of property
Sign form: back to back pylon
Sign-specific description: Double sided pylon road side sign, word "PALACE STATION HOTEL CASINO" In red encasement stuck to the front of a minimalistic image of a train, the word "BINGO" underneath the train front. Skeleton Neon is used to accentuate the features of the train and the lettering on the sign.
Sign - type of display: Neon and incandescent
Sign - media: Steel, Plastic
Sign animation: Chasers around "PALACE STATION HOTEL CASINO" and "BINGO" boxes and the neon in the boxes turn off then fill in from both sides until full again
Sign environment: Property is near the I-15, by local businesses and some residential
Sign - date of installation: c. 1983
Sign - thematic influences: Seeking to avoid the western theme popular among casinos at the time, Fertitta chose trains. Worried that the name Bingo Palace didn't highlight the full-range of gaming and amenities on offer at the expanded casino, Fertitta held an open contest to rename the casino later that year. More than 26,000 entries were received over three weeks. Las Vegas resident Claire Jarvis won as Palace Station touched on the new train theme while keeping part of the original name. - Las Vegas Review Journal
Sign - artistic significance: Owner Frank Ferttitta Jr held a contest for the casinos new theme and the "train station" theme was the favorite out of the entries.
Survey - research locations: UNLV Special Collections, Las Vegas Sun, YESCO, Review Journal
Surveyor: Danny Jacobs
Survey - date completed: 2017-09-10
Sign keywords: Pylon; Neon; Incandescent; Steel; Chasing; Back to back; Roadside; Video screen; Reader board
Mixed Content
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