Everyone thinks they know the real history of the Las Vegas Strip. 

But did you know that Bugsy Siegel didn't build the Flamingo Hotel from scratch? 

Do you know who the first nude showgirl was? 

Do you know who Jakie Freidman was? 

Do you believe that Tommy Hull was inspired to build the El Rancho Vegas because his car broke down and he counted the cars that passed him on the old highway?

Well, if you don't know the real answers to these questions or if you think you do and want confirmation of that, then come out to the Springs Preserve on Thursday evening, July 3rd for our next installment of "Untold Stories' where we explore the real history of the early years of the Las Vegas Strip.

Joining us will be:

Betty Bunch: a dancer who came here in the early 1950s and is still dancing on the Strip today.

Lisa Medford; the first nude showgirl (okay, we gave you one answer)

George Stamos: writer of the original Strip Hotel histories for the Las Vegas Sun in 1979.

Dr. Michael Green: historian and Professor at the College of Southern Nevada.

It all happens on July 3rd at 7:00 pm at the Springs Preserve.  Gas is over $4 a gallon so if you are spending the 4th of July weekend in town, then come join us for a great night of history and stories.

Come early for the Farmers Market and the Mojitos and Mozart in the Wolfgang Puck Cafe.

Untold Stories:  The Las Vegas Strip: The Early Years

Thursday, July 3rd

Las Vegas Springs Preserve

7:00 pm

Admission $12.00 

 

We hope to see you there! 

 

 

According to Wikipedia:

'Cultural tourism' (or culture tourism) is the subset of tourism concerned with a country or region's culture, especially its arts. It generally focuses on traditional communities who have diverse customs, unique form of art and distinct social practices, which basically distinguishes it from other types/forms of culture. Cultural tourism includes tourism in urban areas, particularly historic or large cities and their cultural facilities such as museums and theatres

One of the things we discussed at lunch last Saturday was Cultural Tourism in Las Vegas.  In a city that has marketed itself as America's Playground for almost 60 years now is it any wonder that the majority of people who visit or just moved here have no clue that we have cultural spots like museums and art galleries.

Well, Las Vegas is filled with museums, art galleries and lots of history.  But those places almost never get advertised by the Las Vegas Convention Authority, the Nevada Tourism Office, the City or the County.  Is the LVCVA that worried that tourists might actually leave the Las Vegas Strip for a few hours to soak up some history and never come back to the black jack tables?  Must everything that promotes Las Vegas be about excessive drinking, smoking or snarky behavior that you regret the next day?

The City and the mayor, in particular, keep trying to promote Fremont Street and downtown Las Vegas as a tourist mecca.  But one of the endearing qualities of Fremont Street is the history of the area.

Why in a town of 2.4 million people, in a city that is barely 103 years old is it so difficult to find historic neighborhoods, driving tour maps or even information about walking tours?

You can go to small towns through-out this country and they all seem to promote their history.  From large cities such as New York City and Los Angeles to small communities in the Sierra Nevadas to the shores of Cape Cod, you can find historic districts with docents willing to answer questions, maps to museums, art galleries and other significant cultural sites worth visiting.

I think Cultural Tourism is a natural fit for Las Vegas.  We have museums for everything from our Natural History to Atomic Testing, the Clark County Museum has Heritage Street filled with homes and buildings moved from around the Las Vegas Valley, the Nevada State Museum covers our archaeological history to our Post-War history with new showings for artists every 90 days.  The Las Vegas Springs Preserve has walking tours, a flash flood simulation and exhibits about the importance of water not only to our past but to our future.

These are wonderful museums, many of them with state-of-the-art exhibits.

There is a Cultural Corridor and an Arts District.  And there is Fremont Street and the surrounding area with many of its original or second generation buildings still standing behind new facades. 

New York City has Broadway, Los Angeles  has the Sunset Strip and Hollywood Blvd, San Francisco has many significant streets of historic interest.  Fremont Street is our equivalent.  Yes, it's filled with girly joints and gaming casinos and tee-shirt stores but behind all those facades is real history dating back to our roots.  Behind the facade that is Binions is the Hotel Apache and, on the western corner behind the facade,  pieces of the beloved Mint Sign, beneath the facade of the La Bayou is Mayme Stoecker's Northern Club and Wilbur Clark's Monte Carlo Club.  The Pioneer Club has Vegas Vic and beneath its facade the original building when it was Beckley's Store for Men. 

There is real history on Fremont Street.  It was our Main Street, USA with a strange and wonderful twist to it.  It evolved over the years from the heart of our community to Glitter Gulch to the Fremont Street Experience of today.  But beneath the canopy and despite all the development and the disregard for the homes and the small shops and the mom and pop businesses that co-existed alongside the gaming halls, lies our history just waiting to be explored not only by us but by tourists as well. 

Not everyone that comes to Las Vegas comes to gamble and indulge in excesses they may regret in the morning.  Families come here bringing their children to visit their grandparents, friends from around the country and around the world come here to visit friends they went to school with when they were young or went to college with or have been friends with for more years than they can remember.  The bottom line is they would probably love to know that there is more to Las Vegas than just gambling, drinking and what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.  But they rarely get that chance to explore the cultural side of Las Vegas because the vast majority of people who have moved here in the last 20 years don't know there is culture in Las Vegas. 

Why is it so difficult to find this information when visiting Las Vegas?

How do we get the city we love to take Cultural Tourism seriously, especially in the downtown area where so much of the city's early history still exists (but is threatened on a daily basis by development)

If you have any ideas, please respond.  I would love to get a dialog going about cultural tourism and how to make it work.

 

Last reminder about the incredible Classic Las Vegas Neon Event tomorrow evening as part of Untold Stories at the Las Vegas Springs Preserve.

I have put together a DVD of photos and classic film footage of some of the old neon signs that I will be showing at the top of the presentation.

Also, don't forget we will be raffling off THREE, Framed, Limited Edition, Numbered prints of the Fabulous Las Vegas Sign, courtesy of the Las Vegas News Bureau.  Raffle tickets will be $1 or 6 for $5, so be sure to bring some cash and take a gamble on winning one of these beautiful prints.

 

 

 

 

Neon Signage designed by Brian "Buzz" Leming

On Thursday, June 5th we are saluting Neon Designers Brian "Buzz" Leming and the incomparable Betty Willis as part of our "Untold Stories" at the Springs Preserve.

Betty Willis was born and raised in Las Vegas.  Her family used to travel by train to Los Angeles when she was younger and she fell in love with neon signs and their vibrant colors.  After studying at the California Art Institute in Pasadena and working in the art department/marketing at the old MGM studios, she returned to Las Vegas and began her career as a Neon Designer in those halycon classic Las Vegas days.  She has designed many of the most iconic signs we associate with Las Vegas:  The Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign, the Moulin Rouge and the Blue Angel, just to name a few.

Brian "Buzz" Leming grew up in Henderson and always loved drawing.  He became a fireman with the local department before deciding that what he really wanted to do was design neon signs.  He mentored under Betty Willis and worked with the legendary Hermon Boergne and Kermit Wayne.  His signs include the Lawless Center (above), the Hacienda Horse and Rider that rides above Fremont Street and the Rio sign.  He was part of the design team on the original Aladdin Sign and the original Caesars Palace sign.  Buzz is retiring this year after a long and colorful career.

We will be raffling off three limited edition prints of the Fabulous Las Vegas sign, courtesy of our friends at the Las Vegas News Bureau.

It all happens on Thursday, June 5th at the Las Vegas Springs Preserve

7:00 pm

Admission is $12.

You won't want to miss this rare opportunity to hear these two greats talk about their careers.

 

 

 

Special thanks to RoadsidePictures for letting us use these images.

 

 

Neon Signage designed by Brian "Buzz" Leming

On Thursday, June 5th we are saluting Neon Designers Brian "Buzz" Leming and the incomparable Betty Willis as part of our "Untold Stories" at the Springs Preserve.

Betty Willis was born and raised in Las Vegas.  Her family used to travel by train to Los Angeles when she was younger and she fell in love with neon signs and their vibrant colors.  After studying at the California Art Institute in Pasadena and working in the art department/marketing at the old MGM studios, she returned to Las Vegas and began her career as a Neon Designer in those halycon classic Las Vegas days.  She has designed many of the most iconic signs we associate with Las Vegas:  The Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign, the Moulin Rouge and the Blue Angel, just to name a few.

Brian "Buzz" Leming grew up in Henderson and always loved drawing.  He became a fireman with the local department before deciding that what he really wanted to do was design neon signs.  He mentored under Betty Willis and worked with the legendary Hermon Boergne and Kermit Wayne.  His signs include the Lawless Center (above), the Hacienda Horse and Rider that rides above Fremont Street and the Rio sign.  He was part of the design team on the original Aladdin Sign and the original Caesars Palace sign.  Buzz is retiring this year after a long and colorful career.

We will be raffling off three limited edition prints of the Fabulous Las Vegas sign, courtesy of our friends at the Las Vegas News Bureau.

It all happens on Thursday, June 5th at the Las Vegas Springs Preserve

7:00 pm

Admission is $12.

You won't want to miss this rare opportunity to hear these two greats talk about their careers.

 

 

 

Special thanks to RoadsidePictures for letting us use these images.

From our friends at Preserve Nevada comes this year's 11 Most Endangered Sites in Nevada:

PRESERVE NEVADA ANNOUNCES NEVADA’'S 2008

“ELEVEN MOST ENDANGERED HISTORIC PLACES”

Preserve Nevada, a statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation of Nevada's cultural, historical, and archeological heritage, announced their 2008 choices for Nevada’s “Eleven Most Endangered Historic Places” today. The announcement will took place at the Nevada Historical Society'’s Biennial Conference on Nevada Hisotry.

Preserve Nevada selected Nevada'’s “Eleven Most Endangered Historic Places” as a part of its program to bring attention to historically significant buildings, sites, and landscapes under threat of destruction. “

"Nevada is in danger of losing many of its cultural and architectural treasures to the state’s unprecedented development,"” said former Sen. Richard H. Bryan, chairman of the Preserve Nevada board. "“I hope that as we build awareness of the importance of these historic places, they will serve as testaments to our preservation successes in the future.”"

Additionally, Preserve Nevada has created updates on several past “Eleven Most Endangered” sites in order to bring attention to their current situations. Finally, Preserve Nevada has indicated several success stories regarding historic preservation in the state.

Preserve Nevada is a non-profit preservation organization associated with the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the Nevada Department of Cultural Affairs, and the Public History program at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas’ College of Liberal Arts.

The 2008 “Eleven Most Endangered Historic Places” in Nevada

 

Maude Frazier Hall, Las Vegas

Built by Zick & Sharp Architects, Maude Frazier Hall held the first classes at UNLV. The building is named after Maude Frazier, who persuaded the State of Nevada to provide funds for a fledgling university system in southern Nevada. Despite an insensitive later addition, the building is an excellent example of the Mid-century Modern Style with its long profile ribbon windows, and asymmetric façade. UNLV is currently developing a fifty-year plan for the university, with Maude Frazier Hall slated for potential demolition in the coming year.

The Paradise School, Las Vegas

Constructed in 1949, the Paradise School and associated buildings are located in the Paradise Township of Clark County, and is owned by Clark County. The school is Modern Ranch Style and may be attributed to Robert Stadelman, AIA and Associates. Stadelman designed many local elementary schools between 1949 and 1956, and a Moderne room tower addition to the Flamingo Hotel in 1947. The Paradise School remains one of the oldest intact elementary schools in Clark County. Currently, the proposed placement of the elevated monorail and track structure alongside the gym has the potential to threaten its National Register for Historic Places integrity.

 

 

The Las Vegas Historic District, Las Vegas

Listed on the National Register in 1991, the Las Vegas High School Neighborhood Historic District began development during the late 1920s. The neighborhood includes examples of several different Revival and Traditional styles of architecture. Since much of the original housing has been demolished or converted into professional offices, the historical integrity of the neighborhood has suffered significantly. Many times, the new development is too large for the neighborhood or does not reflect existing historic styles. Recent attempts to adopt recommended (non-regulatory) design guidelines for new development and alterations failed.

Building 100, Date Street Complex, Boulder City

Built in 1941, Building 100 served as the administrative offices of the Bureau of Mines Metallurgy Research Laboratory. The building is located within the Bureau of Reclamation’s (BOR) Date Street Complex, and is listed as a contributing resource within the Boulder City National Register Historic District. Currently owned by the BOR, the building has been gutted and roof removed, with the agency citing hazardous materials and other issues. The BOR has decided to demolish the building. However, as of press time, the demolition has been temporarily delayed until the Section 106 Review process is completed and its future is uncertain.

 

Rhyolite, Nevada

Rhyolite was a typical, ephemeral Nevada mining town, platted in 1905 and essentially deserted by 1912. The town is historically significant because many of its buildings were constructed of stone and concrete, which was not a common practice at the time. Additionally, the town represents historic mining in Nevada. Most of the existing historic structures are deteriorating and in need of stabilization and/or rehabilitation. Additionally, the town is threatened by vandalism as well as increased tourism. Rhyolite is in need of financial support from the Bureau of Land Management as well as a full-time, one-site caretaker to protect the town.

 

The Nye County Courthouse, Tonopah

Built in 1905 at the cost of $55,000, the Nye County Courthouse was the seat of Nye County government until approximately ten years ago. The land had been donated to the county by Jim Butler, who is recognized for discovering the silver deposit that led to the formation of the town of Tonopah. When a new courthouse was built, the historic courthouse was virtually abandoned, except for housing a few non-profit organizations and a state agency field office. After it quickly feel into despair, Nye County Commissioners pledged nearly $200,000 to stabilize and replace the roof to arrest the decay. Currently, the building is an excellent candidate for restoration and rehabilitation projects.

Nevada Northern Locomotives 93, 40, and 81, Ely

For almost a century, locomotives 93, 40, and 81 hauled ore and passenger trains for the Nevada Northern Railway. Yet, mechanical difficulties have currently sidelined all three locomotives. Without the original companies and individuals who manufactured and maintained these locomotives, the challenge is fabricating new parts from steel, brass and iron to put these machines back in service.

 

Stokes Castle, Austin

Stokes Castle is one of the state's most recognizable historic landmarks. The three-story granite tower was built in 1897 for Anson Phelps Stokes, the driving force behind the Nevada Central Railroad and Austin's mining industry at the end of the nineteenth century. Currently, it is owned by the Austin Historical Society, which has limited resources to maintain the structure. Stokes Castle faces threats from general decay and vandalism.

 

 

The Lagomarsino Rock Art Site, Storey County

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978, the Lagomarsino Rock Art Site is among the most impressive collection of petroglyphs in the western Great Basin. Located roughly 12 miles north of Virginia City, the site consists of more than 2,000 panels of rock art. Relative inaccessibility and watchful ownership by Storey County have protected this site from overuse and vandalism in the past. Recently proposed suburban development, however, could encroach on site and expose fragile resources to increased vandalism and abuse. While the developer of the proposed housing complex has worked with the Nevada Rock Art Foundation to lessen the potential impact, many parties are concerned about how a large new community can not adversely effect such a fragile and important resource.

Commercial Row, Wells

Founded in 1869 by Central Pacific Railroad, Wells retains an enthusiastic grassroots preservation community that preserves the town’s numerous historic structures. However, following a magnitude 6.0 earthquake in the Northeast corner of Nevada on February 21, 2008, the Commercial Row is in need of significant help. Even though the earthquake damage remains widespread, there is a lack of economic support for repair and rehabilitation.

 

 

 

Mid-Century Roadside Motor Courts, Southern Nevada

Following the Federal-Aid Road Acts of 1916 and 1921, which created a national network of two-lane highways, automobile driving as well as the motor courts became popularized among American tourists. Built from the 1920s and 1960s, these buildings often exhibit the “Wild West” and western lore, with weeping mortar, faux adobe, Spanish tile roofs, and covered arcades with heavy post and beam construction. The now-aging motor courts are often located in areas of town not frequented by tourists, and relegated to long-term residential use or even abandoned altogether. They are threatened by rising land values which encouraged new development rather than adaptive reuse.

Updates on past “Eleven Most Endangered Historic Places” Sites

Virginia Street Bridge , “Eleven Most Endangered” List 2003, 2006-2007

The Virginia Street Bridge, opened to traffic in 1905, spans the Truckee River in downtown Reno. The bridge combines traditional decorative design and modern electric light fixtures. In March 2007, the Reno City Council voted to demolish and replace the Virginia Street Bridge. However, the city is still awaiting a decision on which flood project alternative the U.S. Congress will fund before the Section 106 process can begin.

 

 

Kiel Ranch, North Las Vegas, “Eleven Most Endangered” List 2006-2007

The Kiel Ranch, located in North Las Vegas, contains one of the oldest historic adobe buildings remaining in Nevada. While the city of North Las Vegas has publicly stated that it will preserve and open Kiel Ranch to the public, little has been done at the site since the city made the commitment in 2005.

 

Huntridge Theatre, “Eleven Most Endangered” List 2006-2007

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1993, the Huntridge Theatre provided the Las Vegas community with entertainment both “live” and on the silver screen for almost five decades. As one of the few surviving examples of Art Moderne theater architecture in Nevada, t he future of the Huntridge Theatre will be decided this year. The current owner is seeking to buy his way out of covenants on the deed that prevent him from demolishing the building.

Nevada Ranches, “Eleven Most Endangered” List 2004-2005

Nevada ’s ranches are quickly becoming compromised by the nation’s infrastructure projects. Long seen as a backwater, rural Nevada contains long valleys, bordered by magnificent mountain ranges. Recent world events are causing federal agencies to be inundated by proposed power and other infrastructure projects likely to impact hundreds of thousands of acres. Many of these projects, which are dubbed “green,” will forever remove the ruralness that makes these open landscapes unique in character, which contain significant ranches and other historic resources. Preserve Nevada is supportive of green energy projects and energy diversification but advocates for projects that are sensitive to preservation of the rural Nevada landscape and its ranches.

Successes Stories

Bethel AME Church, Reno

Historic Bethel AME Church in Reno barely survived a devastating fire in 2004. Through the efforts of the church and the Bethel Housing Development Corporation, and with funding from the Nevada Commission for Cultural Affairs, the building's rehabilitation has just been completed. The building will open to the public on June 8, 2008 as the Reno African-American Cultural Center. The first exhibit, sponsored by the Nevada Humanities Committee, will be on Frederick Douglass.

Nevada Northern Railway National Historic Landmark Building

The Nevada Northern Railway Engine house has now been stabilized in the words of the structural engineer, the structure “should provide another 100 years of service.” Additionally, the McGill Depot’s walls have been repaired, has a new roof, and the building envelope is sealed. There continues to be plenty of work to be done on both structures, and now they will be around for the work to be done.

 

 

La Concha Motel Lobby, Las Vegas

After several years of hard work, and against long odds, Paul Williams’ La Concha has risen again at the Neon Bone Yard. The preservation of La Concha ranks as one of the most interesting moved building stories in the annals of American preservation. The reconstructed building is an excellent example of appropriate relocation.

Preserve Nevada’s board members include former U.S. Sen. Richard H. Bryan; Andrew Kirk, Director of UNLV’s Public History program; Sue Fawn Chung, Professor of History at UNLV and Southern Nevada advisor to the National Trust for Historic Preservation; Robert A. Stoldal, Vice President of KLAS TV-8; 

UNLV, Nevada Department of Cultural Affairs, and private donations provide financial support for Preserve Nevada. For more information about Preserve Nevada send emails to PreserveNevada@gmail.com.

 

Special thanks to UNLV Special Collections and RoadsidePictures for letting us use these images!