Search Results
Transcript of interview with J.W. Campbell by Raymond Haft, February 19, 1979
Date
1979-02-19
Description
On February 19, 1979, Raymond Haft interviewed his friend, J. W. Campbell (born June 13, 1918 in Pioche, Nevada). This interview covers the history of Nevada, including Mr. Campbell’s personal history and the growth of Nevada, overall. Mr. Campbell discusses the Stewart Ranch, the Mormon Fort, swimming pools in Las Vegas, and the above ground atomic tests. He also recalls the crash of Carole Lombard’s plane and the building of the Basic Magnesium Plant in Henderson. Mr. Campbell calls Las Vegas a “One industry town,” stating that gambling (and tourism) are the main and major factors in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Text
Photographs of Candlelight Wedding Chapel sign, Las Vegas (Nev.), 2002
Date
2002
Archival Collection
Description
Daytime and nighttime views of the Candlelight Wedding Chapel sign. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survey Data Sheet.
Site address: 800 S 4th Street
Sign details: The Candlelight Wedding chapel is located on the corner, just north from the Riviera and in the same parking lot as The Algiers. The small white, wooden roofed structure sits just to the east of the street and the northern side butts against Stardust Rd . Outside, the corner is treated with grass, and landscaping, creating a pleasant environment to go along with the charm of the building as well. The low level pole sign faces north/west. The building has a small wooden cross, surrounded on the edges with white neon, on the top of the building, in the same fashion as the Little Church of the West. The style of the building is classic New England architecture
Sign condition: Structure 4 Surface 3 Lighting 3
Sign form: Pylon
Sign-specific description: The main sign for the candlelight wedding chapel is essentially a small pole sign with three separate sections of cabinets along with lighting elements. The white steel pole rises out of the ground ,before transforming into a large two sided marquee cabinet. The cabinet is crafted with sculptural elements into its outer edge. The four corners swell up and bulge, before slightly swooping inward. The top and bottom edges are climaxed into a shallow point. The sides sweep into the notch of a negative circular shape. The sides are given a scroll type feel. In two lines across the red face of the sign, Wedding Chapel is spelled is white text, occupying most of the space of the cabinet. Across the very bottom of the cabinet Wedding Information is spelled in an all white single row of text. The larger text is lined with incandescent bulbs and outlined in neon. The bottom line of text is just lined in neon. The pole protrudes through the top of the sign where a small horizontal, internally lit cabinet, sports sculpted edges as well. The top and bottom edges sweep from either side, then descend meeting at a point in the center. The sides are simply concave, radiuses inward. The white cabinet is lit internally, illuminating the white plastic face. Black text stretches across the plastic face, reading candlelight. Below the main cabinet two internally lit cabinet sandwich the pole, creating two faces. The cabinets are all white, with white faces, utilizing red letters. At the very top of the pole is a tree tiered formation created with raceways and lined with incandescent bulbs. One raceway rises vertically into the air perpendicular to the ground, while the two flanking pieces arch out created a three-pieced fountain shape. It is also reminiscent of a Fleur de Lis.
Sign - type of display: Neon; Incandescent; Backlit
Sign - media: Steel; Plastic
Sign animation: none
Sign environment: The positioning of the Candlelight Wedding chapel gives it a unique role as an accent of softness, among a bombardment of neon and pulsating lights. Just to the North, is the Algiers parking lot, and to the south, the Riviera. Directly west across the strip there is the ever electric Circus Circus. Amid all this chaos of incandescence, screeching cabs, and buzzing current, the green shrubbery and plot of turf finely houses the pylon, and leads up to the structure itself. It is very charming and fresh compared to. It definitely is reminiscent of the era of establishment such as its neighbor the Algiers.
Sign manufacturer: YESCO
Sign - thematic influences: The theme of the sign has little to do with the theme of the wedding chapel, and more so to do with the architectural theme, than the function of the establishment. The pole sign contains standard elements of local signage. The logo cabinet, and internally lit message center. It even contains the most common element of a raceway lined with incandescent bulbs. The sculpted edges of the pylon's logo cabinet are reminiscent of other cabinets with sculpted edges. The most famous reference to this shape seen in classic Vegas history, is the original corner fascia seen on the Golden Nugget. As far as being compared to the only other existing independent wedding chapel, its structure is similar, that being a small structure boasting a highly visible steeple.
Surveyor: Joshua Cannaday
Survey - date completed: 2002
Sign keywords: Pylon; Neon; Incandescent; Backlit; Steel; Plastic
Site address: 800 S 4th Street
Sign details: The Candlelight Wedding chapel is located on the corner, just north from the Riviera and in the same parking lot as The Algiers. The small white, wooden roofed structure sits just to the east of the street and the northern side butts against Stardust Rd . Outside, the corner is treated with grass, and landscaping, creating a pleasant environment to go along with the charm of the building as well. The low level pole sign faces north/west. The building has a small wooden cross, surrounded on the edges with white neon, on the top of the building, in the same fashion as the Little Church of the West. The style of the building is classic New England architecture
Sign condition: Structure 4 Surface 3 Lighting 3
Sign form: Pylon
Sign-specific description: The main sign for the candlelight wedding chapel is essentially a small pole sign with three separate sections of cabinets along with lighting elements. The white steel pole rises out of the ground ,before transforming into a large two sided marquee cabinet. The cabinet is crafted with sculptural elements into its outer edge. The four corners swell up and bulge, before slightly swooping inward. The top and bottom edges are climaxed into a shallow point. The sides sweep into the notch of a negative circular shape. The sides are given a scroll type feel. In two lines across the red face of the sign, Wedding Chapel is spelled is white text, occupying most of the space of the cabinet. Across the very bottom of the cabinet Wedding Information is spelled in an all white single row of text. The larger text is lined with incandescent bulbs and outlined in neon. The bottom line of text is just lined in neon. The pole protrudes through the top of the sign where a small horizontal, internally lit cabinet, sports sculpted edges as well. The top and bottom edges sweep from either side, then descend meeting at a point in the center. The sides are simply concave, radiuses inward. The white cabinet is lit internally, illuminating the white plastic face. Black text stretches across the plastic face, reading candlelight. Below the main cabinet two internally lit cabinet sandwich the pole, creating two faces. The cabinets are all white, with white faces, utilizing red letters. At the very top of the pole is a tree tiered formation created with raceways and lined with incandescent bulbs. One raceway rises vertically into the air perpendicular to the ground, while the two flanking pieces arch out created a three-pieced fountain shape. It is also reminiscent of a Fleur de Lis.
Sign - type of display: Neon; Incandescent; Backlit
Sign - media: Steel; Plastic
Sign animation: none
Sign environment: The positioning of the Candlelight Wedding chapel gives it a unique role as an accent of softness, among a bombardment of neon and pulsating lights. Just to the North, is the Algiers parking lot, and to the south, the Riviera. Directly west across the strip there is the ever electric Circus Circus. Amid all this chaos of incandescence, screeching cabs, and buzzing current, the green shrubbery and plot of turf finely houses the pylon, and leads up to the structure itself. It is very charming and fresh compared to. It definitely is reminiscent of the era of establishment such as its neighbor the Algiers.
Sign manufacturer: YESCO
Sign - thematic influences: The theme of the sign has little to do with the theme of the wedding chapel, and more so to do with the architectural theme, than the function of the establishment. The pole sign contains standard elements of local signage. The logo cabinet, and internally lit message center. It even contains the most common element of a raceway lined with incandescent bulbs. The sculpted edges of the pylon's logo cabinet are reminiscent of other cabinets with sculpted edges. The most famous reference to this shape seen in classic Vegas history, is the original corner fascia seen on the Golden Nugget. As far as being compared to the only other existing independent wedding chapel, its structure is similar, that being a small structure boasting a highly visible steeple.
Surveyor: Joshua Cannaday
Survey - date completed: 2002
Sign keywords: Pylon; Neon; Incandescent; Backlit; Steel; Plastic
Mixed Content
Photographs of Maxim signs, Las Vegas (Nev.), 2002
Date
2002
Archival Collection
Description
Daytime views of the Maxim Hotel and Casino signs. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survey Data Sheet.
Site address: 160 E Flamingo Rd
Sign owner: Premier Interval Resorts
Sign details: The Maxim is located just east of the Bourbon Street, in close proximity to Bally's Hotel Casino. The Maxim is no longer operating, and is fenced off from further inspection. The signage that is seen entails building signs, the original pylon, and the porte cochere
Sign condition: Structure 2 Surface 2
Sign form: Pylon; Fascia; Porte-cochère
Sign-specific description: Building: The tower itself contains the logo and giant text spelling the name of the establishment, on one side of the building. The tower is mirrored and reflective, thus matching the porte cochere and pylon, and reserves to collect its building signage to one end of the tower. The tower, which runs east/west, and faces north/south contains the signs on the east end structure. On the north and south faces of the building, giant red channel letters run vertically along the block surface. The letters look to be lined on the interior of the letters with neon. The logo can be seen on the east face. Pylon: The pylon sign is essentially a giant vertical monolith of a rectangle, divided into several different sub-shapes. The center of the monolith is occupied by cabinets which fill in most of the shape, with a small gap bordering the cabinet. The cabinets are treated the same as the square arch, and flush with the surface. The cabinets are very subtle and create an illusion of one solid object. The entire outer arch shape and interior cabinets are bordered with polished aluminum. The interiors surface of the arch are covered in polished gold aluminum panels. The lining of the incandescent bulbs on the sign is interesting. On the arch the incandescent bulbs are on the interior return width of the aluminum borders. With this configuration, the bulbs sit parallel to the surface instead of perpendicular. The main marquee text is aligned horizontally across the top in gold channel letters with red plastic faces. The letters blend with the gold surface nicely. The interior cabinets are internally lit with plastic faces. There are two cabinets, the larger of the two, occupying the upper part the interior space of the monolith. Incandescent bulbs line the exteriors of the cabinets, sitting back on a recessed edge. Porte Cochere: The porte cochere is unique, opting to rise high above the surface of the pavement. The prismatic design crafted in polished aluminum, interlocks into a pattern suitable to the space which it resides. The recesses in which the decoration resides are separated by a small width of structure. This pattern of giant recesses, matched with the prismatic design in each negative space create a hulking environment high above the head in proud stature. Along the peak edge of the pieces of the prism, rods protrude every foot or so, creating a row of arms holding incandescent spheres.
Sign - type of display: Neon; Incandescent
Sign - media: Steel; Plastic
Sign - non-neon treatments: Graphics; Paint
Sign animation: chasing, flashing
Sign environment: The Maxim is now closed, and stands in marked contrast to its neighbors a bit to the east--the famous "Four Corners" of Flamingo and the Strip, and next to the trendy Meridian at Hughes Center apartment complex.
Sign designer: Maxim letter design: Kenneth Young, Porte Cochere; Lighting: Jack Dubois Pylon sign: Marnell Corrao
Sign - date of installation: 1977
Sign - thematic influences: The influence of the Maxim hotel was 70's Vegas design refined to simple geometric forms and curved linear logo's. The pylon was completely sheathed in polished aluminum, as well as the underside of the porte cochere being polished gold aluminum. The use of the popular 70's material is used extensively throughout the design. Letters hung over the main entrance, as well as signage on three sides of the building. Other examples of the material can be seen elsewhere but not as extensively. The only property that comes close is the pylon for usage of the material is the Westward Ho.
Surveyor: Joshua Cannaday
Survey - date completed: 2002
Sign keywords: Chasing; Flashing; Pylon; Fascia; Porte-cochère; Neon; Incandescent; Steel; Plastic; Graphics; Paint
Site address: 160 E Flamingo Rd
Sign owner: Premier Interval Resorts
Sign details: The Maxim is located just east of the Bourbon Street, in close proximity to Bally's Hotel Casino. The Maxim is no longer operating, and is fenced off from further inspection. The signage that is seen entails building signs, the original pylon, and the porte cochere
Sign condition: Structure 2 Surface 2
Sign form: Pylon; Fascia; Porte-cochère
Sign-specific description: Building: The tower itself contains the logo and giant text spelling the name of the establishment, on one side of the building. The tower is mirrored and reflective, thus matching the porte cochere and pylon, and reserves to collect its building signage to one end of the tower. The tower, which runs east/west, and faces north/south contains the signs on the east end structure. On the north and south faces of the building, giant red channel letters run vertically along the block surface. The letters look to be lined on the interior of the letters with neon. The logo can be seen on the east face. Pylon: The pylon sign is essentially a giant vertical monolith of a rectangle, divided into several different sub-shapes. The center of the monolith is occupied by cabinets which fill in most of the shape, with a small gap bordering the cabinet. The cabinets are treated the same as the square arch, and flush with the surface. The cabinets are very subtle and create an illusion of one solid object. The entire outer arch shape and interior cabinets are bordered with polished aluminum. The interiors surface of the arch are covered in polished gold aluminum panels. The lining of the incandescent bulbs on the sign is interesting. On the arch the incandescent bulbs are on the interior return width of the aluminum borders. With this configuration, the bulbs sit parallel to the surface instead of perpendicular. The main marquee text is aligned horizontally across the top in gold channel letters with red plastic faces. The letters blend with the gold surface nicely. The interior cabinets are internally lit with plastic faces. There are two cabinets, the larger of the two, occupying the upper part the interior space of the monolith. Incandescent bulbs line the exteriors of the cabinets, sitting back on a recessed edge. Porte Cochere: The porte cochere is unique, opting to rise high above the surface of the pavement. The prismatic design crafted in polished aluminum, interlocks into a pattern suitable to the space which it resides. The recesses in which the decoration resides are separated by a small width of structure. This pattern of giant recesses, matched with the prismatic design in each negative space create a hulking environment high above the head in proud stature. Along the peak edge of the pieces of the prism, rods protrude every foot or so, creating a row of arms holding incandescent spheres.
Sign - type of display: Neon; Incandescent
Sign - media: Steel; Plastic
Sign - non-neon treatments: Graphics; Paint
Sign animation: chasing, flashing
Sign environment: The Maxim is now closed, and stands in marked contrast to its neighbors a bit to the east--the famous "Four Corners" of Flamingo and the Strip, and next to the trendy Meridian at Hughes Center apartment complex.
Sign designer: Maxim letter design: Kenneth Young, Porte Cochere; Lighting: Jack Dubois Pylon sign: Marnell Corrao
Sign - date of installation: 1977
Sign - thematic influences: The influence of the Maxim hotel was 70's Vegas design refined to simple geometric forms and curved linear logo's. The pylon was completely sheathed in polished aluminum, as well as the underside of the porte cochere being polished gold aluminum. The use of the popular 70's material is used extensively throughout the design. Letters hung over the main entrance, as well as signage on three sides of the building. Other examples of the material can be seen elsewhere but not as extensively. The only property that comes close is the pylon for usage of the material is the Westward Ho.
Surveyor: Joshua Cannaday
Survey - date completed: 2002
Sign keywords: Chasing; Flashing; Pylon; Fascia; Porte-cochère; Neon; Incandescent; Steel; Plastic; Graphics; Paint
Mixed Content
Photographs of McCarran Field signs, Las Vegas (Nev.), 2002
Date
2002
2017-09-08
Archival Collection
Description
Photos show McCarran Field signs during the day. Two surveys were conducted to gather information about this sign. One was conducted in 2002 and one was conducted in 2017. PDFs are available for both surveys. See the 2017 survey PDF for additional information that is not included in the object description.
Site address: 6005 S Las Vegas Blvd
Sign owner: McCarran International Airport
Sign details: On the south end of the Strip, the very last sign on the east side before you arrive at Sunset Blvd Facing West the two stone pylons are set approximately fifty feet off of the street at the end of a dual-lane stretch of pavement separated by an island of grass. The banner marquis between the two pylons stretches over this area of grass.
Sign condition: Structure 3 Surface 3 Lighting 4 Notes: The surface of the pylon is in good shape considering its age and its environmental condition. It is essentially left to fend for itself against the elements, being in the flat expanse of an airfield. The stone, plaques, and paint treatment are all badly worn, with the stone pylons, appearing the least worn.
Sign form: Pylon
Sign-specific description: The original McCarran Air Field entrance is constructed of two masonry pylons sit on an island of grass, and serve as an entrance to the private Hughes executive airport terminal. Each individual tower is adorned with a propeller attached to the front and the representation of a bird's wing crowning the tops Both facets are constructed of steel. When facing the structures the left has a plaque on the bottom section with the inscription "1948" while the one on the right reads "Las Vegas". Between the two pylons a stretch of text in white channel letters and white neon, large text in the old "Frontier style text reads McCarran Airport. The signage sits independently on top of a sturdy connecting steel cabinet, which supports the words "executive terminal" in smaller channel letters, with white neon. The cabinet is a painted blue horizontal plane tapering wider on either end in rounded profile patterns. The wings are outlined in pink neon, while the propellers are outlined in rose neon with a circle of white in the middle.
Sign - type of display: Neon
Sign - media: Masonry
Sign - non-neon treatments: Paint
Sign animation: none
Sign environment: The surrounding area is rather dark due to the wide expanse of the airfield which stretches out behind the sign. It truly is a last marker for the end of the Strip, and stands alone. Even though it is in close proximity to the major strip resorts of the Four Seasons as well as the Mandalay Bay and various small roadside hotels, it seems to stand in solitude.
Sign - date of installation: 1948
Sign - date of redesign/move: The blue banner of steel and white letters was added after its initial construction.
Sign - thematic influences: The masonry pylons are constructed in an adobe style masonry reminiscent of the desert landscape surroundings. Designed for the airport, the appendages stem obviously around the theme of flight. This may be denoted from the propeller and the wing. The juxtaposition of the two elements, one being the method of flight in nature and the other man made, serves as a reminder of mans fascination with flight. The added banner's text is in the pioneer fashion of the original Last Frontier.
Sign - artistic significance: Opened in 1948, the sign was intended for use as a marker for the endpoint of the Strip. " It was part of the city's expanding policy creating a jet-scale entrance for the city," Jorg Rudemer from Lost Las Vegas. Artistic significance also lies in the combination of materials using masonry, steel and, neon. The piece successfully combined these elements to provide an architecturally solid design by day, which was cohesive with its surrounding landscape. A metamorphosis takes place at night as the sign is transformed into a glowing specter of its daytime counterpart. The surrounding area is rather dark as the pylon rises up out of the darkness as a neon marker for the property. The illuminated wing and propeller stand out as the significant and successful partners in the world of flight.
Surveyor: Joshua Cannaday
Survey - date completed: 2002
Sign keywords: Pylon; Neon; Masonry; Paint
Site address: 6005 S Las Vegas Blvd
Sign owner: McCarran International Airport
Sign details: On the south end of the Strip, the very last sign on the east side before you arrive at Sunset Blvd Facing West the two stone pylons are set approximately fifty feet off of the street at the end of a dual-lane stretch of pavement separated by an island of grass. The banner marquis between the two pylons stretches over this area of grass.
Sign condition: Structure 3 Surface 3 Lighting 4 Notes: The surface of the pylon is in good shape considering its age and its environmental condition. It is essentially left to fend for itself against the elements, being in the flat expanse of an airfield. The stone, plaques, and paint treatment are all badly worn, with the stone pylons, appearing the least worn.
Sign form: Pylon
Sign-specific description: The original McCarran Air Field entrance is constructed of two masonry pylons sit on an island of grass, and serve as an entrance to the private Hughes executive airport terminal. Each individual tower is adorned with a propeller attached to the front and the representation of a bird's wing crowning the tops Both facets are constructed of steel. When facing the structures the left has a plaque on the bottom section with the inscription "1948" while the one on the right reads "Las Vegas". Between the two pylons a stretch of text in white channel letters and white neon, large text in the old "Frontier style text reads McCarran Airport. The signage sits independently on top of a sturdy connecting steel cabinet, which supports the words "executive terminal" in smaller channel letters, with white neon. The cabinet is a painted blue horizontal plane tapering wider on either end in rounded profile patterns. The wings are outlined in pink neon, while the propellers are outlined in rose neon with a circle of white in the middle.
Sign - type of display: Neon
Sign - media: Masonry
Sign - non-neon treatments: Paint
Sign animation: none
Sign environment: The surrounding area is rather dark due to the wide expanse of the airfield which stretches out behind the sign. It truly is a last marker for the end of the Strip, and stands alone. Even though it is in close proximity to the major strip resorts of the Four Seasons as well as the Mandalay Bay and various small roadside hotels, it seems to stand in solitude.
Sign - date of installation: 1948
Sign - date of redesign/move: The blue banner of steel and white letters was added after its initial construction.
Sign - thematic influences: The masonry pylons are constructed in an adobe style masonry reminiscent of the desert landscape surroundings. Designed for the airport, the appendages stem obviously around the theme of flight. This may be denoted from the propeller and the wing. The juxtaposition of the two elements, one being the method of flight in nature and the other man made, serves as a reminder of mans fascination with flight. The added banner's text is in the pioneer fashion of the original Last Frontier.
Sign - artistic significance: Opened in 1948, the sign was intended for use as a marker for the endpoint of the Strip. " It was part of the city's expanding policy creating a jet-scale entrance for the city," Jorg Rudemer from Lost Las Vegas. Artistic significance also lies in the combination of materials using masonry, steel and, neon. The piece successfully combined these elements to provide an architecturally solid design by day, which was cohesive with its surrounding landscape. A metamorphosis takes place at night as the sign is transformed into a glowing specter of its daytime counterpart. The surrounding area is rather dark as the pylon rises up out of the darkness as a neon marker for the property. The illuminated wing and propeller stand out as the significant and successful partners in the world of flight.
Surveyor: Joshua Cannaday
Survey - date completed: 2002
Sign keywords: Pylon; Neon; Masonry; Paint
Mixed Content
Photographs of Trader Bills sign, Las Vegas (Nev.), April 18, 2017
Date
2017-04-18
2017-08-14
Archival Collection
Description
The Trader Bills gift shop-turned-motorcycle shop sits at 328 Fremont Street inside the Fremont Street Experience. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survey Sheet.
Site address: 328 Fremont St
Sign owner: Marshall Family, LP
Sign details: The current building was constructed in 1943 (Assessor). Trader Bill's was a Western style leather and gift shop (RoadsideArch.com). The business has been located downtown at least since the 1930's or 1940's (UNLV digital photo collection) but possibly longer (Shemeligian, 1997). The store moved to its present location by the 1950's (RoadsideArch.com). It later became the Jewelry Outpost and Las Vegas Harley-Davidson (Shemeligian).
Sign condition: Condition 3-4. Cabinet and lights are in good condition. The paint on the street side of the sign is extremely faded.
Sign form: Blade
Sign-specific description: The metal cabinet is shaped like an upside down "L" which points toward the building. The cabinet is painted red. On the side of the sign facing Las Vegas Boulevard the paint has faded almost completely to reveal the earlier blue paint. An arrow-shaped metal cabinet runs along the Fremont Street side of the sign. The sides of the arrow are painted yellow. Three rows of yellow incandescent light bulbs cover the shaft of the arrow and nine rows cover the feathers and head. "Trader" is spelled out in yellow san serif channel letters which run horizontally across the top of the sign. The interiors of the letters are outlined in white neon tubing. "BILLS" (no apostrophe) runs vertically down the sign in the same channel lettering. Rungs run along the spine of the sign and what appears to be a ladder is located under "Trader" at the top of the sign. A plaque on the back of the arrowhead near the last "S" in "BILLS" has a YESCO logo and states "THIS SIGN IS THE PROPERTY OF THE YOUNG ELECTRIC SIGN COMPANY-{illegible] 876-8080
Sign - type of display: Neon and incandescent
Sign - media: Steel
Sign - non-neon treatments: Incandescent
Sign environment: This location is in the Fremont Street Experience on the corner of Fremont street and Fourth Street. It is across the street from Neonopolis and surrounded by other gift shops.
Sign manufacturer: It has the YESCO logo and states that it is the property of YESCO though it is not confirmed if they manufactured it.
Sign - date of installation: Circa 1960's
Sign - date of redesign/move: The sign is probably from the 1960's (Roadside Architecture). A photograph circa 1960 shows the sign painted dark blue with yellow letters (Classic Las Vegas, n.d.). A photograph from 1991 shows the color scheme unchanged (Classic Las Vegas). The sign was painted its current red color by 2006 (RoadsideArch.com).
Sign - thematic influences: The building is Western style brick and weeping mortar.
Survey - research locations: Clark County Assessor Classic Las Vegas. (n.d.). A brief history of Fremont Street, North side of the street, Third to Fourth. Retrieved from http://classiclasvegas.squarespace.com/downtown-history/2007/5/3/a-brief-history-of-fremont-street-cont.html RoadsideArcitecture. Las vegas Signs, Trader Bill's. Retrieved from http://www.roadarch.com/signs/nvvegas3.html Shemeligian, B. (1997 June 19). Landmark downtown shop changes focus. Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved from https://lasvegassun.com/news/1997/jun/09/landmark-downtown-shop-changes-focus/ UNLV Digital Collections. (n.d.). Film transparency showing Trader Bill's souvenir shop in Las Vegas, circa 1930s-1940s. Retrieved from http://n2t.net/ark:/62930/d1nk2c
Surveyor: Mitchell Cohen
Survey - date completed: 2017-08-14
Sign keywords: Blade; Neon; Incandescent; Steel
Mixed Content
Photographs of Fun City Motel, Las Vegas (Nev.), March 1, 2017
Date
2017-03-01
2017-08-30
Archival Collection
Description
The Fun City Motel sits at 2233 South Las Vegas Boulevard. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survey Data Sheet.
Site address: 2233 S Las Vegas Blvd
Sign owner: Rick Trusdell and Chetak Development Corporation
Sign details: Originally the Glenn Vegas Motel in early 50's then the sign was reused for Holiday Motel in 1960's and later to the Fun City Motel circa 1970's to current.
Sign condition: This is rated a 2 since the structure is in semi-salvage condition. No treatment seems to have been done. The damage from the sun has left the bright red hue into a grayish purple color. Part of the neon lettering from Fun City is not in working condition.
Sign form: Pole
Sign-specific description: The Fun City Motel sign was installed in 1952. However, the sign has been used in other properties before it became the Fun City Motel. The Sign was first used for the Glenn Motel circa 1950's with a western theme. The reason why the Fun City Motel doesn't resemble Googie influence is because the original funky curvilinear shape was designed to be a peanut. The Glenn Vegas Motel sign included an illustrated rodeo cowgirl holding a looped rope towards the left end of the sign. In the middle top of the sign is a woman diver; towards the bottom of the sign is an outline of a pool with the word swimming pool in the middle. The peanut shape is painted black. In-between all the designs; in large letters Glenn Vegas Motel is written in white with the female diver drawing separating the two words. Underneath the peanut shaped structure is a rectangular sign held by two hooks on each sign with the word motel. The entire structure itself is held by two steel poles with a blue incandescent directional squiggly arrow facing downwards. The Holiday Motel version changed from the black background to a brilliant red with white large neon letters reading Holiday. The sign removed all implication of the western theme and changed the squiggly directional arrow from light blue to a silver hue. There were two additions to the sign; the first is the word motel vertically connected to the side of the directional arrow and second is a circular structure in white and yellow. Later with the Fun City Motel sign there wasn't much change from Holiday Motel. The only significant change was the name of the establishment. The fun city lettering lights up in multiple colors like the rainbow at night. And the two poles that hold up the structure were painted to black. Today the sign itself has lost all its brilliant red hue and is now a gray color from over sun exposure and no maintenance done to the sign. The directional incandescent arrow is still bright yellow.
Sign - type of display: Neon and incandescent
Sign - media: Steel and fiber glass
Sign animation: Chasers for the incandescent directional arrow. The circular structure on the tops of the curvilinear shape have incandescent lights following a circular motion.
Sign environment: This location is on the North end of the strip near the Holiday House, Holiday Motel, and Kaei Thai restaurant.
Sign manufacturer: YESCO
Sign - date of installation: Circa 1970's
Sign - date of redesign/move: 1950's the sign was used for Glenn Vegas Motel, and in 1960's into the Holiday Motel.
Sign - thematic influences: The fun city sign is funky with an odd curvilinear shape that was originally used for a western theme motel as a peanut. Today the theme seems to be clownish with its colorful palette and rainbow neon.
Sign - artistic significance: The fun city sign is funky with an odd curvilinear shape that was originally used for a western theme motel as a peanut. Today the theme seems to be clownish with its colorful palette and rainbow neon.
Survey - research locations: Assessor's page, Photographs on the internet from Vintage Vegas website http://vintagelasvegas.com/search/Fun+City+Motel
Surveyor: Gisselle Tipp
Survey - date completed: 2017-08-30
Sign keywords: Neon; Incandescent; Steel; Chasing; Pole sign; Roof Sign; Back to back; Backlit
Site address: 2233 S Las Vegas Blvd
Sign owner: Rick Trusdell and Chetak Development Corporation
Sign details: Originally the Glenn Vegas Motel in early 50's then the sign was reused for Holiday Motel in 1960's and later to the Fun City Motel circa 1970's to current.
Sign condition: This is rated a 2 since the structure is in semi-salvage condition. No treatment seems to have been done. The damage from the sun has left the bright red hue into a grayish purple color. Part of the neon lettering from Fun City is not in working condition.
Sign form: Pole
Sign-specific description: The Fun City Motel sign was installed in 1952. However, the sign has been used in other properties before it became the Fun City Motel. The Sign was first used for the Glenn Motel circa 1950's with a western theme. The reason why the Fun City Motel doesn't resemble Googie influence is because the original funky curvilinear shape was designed to be a peanut. The Glenn Vegas Motel sign included an illustrated rodeo cowgirl holding a looped rope towards the left end of the sign. In the middle top of the sign is a woman diver; towards the bottom of the sign is an outline of a pool with the word swimming pool in the middle. The peanut shape is painted black. In-between all the designs; in large letters Glenn Vegas Motel is written in white with the female diver drawing separating the two words. Underneath the peanut shaped structure is a rectangular sign held by two hooks on each sign with the word motel. The entire structure itself is held by two steel poles with a blue incandescent directional squiggly arrow facing downwards. The Holiday Motel version changed from the black background to a brilliant red with white large neon letters reading Holiday. The sign removed all implication of the western theme and changed the squiggly directional arrow from light blue to a silver hue. There were two additions to the sign; the first is the word motel vertically connected to the side of the directional arrow and second is a circular structure in white and yellow. Later with the Fun City Motel sign there wasn't much change from Holiday Motel. The only significant change was the name of the establishment. The fun city lettering lights up in multiple colors like the rainbow at night. And the two poles that hold up the structure were painted to black. Today the sign itself has lost all its brilliant red hue and is now a gray color from over sun exposure and no maintenance done to the sign. The directional incandescent arrow is still bright yellow.
Sign - type of display: Neon and incandescent
Sign - media: Steel and fiber glass
Sign animation: Chasers for the incandescent directional arrow. The circular structure on the tops of the curvilinear shape have incandescent lights following a circular motion.
Sign environment: This location is on the North end of the strip near the Holiday House, Holiday Motel, and Kaei Thai restaurant.
Sign manufacturer: YESCO
Sign - date of installation: Circa 1970's
Sign - date of redesign/move: 1950's the sign was used for Glenn Vegas Motel, and in 1960's into the Holiday Motel.
Sign - thematic influences: The fun city sign is funky with an odd curvilinear shape that was originally used for a western theme motel as a peanut. Today the theme seems to be clownish with its colorful palette and rainbow neon.
Sign - artistic significance: The fun city sign is funky with an odd curvilinear shape that was originally used for a western theme motel as a peanut. Today the theme seems to be clownish with its colorful palette and rainbow neon.
Survey - research locations: Assessor's page, Photographs on the internet from Vintage Vegas website http://vintagelasvegas.com/search/Fun+City+Motel
Surveyor: Gisselle Tipp
Survey - date completed: 2017-08-30
Sign keywords: Neon; Incandescent; Steel; Chasing; Pole sign; Roof Sign; Back to back; Backlit
Mixed Content
Photographs of Gateway Motel sign, Las Vegas (Nev.), March 12, 2017
Date
2017-03-12
2017-08-30
Archival Collection
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
Photographs of Travelers Motel sign, Las Vegas (Nev.), 2017
Date
2017-04-18
2017-06-28
2017-08-18
Archival Collection
Description
The Travelers Motel sign sits at 1100 Fremont Street in Downtown Las Vegas. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survey Data Sheet.
Site address: 1100 Fremont St
Sign details: This location was constructed in 1926. Though the year of when the Traveler's Motel opened in unknown though its sign states, "Your Best Bet In Las Vegas Since 1936'. Though Vintage Las Vegas' blog states that the Traveler's Motel acquired some of their land from the Lucky Motel. Currently the Traveler's Motel is closed and gated up.
Sign condition: 3, the sign is fairly in condition. However, the sign does not light up at night. The sign that used to read "Traveler's Motel" that was affixed to the iron gate-like structure appears to have the majority of its sign taken down or destroyed in recent times.
Sign form: Blade Pole sign and Porte Cochere
Sign-specific description: This sign is attached to the building that belongs to and extends outward to Fremont Street. The lower portion of this sign has the same details on each side of the sign. The top portion of this sign is a trapezoid with "Traveler's" painted on it in a cursive text except for the "t." This is done in white on a rust colored background. Neon is also affixed to "Traveler's." Underneath this is a plastic back lit sign detail the various accommodations of the property, such as: phone, cable T.V., microwave, refrigerators, "totally remodeled rooms," "daily * weekly rental," and "Your Best Bet In Las Vegas Since 1936." Under this is another, smaller trapezoid that has the street address painted on it in bold white numbers with a rust background. Extending from the top portion of this sign is a rust colored pole that has five other poles with various lengths extending out from that towards Fremont Street. Attached to these poles are letters that spell out "MOTEL," the top supports the "M" and each pole following hold each of the others letters to spell out the word. Each of these are diamond shaped plastic, possibly back lit signs. The plastic is off-white and each of the letters is black. The marquee sign attached to the iron gate-like structure that connects one side of the building to the next. This sign is a long, rectangular back lit sign that has a white background and bold red text reading "Traveler's Motel. " This sign also was attached to an longer, yellow rectangle with rounded sided on the left and right side of the sign.
Sign - type of display: Neon, possibly back lit (sign doesn't light up any more)
Sign - media: Steel and Plastic
Sign - non-neon treatments: Plastic back lit portion
Sign animation: The sign is no longer in use; therefore, it is difficult to determine this. There is also no record of the sign having any animation.
Sign environment: This property resides in the area east of the Fremont East District with many new businesses surrounding it, such as: PublicUs, the Bunkhouse Saloon, Chow, The Writer's Block, and 11th Street Records. However, there are quite a few other closed Motel properties that reside near the Traveler's Motel as well.
Sign - thematic influences: The sign is extremely reminiscent of many of the signs from the 50's and 60's that belong to the other motels in the downtown area. The sign has many geometric elements to it that make it appear that it could be from this time period.
Sign - artistic significance: This sign does not have a specific theme to it. However, the plastic figure climbing on the sign stresses that this motel would be for those who do enjoy traveling and adventures. This sign does follow a very basic trend regarding motel signs on Fremont Street. It is attractive and very noticeable to those moving along Fremont Street. The overall design of the sign is very geometric, which is a common aesthetic among signs made in the 50's and 60's.
Survey - research locations: Assessor's Page and Vintage Las Vegas website http://vintagelasvegas.com/search/Traveler+Motel
Survey - research notes: It was difficult to find any history or old photographs of this property.
Surveyor: Lauren Vaccaro
Survey - date completed: 2017-08-18
Sign keywords: Neon; Steel; Plastic; Backlit; Pole sign
Site address: 1100 Fremont St
Sign details: This location was constructed in 1926. Though the year of when the Traveler's Motel opened in unknown though its sign states, "Your Best Bet In Las Vegas Since 1936'. Though Vintage Las Vegas' blog states that the Traveler's Motel acquired some of their land from the Lucky Motel. Currently the Traveler's Motel is closed and gated up.
Sign condition: 3, the sign is fairly in condition. However, the sign does not light up at night. The sign that used to read "Traveler's Motel" that was affixed to the iron gate-like structure appears to have the majority of its sign taken down or destroyed in recent times.
Sign form: Blade Pole sign and Porte Cochere
Sign-specific description: This sign is attached to the building that belongs to and extends outward to Fremont Street. The lower portion of this sign has the same details on each side of the sign. The top portion of this sign is a trapezoid with "Traveler's" painted on it in a cursive text except for the "t." This is done in white on a rust colored background. Neon is also affixed to "Traveler's." Underneath this is a plastic back lit sign detail the various accommodations of the property, such as: phone, cable T.V., microwave, refrigerators, "totally remodeled rooms," "daily * weekly rental," and "Your Best Bet In Las Vegas Since 1936." Under this is another, smaller trapezoid that has the street address painted on it in bold white numbers with a rust background. Extending from the top portion of this sign is a rust colored pole that has five other poles with various lengths extending out from that towards Fremont Street. Attached to these poles are letters that spell out "MOTEL," the top supports the "M" and each pole following hold each of the others letters to spell out the word. Each of these are diamond shaped plastic, possibly back lit signs. The plastic is off-white and each of the letters is black. The marquee sign attached to the iron gate-like structure that connects one side of the building to the next. This sign is a long, rectangular back lit sign that has a white background and bold red text reading "Traveler's Motel. " This sign also was attached to an longer, yellow rectangle with rounded sided on the left and right side of the sign.
Sign - type of display: Neon, possibly back lit (sign doesn't light up any more)
Sign - media: Steel and Plastic
Sign - non-neon treatments: Plastic back lit portion
Sign animation: The sign is no longer in use; therefore, it is difficult to determine this. There is also no record of the sign having any animation.
Sign environment: This property resides in the area east of the Fremont East District with many new businesses surrounding it, such as: PublicUs, the Bunkhouse Saloon, Chow, The Writer's Block, and 11th Street Records. However, there are quite a few other closed Motel properties that reside near the Traveler's Motel as well.
Sign - thematic influences: The sign is extremely reminiscent of many of the signs from the 50's and 60's that belong to the other motels in the downtown area. The sign has many geometric elements to it that make it appear that it could be from this time period.
Sign - artistic significance: This sign does not have a specific theme to it. However, the plastic figure climbing on the sign stresses that this motel would be for those who do enjoy traveling and adventures. This sign does follow a very basic trend regarding motel signs on Fremont Street. It is attractive and very noticeable to those moving along Fremont Street. The overall design of the sign is very geometric, which is a common aesthetic among signs made in the 50's and 60's.
Survey - research locations: Assessor's Page and Vintage Las Vegas website http://vintagelasvegas.com/search/Traveler+Motel
Survey - research notes: It was difficult to find any history or old photographs of this property.
Surveyor: Lauren Vaccaro
Survey - date completed: 2017-08-18
Sign keywords: Neon; Steel; Plastic; Backlit; Pole sign
Mixed Content
"Arizona: The Martin Luther King Holiday": paper by Roosevelt Fitzgerald
Date
1991-02-14 to 1991-02-16
Archival Collection
Description
From the Roosevelt Fitzgerald Professional Papers (MS-01082) -- Unpublished manuscripts file. Presented at 5th Annual West Coast Meeting of National Social Science Association, Scottsdale, Arizona.
Text