Shawn Willis (1972 - ) grew up in a culturally diverse area outside of Detroit, Michigan. She has made Las Vegas her home since 2004. Since moving to Nevada, she ?acknowledged? her Judaism and built a robust network within the Jewish community as an entrepreneur and tireless leader. From 2015 ? 2017, she held the position of Director of the Jewish National Fund of Las Vegas. The Jewish National Fund is a worldwide organization that was founded in 1901 to meet the strategic challenges of building in Israel and developing the infrastructure for ecology, special needs and heritage preservation. Among the local initiatives that Shawn led was a program on water conservation. In this oral history, Shawn candidly speaks of being a convert to Judaism. She also shares how she introduced herself into the Las Vegas community in a vibrant way through her marketing expertise and business. Shawn currently serves on the UNLV Foundation?s President?s Associates Council and is an active person in the Las Vegas community. Shawn is a graduate of University of Detroit Mercy.
The Jerry's Nugget Casino sign sits at 1821 North Las Vegas Boulevard. The family-owned and operated casino has been in business for over fifty years. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survey Data Sheet. Site address: 1821 N Las Vegas Blvd Sign owner: The Stamis Family Sign details: In 1964, Jerry Stamis and Jerry Lodge opened Jerry's Nugget Casino. The property, formerly the Towne House Bar, was converted into a casino. Four years after its opening, the owners bought the nearby Bonanza Club along with its sign, adding an additional 10,000 square feet to their property. The site has undergone numerous renovations, including in 1982 when it became a full-service casino complete with a restaurant, bars, and nearly 700 slots. The porte cochere was also added at that time. In 1996, a theatre lounge was added as well as a bakery and even more gaming tables. The casino, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2014. This location still claims to cater to "locals." Currently, it consists of slots, table games, keno lounge, and a bingo hall, among other popular features. Sign condition: About 4-5, appears to have relatively low damage Sign form: Sculptural pylon Sign-specific description: Neon sign looks to be in the form of an oil derrick, "Jerry's" in a nugget shape at the top, "Nugget" spelled downward in light blue neon, possibly was once orange. Sign - type of display: Neon Sign - media: Steel Sign environment: Located in North Las Vegas along Las Vegas Blvd, near the Silver Nugget Casino. Sign - date of installation: 1964 for most of the signage for the property Sign - date of redesign/move: 1982 Porte Cochere added with expansion Sign - thematic influences: The signage conveys the Old West theme of striking it rich with gold, silver or oil, as they have an oil rig for portion of their sign. Survey - research locations: Neon Museum tour outline, Jerry's Nugget website http://www.jerrysnugget.com/ , recorder's office, Assessor's page Survey - research notes: For the 50th anniversary of their Company they donated the money for the restoration of their sign which is showcased on the documentary "Restoration Neon" and remains in the Neon Museum. Surveyor: Carlyle Constantino Survey - date completed: 2017-07-12 Sign keywords: Neon; Steel; Pylon; Incandescent; Back to back; Reader board; Video screen