Search Results
Report on the water supply in Las Vegas, March 25, 1942
Date
1942-03-25
Archival Collection
Description
Brief history of water in Las Vegas and overview of the water situation
Text
Transcript of interview with Alice Cowles Brown by Eric M. Cheese, March 31, 1981
Date
1981-03-31
Archival Collection
Description
Eric M. Cheese interviews University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) librarian Alice Cowles Brown at the UNLV Campus Library. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, on March 10th, 1919, Brown moved to Henderson, Nevada in 1956. This interview offers an overview of life in Las Vegas and Henderson from 1956 to 1981. Brown also discusses road conditions, social structures, the educational system, support for intercollegiate sports and UNLV.
Text
Meeting minutes for Consolidated Student Senate, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, November 24, 2004
Date
2004-11-24
Archival Collection
Description
Includes meeting minutes and agenda. CSUN Session 34 Meeting Minutes and Agendas.
Text
Transcript of interview with Gus Mancuso by Lisa Gioia-Acres, September 27, 2008
Date
2008-09-27
Archival Collection
Description
Gus Mancuso (Ronald Bernard Mancuso), a talented impresario, was born in Spangler, Pennsylvania in 1933. Gus grew up in Hastings, Pennsylvania as the youngest of nine children. His father, an immigrant from Italy, Joseph Mancuso, owned multiple businesses and his mother, Josephine Ceranni toiled as a stay at home mother. Despite his father’s businesses, the family struggled financially. By the eighth grade Gus moved to Rochester, New York, where his mother joined him, after his parents separated. As a youngster Gus Mancuso learned to play the trumpet by ear. By age 11 he was encouraged to learn to play the drums so he could help earn money for the family. After two weeks of training, Gus Mancuso was earning $5 dollars as the replacement for his older brother Joe in musical performances in places like Moose Hall and the Elks Club in Pennsylvania. His performances were so legendary that an article was written about Gus entitled the “Eighth Grade Drummer”. He continued to demonstrate tremendous musical versatility even after moving from Hastings to Rochester where he received first chair trombone honors after impressing his high school band teacher. After graduating high school, in 1951, Gus went on the road with the Don Manning Trio. Shortly thereafter, a bass player position opened in his brother’s group the Ray Brand Trio. Despite the fact that Gus did not know how to play bass, when he received the offer to become a member of Joe’s band, he went on to learn yet another instrument and joined the Ray Brand Trio. However, while with his brother’s group, Gus was drafted into the army. He packed his trumpet, and despite initially receiving flack for playing in the latrine, the lieutenant exempted Gus from duty so he could perform in the morning and at night for his fellow troops. Shortly thereafter, Gus served in the army band as a piano player. His instrumental capabilities and proficiency helped pave the way for more opportunities. After the army he moved to Nevada and played trombone with Tony Pastor in Reno. He found his way to Las Vegas in 1955 when he opened at the New Frontier on Halloween night. Gus went on to open at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, playing bass, with Sarah Vaughn. They went on to tour Europe together. He also played bass for Billy Eckstine and Les Brown as well as worked in the music department at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Gus Mancuso met Lauri Perri, a singer and his first wife, while playing for the Mary Kaye Trio in Lake Tahoe. They were married at the Little Church of the West in 1960. However, Gus is now married to Maggie Peterson an actress who worked on the Andy Griffith Show. He lives in Las Vegas and currently works three nights a week playing piano at the Bootlegger owned by his first wife and getting the job from his son Ronald.
Text
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 Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign, Las Vegas (Nev.), March 1, 2017
Date
2017-03-01
2017-09-09
Archival Collection
Description
The world famous "Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada" sign sits at 5200 South Las Vegas Boulevard. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survey Data Sheet.
Site name: Welcome to Las Vegas neon sign
Site address: 5200 S Las Vegas Blvd
Sign owner: YESCO
Sign details: The sign was originally installed 1959, quickly became an iconic sign for Las Vegas. Betty Willis never trademarked the sign. Betty Willis died at 91 in 2015. Betty Willis also designed the Moulin Rouge and Blue Angel Motel signs. The Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign is on the National Register of Historic Places. This is a 25 foot sign which is considered smaller than a lot of the other signs in Las Vegas.
Sign condition: 5, Taken care of by YESCO and Clark County
Sign form: Pylon
Sign-specific description: The base of this sign is a blue rectangle outline. The main portion of the sign is a white rhombus shape. Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas written in red and blue on a translucent white background. The word "Welcome" is spelled in red skeletal neon on Silver Coins with each letter on its own coin. On the back of the sign it states Drive Safely Come back Soon. This plastic portion of the sign is surrounded by incandescent light bulbs. On the top left portion of the sign where the blue base of the sign comes out of the top of the sign is the famous red star that is outlined in neon.
Sign - type of display: Incandescent, Neon and back lit plastic.
Sign - media: Steel and plastic
Sign - non-neon treatments: Plastic back lit portion
Sign animation: Chaser for Incandescent light bulbs on the border of the sign.
Sign environment: This sign is in the median of Las Vegas Blvd. near the South most end of the Strip. This location has Mandalay Bay to the west of it and the airport to the east.
Sign manufacturer: Western Neon
Sign designer: Betty Willis
Sign - date of installation: 1959
Sign - date of redesign/move: Mid 2000s redesign of the median to accommodate parking for visitors.
Sign - thematic influences: This sign is designed in the Googie style. This sign also has symbolism with the words Welcome, as each letter is on a silver coin to represent Nevada as the Silver State.
Sign - artistic significance: One of the most Significant signs for Las Vegas. It is easily recognizable and ingrained as part of Las Vegas culture.
Survey - research locations: Las Vegas Sun article https://lasvegassun.com/news/2009/may/21/fabulous-las-vegas-sign-garners-historic-designati/ , Vegas website https://www.vegas.com/attractions/on-the-strip/welcome-las-vegas-sign/ http://www.lasvegaswhereto.com/welcome-las-vegas-sign/ Neon Museum Tour outline , Vintage Vegas http://vintagelasvegas.com/search/welcome+to+fabulous+las+vegas
Surveyor: Wyatt Currie-Diamond
Survey - date completed: 2017-09-09
Sign keywords: Chasing; Plastic; Backlit; Steel; Incandescent; Neon; Pylon
Site name: Welcome to Las Vegas neon sign
Site address: 5200 S Las Vegas Blvd
Sign owner: YESCO
Sign details: The sign was originally installed 1959, quickly became an iconic sign for Las Vegas. Betty Willis never trademarked the sign. Betty Willis died at 91 in 2015. Betty Willis also designed the Moulin Rouge and Blue Angel Motel signs. The Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign is on the National Register of Historic Places. This is a 25 foot sign which is considered smaller than a lot of the other signs in Las Vegas.
Sign condition: 5, Taken care of by YESCO and Clark County
Sign form: Pylon
Sign-specific description: The base of this sign is a blue rectangle outline. The main portion of the sign is a white rhombus shape. Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas written in red and blue on a translucent white background. The word "Welcome" is spelled in red skeletal neon on Silver Coins with each letter on its own coin. On the back of the sign it states Drive Safely Come back Soon. This plastic portion of the sign is surrounded by incandescent light bulbs. On the top left portion of the sign where the blue base of the sign comes out of the top of the sign is the famous red star that is outlined in neon.
Sign - type of display: Incandescent, Neon and back lit plastic.
Sign - media: Steel and plastic
Sign - non-neon treatments: Plastic back lit portion
Sign animation: Chaser for Incandescent light bulbs on the border of the sign.
Sign environment: This sign is in the median of Las Vegas Blvd. near the South most end of the Strip. This location has Mandalay Bay to the west of it and the airport to the east.
Sign manufacturer: Western Neon
Sign designer: Betty Willis
Sign - date of installation: 1959
Sign - date of redesign/move: Mid 2000s redesign of the median to accommodate parking for visitors.
Sign - thematic influences: This sign is designed in the Googie style. This sign also has symbolism with the words Welcome, as each letter is on a silver coin to represent Nevada as the Silver State.
Sign - artistic significance: One of the most Significant signs for Las Vegas. It is easily recognizable and ingrained as part of Las Vegas culture.
Survey - research locations: Las Vegas Sun article https://lasvegassun.com/news/2009/may/21/fabulous-las-vegas-sign-garners-historic-designati/ , Vegas website https://www.vegas.com/attractions/on-the-strip/welcome-las-vegas-sign/ http://www.lasvegaswhereto.com/welcome-las-vegas-sign/ Neon Museum Tour outline , Vintage Vegas http://vintagelasvegas.com/search/welcome+to+fabulous+las+vegas
Surveyor: Wyatt Currie-Diamond
Survey - date completed: 2017-09-09
Sign keywords: Chasing; Plastic; Backlit; Steel; Incandescent; Neon; Pylon
Mixed Content
Photographs of Park on Fremont sign, Las Vegas (Nev.), June 28, 2017
Date
2017-06-28
2017-08-11
Archival Collection
Description
The Park on Fremont sign sits at 506 Fremont Street in Downtown Las Vegas. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survey Sheet.
Site address: 506 Fremont St
Sign owner: Justin Weniger and Ryan Doherty both with Corner Bar Management Group
Sign details: This building was constructed in 1956. Though the Park on Fremont opened in 2013 in the former Maharaja Hookah Cafe though the building's exterior was renovated to have more of a wooden facade. This place is claimed as a gastro-pub with rustic-chic decor. Their outside urban beer garden is well recognized with its cool rustic design presenting a teeter totter and a CInderella-like carriage.
Sign condition: 5, very good condition and has bright colors during the day and night
Sign form: Blade
Sign-specific description: They have a long oval shaped blade placed on the left side of the building which is neighboring the public parking lot next door. The oval part of the blade is black with white letters spelling out PARK from the top to the bottom in a thick type font. These letters illuminate green at night time. Surrounding the black oval is a red arrow pointing towards the building (not the entrance) with LED light bulbs which illuminates yellow at night time.
Sign - type of display: Neon and LED lights
Sign - media: Steel
Sign - non-neon treatments: LED lights
Sign animation: Chasing
Notes: LED lights around the perimeter of the blade.
Sign environment: This is the first bar/restaurant on the north side of the Fremont St. East district. To the west of the building is a public parking lot where YESCOs free-standing PBR sign Cool Blue is stationed. To the east is the RED dance club
Sign manufacturer: All Star Electrical Signs
Sign - date of installation: 2013
Sign - thematic influences: The blade with an arrow is is used on many other bar signs in the east Fremont District. Though many of these blade signs are above the entrance this one is on the left side of their building possibly to attract foot traffic from the Fremont Street Experience.
Sign - artistic significance: The blade with an arrow was a prominent sign design in the 50s and 60s.
Survey - research locations: Assessor's Page, Park on Fremont Website https://parkonfremont.com/ , UNLV (bio on Justin Weniger) https://www.unlvfootballfoundation.com/people/justin-weniger/ , google map roadside view, and contact with manager.
Survey - research notes: Owners Justin Weniger and Ryan Doherty founded WENDOH Media which showcases Vegas Seven magazine, DTLV.com, RunRebs.com, SPYONvegas.com, Critical Focus, Corner Bar Management and the Life is Beautiful Festival. With the Corner Bar Management they also own the Commonwealth which is downtown as well.
Surveyor: Emily Fellmer
Survey - date completed: 2017-08-11
Sign keywords: Blade; Neon; LED; Steel; Chasing; Incandescent; Directional
Site address: 506 Fremont St
Sign owner: Justin Weniger and Ryan Doherty both with Corner Bar Management Group
Sign details: This building was constructed in 1956. Though the Park on Fremont opened in 2013 in the former Maharaja Hookah Cafe though the building's exterior was renovated to have more of a wooden facade. This place is claimed as a gastro-pub with rustic-chic decor. Their outside urban beer garden is well recognized with its cool rustic design presenting a teeter totter and a CInderella-like carriage.
Sign condition: 5, very good condition and has bright colors during the day and night
Sign form: Blade
Sign-specific description: They have a long oval shaped blade placed on the left side of the building which is neighboring the public parking lot next door. The oval part of the blade is black with white letters spelling out PARK from the top to the bottom in a thick type font. These letters illuminate green at night time. Surrounding the black oval is a red arrow pointing towards the building (not the entrance) with LED light bulbs which illuminates yellow at night time.
Sign - type of display: Neon and LED lights
Sign - media: Steel
Sign - non-neon treatments: LED lights
Sign animation: Chasing
Notes: LED lights around the perimeter of the blade.
Sign environment: This is the first bar/restaurant on the north side of the Fremont St. East district. To the west of the building is a public parking lot where YESCOs free-standing PBR sign Cool Blue is stationed. To the east is the RED dance club
Sign manufacturer: All Star Electrical Signs
Sign - date of installation: 2013
Sign - thematic influences: The blade with an arrow is is used on many other bar signs in the east Fremont District. Though many of these blade signs are above the entrance this one is on the left side of their building possibly to attract foot traffic from the Fremont Street Experience.
Sign - artistic significance: The blade with an arrow was a prominent sign design in the 50s and 60s.
Survey - research locations: Assessor's Page, Park on Fremont Website https://parkonfremont.com/ , UNLV (bio on Justin Weniger) https://www.unlvfootballfoundation.com/people/justin-weniger/ , google map roadside view, and contact with manager.
Survey - research notes: Owners Justin Weniger and Ryan Doherty founded WENDOH Media which showcases Vegas Seven magazine, DTLV.com, RunRebs.com, SPYONvegas.com, Critical Focus, Corner Bar Management and the Life is Beautiful Festival. With the Corner Bar Management they also own the Commonwealth which is downtown as well.
Surveyor: Emily Fellmer
Survey - date completed: 2017-08-11
Sign keywords: Blade; Neon; LED; Steel; Chasing; Incandescent; Directional
Mixed Content
Photographs of Fremont East District sign, June 28, 2017
Date
2017-06-28
2017-08-30
Archival Collection
Description
The Fremont East District sign sits near the intersection of Fremont St and Eighth St. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survey Sheet.
Site name: Fremont Street (Las Vegas, Nev.)
Site address: Fremont St and 8th St
Sign owner: Downtown Las Vegas and Fremont East District
Sign details: The Fremont East District really formed together in 2002 for a coalition to maintain the vintage Las Vegas feel particularly by bringing out some vintage looking Neon Signs. This coalition became known as the Fremont East Entertainment District (FEED). Since this area is already close to the Fremont Street Experience with foot traffic the 2007 revitalization also was an effort to create pedestrian friendly sidewalks.
Sign condition: 5 - Very good condition
Sign form: Pole mounted signs
Sign-specific description: The two gateway signs are identical in design to welcome drivers and pedestrians into the Fremont Street District. These signs go across all of the lanes of Fremont Street, so there are two poles on the opposite sidewalks and then two curved steel beams connecting the sidewalk poles, and the main logo is on the curved pole portion. The two steel sidewalk beams each have a yellow curved googie style design. Right above the curved yellow design, on top of the sidewalk beams each have a red starburst orbit. In the middle curved beam there are red channeled Fremont Street East in a mid century modern semi-cursive font, with yellow neon tubes within the channeled letters. Underneath the Fremont Street East letters there is the word DISTRICT in the red channeled block letters.
Sign - type of display: Neon
Sign - media: Steel and Plastic
Sign animation: Yellow neon on gateway signs flash
Sign environment: The gateway to Fremont East District from both the East and West end. One sign is at the corner of Las Vegas Blvd. and Fremont an the other is at the intersection of 8th St.
Sign manufacturer: Fluoresco Lighting and Signs
Sign designer: John Lutz
Sign - date of installation: 2007
Sign - thematic influences: This sign really brings back the mid-century modern theme, and the old Vegas theme as well. The starbursts are similar to the one from the Sweetheart Wedding Chapel Sign.
Sign - artistic significance: This sign speaks to the 1950s/1960s mid-century modern design with the starburst orbits and the yellow curved design.
Survey - research locations: Fremont East website, Floresco
Survey - research notes: Floresco Website http://www.fluoresco.com/pages/about/history.php, as well as contact with Gary Grider of Floresco, Las Vegas Today and Tomorrow Website, http://www.vegastodayandtomorrow.com/fremonteast.htm
Surveyor: Emily Fellmer
Survey - date completed: 2017-08-30
Sign keywords: Flashing; Neon; Steel; Plastic; Pole sign
Site name: Fremont Street (Las Vegas, Nev.)
Site address: Fremont St and 8th St
Sign owner: Downtown Las Vegas and Fremont East District
Sign details: The Fremont East District really formed together in 2002 for a coalition to maintain the vintage Las Vegas feel particularly by bringing out some vintage looking Neon Signs. This coalition became known as the Fremont East Entertainment District (FEED). Since this area is already close to the Fremont Street Experience with foot traffic the 2007 revitalization also was an effort to create pedestrian friendly sidewalks.
Sign condition: 5 - Very good condition
Sign form: Pole mounted signs
Sign-specific description: The two gateway signs are identical in design to welcome drivers and pedestrians into the Fremont Street District. These signs go across all of the lanes of Fremont Street, so there are two poles on the opposite sidewalks and then two curved steel beams connecting the sidewalk poles, and the main logo is on the curved pole portion. The two steel sidewalk beams each have a yellow curved googie style design. Right above the curved yellow design, on top of the sidewalk beams each have a red starburst orbit. In the middle curved beam there are red channeled Fremont Street East in a mid century modern semi-cursive font, with yellow neon tubes within the channeled letters. Underneath the Fremont Street East letters there is the word DISTRICT in the red channeled block letters.
Sign - type of display: Neon
Sign - media: Steel and Plastic
Sign animation: Yellow neon on gateway signs flash
Sign environment: The gateway to Fremont East District from both the East and West end. One sign is at the corner of Las Vegas Blvd. and Fremont an the other is at the intersection of 8th St.
Sign manufacturer: Fluoresco Lighting and Signs
Sign designer: John Lutz
Sign - date of installation: 2007
Sign - thematic influences: This sign really brings back the mid-century modern theme, and the old Vegas theme as well. The starbursts are similar to the one from the Sweetheart Wedding Chapel Sign.
Sign - artistic significance: This sign speaks to the 1950s/1960s mid-century modern design with the starburst orbits and the yellow curved design.
Survey - research locations: Fremont East website, Floresco
Survey - research notes: Floresco Website http://www.fluoresco.com/pages/about/history.php, as well as contact with Gary Grider of Floresco, Las Vegas Today and Tomorrow Website, http://www.vegastodayandtomorrow.com/fremonteast.htm
Surveyor: Emily Fellmer
Survey - date completed: 2017-08-30
Sign keywords: Flashing; Neon; Steel; Plastic; Pole sign
Mixed Content