In the late 1940s, prior to Vic, The Pioneer Club had a neon sign on the roof across the street that included a cowboy's head. He had a moving neon thumb and neon text that said "Here It Is! The Famous Pioneer Club". This sign has been destroyed.

Vegas Vic and his counterparts, Wendover Will and River Rick (Laughlin, NV - aka "Laughlin Lou"), were created by Salt Lake City graphic artist Partrick Denner. His artwork of a cowboy in blue jeans with a yellow-checked shirt and red bandana was used by YESCO to build these signs. Vic was the first of the three cowboy signs and went up in 1951 at a cost of $25,000. At the time, it was one of the most expensive signs in Las Vegas and it is still is the largest mechanical neon sign in the world.

Vegas Vic had a waving arm and a moving cigarette which blew smoke rings. His other arm moved slightly at the elbow. He also had a voicebox enabling him to say "Howdy Pardner" every 15 minutes. Vic became a symbol for Las Vegas and the infamous Glitter Gulch area of downtown. Nevertheless, he was neglected for many years (faded paint and his arms stopped moving). When he was restored around 2000, a few feet were trimmed from the top of his hat to fit under the Fremont Street Experience canopy. For more, see these websites: 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. [second row, first photo Glenda Campbell]

Glitter Gulch's neon cowgirl is nicknamed Vegas Vicky. Originally named Sassy Sally after the strip joint below her, she was designed by Ad-Art and put up in 1980. Her leg was supposed to kick out over Fremont Street but that never seemed to work. In 2001, Sassy Sally's became the Mermaids Casino. Vegas Vicky is still there, across the street from Vegas Vic. For more, see these websites: 1, 2, 3, and 4. [daytime photo Glenda Campbell]