Search Results
Mary Lytle Papers
Identifier
MS-00231
Abstract
The Mary Lytle Papers date from 1909 to 1968 and document Lytle’s experience as the first midwife in Overton, Nevada. The collection contains medical certificates, professional correspondence with Nevada Assistant State Archivist Frederick C. Gale, a handwritten memoir, and black-and-white photographs.
Archival Collection
Wanda Ball Moser Photographs
Identifier
PH-00030
Abstract
The Wanda Ball Moser Photographs depict Wanda Ball Moser and her family in Southern Nevada in the early-twentieth century. The photographs primarily depict Moser and her family at Mt. Charleston, Nevada or at home in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Archival Collection
Transcript of interview with Sherwin "Scoop" Garside by David Anderson, March 25, 1976
Date
1976-03-25
Archival Collection
Description
On March 25, 1976, David Anderson interviewed Sherwin “Scoop” Garside (born May 26, 1915 in Tonopah, Nevada) about his life in Southern Nevada. Garside first talks about his father’s business in running an early Nevada newspaper and his personal knowledge of the early mining that took place in different parts of Nevada. He also talks about living in the town of Tonopah, the American Indians who lived in the area, and his experiences from living in Las Vegas. Garside also mentions the beginnings of gambling in Las Vegas, the population boom periods of Las Vegas, and his experiences in witnessing the aboveground atomic testing.
Text
Photographs of Luxor signs, Las Vegas (Nev.), 2002
Date
2002
2017-08-15
Archival Collection
Description
Photos show Luxor signs during the day. Two surveys were conducted to gather information about this sign. One was conducted in 2002 and one was conducted in 2017. PDFs are available for both surveys. See the 2017 survey PDF for additional information that is not included in the object 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
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 Economy Motel sign, Las Vegas (Nev.), April 18, 2017
Date
2017-04-18
2017-09-10
Archival Collection
Description
The Economy Motel sign sits at 1605 Fremont Street in Downtown Las Vegas. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survey Sheet.
Site address: 1605 Fremont St
Sign owner: Las Vegas Dragon Hotel LLC
Sign details: This building was constructed in 1953 for commercial living and motels and has been used for this since. This location was recently remodeled in 2016. The property previous to the Economy Motel was the Rangler Motel.
Sign condition: 5-looks newly restored
Sign form: Blade
Sign-specific description: The top of the sign is a red rectangular blade with the word "ECONOMY" in white skeletal neon tubes spelt out horizontally. Below the word Economy is the word "MOTEL" spelt out Vertically in channeled white letters with a blue border. Underneath this portion of the sign is a sign box where they have a plastic rectangular sign with their phone number on it. Under the sign box is "WELCOME" painted on the west side of the sign and "BIENVENDIO" on the east side. On the building side of the side box is a rectangular yellow arrow pointing down to the lobby of the motel.
Sign - type of display: Neon and plastic backlit sign
Sign - media: Steel and plastic
Sign - non-neon treatments: Plastic backlit sign
Sign environment: This location is on the East side of Fremont Street located close to many other motels some closed and some still open.
Sign - date of installation: Sign has been up but in a different form since at least 2007
Sign - date of redesign/move: Late 2016/ early 2017 repainted/ restored since it previously said Rangler Motel on the sign (had a plastic cover saying economy over that previous logo for a few years)
Sign - thematic influences: The arrow portion of this sign is a popular 1950's/60's motel sign theme.
Sign - artistic significance: It is a trend down on Fremont to take an old Motel sign and renovate it into the new motel's name and logo.
Survey - research locations: Owner's website http://www.1dragonhotel.com/about_us , assessor's map, Google map satellite view
Survey - research notes: The previous sign for the Rangler motel was repurposed for the Economy Motel, so the same MOTEL blade portion had the same font but channeled neon was added, as well as repainted.
Surveyor: Emily Fellmer
Survey - date completed: 2017-09-10
Sign keywords: Neon; Plastic; Steel; Pole sign; Electronic Message Center
Site address: 1605 Fremont St
Sign owner: Las Vegas Dragon Hotel LLC
Sign details: This building was constructed in 1953 for commercial living and motels and has been used for this since. This location was recently remodeled in 2016. The property previous to the Economy Motel was the Rangler Motel.
Sign condition: 5-looks newly restored
Sign form: Blade
Sign-specific description: The top of the sign is a red rectangular blade with the word "ECONOMY" in white skeletal neon tubes spelt out horizontally. Below the word Economy is the word "MOTEL" spelt out Vertically in channeled white letters with a blue border. Underneath this portion of the sign is a sign box where they have a plastic rectangular sign with their phone number on it. Under the sign box is "WELCOME" painted on the west side of the sign and "BIENVENDIO" on the east side. On the building side of the side box is a rectangular yellow arrow pointing down to the lobby of the motel.
Sign - type of display: Neon and plastic backlit sign
Sign - media: Steel and plastic
Sign - non-neon treatments: Plastic backlit sign
Sign environment: This location is on the East side of Fremont Street located close to many other motels some closed and some still open.
Sign - date of installation: Sign has been up but in a different form since at least 2007
Sign - date of redesign/move: Late 2016/ early 2017 repainted/ restored since it previously said Rangler Motel on the sign (had a plastic cover saying economy over that previous logo for a few years)
Sign - thematic influences: The arrow portion of this sign is a popular 1950's/60's motel sign theme.
Sign - artistic significance: It is a trend down on Fremont to take an old Motel sign and renovate it into the new motel's name and logo.
Survey - research locations: Owner's website http://www.1dragonhotel.com/about_us , assessor's map, Google map satellite view
Survey - research notes: The previous sign for the Rangler motel was repurposed for the Economy Motel, so the same MOTEL blade portion had the same font but channeled neon was added, as well as repainted.
Surveyor: Emily Fellmer
Survey - date completed: 2017-09-10
Sign keywords: Neon; Plastic; Steel; Pole sign; Electronic Message Center
Mixed Content
Fishers Inn Motel Neon Survey document, September 16, 2017
Date
2017-09-17
Archival Collection
Description
Information about the Fishers Inn Motel sign that sits at 3565 Boulder Hwy.
Site address: 3565 Boulder Hwy
Sign owner: Maiya LLC
Sign details: The construction of the motel was in 1963. This location was previously the Comet Motel but the Fisher's bought it in 1987 and changed the name to Fisher's Inn Motel.
Sign condition: 5 - received new paint in 2017
Sign form: Raised roadside sign
Sign-specific description: This sign has a thin white steel beam base with plastic backlit sign that currently advertises ESPN, HBO, Over 150 channels and Free Wifi. Above the reader board is a rectangular (but has a curved portion to the top of it) blue sign that states "FI" on top in a cursive font, underneath in a block white font states "A Fisher's Inn". Underneath "A Fisher's Inn" there is are big yellow "MOTEL" block font letters with a simple "No Vacancy" skeletal neon beneath it. At night the "FI" illuminates yellow, "A Fisher's Inn" green, " MOTEL" red, "NO VACANCY" is blue, but on the top portion of the sign there is white skeletal neon in the shape of possibly a Fisherman's hat.
Sign - type of display: Neon and backlit plastic sign
Sign - media: Steel and plastic
Sign - non-neon treatments: Backlit plastic sign
Sign environment: This motel is on Boulder Highway, close to the 515 and is near other motels and car sales lots.
Sign - date of installation: c. 1987
Sign - date of redesign/move: 2017 painted blue when it used to be green
Sign - artistic significance: There's a good use of multiple colors on this sign. As well as repurposing older signs from previous property has been a major trend for signs in Vegas. Good example of skeletal neon.
Survey - research locations: Assessor's website
Survey - research notes: Bookings website gives hotel info https://www.booking.com/hotel/us/a-fishers- inn-motel.html
Surveyor: Emily Fellmer
Survey - date completed: 2017-09-16
Sign keywords: Neon; Backlit; Plastic; Steel; Roadside
Site address: 3565 Boulder Hwy
Sign owner: Maiya LLC
Sign details: The construction of the motel was in 1963. This location was previously the Comet Motel but the Fisher's bought it in 1987 and changed the name to Fisher's Inn Motel.
Sign condition: 5 - received new paint in 2017
Sign form: Raised roadside sign
Sign-specific description: This sign has a thin white steel beam base with plastic backlit sign that currently advertises ESPN, HBO, Over 150 channels and Free Wifi. Above the reader board is a rectangular (but has a curved portion to the top of it) blue sign that states "FI" on top in a cursive font, underneath in a block white font states "A Fisher's Inn". Underneath "A Fisher's Inn" there is are big yellow "MOTEL" block font letters with a simple "No Vacancy" skeletal neon beneath it. At night the "FI" illuminates yellow, "A Fisher's Inn" green, " MOTEL" red, "NO VACANCY" is blue, but on the top portion of the sign there is white skeletal neon in the shape of possibly a Fisherman's hat.
Sign - type of display: Neon and backlit plastic sign
Sign - media: Steel and plastic
Sign - non-neon treatments: Backlit plastic sign
Sign environment: This motel is on Boulder Highway, close to the 515 and is near other motels and car sales lots.
Sign - date of installation: c. 1987
Sign - date of redesign/move: 2017 painted blue when it used to be green
Sign - artistic significance: There's a good use of multiple colors on this sign. As well as repurposing older signs from previous property has been a major trend for signs in Vegas. Good example of skeletal neon.
Survey - research locations: Assessor's website
Survey - research notes: Bookings website gives hotel info https://www.booking.com/hotel/us/a-fishers- inn-motel.html
Surveyor: Emily Fellmer
Survey - date completed: 2017-09-16
Sign keywords: Neon; Backlit; Plastic; Steel; Roadside
Text
Photograph of the "Mole" Jarva Tunnel Borer at work on the Las Vegas River Mountain Project, Las Vegas, Nevada, circa 1968-1971
Date
1968 to 1971
Archival Collection
Description
The "Mole" Jarva Tunnel Borer pokes its nose out of the tunnel through mountain as work on the Las Vegas River Mountains Project progresses. The first stage of construction was completed between 1968-1971, and is comprised of a main aqueduct, a 3.78 mile tunnel through the River Mountains, eight pumping plants, and 31.4 miles of pipeline. This stage has a peaking capacity of 26.7 million cubic feet of potable water per day. The second stage enlarged the first stage system by expanding some of the existing facilities. New features included five pumping plants, the second barrel to the main aqueduct, and about 30 miles of pipeline and laterals with surge tanks, regulating tanks, and other delivery facilities. In conjunction with this stage, the State of Nevada enlarged and modified the Alfred Merritt Smith water treatment facilities to accommodate additional water supplies. The River Mountains Tunnel was constructed to full capacity in the first stage, and the Saddle Island intake facilities were oversized to accommodate both stages. The aqueduct system has a peaking capability of 53.4 million cubic feet of water per day. The River Mountains Tunnel was constructed during the first stage to accommodate second stage expansion. It is 3.78 miles long and was excavated through the River Mountains, which lie between Las Vegas Valley and Lake Mead. The concrete-lined tunnel has an inside diameter of 121.5 inches, and a maximum capacity of 608 cfs. The SNWA also constructed a larger tunnel, parallel to the River Mountains Tunnel for further expansion. The River Mountains Tunnel is used to convey raw water from Lake Mead to the River Mountains Water Treatment Facility that SNWA constructed near Henderson, NV. The River Mountains Facility, which began delivering treated water in October 2002, treats up to 300 million gallons of water per day, and was designed so it can expand to meet Southern Nevada's needs. In the future, the River Mountains facility will be able to treat up to 600 million gallons of water a day. This facility provides additional reliability and capacity to Southern Nevada's municipal water treatment and distribution capabilities.
Image
