NEVADA: LAS VEGAS (page 1)

Welcome Sign Las Vegas, NV

The Welcome Sign was designed by Betty Willis and built in 1959. The sign is made of neon, incandescent bulbs, and plastic. It stands in a traffic median at the south end of the Strip. As the Strip has grown, the sign has been moved further and further south. Since it was never copyrighted, it is perhaps the world's most imitated sign. For more, see these websites: 1, 2, 3, and 4.

McCarran Field Paradise, NV	Motel 6 Las Vegas, NV	McDonald's Las Vegas, NV

The Alamo Airport was built in 1942. It was renamed McCarran Field in 1948 and this gate served as the main entrance. The gate includes steel propellers and bird wings. The terminals have been moved elsewhere but the Executive Air Terminal is still used for private aircraft. For more, see these websites: 1, 2, and 3. In addition to the many vintage signs in town, many chains have contemporary contributions. The Motel 6 features a huge neon sign. It is the largest Motel 6 in the country. For more, see these websites: 1 and 2. These are just two of the neon McDonald's signs in Vegas. For more, see these websites: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8.

Fun City Motel Las Vegas, NV	High Hat Regency Motel Las Vegas, NV		Gateway Motel Las Vegas, NV		Desert Moon Motel Las Vegas, NV

The Fun City Motel features hot pink motel rooms and this neon sign. There must be another sign there that I missed or perhaps that one was modeled into the current one. For more, see these websites: 1, 2, and 3. The High Hat Regency Motel and the Gateway Motel are probably from the 1950s. I believe the Gateway Motel sign was recently restored. For more, see these websites: 1 and 2. [daytime photos thanks Glenda Campbell] The Desert Moon Motel opened in 1952. The moon on top of its sign probably revolved at one time. For more, see this website.

Somerset Motel Las Vegas, NV		Somerset Shopping Center Las Vegas, NV

The Somerset Motel opened in 1962. For more, see these websites: 1 and 2. The Somerset Shopping Center is next door to the Somerset Motel and was probably built at the same time. For more, see these websites: 1 and 2.

Holiday Motel Las Vegas, NV		Chapel of the Bells Las Vegas, NV

The Holiday Motel opened in 1958. Their sign bears a strong resemblance to the old Holiday Inn signs. For more, see these websites: 1, 2, and 3. The Chapel of the Bells opened in 1957. For more, see these websites: 1, 2, and 3.

Yucca Motel Las Vegas, NV

The Yucca Motel opened around 1950. The sign was designed by YESCO. For more, see these websites: 1, 2, and 3.

Swim-In Pool Supply Co. Las Vegas, NV			Alpine Fixtures & Sheet Metal Las Vegas, NV

The Swim-In Pool Supply Co. features an animated neon sign from the early 1960s. The neon swimmer slides down a life-sized, actual pool slide. For more, see these websites: 1 and 2. Alpine Fixtures & Sheet Metal features extensive painted signage on its building.

Holsum Bread Las Vegas, NV

Gail's Bakery expanded to this location in 1954 and began selling Holsum Bread. The signage and clock were installed at that time. Previously, Holsum Bread came from Phoenix, AZ (hence the "hours fresher" sign reference). In 2004, the building was converted into the Holsum Lofts, a complex of shops, showrooms, and condos. For more, see their website.

Western Exterminator Las Vegas, NV	Monterey Motel Las Vegas, NV	Rummel Motel Las Vegas, NV	Villa Inn Motel Las Vegas, NV

Western Exterminator chain was founded in 1921. This location features a "Little Man" pole sign. The mouse that he normally points his finger at is missing. For more about the company and their Phoenix, AZ location, see this page. For more, see these websites: 1, 2, and 3. The Monterey Motel sign is a pretty faded but the place is still open. For more, see these websites: 1 and 2. [photo thanks Glenda Campbell] The Rummel Motel looks to be from the 1950s. For more, see this website. [photo thanks Glenda Campbell] The Villa Inn Motel was previously the "Villa Francesca Hotel". For more, see these websites: 1 and 2. [photo thanks Glenda Campbell]

Tod Motor Hotel Las Vegas, NV

The Tod Motor Hotel looks to be from the early 1960s. For more, see these websites: 1 and 2.

Las Vegas (page 2)

Las Vegas (page 3)

Las Vegas (page 4)

Neon Museum

Neonopolis

Reno (page 1)

Reno (page 2)

Other Cities & Links

Main Signs Page

Links & Books

[Main Roadside Page] [Home Page]

all photos contained at this website are copyrighted and may be used only with consent