Search Results
Photographs of Club 2100, Las Vegas (Nev.), March 3, 2017
Date
2017-03-03
2017-09-12
Archival Collection
Description
Club 2100 sits at 2100 Fremont Street in Downtown Las Vegas. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survey Sheet.
Site address: 2100 Fremont St
Sign details: The Club 2100 is a popular Latin nightclub on Fremont Street. An excerpt form the Las Vegas Weekly reads, "More than half a million Latinos call Las Vegas home, and 40 percent were born outside the United States, according to the Pew Research Center. These clubs give Las Vegans an opportunity to see live bands playing music with which they grew up." Certain nights of the week they specialize in different types of music in order to keep the club exciting for people to keep coming back. They have been a part of the Las Vegas community for about four years now.
Sign condition: 4, the sign is in good condition. However, it is unclear if it still lights up at night.
Sign form: Roadside pole and porte cochere
Sign-specific description: There are two major portions for this sign. One is the porte cochere signage that consists of two large, black arches. On the left arch are light blue backlit letters spelling the word "NIGHT" and on the right arch there are letters just like these spelling the word "CLUB." In the center of the arches a pole sign extends upward and along one side of the pole extending in the direction of the parking lot are five white, backlit four-point Googie Style stars. On the other side of the pole extending out toward Fremont Street are five signs with pointed edges at each top corner and a point in the bottom center, resembling arrows possibly. Each of these signs has yellow text and a black background. The top sign reads "CLUB" and the other signs that follow spell out "2100."
Sign - type of display: Backlit plastic sign
Sign - media: Steel and plastic
Sign - non-neon treatments: Plastic backlit portion
Sign environment: The neighborhood for this property is filled with small restaurants and apartment complexes. This property sits further east from the excitement of the other properties on Fremont Street.
Sign - date of installation: Around 1958. Around 2014 for the update for the night club.
Sign - date of redesign/move: It appears that this signage was part of the original signage for the Blue Angel Motel. From photos that were taken in 2014, it shows that this is when the Blue Angel signage became the signage for Club 2100.
Sign - thematic influences: It appears that this signage was part of the original signage for the Blue Angel Motel. From photos that were taken in 2014, it shows that this is when the Blue Angel signage became the signage for Club 2100.
Sign - artistic significance: The overall design of this sign still reflects the Googie style that was popular in the 1950's, which seems to be when this sign was first placed on Fremont Street.
Survey - research locations: Las Vegas Weekly articles locations (archives, library, recorder's office, etc) https://lasvegasweekly.com/nightlife/2016/sep/07/vegas-latin- nightclubs-banda- norteno-live- music/#/0 https://lasvegasweekly.com/as-we- see-it/2014/sep/03/blue- angel-uproar- signals-clash- between- preservati/#/0 , and Roadside architecture website http://www.roadarch.com/signs/nvvegas3.html
Survey - research notes: Assessor's page did not show current owner of the property, as well as other information on this current location was difficult to find.
Surveyor: Lauren Vaccaro
Survey - date completed: 2017-09-12
Sign keywords: Porte-cochère; Backlit; Plastic; Steel; Pole sign; Roadside; Fluorescent
Site address: 2100 Fremont St
Sign details: The Club 2100 is a popular Latin nightclub on Fremont Street. An excerpt form the Las Vegas Weekly reads, "More than half a million Latinos call Las Vegas home, and 40 percent were born outside the United States, according to the Pew Research Center. These clubs give Las Vegans an opportunity to see live bands playing music with which they grew up." Certain nights of the week they specialize in different types of music in order to keep the club exciting for people to keep coming back. They have been a part of the Las Vegas community for about four years now.
Sign condition: 4, the sign is in good condition. However, it is unclear if it still lights up at night.
Sign form: Roadside pole and porte cochere
Sign-specific description: There are two major portions for this sign. One is the porte cochere signage that consists of two large, black arches. On the left arch are light blue backlit letters spelling the word "NIGHT" and on the right arch there are letters just like these spelling the word "CLUB." In the center of the arches a pole sign extends upward and along one side of the pole extending in the direction of the parking lot are five white, backlit four-point Googie Style stars. On the other side of the pole extending out toward Fremont Street are five signs with pointed edges at each top corner and a point in the bottom center, resembling arrows possibly. Each of these signs has yellow text and a black background. The top sign reads "CLUB" and the other signs that follow spell out "2100."
Sign - type of display: Backlit plastic sign
Sign - media: Steel and plastic
Sign - non-neon treatments: Plastic backlit portion
Sign environment: The neighborhood for this property is filled with small restaurants and apartment complexes. This property sits further east from the excitement of the other properties on Fremont Street.
Sign - date of installation: Around 1958. Around 2014 for the update for the night club.
Sign - date of redesign/move: It appears that this signage was part of the original signage for the Blue Angel Motel. From photos that were taken in 2014, it shows that this is when the Blue Angel signage became the signage for Club 2100.
Sign - thematic influences: It appears that this signage was part of the original signage for the Blue Angel Motel. From photos that were taken in 2014, it shows that this is when the Blue Angel signage became the signage for Club 2100.
Sign - artistic significance: The overall design of this sign still reflects the Googie style that was popular in the 1950's, which seems to be when this sign was first placed on Fremont Street.
Survey - research locations: Las Vegas Weekly articles locations (archives, library, recorder's office, etc) https://lasvegasweekly.com/nightlife/2016/sep/07/vegas-latin- nightclubs-banda- norteno-live- music/#/0 https://lasvegasweekly.com/as-we- see-it/2014/sep/03/blue- angel-uproar- signals-clash- between- preservati/#/0 , and Roadside architecture website http://www.roadarch.com/signs/nvvegas3.html
Survey - research notes: Assessor's page did not show current owner of the property, as well as other information on this current location was difficult to find.
Surveyor: Lauren Vaccaro
Survey - date completed: 2017-09-12
Sign keywords: Porte-cochère; Backlit; Plastic; Steel; Pole sign; Roadside; Fluorescent
Mixed Content
Photographs of The Gables Motel, Las Vegas (Nev.), April 18, 2017
Date
2017-04-18
2017-08-19
Archival Collection
Description
The Gables Motel sits at 1301 Fremont Street in Downtown Las Vegas. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survey Sheet.
Site address: 1301 Fremont St
Sign owner: 1301 Fremont LLC
Sign details: The building was constructed in 1946 (Assessor). A postcard circa 1940's shows the property was named "Las Gables Court" and endorsed by AAA (Wikimedia Commons, 2015).
Sign condition: The sign is condition 1, very poor. The street side light box is missing over half of its plastic. About three quarters of the bottom of the light box is rusted through. Light bulbs are missing from the lower portion of the light box. The hotel side light box is badly dented on the east side. The paint on the cabinets is faded and flaking. Rust marks are beginning to appear along the seams on the pylon. The neon letters for "VACANCY" are missing from the lower portion of the hotel side light box.
Sign form: Pylon Sign
Sign-specific description: A metal rectangular pylon painted yellowish tan is located on the hotel side of the sign. The body of the sign is cantilevered out toward the street. Attached to the pole is a metal light box painted red and split into two sections. A second light box is attached to the street side of the first. On the west side, the top plastic section of the hotel side light box advertises "THE GABLES" in cartoon style lettering. The lower portion of the sign is a reader board. The lower portion of the plastic section of the reader board has been hand painted, "POSTAL AND SMOKE SHOP". Over half of the paint on the lower portion of the metal cabinet of the reader board has flaked off. The remaining sans serif skeleton neon on that part of the sign states, "NO". Also on the west side is a street side light box painted yellow. The remaining plastic panels spell out "M - - E " in san serif letters. The bottom of the metal cabinet is rusted out. The light bulbs are missing from the lower portion of the cabinet. On the east side, the plastic on hotel side light box is badly dented. The lower portion of the metal cabinet displays faded sans serif letters which spell out "ANCY". The remainder of the east side is similar to the west.
Sign - type of display: Neon, incandescent, lightbox
Sign - media: steel and plastic
Sign - non-neon treatments: lightbox
Sign environment: East Fremont St. surrounded by motels.
Sign - date of redesign/move: Yes, but date unknown
Sign - thematic influences: The Gables Motel was a country cottage style motor court. The cartoon lettering style of "THE GABLES" may allude to this theme.
Sign - artistic significance: Motor courts and cottages
Survey - research locations: Assessor's website
Survey - research notes: Wikimedia Commons. (2015 June 8). Las Gables Court. Retrieved from https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Las_Gables_Court,_13th_and_Fremont_Streets_(U.S._93_- _95_-_466),_Las_Vegas,_Nevada_(80597).jpg
Survey - other remarks: The sign shown in a postcard circa 1940's (Wikimedia Commons, 2015) may have been modified to make the current sign.
Surveyor: Mitchell Cohen
Survey - date completed: 2017-08-19
Sign keywords: Neon; Incandescent; Steel; Plastic; Light box; Pole sign; Reader board; Internally illuminated
Site address: 1301 Fremont St
Sign owner: 1301 Fremont LLC
Sign details: The building was constructed in 1946 (Assessor). A postcard circa 1940's shows the property was named "Las Gables Court" and endorsed by AAA (Wikimedia Commons, 2015).
Sign condition: The sign is condition 1, very poor. The street side light box is missing over half of its plastic. About three quarters of the bottom of the light box is rusted through. Light bulbs are missing from the lower portion of the light box. The hotel side light box is badly dented on the east side. The paint on the cabinets is faded and flaking. Rust marks are beginning to appear along the seams on the pylon. The neon letters for "VACANCY" are missing from the lower portion of the hotel side light box.
Sign form: Pylon Sign
Sign-specific description: A metal rectangular pylon painted yellowish tan is located on the hotel side of the sign. The body of the sign is cantilevered out toward the street. Attached to the pole is a metal light box painted red and split into two sections. A second light box is attached to the street side of the first. On the west side, the top plastic section of the hotel side light box advertises "THE GABLES" in cartoon style lettering. The lower portion of the sign is a reader board. The lower portion of the plastic section of the reader board has been hand painted, "POSTAL AND SMOKE SHOP". Over half of the paint on the lower portion of the metal cabinet of the reader board has flaked off. The remaining sans serif skeleton neon on that part of the sign states, "NO". Also on the west side is a street side light box painted yellow. The remaining plastic panels spell out "M - - E " in san serif letters. The bottom of the metal cabinet is rusted out. The light bulbs are missing from the lower portion of the cabinet. On the east side, the plastic on hotel side light box is badly dented. The lower portion of the metal cabinet displays faded sans serif letters which spell out "ANCY". The remainder of the east side is similar to the west.
Sign - type of display: Neon, incandescent, lightbox
Sign - media: steel and plastic
Sign - non-neon treatments: lightbox
Sign environment: East Fremont St. surrounded by motels.
Sign - date of redesign/move: Yes, but date unknown
Sign - thematic influences: The Gables Motel was a country cottage style motor court. The cartoon lettering style of "THE GABLES" may allude to this theme.
Sign - artistic significance: Motor courts and cottages
Survey - research locations: Assessor's website
Survey - research notes: Wikimedia Commons. (2015 June 8). Las Gables Court. Retrieved from https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Las_Gables_Court,_13th_and_Fremont_Streets_(U.S._93_- _95_-_466),_Las_Vegas,_Nevada_(80597).jpg
Survey - other remarks: The sign shown in a postcard circa 1940's (Wikimedia Commons, 2015) may have been modified to make the current sign.
Surveyor: Mitchell Cohen
Survey - date completed: 2017-08-19
Sign keywords: Neon; Incandescent; Steel; Plastic; Light box; Pole sign; Reader board; Internally illuminated
Mixed Content
Bill Willard Papers
Identifier
MS-00435
Abstract
This collection is comprised of the personal papers of noted Las Vegas entertainment writer, producer, and critic Bill Willard, which date from 1887 to 1999. It contains material on his father's theater and political involvements as well as Willard's early childhood and high school years. His time in the United States Army is chronicled by the editorials and correspondence he wrote. His papers trace his continued involvement in writing, entertainment, and art which culminated in his direction of the Arnold Shaw Popular Music Research Center. The collection also includes pictures of his artwork, articles he wrote for various newspapers and magazines, scripts, skits, jokes, awards, over 700 audio cassette recorded interviews done for the "Rap with the Artist" series, and personal memorabilia.
Archival Collection
Photographs of Fatburger signs, Las Vegas (Nev.), 2002
Date
2002
Archival Collection
Description
Daytime views of the Fatburger signs on the Strip. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survey Data Sheet.
Site address: 3763 S Las Vegas Blvd
Sign details: The Fatburger establishment is directly north across a small drive from Walgreen's. The pylon contains a logo sign, but the most dominant is the text logo above the main entrance. The small parking in front of the building is illuminated with its incandescence. Smaller signs spread out evenly on both the west and south walls.
Sign condition: Structure 5 Surface 5 Lighting 5
Sign form: Pylon; Fascia
Sign-specific description: The Fatburger eatery is directly north from Walgreen's in the same parking lot. It resides on the east side of the strip. The entrance faces SW, mirroring the Walgreen's entrance. It is a rounded storefront design with "Fatburger" spelled in all capital, large, red, channel letters bordered in red neon. The letters face outward and follow the same radius of the entrance, creating a fascia effect with the size of the text. They are filled with incandescent bulbs, which oscillate in a random pattern. Open, red, channel letters, filled with red neon sit above and below the large "Fatburger" text. Above the main sign the letters read "open" and below they read "24 Hours". At the north end of the west face of the building is a diamond shaped, red, steel box with the "Fatburger" in silver channel letters with yellow neon in the interior of the letters. The diamond shape has a border of red neon on its face. Flanking the main entrance, on the south and west face of the building in red steel channel letters, with red translucent plastic faces, the phrase "The last great hamburger stand" is spelled in all caps. They reside approximately the same height on the building as the "24 Hours" script on the main sign. Additional signage is located on the bottom portion of the pylon sign designated for the "The Plaza." Above the back-lit cabinet is an arrangement of text and logo for Fatburger. From left to right, "Fatburger" is spelled in channel letters, the diamond logo is in the center of the sign, then "Fatburger" is spelled again in yellow channel letters. The channel letters are closed front with red translucent plastic. The diamond is outlined in red neon.
Sign - type of display: Neon; Backlit
Sign - media: Steel; Plastic
Sign - non-neon treatments: Graphics; Paint
Sign animation: Flashing, oscillating
Notes: The incandescent bulbs which are present inside the main channel letters, over the main entrance all turn on and hold, oscillate rapidly, then shut off.
Sign environment: The Fatburger eatery is in a unique position, being a widely known property located in a conglomerate of shops including such other well traveled properties such as Walgreen's and McDonald's. In fact, the building is located exactly between these locations. Walgreen's lies directly to the south, with McDonald's to the north. The small stretch of properties is dwarfed by the megalithic MGM further to the north, while the elaborate detail of the New York New York resides west across Las Vegas Blvd Once a pedestrian passes the MGM, headed north, on the east-side of the strip, the Fatburger does makes an lasting impression upon the passerby, being the brightest of the three immediate company.
Sign - thematic influences: Fatburger is another example of a typical everyday establishment turned into an electrifying display to fit in with its environment. No particular theme can be seen specifically other than the logo and color scheme influenced by the establishment itself. The entrance to the establishment contains the text wrapping the radius of the corner, creating a beacon for pedestrians. Such influence can be seen in other larger properties with corner entrances such as the Flamingo, the Barbary Coast, Harrah's, and O'Shea's.
Surveyor: Joshua Cannaday
Survey - date completed: 2002
Sign keywords: Flashing; Oscillating; Pylon; Fascia; Neon; Backlit; Steel; Plastic; Graphics; Paint
Site address: 3763 S Las Vegas Blvd
Sign details: The Fatburger establishment is directly north across a small drive from Walgreen's. The pylon contains a logo sign, but the most dominant is the text logo above the main entrance. The small parking in front of the building is illuminated with its incandescence. Smaller signs spread out evenly on both the west and south walls.
Sign condition: Structure 5 Surface 5 Lighting 5
Sign form: Pylon; Fascia
Sign-specific description: The Fatburger eatery is directly north from Walgreen's in the same parking lot. It resides on the east side of the strip. The entrance faces SW, mirroring the Walgreen's entrance. It is a rounded storefront design with "Fatburger" spelled in all capital, large, red, channel letters bordered in red neon. The letters face outward and follow the same radius of the entrance, creating a fascia effect with the size of the text. They are filled with incandescent bulbs, which oscillate in a random pattern. Open, red, channel letters, filled with red neon sit above and below the large "Fatburger" text. Above the main sign the letters read "open" and below they read "24 Hours". At the north end of the west face of the building is a diamond shaped, red, steel box with the "Fatburger" in silver channel letters with yellow neon in the interior of the letters. The diamond shape has a border of red neon on its face. Flanking the main entrance, on the south and west face of the building in red steel channel letters, with red translucent plastic faces, the phrase "The last great hamburger stand" is spelled in all caps. They reside approximately the same height on the building as the "24 Hours" script on the main sign. Additional signage is located on the bottom portion of the pylon sign designated for the "The Plaza." Above the back-lit cabinet is an arrangement of text and logo for Fatburger. From left to right, "Fatburger" is spelled in channel letters, the diamond logo is in the center of the sign, then "Fatburger" is spelled again in yellow channel letters. The channel letters are closed front with red translucent plastic. The diamond is outlined in red neon.
Sign - type of display: Neon; Backlit
Sign - media: Steel; Plastic
Sign - non-neon treatments: Graphics; Paint
Sign animation: Flashing, oscillating
Notes: The incandescent bulbs which are present inside the main channel letters, over the main entrance all turn on and hold, oscillate rapidly, then shut off.
Sign environment: The Fatburger eatery is in a unique position, being a widely known property located in a conglomerate of shops including such other well traveled properties such as Walgreen's and McDonald's. In fact, the building is located exactly between these locations. Walgreen's lies directly to the south, with McDonald's to the north. The small stretch of properties is dwarfed by the megalithic MGM further to the north, while the elaborate detail of the New York New York resides west across Las Vegas Blvd Once a pedestrian passes the MGM, headed north, on the east-side of the strip, the Fatburger does makes an lasting impression upon the passerby, being the brightest of the three immediate company.
Sign - thematic influences: Fatburger is another example of a typical everyday establishment turned into an electrifying display to fit in with its environment. No particular theme can be seen specifically other than the logo and color scheme influenced by the establishment itself. The entrance to the establishment contains the text wrapping the radius of the corner, creating a beacon for pedestrians. Such influence can be seen in other larger properties with corner entrances such as the Flamingo, the Barbary Coast, Harrah's, and O'Shea's.
Surveyor: Joshua Cannaday
Survey - date completed: 2002
Sign keywords: Flashing; Oscillating; Pylon; Fascia; Neon; Backlit; Steel; Plastic; Graphics; Paint
Mixed Content
Photographs of Desert Star Motel sign, Las Vegas (Nev.), March 24, 2017
Date
2017-03-24
2017-09-09
Archival Collection
Description
The Desert Star Motel sign sits aglow at 1210 South Las Vegas Boulevard. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survey Data Sheet.
Site address: 1210 S Las Vegas Blvd
Sign owner: Desert Star Motel Enterprises
Sign details: The original construction of this motel was in 1961 and has acted as a motel since.
Sign condition: 3, sign is in decent condition. Some portions of it do not light up anymore.
Sign form: Roadside pole sign
Sign-specific description: This sign sits directly on the roadside along Las Vegas Boulevard. The sign consists of a large black pole with many different back lit signs extending toward Las Vegas Boulevard attached to it. Staring from the top of the sign. There is a plastic back lit sign reading "DESERT STAR" in bold white letters against a red background. Under this are individual square signs each containing one letter. Moving down the length of the pole they spell out the word "MOTEL". Each of these letters are red against a white background. Under this series of letters is a star shaped back lit sign reading "DESERT STAR" in bold red text against a white background. This sign is outlined by a neon tube that no longer works. Attached to the bottom points of the star is a rectangular back sign with "VACANCY" painted on it in white. Neon tubes outline the word "NO" as well as "VACANCY." Under this sign is another plastic back lit sign reading "Check Out our Weekly & Daily Rates" in white letters against a red background. Finally, the last portion of this sign is another plastic back lit sign reading "Free Local Calls" in white letters against a red background.
Sign - type of display: Neon and back lit plastic sign
Sign - media: Steel and plastic
Sign - non-neon treatments: Plastic backlit sign
Sign environment: This motel sits very close to the intersection of Las Vegas Boulevard and Charleston. It is a short distance away from the Arts District and Fremont Street. It is a few blocks north of the Stratosphere hotel. A few properties that are close to this motel are the Little White Wedding Chapel as well as many other hostels and motels.
Sign - date of redesign/move: From an earlier photograph, this sign has changed from what appears to might have been their original sign. There is no exact year when the sign changed. The sign that they had in the 60s looks similar to their sign today, but with different colors. The earlier sign had the same "MOTEL" running down the side of the pole, but the letters were black against a yellow background and the pole was white. The star under this was white with forest green letters reading "DESERT STAR." There were three other rectangular signs under this. Each of these had forest green letters against a white background. The sign under the star sign and the "NO VACANCY" attached to that read " TV PHONES." The second sign said "REFRIGERATION." And the third said "AAA HEATED POOL."
Sign - thematic influences: The name "DESERT STAR" could've taken influence from the Space Age. There were plenty of motels that had a star theme or "star" in their name all throughout the city.
Sign - artistic significance: This is a good example of how roadside signs could be simple, yet eye catching to motorists and pedestrians. It does keep in theme with many of the other motel signs throughout the city by sitting directly along the roadside to be noticeable.
Survey - research locations: Assessor's Page, Stephani Drives Las Vegas Website http://stefanidrivesvegas.com/8.html
Survey - research notes: There in not much information on the history of this property.
Surveyor: Emily Fellmer
Survey - date completed: 2017-09-09
Sign keywords: Neon; Plastic; Backlit; Steel; Roadside; Pole sign
Site address: 1210 S Las Vegas Blvd
Sign owner: Desert Star Motel Enterprises
Sign details: The original construction of this motel was in 1961 and has acted as a motel since.
Sign condition: 3, sign is in decent condition. Some portions of it do not light up anymore.
Sign form: Roadside pole sign
Sign-specific description: This sign sits directly on the roadside along Las Vegas Boulevard. The sign consists of a large black pole with many different back lit signs extending toward Las Vegas Boulevard attached to it. Staring from the top of the sign. There is a plastic back lit sign reading "DESERT STAR" in bold white letters against a red background. Under this are individual square signs each containing one letter. Moving down the length of the pole they spell out the word "MOTEL". Each of these letters are red against a white background. Under this series of letters is a star shaped back lit sign reading "DESERT STAR" in bold red text against a white background. This sign is outlined by a neon tube that no longer works. Attached to the bottom points of the star is a rectangular back sign with "VACANCY" painted on it in white. Neon tubes outline the word "NO" as well as "VACANCY." Under this sign is another plastic back lit sign reading "Check Out our Weekly & Daily Rates" in white letters against a red background. Finally, the last portion of this sign is another plastic back lit sign reading "Free Local Calls" in white letters against a red background.
Sign - type of display: Neon and back lit plastic sign
Sign - media: Steel and plastic
Sign - non-neon treatments: Plastic backlit sign
Sign environment: This motel sits very close to the intersection of Las Vegas Boulevard and Charleston. It is a short distance away from the Arts District and Fremont Street. It is a few blocks north of the Stratosphere hotel. A few properties that are close to this motel are the Little White Wedding Chapel as well as many other hostels and motels.
Sign - date of redesign/move: From an earlier photograph, this sign has changed from what appears to might have been their original sign. There is no exact year when the sign changed. The sign that they had in the 60s looks similar to their sign today, but with different colors. The earlier sign had the same "MOTEL" running down the side of the pole, but the letters were black against a yellow background and the pole was white. The star under this was white with forest green letters reading "DESERT STAR." There were three other rectangular signs under this. Each of these had forest green letters against a white background. The sign under the star sign and the "NO VACANCY" attached to that read " TV PHONES." The second sign said "REFRIGERATION." And the third said "AAA HEATED POOL."
Sign - thematic influences: The name "DESERT STAR" could've taken influence from the Space Age. There were plenty of motels that had a star theme or "star" in their name all throughout the city.
Sign - artistic significance: This is a good example of how roadside signs could be simple, yet eye catching to motorists and pedestrians. It does keep in theme with many of the other motel signs throughout the city by sitting directly along the roadside to be noticeable.
Survey - research locations: Assessor's Page, Stephani Drives Las Vegas Website http://stefanidrivesvegas.com/8.html
Survey - research notes: There in not much information on the history of this property.
Surveyor: Emily Fellmer
Survey - date completed: 2017-09-09
Sign keywords: Neon; Plastic; Backlit; Steel; Roadside; Pole sign
Mixed Content
Photographs of Backstage Bar & Billiards, Las Vegas (Nev.), 2016-2017
Date
2016-04-28 to 2017-08-11
Archival Collection
Description
The sign for Backstage Bar & Billiards sits at 601 Fremont Street in Downtown Las Vegas. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survey Data Sheet.
Site address: 601 Fremont St
Sign owner: DJ Lethal co-owned with DJ Scotty
Sign details: This building dates back to 1957. Triple B opened in 2012 as a billiard hall bar and concert venue. It is filled with a lot of Rock Memorabilia which includes a "turntable library" which they claim showcases over 8 decades of rock history. This location was furnished by rock outfitter Anvil Cases. This property got its name by being "backstage" to the adjoining Fremont Country Club.
Sign condition: 5- looks relatively new and still in great condition
Sign form: Variation of a Bull Nose Sign
Sign-specific description: Their entrance is on the corner of 6th (going South) and Fremont with a blue bull nose type sign in a triangle shape. The base of the triangle sign is right above the entrance. The triangle border has a blue (argon) strip with incandescents lining both sides of the neon tubing. At the base of the sign there is a blue (argon) curved platform (half circle placed adjoining to the base of the triangle). On this platform there are 5 separate strips of argon tubes. Above the platform states "Backstage Bar & Billiards" in white cursive channeled letters. Above the words Backstage and Billiards there are two martini glasses with a pool ball and flag in each glass. At the top of the triangle portion of the sign there is their logo "Triple B" in cursive with Triple in Blue and B in white. Below the bull nose sign there is a reader board that wraps around the building. This reader board is also lined with incandescent light bulbs. In the middle of the of the reader board there is a black background rectangle with 3 rhombus's lined in incandescent light bulbs in a design.
Sign - type of display: Neon, incandescent and reader board
Sign - media: Steel and Plastic
Sign - non-neon treatments: Reader Board
Sign animation: Flasher for incandescent light bulbs
Sign environment: Fremont East district East District, next to other bars and restaurants. This location is right across the street from the El Cortez. Also they claim to be "backstage" to the adjoining Fremont Country Club which inspired their name.
Sign manufacturer: Ultra Signs' recently bought out by Jones Las Vegas ( of Jones SIgns) who did not have records of this sign.
Sign - date of installation: 2012 when the bar opened
Sign - thematic influences: On Fremont many of the entrances are at the corner intersections, so the bull nose sign has been prominent design type to draw attention to the entrance of the company. This is remnant of the Golden Nugget and Binion's Horseshoe put up their bull nose signs in 1961.
Sign - artistic significance: The curved platform at the bottom of their bull nose sign looks like an old retro movie theater style sign platform that you would see in the 1940's/50's. Particularly with their reader board with incandescent light bulbs speaks to this era as well.
Survey - research locations: Assessor's page, triple B website http://www.backstagebarlv.com/ , Las Vegas Weekly Newspaper article https://lasvegasweekly.com/nightlife/lowball-diary/2012/dec/05/triple-b-fills-downtowns-watering-hole-hole/
Survey - research notes: Fremont Bars.com has a photo of their main sign being installed. http://www.fremontstreetbars.com/2012/11/29/welcome-to-the-neighborhood-backstage-bar-billiards/
Survey - other remarks: The Ultra Signs logo is visible on the left side of the sign.
Surveyor: Emily Fellmer
Survey - date completed: 2017-08-11
Sign keywords: Neon; Incandescent; Steel; Plastic; Flashing; Reader board; Bullnose; Marquee
Site address: 601 Fremont St
Sign owner: DJ Lethal co-owned with DJ Scotty
Sign details: This building dates back to 1957. Triple B opened in 2012 as a billiard hall bar and concert venue. It is filled with a lot of Rock Memorabilia which includes a "turntable library" which they claim showcases over 8 decades of rock history. This location was furnished by rock outfitter Anvil Cases. This property got its name by being "backstage" to the adjoining Fremont Country Club.
Sign condition: 5- looks relatively new and still in great condition
Sign form: Variation of a Bull Nose Sign
Sign-specific description: Their entrance is on the corner of 6th (going South) and Fremont with a blue bull nose type sign in a triangle shape. The base of the triangle sign is right above the entrance. The triangle border has a blue (argon) strip with incandescents lining both sides of the neon tubing. At the base of the sign there is a blue (argon) curved platform (half circle placed adjoining to the base of the triangle). On this platform there are 5 separate strips of argon tubes. Above the platform states "Backstage Bar & Billiards" in white cursive channeled letters. Above the words Backstage and Billiards there are two martini glasses with a pool ball and flag in each glass. At the top of the triangle portion of the sign there is their logo "Triple B" in cursive with Triple in Blue and B in white. Below the bull nose sign there is a reader board that wraps around the building. This reader board is also lined with incandescent light bulbs. In the middle of the of the reader board there is a black background rectangle with 3 rhombus's lined in incandescent light bulbs in a design.
Sign - type of display: Neon, incandescent and reader board
Sign - media: Steel and Plastic
Sign - non-neon treatments: Reader Board
Sign animation: Flasher for incandescent light bulbs
Sign environment: Fremont East district East District, next to other bars and restaurants. This location is right across the street from the El Cortez. Also they claim to be "backstage" to the adjoining Fremont Country Club which inspired their name.
Sign manufacturer: Ultra Signs' recently bought out by Jones Las Vegas ( of Jones SIgns) who did not have records of this sign.
Sign - date of installation: 2012 when the bar opened
Sign - thematic influences: On Fremont many of the entrances are at the corner intersections, so the bull nose sign has been prominent design type to draw attention to the entrance of the company. This is remnant of the Golden Nugget and Binion's Horseshoe put up their bull nose signs in 1961.
Sign - artistic significance: The curved platform at the bottom of their bull nose sign looks like an old retro movie theater style sign platform that you would see in the 1940's/50's. Particularly with their reader board with incandescent light bulbs speaks to this era as well.
Survey - research locations: Assessor's page, triple B website http://www.backstagebarlv.com/ , Las Vegas Weekly Newspaper article https://lasvegasweekly.com/nightlife/lowball-diary/2012/dec/05/triple-b-fills-downtowns-watering-hole-hole/
Survey - research notes: Fremont Bars.com has a photo of their main sign being installed. http://www.fremontstreetbars.com/2012/11/29/welcome-to-the-neighborhood-backstage-bar-billiards/
Survey - other remarks: The Ultra Signs logo is visible on the left side of the sign.
Surveyor: Emily Fellmer
Survey - date completed: 2017-08-11
Sign keywords: Neon; Incandescent; Steel; Plastic; Flashing; Reader board; Bullnose; Marquee
Mixed Content
Photographs of Gold and Silver Pawn Shop signs, Las Vegas (Nev.), March 3, 2017
Date
2017-03-03
2017-08-12
Archival Collection
Description
The Gold and Silver Pawn Shop sits at 713 South Las Vegas Boulevard in Downtown Las Vegas. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survey Data Sheet.
Site address: 713 S Las Vegas Blvd
Sign owner: Richard Harrison
Sign details: This pawn shop was opened by Richard Harrison in 1988. Rick , Richard and Corey Harrison along with Austin Russell made this store famous with the History Channel reality T.V. show Pawn Stars which started airing in 2009. This show has made this location a tourist destination, so much so there is even a line to get in sometimes. With the rise of popularity they added Rick Harrison's Pawn Plaza which is a shopping center with eateries.
Sign condition: 4- looks relatively new and not too faded
Sign form: Rectangular Blade
Sign-specific description: The whole blade sign is outlined with a gold trim and red LED lights surrounding the gold. The main long rectangle blade spells out "PAWN" lengthwise in black on white backdrop. Right above the white part of the blade is a black rectangle (long side of rectangle is above the white blade) stating "Gold & Silver" written in white thin printed letters. Above this is a little white diamond. Below the white PAWN blade is a white rectangle stating "OPEN 24 HRS" in red block print letters. This blade-type sign is held right next to the building on a big white beam that has their address "713" painted on it. On the building above the entrance states "World Famous (in yellow) Gold and Silver (In red) Pawn Shop ( in Green) in back lit plastic letters. Also to the left of the entrance they have 3 plastic rectangle back lit signs that they have switched out over the years, but the current ones have been up since 2011/12. The one in the middle states "World Famous Gold & Silver Pawn Shop" in an elaborate white cursive font written on a black background. The other two showcase the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Logo but states "World Famous Gold & Silver Las Vegas" . Below these three rectangle signs there is another smaller one with a white background stating "We Never Close" in thick blue type font letters.
Sign - type of display: Back lit plastic signs, LED lights
Sign - media: Steel, Plastic
Sign - non-neon treatments: Back lit plastic
Sign animation: Charger with red LED's
Sign environment: Halfway between the strip and downtown on Las Vegas Blvd. There are a few antique shops near the pawn shop. Right next door is now Rick Harrison's Pawn Plaza Shopping Center as well as a nice sized parking lot to accommodate their guests.
Sign - date of installation: Has been up since at least 2007
Sign - date of redesign/move: Some of the plastic back lit signs have been switched out over the years
Sign - thematic influences: Gold+ Silver- could refer to the mining times in Nevada and since it is a pawn shop it could mean that you can strike it rich with bringing something there. Similar to finding gold or silver.
Sign - artistic significance: The blade type sign was popular in the 50's for directions in the car consumer and traveling era.
Survey - research locations: Acessor's page, Nevada Magazine http://nevadamagazine.com/home/inside-the-magazine/city-limits/gold-silver-pawn-shop/ , Gold and Silver Pawn Shop website https://gspawn.com/ , history.com for information on the show
Surveyor: Emily Fellmer
Survey - date completed: 2017-08-12
Sign keywords: Backlit; Plastic; LED; Steel; Pole sign
Site address: 713 S Las Vegas Blvd
Sign owner: Richard Harrison
Sign details: This pawn shop was opened by Richard Harrison in 1988. Rick , Richard and Corey Harrison along with Austin Russell made this store famous with the History Channel reality T.V. show Pawn Stars which started airing in 2009. This show has made this location a tourist destination, so much so there is even a line to get in sometimes. With the rise of popularity they added Rick Harrison's Pawn Plaza which is a shopping center with eateries.
Sign condition: 4- looks relatively new and not too faded
Sign form: Rectangular Blade
Sign-specific description: The whole blade sign is outlined with a gold trim and red LED lights surrounding the gold. The main long rectangle blade spells out "PAWN" lengthwise in black on white backdrop. Right above the white part of the blade is a black rectangle (long side of rectangle is above the white blade) stating "Gold & Silver" written in white thin printed letters. Above this is a little white diamond. Below the white PAWN blade is a white rectangle stating "OPEN 24 HRS" in red block print letters. This blade-type sign is held right next to the building on a big white beam that has their address "713" painted on it. On the building above the entrance states "World Famous (in yellow) Gold and Silver (In red) Pawn Shop ( in Green) in back lit plastic letters. Also to the left of the entrance they have 3 plastic rectangle back lit signs that they have switched out over the years, but the current ones have been up since 2011/12. The one in the middle states "World Famous Gold & Silver Pawn Shop" in an elaborate white cursive font written on a black background. The other two showcase the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Logo but states "World Famous Gold & Silver Las Vegas" . Below these three rectangle signs there is another smaller one with a white background stating "We Never Close" in thick blue type font letters.
Sign - type of display: Back lit plastic signs, LED lights
Sign - media: Steel, Plastic
Sign - non-neon treatments: Back lit plastic
Sign animation: Charger with red LED's
Sign environment: Halfway between the strip and downtown on Las Vegas Blvd. There are a few antique shops near the pawn shop. Right next door is now Rick Harrison's Pawn Plaza Shopping Center as well as a nice sized parking lot to accommodate their guests.
Sign - date of installation: Has been up since at least 2007
Sign - date of redesign/move: Some of the plastic back lit signs have been switched out over the years
Sign - thematic influences: Gold+ Silver- could refer to the mining times in Nevada and since it is a pawn shop it could mean that you can strike it rich with bringing something there. Similar to finding gold or silver.
Sign - artistic significance: The blade type sign was popular in the 50's for directions in the car consumer and traveling era.
Survey - research locations: Acessor's page, Nevada Magazine http://nevadamagazine.com/home/inside-the-magazine/city-limits/gold-silver-pawn-shop/ , Gold and Silver Pawn Shop website https://gspawn.com/ , history.com for information on the show
Surveyor: Emily Fellmer
Survey - date completed: 2017-08-12
Sign keywords: Backlit; Plastic; LED; Steel; Pole sign
Mixed Content