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Audio recording clips of interview with Theron and Naomi Goynes by Claytee D. White, June 28, 2012, and July 12, 2012
Date
Archival Collection
Description
Two audio clips from an interview with Theron and Naomi Goynes by Claytee D. White on June 28 and July 12, 2012. In the clips, Theron and Naomi remember their early years in the Las Vegas schools and the advent of desegregation.
Sound
Photographs of Imperial Palace signs, Las Vegas (Nev.), 2002
Date
Archival Collection
Description
Nighttime views of the Imperial Palace Hotel and Casino signs on the Strip. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survey Data Sheet.
Site address: 3535 S Las Vegas Blvd
Sign owner: Ralph Engelstad
Sign details: Shadowing Oshea's, the Imperial palace looms high above the street. The tower for the hotel is located just east of the strip, but one of the main entrances is the unique porte-cochere and facade on the east side of the strip. The main tower resides east, seen behind the Harrah's Carnival Court. Signage includes Giant channel letters on the tower, five cabinets of the Imperial Palace logo initials placed along the towers, internally lit sculpted cabinets on the front tower, as well as the an LED screen, and a vastly lit porte- cochere, along with cabinets.
Sign condition: Structure 4 Surface 3 Lighting 4 The structure of the Imperial Palace's main tower signs seem to be intact, while the front towers signage and porte cochere are in great repair. The surfaces of the main tower are rather dull and pale during the day, but the light color aids in the luminescence at night. The lighting is in excellent repair.
Sign form: Fascia; Porte-cochère
Sign-specific description: The structure is themed after an Asian palace, complete with multi tiered swooping tiled Asian style roof lines, and wooden square beams placed to be representative of rice paper doors and windows, and symbols of dragons. Between two gaping square entrances of the front tower, sliding doors almost cower below a giant color LED message center, flanked by two back-lit , color, flex-front, two-dimensional dragons. The dragons stand upright pawing at each side of the central cabinet. The entire array sits on the lowest swooping Asian design roof level in blue tiles. As the building rises upwards, the center section repeats in multi tiered, blue roof lines, finally crowning with a fourth one, peaked at the top. The bottoms of each ones of these rooflines is bordered on the bottom with blue tubes of neon. The two main drives into to covered porte cochere, head east then turn inward, forming a squared U shape. Obviously one door is for entrance and one an exit. The ceiling is comprised of polished aluminum square panels, each one with four large, spherical, incandescent bulbs. The effect is an engaging field of animated bulbs, interrupted only by the presence of five large circular cabinets, which hang facing the floor. One hangs just into the entrance and exit, and one in the center of the north/south connecting sections of the two flanking tunnels, and two more set in the corners. The two just into the mouth, and in the corner of the tunnels, are polished aluminum themselves, with internally lit plastic fronts. These fronts are blue and white, pained graphically with an Asian geometric design, which fills the entire surface. The one cabinet is treated in the same exterior finish, but the design is created out of blue neon. Above the doors to the casino, in this cove, polished channel letters with blue plastic fronts, and borders created with narrow channels, are lined with incandescent bulbs. The tower set back into the property is adorned by a set of two story tall, white channel letters, facing west just below a long blue tiled roof, spell "Imperial Palace" and are filled with blue neon. Letters can be seen on the East face of the tower as well. On the same level of the southern end of the tower, a square, blue, channel edged cabinet, holds the channel letter initials "I" and "P." Another cabinet faces north on the north side of the tower. The channels and initials are lined with blue neon. The same arrangement can be found on the east side of the tower as well. The I and P can also be seen on the north and south end of the tower, but without the border. All of the rooflines on the tower are lined with blue neon as well. Both towers are ambiently lit with blue spotlights, casting a blue hue all over the property. At the very top of the front tower, a spike rises into the air, and is adorned with rings of blue neon.
Sign - type of display: Neon; Incandescent; Backlit
Sign - media: Steel; Plastic
Sign - non-neon treatments: Graphics
Sign animation: Oscillating
Notes: The incandescent bulbs covering the ceiling of the porte cochere, oscillate vibrantly, creating a shimmering cave of light.
Sign environment: The Imperial Palace is placed in an unusual position, with the front tower pushed right up to the street, with cars and taxis zipping in and out of the large square entrances. Just to the north is the Harrah's Carnival Court, which pushes right up to the edge of the north face of the front tower. Just to the south O Shea's sits in the great blue shadow of the Imperial palace.
Sign - date of installation: The hotel opened as the Imperial Palace in 1979. The front tower was built in 1981. The hotel was finished in three phases 1981, 1982, and 1987-1989.
Sign - thematic influences: The Imperial Palace is themed after an Asian palace, signifying the theme through several structural elements seen on the exterior. The stylized roofline, and actual shape of the roof are the representative of the classic eastern palace design seen throughout most Asian cultures in their history. The text on the main towers is stylized and representative of western text written to resemble the graceful brush stroke of Asian characters. Another obvious aspect is the backlit Asian dragons on either side of the giant LED screen on the front of the tower containing the porte-cochere. The Imperial Palace is a themed hotel, revolving around a culture, like that seen in Paris or the Bellagio. The significance of the signage relies in its Porte cochere. Related to the Riviera's parking garage due to the fact that it is located inside of one of the buildings, hidden away from plain sight. The stunning array of incandescent bulbs, lining the ceiling, and reflecting off of the high use of reflective panels. The use of the reflective metals is evidence of the leftover trend massive trend used in the 1970's due to an energy shortage. It itself, is a one of a kind porte-cochere and, is one of the most vibrant still in existence.
Surveyor: Joshua Cannaday
Survey - date completed: 2002
Sign keywords: Oscillating; Fascia; Porte-cochère; Neon; Incandescent; Backlit; Steel; Plastic; Graphics
Mixed Content
Photographs of Luxor signs, Las Vegas (Nev.), 2002
Date
Archival Collection
Description
Site name: Luxor (Las Vegas, Nev.)
Site address: 3900 S Las Vegas Blvd
Sign owner: Mandalay Resort Group
Sign details: The giant black, glass, pyramid rises out of the desert as certainly one of the most unique structures. The pyramid is also accompanied by a monolithic, heavily geometric structure, finished in the same black, panels of windows. Just to the north. The front of the property is dominated by an array or Egyptian architectural landmarks such as an giant obelisk, the Sphinx, various statues of Egyptian gods and pharaohs line the multi tiered expanse of concrete and stucco. The property is pedestrian interactive, being able to pass underneath the giant obelisk, and through and beneath the giant Sphinx. The feel produced by area is appropriate for the desert environment.
Sign condition: Structure 5 Surface 5 Lighting 5
Sign form: Pylon; Fascia; Porte-cochère
Sign-specific description: On the expanse of concrete in front of Las Vegas Blvd, just north of the obelisk, a double-sided pylon sign joins the ancient composition. The pylon actually is more akin to the pylons seen at properties such as the Monte Carlo or the Mirage. It is located in the northern portion of the property on the west side of the strip-facing northwest along Las Vegas Blvd Two square posts support a two-sided square cabinet which houses a back lit advertisement and a set of crafted letters spelling the name of the establishment. Occupying the upper portion of the space between the legs another internally lit, two sided, cabinet, atop a small pair of internally lit sculpted cabinets. From a distance the cabinets look like thumbs holding up the cabinet. The shapes are graphically treated on the surfaces to look like colorful recreations of a hieroglyphic bird, the wings being the elongated portion of the cabinet. The only art attached to the cabinet is the portion designated for the head of the creature. Three sets of sculpted cornices, create borders for the different planes. The bases of the legs are treated with the ledging, the section separating the top cabinet, from the rest of the sign, and finally another set around the top crowning edge of the sign. Both sides of the top edge have a sculpted element in the very center. A flat circle, presumably a representation of the sun, flanked by two snakes are set on a pair of large wings spreading to either side. This element is ambiently lit from underneath. The text, which spells "Luxor," is composed of polished gold channel letters, with closed faces with graphic treatments in blue upon the faces. The faces are painted to appear if the letters are faceted into three dimensions. They are lit from behind with whit neon creating a halo effect around the letters. The surface of the actual structure is finished to appear as if it is constructed of limestone, utilizing false joints and seams. The south end of the property close to the street is the four-sided obelisk. The text on the obelisk is the same word treated in the same fashion, structurally and aesthetically, as the pylon sign. The only difference is that it reads vertically from top to bottom. Statuary adorn the base of the obelisk in a repeating pattern as well as it being covered in hieroglyphic patterns. A tunnel allows for the pedestrian to pass underneath the obelisk. The porte cochere is located underneath the body of the Sphinx, another use of the architecture to incorporate the pedestrian element. If you head east through the sphinx, a tunnel opens up into a small courtyard where a shuttle bus may be caught. The ceiling of the porte cochere is adorned with a circular chandelier, composed of metal representations of leafy branches radiating around a rounded center. The ends of the arms hold length-wise half cylinder lamps. The ceiling above is painted blue. The most spectacular element of the Luxor is its super powerful light in the place of the capstone at the very peak. The beam is one of the most powerful lights in the world, and can be seen from high above into the earth's atmosphere as well. The edges of the pyramid are also raceways, which can be seen in action in the dark. An animation of bulbs makes it appear as if a single bulb of light streams up the base to the very peak. The animation runs at an interval of every couple of seconds. On the very south edge of the property, actually on the southeast corner, is a sculpted, small pylon which houses a color led screen.
Sign - type of display: Neon
Sign - media: Steel; Masonry
Sign - non-neon treatments: Plaster
Sign animation: Chasing
Sign environment: Standing next to the Mandalay Bay on the west side of the southern end of Las Vegas Blvd, the Luxor's front exterior is a sprawling mass of smooth vertical planes turning into eloquent statue and stucco walls. They are interlaced with drives and signage complete with a platform at the base of the Sphinx, which is just east of where the valet and porte cochere are grounded in the base of the beasts belly. From the edge of a Platform a tram station is located and also a view of the signage can be seen as well. The Luxor's environment is a very pedestrian one as well. Being in an isolated part of the strip, the noise clutter brought about by the surging traffic is considerably better than the heart of the strip.
Sign designer: Veldon Simpson
Sign - thematic influences: The theme of the Luxor is obviously that of ancient Egypt. The Ancient Egyptian imagery is placed among the same images but represented in the shiny black glass, giving a touch of future meets the past. The image seen are some of the most commonly seen images when talking about the Ancient Egyptian culture. The Sphinx stands guard at the base of the giant black pyramid, one sign is attached to an obelisk. Various statuary adorn the entire plaza. The environment created with the motif obviously fits into the desert like dust, but still retains the surreal nature associated with the themed hotel. The aesthetics appear to be fantastic, but are a bit odd due to the arrangements and limitations on space. It does however fir into an interesting sub category of resort that is themed around a culture. Yes it is themed around a city, but the culture shines through with more dominance. Another example of this is the Imperial Palace. It is not necessarily themed after a particular city, but the architecture and imagery suggests the Asian culture.
Surveyor: Joshua Cannaday
Survey - date completed: 2002
Sign keywords: Chasing; Pylon; Fascia; Porte-cochère; Neon; Steel; Masonry; Plaster
Mixed Content
Photographs of Battista's signs, Las Vegas (Nev.), 2002
Date
Archival Collection
Description
Site address: 4041 Audrie St
Sign details: Battista's "hole in the wall" Italian restaurant is located in a small shopping mall on the corner of Audrie and Flamingo, just east of the strip. The actual establishment of Battista's faces east in the northwest corner of the shopping center. The pylon sign sits on the northwest corner of FlamingoRd and Audrie st., the entrance to the building is also adorned with neon signs as well. On the extreme north end of the property a pole sign for a general store also shares signage with Battista's.
Sign condition: Structure 5 Surface 5 Lighting 5
Sign form: Pylon; Fascia
Sign-specific description: The pylon sign for Battista's is on the corner of Flamingo and Audrie, on the wet side of Audrie. It is a double- backed roadside pole sign with two cabinets, and an LED message center. The sign is a host of visual candy, laden with neon and incandescent bulbs. The upper portion of the sign is comprised of the larger cabinet, below that the LED message-center, then below that the smaller cabinet makes up the bottom of the sign. The top cabinet has sculpted edges created bulging edges as well as a round top. The two corners are stepped. The bottom of the sign is a flat horizontal edge. The surface of the sign is painted red. The majority of the sign's face is occupied by channel letters spelling "Battista's Italian Restaurant," in channel letters with red neon borders. Below that "Lounge," and then "Banquets" is spelled one on top of each other in yellow channel letters. Yellow neon in on the interior of the channels. Two tubes of green neon extend horizontally from each side of this text. On the far left and right-hand sides of the cabinet, green neon scrollwork adorn the space between the main text and the edge of the cabinet. Spelled in small painted letters above the main text, resides the phrase "hole in the wall. Yellow neon tubes spell the same text, hovering over the graphics. In the remaining space above this text and the top edge, purple and green neon are sculpted to appear as a bunch of grapes and their vines. The entire sign is bordered in gold polished raceways with incandescent bulbs. Below the main section of the cabinet is a tri-colored LED message center, running scrolling messages about the restaurant in red, white, and green, which are the colors of the Italian flag. The smaller cabinet below the message center has sculpted edges also, with the top edge being straight along the length of the message center. It is painted green. General store is spelled across the top of the sign in white channel letters with white neon on the interior. Graphically painted in red, below the white text, the words "groceries, beer wine, souvenirs, and slots" are overlayed with red neon. In the remaining space on the bottom of the cabinet a small logo for "Coors Light," is graphically painted and overlayed with corresponding neon. To the left and right of that two arrows point toward the property, painted in red then overlayed with red neon. Over the entrance to the building, a wooden A-frame shaped structure forms a cover over the main entrance to the restaurant. In an arched pattern on the wooden face of this awning, "Battista's" is spelled it it's specific text in channel lettering, filled with neon. Below that in green channel letters, in the same arched pattern, spell hole in the wall, and has green neon in the interior. On other side of the dual arched text two, channel designed scrollwork pieces are illuminated with yellow neon. On the far north end of the lot a pole sign is designated next to the general store that the main pylon advertises. The top of the sign is an internally lit cabinet with graphic treatments for the general store. Incandescent bulbs line the edge of the cabinet. Further down the pole a small back-lit, horizontal, rectangular cabinet advertises for the Battista's establishment. Below that a square, internally lit cabinet, has red and green graphical treatments reading "Fine Italian Cuisine." The last bit of signage on the pole is a small, internally lit cabinet, flag poled off of the east end of the pole with red neon spelling, "groceries 24 hrs." On the North side of the building another sign for Battista's is present.
Sign - type of display: Neon; Matrix; Backlit; LED
Sign - media: Steel
Sign - non-neon treatments: Graphics; Paint
Sign animation: Chasing
Notes: The raceways which run around the border of the surface of the sign, chase each other from right to left. The incandescent bulbs which surround the internally lit cabinet on the pole sign designated for the convenience store also chase each other.
Sign environment: The Battista's pylon share unique company when it comes to it's environment. East across Audrie, is the Bourbon Street Hotel Casino, while the extensive Bally's property resides south across Flamingo Dr. The small shopping center proves a break in the action of casino hotels. The pylon stands as a prominent figure on the corner of the lot. Just to the west of the pylon, on the same side of the street, is the original Flamingo pylon, preceding the Barbary Coast. If you continue north on Audrie, the Flamingo Hilton may be assessed through a drive to the west.
Sign manufacturer: YESCO
Sign - thematic influences: The theme of the facility centers around the theme of an Italian restaurant. The pylon's colors, and matrix message center are all in accordance with colors of the Italian flag, as well as the signage above the door. The graphics, and neon representations of grapes on the pylon reference the afore mentioned theme. The entrance to the facility is the A-framed roof-like structure wood structure, referencing a rustic cottage or facility. This is significant in the name "Hole in the wall," which the facility boasts.
Sign - artistic significance: The significance of the Battista's establishment fits in with other facilities on the Strip such as The Rosewood Grill, Alan Albert's, and the Peppermill. Considering that most dining establishments are located on the interior of the properties, these stand as excellent quality, intimate restaurants seen by and available to the pedestrian public. Like the everyday establishments dressed to fit in the Las Vegas Strip such as the neighboring Walgreens, Alan Albert's is a non-casino dressed up to fit in with the local surroundings. It is also unique in the fact that the establishment which dominates the space which it resides. Unlike Alan Albert's which is tucked down a narrow alley, it is spoken out loudly with a pylon sign, another pole sign and a wall sign as well. Both pole signs are reminiscent of old roadside motel signs.
Surveyor: Joshua Cannaday
Survey - date completed: 2002
Sign keywords: Chasing; Fascia; Pylon; Neon; Matrix; Backlit; LED; Steel; Paint; Graphics
Mixed Content
Photographs of Blue Note signs, Las Vegas (Nev.), 2002
Date
Archival Collection
Description
Site address: 3663 S Las Vegas Blvd
Sign owner: Blue Note International: Father & Son team of Danny and Steven Bensusan
Sign details: The Blue Note is located a short distance east, down Harmon Ave., on the north side of the street, facing south. It is part of the Aladdin Hotel Casino. A vacant lot resides on the corner, and is the only thing that separates the Blue Note from the Strip. Signage for the property includes two logo wall signs on the west wall of the building, a vertical blade sign and an entrance sign over the main port to the establishment.
Sign condition: Structure 5 Surface 5 Lighting 5
Sign form: Fascia
Sign-specific description: Just east off of Las Vegas Blvd, down Harmon Ave, lies the entrance to the "Blue Note: Jazz Capital of the World." The Blue Note is actually part of the Aladdin property, residing in the eastern most wing of the building, on the south side of Harmon. The majority of the signage hangs on the front of the building, which faces south toward Harmon Ave., with additional signage on the west face of the structure that extends from the Aladdin property. A vacant lot on the north east corner separates the Blue Note from the rest of the strip. The structure of the building and the design of the signage are juxtaposed with the building still being finished in a Persian Palace theme. While the signs are reminiscent of roaring twenties style font and theatre front design. Several different types of signs adorn the Blue Note. Two wall /logo signs hang on the west side of the building, while a sculpted entrance marquee, a hanging logo sign, and a vertical blade sign hung on the south side of the building. The west wall logo sign is composed of blue channel letters spelling the text " Blue Note," separated by a circular cabinet with a tube of neon bent to emulate the shape of a musical note placed in the middle. Five steel bars just out from either side of the cabinet. Below the text, a white steel cabinet with rounded ends, support a thin set of blue channel letters reading, "Jazz capital of the world." Further to the right a set of pink channel letters rest upon the upper portion of the corner of the structure. The letters are filled with pink neon. Along the South face of the building the first sign, hung in close proximity to the southwest corner, a vertical blade sign sits on a radius base of shaped molding jutting out of the wall. The actual body of the sign is a double backed cabinet finished in polished aluminum, with blue pin striping along the edges as well as along the rounded edge of the top. Near the top of the sign, the same rounded cabinet seen on the west wall of the structure, is integrated into the blade facing east/west. The cabinet is thicker in width to compensate for the width of the actual sign. The edges of the steel structure are painted in the same blue tone. The afore mentioned blue neon tubing fashioned into the shape of the note resides in this cabinet also. Along the east/west sides of the sign the text "The Blue Note," runs vertically from top to bottom, in blue channel letters only interrupted by the circular cabinet. The panel, which the text resides is painted white. Along the edge of the blade, which faces south, the text "Blue Note" is spelled vertically in blue channel letters. Sitting along the edge of the base, which the sign sits on, thin red channel letters stand almost independently, wrapping around the radius of the base. Starting on the west side of the sign and finishing on the east side, the text reads "Club & Cafe." These letters are filled with tubes of red neon. The letters are attached to a backing radius band of metal appearing to be gold. Further down the face of the building the main entrance to the building plays host to an overhead marquee/logo sign incorporating sculptural elements as well. Directly in the center of the composition, a long horizontal cabinet plays host to the red channel letters filed with red neon, reading, "World's Finest Jazz Club." Sitting on the top edge of the cabinet the same configuration of the Blue Note logo sign along with the circular cabinet, rests in front a sculpted piece of black steel. This piece of black painted steel is cut to appear as if it is the open top to a piano. Along the interior edge of the lid tubes of blue neon form a blue border. Between the piano top and the Blue Note logo, a horizontal steel grate serves as a divider as well as support for the blue channel letters. This entire section sits on a long horizontal ledge composed of a long polished steel section with a long LED message center just below that. Slightly recessed below the message center another width of overhang constructed of steel is painted to appear as if it is made of piano keys. Along the wall, just above the door, the pink channel letters read "Insomnia" with pink neon on the interior.
Sign - type of display: Neon
Sign - media: Steel; Fiberglass
Sign - non-neon treatments: Paint
Sign environment: Situated just east off the strip, down Harmon Avenue, the Blue Note is the only attraction in its immediate area. Even though it is part of the Aladdin complex, the closest property is the Harley Davidson Cafe on the south east corner of Harmon and Las Vegas Blvd At night, the property loses its Arabian Nights architecture emitting a sultry glow of neon. It is hard to miss, if a pedestrian peers down the street while traveling north or south, on the east side of the strip. During the day, the architecture helps to blend in the property to appear as it is, part of the Aladdin.
Sign manufacturer: YESCO
Sign - date of installation: 2000
Sign - thematic influences: The building itself is part of the actual Aladdin property, so the faced of the structure is themed in the manner of an ancient Persian city. It is an interesting juxtaposition for the sleek, modern finish and colors of the signage, with the organic facade of domed towers and stone facade. The Blue note signage is themed around the subject of music, specifically Jazz and Blues music. The blue hue of the neon, and the cabinet containing the crafted musical note are all evidence of this. The blade sign is thematically influenced by marquee building signs for theaters and music clubs from the first part of the century, specifically the forties and fifties. Such examples that utilized a similar designed blade sign were properties from the 1930's 40's and 50's such as The Boulder Club, The Pioneer Club, and the Las Vegas Club.
Surveyor: Joshua Cannaday
Survey - date completed: 2002
Sign keywords: Fascia; Neon; Steel; Fiberglass; Paint
Mixed Content