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Level of Description
File
Archival Collection
Young Electric Sign Company (YESCO) Corporate Records
To request this item in person:
Collection Number: MS-00403
Collection Name: Young Electric Sign Company (YESCO) Corporate Records
Box/Folder: Digital File 00
Collection Name: Young Electric Sign Company (YESCO) Corporate Records
Box/Folder: Digital File 00
Archival Component
Photographs of Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign, Las Vegas (Nev.), 2002
Date
2002
Archival Collection
Description
Daytime views of the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign on the Strip. 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 sits as a welcome to travelers entering the Las Vegas experience via Las Vegas Blvd The sign itself resides in the middle of traffic median directly in the middle of the road.
Sign condition: Structure 5 Surface 5 Lighting 5
Sign form: Pylon
Sign-specific description: The sign itself is a classic roadside pole design which faces North/South. It is double backed, internally lit with a border of yellow incandescent bulbs along the flat edge of its width. Across the top of the sign seven white neon circles house separate red neon letters which form the word welcome. Crowning the sign at the very peak, above the word welcome, is a seven pointed neon star comprised of orange and yellow neon. The cabinet itself is faced with translucent white plastic and treated with blue and red painted text. The South side of the sign reads with the Neon welcome word then in blue painted text "To Fabulous" in a 50's style text reminiscent of that used in the Last Frontier property, and cursive. The Words "Las Vegas" are spelled in all caps, in red block text. And below that in smaller blue text the word "Nevada" are spelled in all caps block text.
Sign - type of display: Neon; Incandescent; Backlit
Sign - media: Steel; Plastic
Sign - non-neon treatments: Graphics; Paint
Sign animation: chasing, flashing
Sign environment: The famous Welcome to Las Vegas sign sits alone at the South end of the strip and is often the very first sign a traveler encounters when entering the strip. It casts a surprisingly powerful glow over the barren median which it stands. It stands as a gateway to the extravaganza that is Las Vegas. When leaving the main drag headed south the sign has an equal effect of being a lone gateway in and out of the Strip.
Sign manufacturer: YESCO
Sign designer: Betty Willis
Sign - date of installation: 1959
Sign - thematic influences: Although it has no specific theme, it is from a specific period in Las Vegas History. It is the quintessential roadside pylon design. With an exposed steel center pole double backed marquee it is reminiscent of the common design of the roadside motor inn.
Sign - artistic significance: This sign has become perhaps the most copied icon of Las Vegas, as it was never copyrighted. It is a ubiquitous symbol of the city.
Surveyor: Joshua Cannaday
Survey - date completed: 2002
Sign keywords: Chasing; Flashing; Pylon; Neon; Incandescent; Backlit; Steel; Plastic; Paint; Graphics
Site name: Welcome to Las Vegas neon sign
Site address: 5200 S Las Vegas Blvd
Sign owner: YESCO
Sign details: The sign sits as a welcome to travelers entering the Las Vegas experience via Las Vegas Blvd The sign itself resides in the middle of traffic median directly in the middle of the road.
Sign condition: Structure 5 Surface 5 Lighting 5
Sign form: Pylon
Sign-specific description: The sign itself is a classic roadside pole design which faces North/South. It is double backed, internally lit with a border of yellow incandescent bulbs along the flat edge of its width. Across the top of the sign seven white neon circles house separate red neon letters which form the word welcome. Crowning the sign at the very peak, above the word welcome, is a seven pointed neon star comprised of orange and yellow neon. The cabinet itself is faced with translucent white plastic and treated with blue and red painted text. The South side of the sign reads with the Neon welcome word then in blue painted text "To Fabulous" in a 50's style text reminiscent of that used in the Last Frontier property, and cursive. The Words "Las Vegas" are spelled in all caps, in red block text. And below that in smaller blue text the word "Nevada" are spelled in all caps block text.
Sign - type of display: Neon; Incandescent; Backlit
Sign - media: Steel; Plastic
Sign - non-neon treatments: Graphics; Paint
Sign animation: chasing, flashing
Sign environment: The famous Welcome to Las Vegas sign sits alone at the South end of the strip and is often the very first sign a traveler encounters when entering the strip. It casts a surprisingly powerful glow over the barren median which it stands. It stands as a gateway to the extravaganza that is Las Vegas. When leaving the main drag headed south the sign has an equal effect of being a lone gateway in and out of the Strip.
Sign manufacturer: YESCO
Sign designer: Betty Willis
Sign - date of installation: 1959
Sign - thematic influences: Although it has no specific theme, it is from a specific period in Las Vegas History. It is the quintessential roadside pylon design. With an exposed steel center pole double backed marquee it is reminiscent of the common design of the roadside motor inn.
Sign - artistic significance: This sign has become perhaps the most copied icon of Las Vegas, as it was never copyrighted. It is a ubiquitous symbol of the city.
Surveyor: Joshua Cannaday
Survey - date completed: 2002
Sign keywords: Chasing; Flashing; Pylon; Neon; Incandescent; Backlit; Steel; Plastic; Paint; Graphics
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
Photograph of the front of the Golden Nugget Gambling Hall, Las Vegas, Nevada, circa 1946-1950s
Date
1946 to 1959
Archival Collection
Description
A view of the front of the Golden Nugget Gambling Hall. A banner advertising "Cooled by refrigeration always pleasant" is visible on the right-hand side of the building. The Golden Nugget opened in 1946, and is the first structure designed from the ground up to be a casino. Steve Wynn became the majority shareholder in 1973, and built the first tower in 1977. In 1984, the neon was removed from the building and the spa tower was built, along with the showroom. The third tower was opened in 1989. The hotel now has 2,419 rooms and suites. The casino's large hotel sign at its entrance off Fremont and Casino Center was removed in 1984 when the casino underwent renovations. The old sign presently sits at the YESCO (Young Electric Sign Company) sign yard.
Image
Handwritten plan with measurements of neon tubing needed for Vegas Vic, 1951
Date
1951
Archival Collection
Description
Document showing lengths of different colors of neon tubing needed for the Vegas Vic sign to be installed at the Pioneer Club in Las Vegas.
Site Name: Pioneer Club
Address: 25 East Fremont Street
Text
Film transparency of the Golden Nugget Gambling Hall, Las Vegas, Nevada, July, 1949
Date
1949-05
Archival Collection
Description
A view of the front of the Golden Nugget Gambling Hall. A banner advertising "Cooled by refrigeration always pleasant" is visible on the right-hand side of the building. The Nugget Saloon and a Shell gas station sign is visible in the background. The Golden Nugget opened in 1946, and is the first structure designed from the ground up to be a casino. Steve Wynn became the majority shareholder in 1973, and built the first tower in 1977. In 1984, the neon was removed from the building and the spa tower was built, along with the showroom. The third tower was opened in 1989. The hotel now has 2,419 rooms and suites. The casino's large hotel sign at its entrance off Fremont and Casino Center was removed in 1984 when the casino underwent renovations. The old sign presently sits at the YESCO (Young Electric Sign Company) sign yard.
Image
Blue Angel Motel Neon Survey document, August 12, 2017
Date
2017-08-12
Archival Collection
Description
Information about the Blue Angel Motel that sits at 2110 Fremont St.
Site address: 2110 Fremont St
Sign owner: Bartsas Mary 22 LLC
Sign details: Motel was originally constructed c. 1956. Sits on a 2.54 acre site. Property was later changed to Club 2110, but now is vacant.
Sign condition: Unknown - Angel is being repaired by City Centennial Commision and YESCO, and will believed to be placed on medium of Fremont and Charleston once restored. 4 - Arches were repainted at unknown time from original blue to a deep forest green, "Blue Angel" was removed and "Night Club" was put up in blue angels place. "Motel" wording on flag portions of the sign was painted over and replaced with "Club 2110". doesn't have any form of lighting, appears to be in decent condition.
Sign form: Angel - Sculpted Pole Sign/ Monument Sign, Arches: Pole sign with protruding arches on either side. Originally the left side arch would have rested on the Blue Angel motel building, but when it was torn down so was the connection, so it is free hanging off the pole support system.
Sign-specific description: Angel: Pole sign with sculpture of Angel on top. Was internally illuminated, her skin, hair, halow, pole, wand, used to illuminate. Two flag signs hung off of angel pedestal, one read "Motel" other would read "Blue Angel" on opposite sides of the pole. Would of glowed with blue neon. Arches: Repainted by new owner: Arcs protruding on either side of the pole with the words "Night" and "Club" on each other arches. There are flag like components going down the pole support with stars on the opposite side of each component. Slight directional tool of the flags that point downwards to the ground. The stars do not have any lighting system of their own (no neon or bulbs). Each flag component is double sided with painted on graphics.
Sign - type of display: Neon, and internally illuminated plastic
Sign - media: Steel, fiberglass
Sign animation: Possible rotation of the angel?
Sign environment: The property is surrounded by other motels, shopping centers and gas stations
Sign manufacturer: YESCO
Sign designer: Betty Willis
Sign architect of record: C. 1956
Sign - date of installation: C. 1956
Sign - date of redesign/move: Angel - 2014 repaint, 2017 refurbishment, c. 2014 repaint of arches
Sign - thematic influences: Believed that angel was modeled after Marilyn Monroe
Sign - artistic significance: 1950s pop culture themes - Marilyn Monroe and Disney-esque angel
Survey - research locations: Motel site, www.roadarch.com, UNLV photo collections, assessor's website
Surveyor: Danny Jacobs
Survey - date completed: 2017-08-12
Sign keywords: Sculptural; Neon; Steel; Fiberglass; Pole sign; Internally illuminated; Incandescent
Site address: 2110 Fremont St
Sign owner: Bartsas Mary 22 LLC
Sign details: Motel was originally constructed c. 1956. Sits on a 2.54 acre site. Property was later changed to Club 2110, but now is vacant.
Sign condition: Unknown - Angel is being repaired by City Centennial Commision and YESCO, and will believed to be placed on medium of Fremont and Charleston once restored. 4 - Arches were repainted at unknown time from original blue to a deep forest green, "Blue Angel" was removed and "Night Club" was put up in blue angels place. "Motel" wording on flag portions of the sign was painted over and replaced with "Club 2110". doesn't have any form of lighting, appears to be in decent condition.
Sign form: Angel - Sculpted Pole Sign/ Monument Sign, Arches: Pole sign with protruding arches on either side. Originally the left side arch would have rested on the Blue Angel motel building, but when it was torn down so was the connection, so it is free hanging off the pole support system.
Sign-specific description: Angel: Pole sign with sculpture of Angel on top. Was internally illuminated, her skin, hair, halow, pole, wand, used to illuminate. Two flag signs hung off of angel pedestal, one read "Motel" other would read "Blue Angel" on opposite sides of the pole. Would of glowed with blue neon. Arches: Repainted by new owner: Arcs protruding on either side of the pole with the words "Night" and "Club" on each other arches. There are flag like components going down the pole support with stars on the opposite side of each component. Slight directional tool of the flags that point downwards to the ground. The stars do not have any lighting system of their own (no neon or bulbs). Each flag component is double sided with painted on graphics.
Sign - type of display: Neon, and internally illuminated plastic
Sign - media: Steel, fiberglass
Sign animation: Possible rotation of the angel?
Sign environment: The property is surrounded by other motels, shopping centers and gas stations
Sign manufacturer: YESCO
Sign designer: Betty Willis
Sign architect of record: C. 1956
Sign - date of installation: C. 1956
Sign - date of redesign/move: Angel - 2014 repaint, 2017 refurbishment, c. 2014 repaint of arches
Sign - thematic influences: Believed that angel was modeled after Marilyn Monroe
Sign - artistic significance: 1950s pop culture themes - Marilyn Monroe and Disney-esque angel
Survey - research locations: Motel site, www.roadarch.com, UNLV photo collections, assessor's website
Surveyor: Danny Jacobs
Survey - date completed: 2017-08-12
Sign keywords: Sculptural; Neon; Steel; Fiberglass; Pole sign; Internally illuminated; Incandescent
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