Search Results
Photographs of Pabst Blue Ribbon sign, Las Vegas (Nev.), June 28, 2017
Date
2017-06-28
2017-07-22
Archival Collection
Description
The Pabst Blue Ribbon sign sits near the intersection of Fremont Street and North Las Vegas Boulevard in Downtown Las Vegas. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survey Sheet.
Site address: Fremont St and Las Vegas Blvd
Sign owner: PBR Donated, but a part of Fremont Street East
Sign details: PBR held a revealing party when installed in 2015, right next to The Park on Fremont. YESCO manufactured the 30 feet tall sign is nicknamed Cool Blue. Previous to this sign in this location the Maharaja Hookah Cafe had their signage in the same location previous to 2013.
Sign condition: 5, just installed in 2015 so neon and paint are still in great condition
Sign form: Free Standing Sign
Sign-specific description: 30 feet tall, the sign is nicknamed Cool Blue. A 30 foot waiter holding his arm out with 3 beers on his arm and one in his hand. The beers are animated with them lighting up in order starting with the one closest to his body. His arm is resting on a PBR can. The waiters shirt and cheeks illuminate red neon while the rest of his body illuminates blue argon. The PBR beer can illuminates red and blue as well.
Sign - type of display: Neon
Sign - media: Steel
Sign animation: The Beer cans on the waiters arm light up in order, starting with the one closest to his body.
Sign environment: This is located in the parking lot on the corner of Las Vegas Blvd. North and Fremont St. East next to the Park on Fremont. This marks the beginning of the Fremont Street East District were other freestanding Neon signs are as well.
Sign manufacturer: YESCO
Sign - date of installation: 2015
Sign - thematic influences: The retro theme makes it look like a throwback to 1950s/60s advertisement. Also since it is for a beer company it shows that Neon does not always have to be for the Casinos here in Vegas. This is one of the first freestanding signs you see in the Fremont Street East District, thus showing that the Neon community downtown still is thriving and still defines our culture here.
Survey - research locations: YESCO website http://www.yesco.com/news/yesco-installs-pabst-blue-ribbon-neon-sign/ , Vital Vegas website https://vitalvegas.com/downtowns-fremont-east-gets-a-new-neon-sign-courtesy-of-pbr/ , google map roadside view
Survey - research notes: Since this is a freestanding sign it is difficult to find any specific information on a single owner or why this sign was placed there specifically.
Surveyor: Emily Fellmer
Survey - date completed: 2017-07-22
Sign keywords: Neon; Steel; Back to back; Monument sign
Site address: Fremont St and Las Vegas Blvd
Sign owner: PBR Donated, but a part of Fremont Street East
Sign details: PBR held a revealing party when installed in 2015, right next to The Park on Fremont. YESCO manufactured the 30 feet tall sign is nicknamed Cool Blue. Previous to this sign in this location the Maharaja Hookah Cafe had their signage in the same location previous to 2013.
Sign condition: 5, just installed in 2015 so neon and paint are still in great condition
Sign form: Free Standing Sign
Sign-specific description: 30 feet tall, the sign is nicknamed Cool Blue. A 30 foot waiter holding his arm out with 3 beers on his arm and one in his hand. The beers are animated with them lighting up in order starting with the one closest to his body. His arm is resting on a PBR can. The waiters shirt and cheeks illuminate red neon while the rest of his body illuminates blue argon. The PBR beer can illuminates red and blue as well.
Sign - type of display: Neon
Sign - media: Steel
Sign animation: The Beer cans on the waiters arm light up in order, starting with the one closest to his body.
Sign environment: This is located in the parking lot on the corner of Las Vegas Blvd. North and Fremont St. East next to the Park on Fremont. This marks the beginning of the Fremont Street East District were other freestanding Neon signs are as well.
Sign manufacturer: YESCO
Sign - date of installation: 2015
Sign - thematic influences: The retro theme makes it look like a throwback to 1950s/60s advertisement. Also since it is for a beer company it shows that Neon does not always have to be for the Casinos here in Vegas. This is one of the first freestanding signs you see in the Fremont Street East District, thus showing that the Neon community downtown still is thriving and still defines our culture here.
Survey - research locations: YESCO website http://www.yesco.com/news/yesco-installs-pabst-blue-ribbon-neon-sign/ , Vital Vegas website https://vitalvegas.com/downtowns-fremont-east-gets-a-new-neon-sign-courtesy-of-pbr/ , google map roadside view
Survey - research notes: Since this is a freestanding sign it is difficult to find any specific information on a single owner or why this sign was placed there specifically.
Surveyor: Emily Fellmer
Survey - date completed: 2017-07-22
Sign keywords: Neon; Steel; Back to back; Monument sign
Mixed Content
Photographs of Downtowner Motel sign, Las Vegas (Nev.), June 28, 2017
Date
2017-06-28
2017-09-06
Archival Collection
Description
The Downtowner Motel sign sits at 129 North Eighth Street in Downtown Las Vegas. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survey Sheet.
Site address: 129 N 8th St
Sign owner: Robert and Ada Cohen
Sign details: Original Construction year of this building was 1935 and maintains the Art Deco design to the building. This location was originally built for a motel or apartments, but has mainly been used for motels since its construction.
Sign condition: 5- In great condition and looks as though it may have been restored or repainted recently because of how good it looks
Sign form: Double sided Porte Cochere (Facing both sides of the street)
Sign-specific description: This sign is above their two story building, as used as a directional sign for the tunnel passageway to the parking lot since there is a linear arrow pointing diagonally from the top of the sign to where the drivers would need to go. This arrow is lined with chasing incandescent light bulbs. To building side of the arrow there is a long thin red parallel trapezoid that spells out "MOTEL" in a painted white block font that is lined with Skeletal Neon that illuminates red at night. Underneath this one about a foot down is another long thin red parallel trapezoid that has white painted letters stating "Downtowners APTS." the downtowner part is a cursive font that illuminates blue at night,a and the Apts. part is in block letter that illuminates red at night.
Sign - type of display: Neon and incandescent light bulbs
Sign - media: Steel
Sign animation: Chasing
Notes: incandescent light bulbs
Sign environment: This location is on N 8th Street just a few blocks north of the Fremont Street East District, but near Ogden.
Sign - date of installation: Roadside Architecture website http://www.roadarch.com/signs/nvvegas2.html says it has been there since at least the mid 1960's
Sign - thematic influences: This sign is remnant of the vintage motorcade motel signs that one could see along any highway during the traveling era of the 50's/60's.
Sign - artistic significance: The arrow is reminiscent of the 1950's/60's directional arrows.
Survey - research locations: Assessor's Page, Roadside Architecture http://www.roadarch.com/signs/nvvegas2.html , Downtowner Motel website http://downtownerlv.com/
Survey - research notes: The building showcases remnants of Art deco style and mid-century modern architectural styles. The panels in between the doors/windows have the art deco design and then the canopies above the windows and doorways have a mid-century modern curvilinear canopies.
Surveyor: Emily Fellmer
Survey - date completed: 2017-09-06
Sign keywords: Neon; Incandescent; Steel; Chasing; Directional; Pole sign
Site address: 129 N 8th St
Sign owner: Robert and Ada Cohen
Sign details: Original Construction year of this building was 1935 and maintains the Art Deco design to the building. This location was originally built for a motel or apartments, but has mainly been used for motels since its construction.
Sign condition: 5- In great condition and looks as though it may have been restored or repainted recently because of how good it looks
Sign form: Double sided Porte Cochere (Facing both sides of the street)
Sign-specific description: This sign is above their two story building, as used as a directional sign for the tunnel passageway to the parking lot since there is a linear arrow pointing diagonally from the top of the sign to where the drivers would need to go. This arrow is lined with chasing incandescent light bulbs. To building side of the arrow there is a long thin red parallel trapezoid that spells out "MOTEL" in a painted white block font that is lined with Skeletal Neon that illuminates red at night. Underneath this one about a foot down is another long thin red parallel trapezoid that has white painted letters stating "Downtowners APTS." the downtowner part is a cursive font that illuminates blue at night,a and the Apts. part is in block letter that illuminates red at night.
Sign - type of display: Neon and incandescent light bulbs
Sign - media: Steel
Sign animation: Chasing
Notes: incandescent light bulbs
Sign environment: This location is on N 8th Street just a few blocks north of the Fremont Street East District, but near Ogden.
Sign - date of installation: Roadside Architecture website http://www.roadarch.com/signs/nvvegas2.html says it has been there since at least the mid 1960's
Sign - thematic influences: This sign is remnant of the vintage motorcade motel signs that one could see along any highway during the traveling era of the 50's/60's.
Sign - artistic significance: The arrow is reminiscent of the 1950's/60's directional arrows.
Survey - research locations: Assessor's Page, Roadside Architecture http://www.roadarch.com/signs/nvvegas2.html , Downtowner Motel website http://downtownerlv.com/
Survey - research notes: The building showcases remnants of Art deco style and mid-century modern architectural styles. The panels in between the doors/windows have the art deco design and then the canopies above the windows and doorways have a mid-century modern curvilinear canopies.
Surveyor: Emily Fellmer
Survey - date completed: 2017-09-06
Sign keywords: Neon; Incandescent; Steel; Chasing; Directional; Pole sign
Mixed Content
Photographs of Vanguard Lounge sign, Las Vegas (Nev.), June 28, 2017
Date
2017-06-28
2017-08-11
Archival Collection
Description
The Vanguard Lounge sits at 516 Fremont Street in Downtown Las Vegas. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survey Sheet.
Site address: 516 Fremont St
Sign owner: Andrew and Jennifer Wheatley
Sign details: The building was originally constructed in 1951. Previously to the lounge opening it was Fremont Street Guitars. Andrew and Jennifer Wheatley opened the lounge in 2010 after 30 years of experience together in the industry. This trendy bar has Modern-Industrial Decor, as you can see with their black building with a glass garage door entrance.
Sign condition: 5- newer sign that lights up brightly at night
Sign form: Hanging sign
Sign-specific description: Right above the entrance is a black canopy, but at night a white neon tube illuminates the perimeter of the canopy. The canopy also showcases their street address 516 in white channeled numbers. Above the canopy there is a beam which acts as a support for their main sign. Their main sign is a black rectangle which is also attached to the building. The sign states Vanguard Lounge in white skeletal neon letters. The word Vanguard is in a thick block-type print letters. Lounge is written in a smaller but similar type-font.
Sign - type of display: Neon
Sign - media: Steel
Sign environment: This is located in the Fremont East district in between Las Vegas Blvd. and 6th St. This locations storefront is located in between the Therapy restaurant and Red dance club (used to be the old Coin Insert bar).
Sign manufacturer: Valley Signs and Lighting
Sign - date of installation: 2010
Sign - date of redesign/move: Vanguard used the old sign box that the previous company used and added their logo in neon in 2010.
Sign - thematic influences: The skeletal neon showcases a simple yet classic design. It also showcases the Modern trendy vibe.
Sign - artistic significance: The sign does have a modern vibe but is staying true to the Neon culture of downtown.
Survey - research locations: Vanguard lounge website http://www.vanguardlv.com/vanguard_lounge_venue , Las Vegas Sun https://lasvegassun.com/news/2010/sep/20/vanguard-lounge-opens-fremont-street/ , Assessor's page
Survey - research notes: Definition of Vanguard is a group of people leading the way in new developments/ideas. This is possibly alluding to their theme of being different than the other bars downtown. Coincidentally there was a dance club in L.A. also called Vanguard, but no connection found between the properties besides their modern dance vibes.
Surveyor: Emily Fellmer
Survey - date completed: 2017-08-11
Sign keywords: Neon; Steel; Hanging; Pole sign; Roof Sign
Site address: 516 Fremont St
Sign owner: Andrew and Jennifer Wheatley
Sign details: The building was originally constructed in 1951. Previously to the lounge opening it was Fremont Street Guitars. Andrew and Jennifer Wheatley opened the lounge in 2010 after 30 years of experience together in the industry. This trendy bar has Modern-Industrial Decor, as you can see with their black building with a glass garage door entrance.
Sign condition: 5- newer sign that lights up brightly at night
Sign form: Hanging sign
Sign-specific description: Right above the entrance is a black canopy, but at night a white neon tube illuminates the perimeter of the canopy. The canopy also showcases their street address 516 in white channeled numbers. Above the canopy there is a beam which acts as a support for their main sign. Their main sign is a black rectangle which is also attached to the building. The sign states Vanguard Lounge in white skeletal neon letters. The word Vanguard is in a thick block-type print letters. Lounge is written in a smaller but similar type-font.
Sign - type of display: Neon
Sign - media: Steel
Sign environment: This is located in the Fremont East district in between Las Vegas Blvd. and 6th St. This locations storefront is located in between the Therapy restaurant and Red dance club (used to be the old Coin Insert bar).
Sign manufacturer: Valley Signs and Lighting
Sign - date of installation: 2010
Sign - date of redesign/move: Vanguard used the old sign box that the previous company used and added their logo in neon in 2010.
Sign - thematic influences: The skeletal neon showcases a simple yet classic design. It also showcases the Modern trendy vibe.
Sign - artistic significance: The sign does have a modern vibe but is staying true to the Neon culture of downtown.
Survey - research locations: Vanguard lounge website http://www.vanguardlv.com/vanguard_lounge_venue , Las Vegas Sun https://lasvegassun.com/news/2010/sep/20/vanguard-lounge-opens-fremont-street/ , Assessor's page
Survey - research notes: Definition of Vanguard is a group of people leading the way in new developments/ideas. This is possibly alluding to their theme of being different than the other bars downtown. Coincidentally there was a dance club in L.A. also called Vanguard, but no connection found between the properties besides their modern dance vibes.
Surveyor: Emily Fellmer
Survey - date completed: 2017-08-11
Sign keywords: Neon; Steel; Hanging; Pole sign; Roof Sign
Mixed Content
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Theta Theta Omega Chapter meeting minutes (redacted)
Date
2000-05-13 to 2000-12-02
Archival Collection
Description
From the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Theta Theta Omega Chapter Records (MS-01014) -- Chapter records file.
Text
Transcript of interview with Carol Forsythe by Sam Copeland, March 2, 1977
Date
1977-03-02
Archival Collection
Description
On March 2, 1977, Sam Copeland interviewed Carol Forsythe about her experience living in Las Vegas, Nevada. Carol first describes the details with which she was familiar about her husband’s career as a firefighter, specifically facts about the growth of the Clark County Fire Department. Forsythe later talks about the development of the town when she first arrived in Las Vegas, and she later describes the different residences at which she and her family lived. She also describes the different changes in building and development over time in Las Vegas, and she mentions the early use of swamp coolers before air conditioning. The narration concludes with Forsythe’s description of the Helldorado tradition and its changes as well as her family’s Episcopalian faith and the churches they attended.
Text
Report, Outline of water supply system at Basic Magnesium, Incorporated, Henderson, Nevada, September 22, 1944
Date
1944-09-22
Archival Collection
Description
Detailed report with drawings and maps of the water system at Basic Magnesium, Incorporated.
Text
Jon Ralston (Nevada Independent) oral history interview conducted by Kelliann Beavers and Kristian Thymianos: transcript
Date
2022-02-24
Archival Collection
Description
From the Lincy Institute "Perspectives from the COVID-19 Pandemic" Oral History Project (MS-01178) -- Business interviews file.
Text
Photographs of Glass Pool Inn signs, Las Vegas (Nev.), 2002
Date
2002
Archival Collection
Description
Daytime views of the Glass Pool Inn signs on the Strip. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survey Data Sheet.
Site address: 4613 S Las Vegas Blvd
Sign details: Located on the very south end of Las Vegas Blvd the Glass Pool Inn boasts a Pylon/Pole sign along the east side of the Strip. Both the sign and the adjacent lounge, which holds vestiges of wall signs, are directly Northwest of the famed glass Portaled pool, where the establishment takes its name.
Sign condition: Structure 3 Surface 2 Lighting 2
Sign form: Pylon
Sign-specific description: The Glass Pool's main sign is a double-backed, double poled, internally lit pylon design. The top portion, a sculpted internally lit marquee in the classic kidney pool shape, reads "Glass Pool Inn." A smaller sign of similar water referenced design, sits below the main marquee. They are both contained in sheet metal framed painted blue. The bottom portion is comprised of a incandescent bulb LED matrix center, a Sheet metal message center containing a small plastic readerboard with vinyl letters, and a red neon sign for vacancy. The boxes or the message centers are also blue sheet metal.
Sign - type of display: Neon; Incandescent; Backlit
Sign - media: Steel; Plastic
Sign - non-neon treatments: Paint
Sign animation: none
Sign environment: The Glass Pool Inn sits on south end of the strip among the small dying hotels of Las Vegas Blvd's earlier history, it is one of the first signs you see traveling North on the strip entering town. Just north lies the beginning of the main flood of architecture from the modern strip; while to its south are the beginnings of the strip and the spawning new growth of Las Vegas. The Glass Pool stands in the unique position of being in that gateway of entering the Las Vegas Strip
Sign manufacturer: YESCO
Sign - date of installation: 1953
Sign - date of redesign/move: In 1989 when Steve Wynn was establishing the Mirage, there was another property which also had the name: the small southern Strip, roadside motel. When Wynn acquired the name the original Mirage simply changed its name to the Glass Pool Inn. The original sign was left in place, and simply remodeled to fit the new name of the motel. Permitted by the county to refurbish in December of 1988.
Sign - thematic influences: Water and the pool itself, kidney-shaped design.
Sign - artistic significance: The Glass Pool is an artistic artifact of the older smaller strip hotels. Artistically it is reminiscent of the roadside pole sign used to attract traffic. It represents one of the last strip roadside motels in that portion of the Strip.
Surveyor: Joshua Cannaday
Survey - date completed: 2002
Sign keywords: Pylon; Neon; Incandescent; Backlit; Steel; Plastic; Paint
Site address: 4613 S Las Vegas Blvd
Sign details: Located on the very south end of Las Vegas Blvd the Glass Pool Inn boasts a Pylon/Pole sign along the east side of the Strip. Both the sign and the adjacent lounge, which holds vestiges of wall signs, are directly Northwest of the famed glass Portaled pool, where the establishment takes its name.
Sign condition: Structure 3 Surface 2 Lighting 2
Sign form: Pylon
Sign-specific description: The Glass Pool's main sign is a double-backed, double poled, internally lit pylon design. The top portion, a sculpted internally lit marquee in the classic kidney pool shape, reads "Glass Pool Inn." A smaller sign of similar water referenced design, sits below the main marquee. They are both contained in sheet metal framed painted blue. The bottom portion is comprised of a incandescent bulb LED matrix center, a Sheet metal message center containing a small plastic readerboard with vinyl letters, and a red neon sign for vacancy. The boxes or the message centers are also blue sheet metal.
Sign - type of display: Neon; Incandescent; Backlit
Sign - media: Steel; Plastic
Sign - non-neon treatments: Paint
Sign animation: none
Sign environment: The Glass Pool Inn sits on south end of the strip among the small dying hotels of Las Vegas Blvd's earlier history, it is one of the first signs you see traveling North on the strip entering town. Just north lies the beginning of the main flood of architecture from the modern strip; while to its south are the beginnings of the strip and the spawning new growth of Las Vegas. The Glass Pool stands in the unique position of being in that gateway of entering the Las Vegas Strip
Sign manufacturer: YESCO
Sign - date of installation: 1953
Sign - date of redesign/move: In 1989 when Steve Wynn was establishing the Mirage, there was another property which also had the name: the small southern Strip, roadside motel. When Wynn acquired the name the original Mirage simply changed its name to the Glass Pool Inn. The original sign was left in place, and simply remodeled to fit the new name of the motel. Permitted by the county to refurbish in December of 1988.
Sign - thematic influences: Water and the pool itself, kidney-shaped design.
Sign - artistic significance: The Glass Pool is an artistic artifact of the older smaller strip hotels. Artistically it is reminiscent of the roadside pole sign used to attract traffic. It represents one of the last strip roadside motels in that portion of the Strip.
Surveyor: Joshua Cannaday
Survey - date completed: 2002
Sign keywords: Pylon; Neon; Incandescent; Backlit; Steel; Plastic; Paint
Mixed Content
Photographs of Pit Stop signs, Las Vegas (Nev.), 2002
Date
2002
Archival Collection
Description
Daytime views of the Pit Stop signs on the Strip. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survey Data Sheet.
Site address: 3951 S Las Vegas Blvd
Sign details: In the southern end of the Strip, an interesting lone pole sign stands as a reminder that actual functioning business remaining inside the old, minimal, stucco structures. On the east side of the Strip, somewhat south of the area dominated by the Luxor, a pole sign facing north south stands in close proximity to the strip.
Sign condition: Structure 3 Surface 2 Lighting 2 The sign is still standing, and appears to have a sufficient structural integrity, but the paint on the surface is extremely worn, but the text is still readable and present. The lighting on the sign that was once evident no longer exists.
Sign form: Pylon
Sign-specific description: On the south end of the Strip the small shop resides in an older complex, of dusty buildings. On the east side of the strip, a minimal pylon sign denotes the businesses presence. At the top of a narrow, white, steel pole, a six sided, internally lit, double backed, cabinet advertises the establishment. On the yellow plastic face, "Pit Stop" is spelled in black text, along with white text spelling "Diecast Collectibles" on a black horizontal rectangle. Just below the crowning cabinet, an arrow shaped cabinet is pointed to the bottom right hand side toward the building. The cabinet is double sided with two legs creating the head of the arrow, and the upper end formed by a tail of these two legs. A double pinstripe of blue and red border the edges of the cabinet's face. The word "NASCAR," is spelled in all capital, red, text across the horizontal plane of the cabinet. Placed cantilevering off of the west side of the pole, a square message cabinet faces north /south. It is painted white on the exterior, with a wooden face graphically treated with red white and blue text, and a blue line border. The north side of the cabinet has no face. A small steel cabinet sits on top of the cantilevered one, yet has signage upon it.
Sign - type of display: Backlit
Sign - media: Steel; Plastic
Sign - non-neon treatments: Graphics; Paint
Sign animation: None
Sign environment: To the south is the Motel 8 while a vacant lot occupies the north. The pole sin sits in an island of grass, designated for the beat-up pylon. The small, dual level building, which houses the establishment, is non-descriptive, containing no signage. Of the southern strip it is one of the more minimal structures.
Sign - thematic influences: There appears no theme associated with the actual structure, even with the name itself. The actual structure of the sign is however reminiscent of the roadside pole signs so commonly associated with the roadside motel. To reference an actual sign still standing, it is reminiscent of the signage available for the Happi Inn.
Surveyor: Joshua Cannaday
Survey - date completed: 2002
Sign keywords: Pylon; Backlit; Steel; Plastic; Graphics; Paint
Site address: 3951 S Las Vegas Blvd
Sign details: In the southern end of the Strip, an interesting lone pole sign stands as a reminder that actual functioning business remaining inside the old, minimal, stucco structures. On the east side of the Strip, somewhat south of the area dominated by the Luxor, a pole sign facing north south stands in close proximity to the strip.
Sign condition: Structure 3 Surface 2 Lighting 2 The sign is still standing, and appears to have a sufficient structural integrity, but the paint on the surface is extremely worn, but the text is still readable and present. The lighting on the sign that was once evident no longer exists.
Sign form: Pylon
Sign-specific description: On the south end of the Strip the small shop resides in an older complex, of dusty buildings. On the east side of the strip, a minimal pylon sign denotes the businesses presence. At the top of a narrow, white, steel pole, a six sided, internally lit, double backed, cabinet advertises the establishment. On the yellow plastic face, "Pit Stop" is spelled in black text, along with white text spelling "Diecast Collectibles" on a black horizontal rectangle. Just below the crowning cabinet, an arrow shaped cabinet is pointed to the bottom right hand side toward the building. The cabinet is double sided with two legs creating the head of the arrow, and the upper end formed by a tail of these two legs. A double pinstripe of blue and red border the edges of the cabinet's face. The word "NASCAR," is spelled in all capital, red, text across the horizontal plane of the cabinet. Placed cantilevering off of the west side of the pole, a square message cabinet faces north /south. It is painted white on the exterior, with a wooden face graphically treated with red white and blue text, and a blue line border. The north side of the cabinet has no face. A small steel cabinet sits on top of the cantilevered one, yet has signage upon it.
Sign - type of display: Backlit
Sign - media: Steel; Plastic
Sign - non-neon treatments: Graphics; Paint
Sign animation: None
Sign environment: To the south is the Motel 8 while a vacant lot occupies the north. The pole sin sits in an island of grass, designated for the beat-up pylon. The small, dual level building, which houses the establishment, is non-descriptive, containing no signage. Of the southern strip it is one of the more minimal structures.
Sign - thematic influences: There appears no theme associated with the actual structure, even with the name itself. The actual structure of the sign is however reminiscent of the roadside pole signs so commonly associated with the roadside motel. To reference an actual sign still standing, it is reminiscent of the signage available for the Happi Inn.
Surveyor: Joshua Cannaday
Survey - date completed: 2002
Sign keywords: Pylon; Backlit; Steel; Plastic; Graphics; Paint
Mixed Content
Photographs of Somerset Motel signs, Las Vegas (Nev.), 2002
Date
2002
Archival Collection
Description
Daytime and nighttimes views of the Somerset Motel signs on the Strip. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survey Data Sheet.
Site address: 294 Convention Center Dr
Sign details: Just across the small street, connecting with Convention Center Drive, the Somerset Motel resides.
Sign form: Pylon
Sign-specific description: A vertical white steel pole represents the pylon for the establishment. The pole incorporates a backlit message center, and a series of sculpted cabinets to create a complete advertisement for the smaller property. The base of the sign is a white steel pole, whose progress is halted by a backlit message center cabinet. The cabinet is not actually a single cabinet with two sides, but two separate cabinets, sandwich the pole. The sign is flag poled off of the structure being off center. The sides of the cabinet possess the low, sweeping, convex, negative space seen on the Somerset shopping center sign. The bottom half of the face is occupied by the by the white internally lit face, with vinyl lettering. The top half is painted a maroon color with "Somerset" painted on the surface in white paint. Neon hovers over the surface of the text. Jutting off of the south side of the pole from the center of the cabinet, another white, steel pole travels for a very short distance, before turning into a sculpted double backed steel cabinet. The small cabinet is designed with rounded bottom edge, and a recessed negative shape on the top. The bulge on the bottom, is the positive form of the negative space at the top. The result is a pseudo U shaped display. Vacancy is spelled in white graphic text on the surface of the cabinet. Neon tubing spells "NO" above the painted text as well as the tubing hovering over the graphics. The white pole shoots upward, being interrupted but a series of five horizontal steel poles. On the south end of each one of the poles, the U shaped cabinets are present. Each cabinet holds one letter from the word "Motel," starting with the "M" at the top. The letters are painted in white and bordered on the edges with neon. The borders of the face of each one of these cabinets, is lined with neon as well. The north end of each one of the crossing members is a small maroon, circular faced, cylindrical shaped cabinet, with white edges. Neon is bent into the shape of a four-pointed star. The vet top of the [pole is crowned with a double backed cabinet in the shape of a prismatic, seven pointed star. The faces of the cabinet are convex, with each facet of the star being it's own separate plane. In the very center of the star an incandescent bulb resides. The surface is treated in a white and maroon paint finish.
Sign - type of display: Neon; Incandescent; Backlit
Sign - media: Steel; Plastic
Sign - non-neon treatments: Graphics; Paint
Sign animation: Chasing, flashing, oscillating
Surveyor: Joshua Cannaday
Survey - date completed: 2002
Sign keywords: Chasing; Flashing; Oscillating; Pylon; Neon; Incandescent; Backlit; Steel; Plastic; Graphics; Paint
Site address: 294 Convention Center Dr
Sign details: Just across the small street, connecting with Convention Center Drive, the Somerset Motel resides.
Sign form: Pylon
Sign-specific description: A vertical white steel pole represents the pylon for the establishment. The pole incorporates a backlit message center, and a series of sculpted cabinets to create a complete advertisement for the smaller property. The base of the sign is a white steel pole, whose progress is halted by a backlit message center cabinet. The cabinet is not actually a single cabinet with two sides, but two separate cabinets, sandwich the pole. The sign is flag poled off of the structure being off center. The sides of the cabinet possess the low, sweeping, convex, negative space seen on the Somerset shopping center sign. The bottom half of the face is occupied by the by the white internally lit face, with vinyl lettering. The top half is painted a maroon color with "Somerset" painted on the surface in white paint. Neon hovers over the surface of the text. Jutting off of the south side of the pole from the center of the cabinet, another white, steel pole travels for a very short distance, before turning into a sculpted double backed steel cabinet. The small cabinet is designed with rounded bottom edge, and a recessed negative shape on the top. The bulge on the bottom, is the positive form of the negative space at the top. The result is a pseudo U shaped display. Vacancy is spelled in white graphic text on the surface of the cabinet. Neon tubing spells "NO" above the painted text as well as the tubing hovering over the graphics. The white pole shoots upward, being interrupted but a series of five horizontal steel poles. On the south end of each one of the poles, the U shaped cabinets are present. Each cabinet holds one letter from the word "Motel," starting with the "M" at the top. The letters are painted in white and bordered on the edges with neon. The borders of the face of each one of these cabinets, is lined with neon as well. The north end of each one of the crossing members is a small maroon, circular faced, cylindrical shaped cabinet, with white edges. Neon is bent into the shape of a four-pointed star. The vet top of the [pole is crowned with a double backed cabinet in the shape of a prismatic, seven pointed star. The faces of the cabinet are convex, with each facet of the star being it's own separate plane. In the very center of the star an incandescent bulb resides. The surface is treated in a white and maroon paint finish.
Sign - type of display: Neon; Incandescent; Backlit
Sign - media: Steel; Plastic
Sign - non-neon treatments: Graphics; Paint
Sign animation: Chasing, flashing, oscillating
Surveyor: Joshua Cannaday
Survey - date completed: 2002
Sign keywords: Chasing; Flashing; Oscillating; Pylon; Neon; Incandescent; Backlit; Steel; Plastic; Graphics; Paint
Mixed Content