The exterior of Hughes Research Laboratories where rock bits were test-drilled in Culver City, California in the 1940s. Transcribed from note taped to back of photo: "Rock bits are test-drilled in the laboratory under conditions that duplicate, as far as is possible in the laboratory, those encountered in actual drilling. As a result, rotational speeds, loads, and fluid volume are closely controlled. The rig operator occupies a splash-proof booth above the 'cellar floor.' The instruments on his control panel provide for application and measurement of variable axial loading on the drilling bit up to 100,000 lbs., variable rotational speeds up to 400 rpm, measurement of bit penetration over a total vertical travel of 5 feet at rates up to 180 ft. per hour, and torque. On the panel, also, are several controls for the operation of mud pump and other accessory equipment."
Transcribed from press release attached to back of photo: "NEW-DESIGN PHOTO PLANE COMPLETED CULVER CITY, Calif., July 7 -- test-flown today for the first time, the new XF-11 was revealed as one of the world's fastest long-range photographic planes. It was designed and built by Howard Hughes in conjunction with the Air Materiel command engineers. Army officials said that it can attain a speed of more than 400 miles per hour and a ceiling of more than 40,000 feet. The plane has a pressurized cabin making it unnecessary for the crew to use oxygen masks. Outstanding features include a full-span flap, unique eight-camera layout and exceptionally fast take-off." Transcribed from photo sleeve: "Howard Hughes sits in the cockpit of the XF-11, a reconnaissance plane that Hughes built and designed in conjunction with Air Materiel Command engineers. Hughes is preparing for his first test flight in Culver City, California July 7, 1947."
Transcribed from attachment to photo: "NEW LONG-RANGE PLANE ANNOUNCED CULVER CITY, CALIF., The FX-11 took off today on its first test flight. One of the world's fastest long-range photographic planes, it was designed and built by Howard Hughes in conjunction with Air Materiel Command engineers. It has a wing spread of 101 feet, 4 inches, and is powered by two 3000-horsepower radial engines with eight-bladed contra-rotating propellers. Army officials said it can attain a speed of more than 400 miles per hour and has a ceiling of more than 40,000 feet." Transcribed from photo sleeve: "Howard Hughes sits in the cockpit of the XF-11, a reconnaissance plane that Hughes built and designed in conjunction with Air Materiel Command engineers. Hughes is preparing for his first test flight in Culver City, California July 7, 1947."
Aerial view of Hughes Flying boat. Press release attached to back of photo: "LAUNCHING WORLD'S LARGEST PLANE The Hughes Flying boat was launched for the first time November 1, 1947. After the three concrete docks, one containing the hull and two the wing pontoons, were pumped with sea water to the outside level, gates were lowered and the Flying Boat was carefully towed forward by tractors, and by boats as the tail cleared the dock. During taxi tests the following day Howard Hughes made a surprise flight of a mile." Stamped on back of photo: "Hughes Aircraft Photo" and the date "Nov 1 1947." Los Angeles Harbor, Terminal Island are now known as Long Beach.
Transcribed from attached press release: "HUGHES ROCK BIT PRODUCTION more than 500,000 rock bits produced last year by the Hughes Tool Company, Houston, Texas, for drilling the kind of deep wells which now produce 90 per cent of the world's petroleum. The rock bit was invented by Howard Hughes' father and the resulting business became the cornerstone on which Howard Hughes built his industrial empire. The machinist above is performing an operation on the cones which make up the rotating end of the Hughes rock bit." Transcribed from photo sleeve: "The Kearney and Trecker 4 spindle machine at the Hughes Tool Company in Houston, Texas. Ca. 1950s."
Howard Hughes on a motion picture set supervising the 'dressing' of a set for use in his production of "The Outlaw." Transcribed from attached press release: "From Russell Birdwell and Associates After an absence of ten years from motion picture production, Howard Hughes resumes film making with the producing and directing of "The Outlaw," the story of Billy the Kid, for Twentieth Century-Fox release. In 1931 he produced and directed "Hell's Angels," from which emerged a glorious new star, Jean Harlow, and in the same year he brought to stardom Paul Muni in "Scarface." And now Hughes, who in 1931 promised two new stars in Harlow and Muni, makes the same promise again with 19-+year old Jane Russell and 21-year old Jack Buetel, playing the top leads in "The Outlaw," the cast of which also includes Thomas Mitchell and Walter Huston. In this picture Hughes is discussing a story point with Jules Furthman, author of the story and screen play on "The Outlaw."
The Roadhouse Casino sign sits unlit at 2100 North Boulder Highway. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survey Data Sheet. Site address: 2100 N Boulder Hwy Sign owner: Robert McMackin Sign details: Roadhouse approved for gaming 1988, Robert McMackin bought the Roadhouse 1992, but it closed 2002. They planned to refurbish and reopen by 2010 but has been in legal trouble and has not reopened. Sign condition: 2- reader board portion/plastic back lit portion is gone and paint has faded drastically Sign form: Pylon Sign-specific description: Big Letters on top "Roadhouse" below Is a Huge Letter "R". Still up but in horrible condition. Reader board is a frame and appears to be scrapped. No upkeep has been made to the sign. There is an array of colors behind the 'R' such as purple, white, yellow and green in a parallel plume shape. Sign - type of display: Neon Sign - media: Steel Sign - non-neon treatments: There must have been plastic on this sign since there is a sign box that would contain it. Sign environment: This location is on Boulder Hwy. near Sunset Road. Sign - thematic influences: The letter R in the middle of the sign is remnant of the 1980's car/video game font. Survey - research locations: Las Vegas Sun Article synopsis https://vegasinc.lasvegassun.com/business/legal/2012/mar/26/city-henderson-reverses-course-roadhouse-casino-li/ Review Journal article https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/casinos-gaming/station-casinos-henderson-settle-roadhouse-dispute/ Survey - research notes: The articles were helpful with finding information on this property since other avenues did not have any information on it. Surveyor: Wyatt Currie-Diamond Survey - date completed: 2017-09-01 Sign keywords: Pylon; Neon; Steel; Plastic; Incandescent; Backlit; Back to back
A replica of the "Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas" sign sits at a median near Boulder Highway at dusk. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survey Data Sheet. Site address: Boulder Hwy Sign owner: Commissioned by the Boulder Hwy casinos Sign details: This sign is to pay homage to the original 1959 Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign, but to honor the "Boulder Strip". There are many casinos within this area of Boulder Hwy similar to our famous Las Vegas Blvd. sign. Sign condition: 5- Very good condition and still works very good Sign form: Pylon Sign-specific description: This sign is a replica of the current Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign with identical design and materials used, but is just smaller than the real one Sign - type of display: Neon, plastic back lit portion and incandescent light bulbs Sign - media: Steel and plastic Sign - non-neon treatments: Incandescent light bulbs and plastic back lit portion Sign animation: Chasing Notes: incandescent light bulbs on the exterior of the sign. Sign environment: In the middle of the median on Boulder Hwy. In the middle of the road in front of the East side Cannery and close to the Longhorn casino as well. Sign designer: Betty Willis Sign - date of installation: 2007 Sign - thematic influences: Identical in design of the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign but a bit smaller. Sign - artistic significance: Googie style is portrayed in the design of this sign. Survey - research locations: Google maps roadside view, Sign website discussing welc. To fab L.V. sign in general and year of replica installation https://www.signs.com/blog/15-surprising-facts-about-the-las-vegas-sign/ , Las Vegas Sun article https://lasvegassun.com/news/2008/nov/25/ask-mr-sun/ Surveyor: Emily Fellmer Survey - date completed: 2017-09-28 Sign keywords: Pylon; Neon; Plastic; Backlit; Incandescent; Chasing; Steel
The now permanently closed Mermaids Casino sits at 32 Fremont Street at the Fremont Street Experience. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survery Data Sheet. Site address: 32 Fremont St Sign owner: Derek and Greg Stevens Sign details: Shutdown in 2016, opened briefly June 28th, 2017 for 8 hours to abide by gambling license law, was torn down shortly after. 2.76 acre lot, originally built in 1949. Sign condition: Signage was removed from building during deconstruction Sign form: Decorated shed Sign-specific description: Covering all the sides of the Mermaids facing Fremont street, gives the feel of New Orleans during Mardi Gras with its bright vibrant colors, drums, maracas, and other items. Skeleton neon was used to accentuate features of the sign like details in the drums, outlining the word "Mermaids", and a good portion of the sign was internally lit as well. Giant TV screen hung in the middle at the corner of the building, giant Sun shaped pinata thing above the TV screen adding more to the theme. Sign - type of display: Neon, LED screen Sign - media: Steel and fiberglass Sign - non-neon treatments: LED screen Sign animation: Animated with an LED TV screen and some neon would flash on and off Sign environment: Downtown on Fremont Street, part of the Experience. Surrounded by other casinos and gift stores. Sign - date of installation: c. 1999 Sign - date of redesign/move: Torn down Summer 2017 Sign - thematic influences: Southern party themed, Mardi Gras. Sign - artistic significance: American South and Mardi Gras. Survey - research locations: Vital Vegas, Assessor's website Surveyor: Danny Jacobs Survey - date completed: 2017-09-09 Sign keywords: Neon; Steel; Fiberglass; Flashing; Video screen; Sculptural
Costume Details: Two couples in rust and peach-colored flamenco costumes. Women are in beaded long silk dresses, men in boleros trimmed with jewels, frilled shirts and high-waisted trousers; one woman has fox fur trim on her dress and is wearing a tiara-type headpiece, all the others are wearing felt hats. Notations on back of sketch: "Danseurs Espagnols. Opening: Femme - Robe en faille recouverte en strass, chapeau et boucles d'orielles. Homme - Pantalon et gilets alpaga marron, chemise avec jabot dentelle. Reuers veste et garniture en strass - chapeau feutre. Finale: Robe en satin brodee de strass - Renard beige - boucles - peignes - bracelets - et boules pendantes en strass. Boy: Pantalon en alpaga - gilet satin - garnitures en strass - chapeau beige feutre." Show Name: Casino de Paris Performance Name: Finale Site Name: Dunes (hotel and casino)