Search Results
Bill Schafer Papers
Identifier
Abstract
The Bill Schafer Papers (1980-2018) contain personal and professional papers of Las Vegas, Nevada journalist and publisher, Bill Schafer, and photographs from various LGBTQIA+ related events in Las Vegas. The materials include files related to Schafer's work managing the
Archival Collection
Transcript of interview with LaVerne Ligon, BJ Thomas, and Leonard Polk conducted by Claytee D. White, July 9, and July 18, 2012
Date
Archival Collection
Description
LaVerne Ligon was born in 1942 in Washington D.C. Around the age of nine, she started dancing at the Jones-Haywood School of Ballet, which started her career in dance. She took her first job as a professional dancer when she was eighteen with the Capitol Ballet Company. She moved to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1973. In 1974, she successfully auditioned for a touring cast of Hello, Dolly! After completing that show, Ligon performed in a number of productions in Las Vegas, including Hallelujah Hollywood and Jubilee. She retired from dancing in the early 1980s after sustaining an injury and she opened the Simba Talent Agency, a dance school for at-risk youth. She also worked for Family Services, but is now retired. She continues to work on projects with the Simba Talent Agency. BJ Thomas was born in 1935 in Plain Dealing, Louisiana. He moved to Las Vegas in 1968 after working for the Post Office in San Francisco. He worked a number of jobs for two years before beginning to pursue work as a stage hand. Thomas worked for shows at the Tropicana and Caesars Palace. He is currently retired. Leonard Polk Jr. was born in 1948 in Monroe, Louisiana. He and his mother moved to Las Vegas in 1949 when he was just two months old. His father worked on the Hoover Dam. Polk grew up in West Las Vegas and remembers the movement to integrate the schools in the city. As a young adult, he joined the Marines and served a tour of duty in Vietnam. Polk began to work for shows in Las Vegas after he finished his military career. He worked for the Aladdin Baghdad Theater and for the MGM Grand Hotel. He is currently retired, but remains active with the First African Methodist Episcopal Church.
Text
Photographs of Piero's Italian Cuisine sign, Las Vegas (Nev.), April 4, 2017
Date
Archival Collection
Description
Site address: 355 Convention Center Dr
Sign owner: Freddie Glusman
Sign details: Opened 1982, and was originally located on Karen Avenue. In 1987 the restaurant was moved to its current location on Convention Center Drive. This location claims to have an old time Vegas Rat Pack vibe. It has become a popular spot for Politicians and Mobsters
Sign condition: 5- Still in very good condition, looks nearly new
Sign form: Pylon and sign on building
Sign-specific description: On the building and the pylon sign the word "Piero's" is in white channeled neon letters in a fancy swirled font. The Pylon sign has a red background, and underneath the main logo states, " Italian Cuisine- Fresh Fish- Piano Bar" in red skeletal neon. On the building there is a red steel sign that states "Italian cuisine- Osso Bucco- Steaks- chops -Fresh Fish - Florida Stone Crab" all in white skeletal neon.
Sign - type of display: Neon
Sign - media: Steel
Sign environment: On Paradise Road and Convention Center drive next to a Las Vegas Marriott.
Sign - thematic influences: This sign showcases the use of both skeletal neon and channeled letters which gives an interesting contrast to their sign.
Sign - artistic significance: The script they use for their main logo sets the tone for the restaurant as being fancy and fine dining.
Survey - research locations: Piero's website http://pieroscuisine.com/ and photos of the property.
Surveyor: Wyatt Currie-Diamond
Survey - date completed: 2017-08-20
Sign keywords: Pylon; Neon; Steel; Building-front design; Backlit
Mixed Content
