Betty Willis' "little sign that could" has been added to the National Register of Historic Places!

The “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign has been listed in the National Register of Historic Places, a significant milestone in the sign’s 50-year history, county and state officials announced today.

“We nominated the sign as part of our centennial celebration, believing wholeheartedly in this Las Vegas icon’s historic value,” said County Commission Chairman Rory Reid, whose district includes the sign. “This designation demonstrates that the keepers of the National Register agree. The sign has been not only an important symbol for our community but a magnet for untold thousands who have had their pictures taken in front of it.”

Nevada Historic Preservation Officer Ron James, whose office forwarded the county’s application to the National Park Service for consideration, said the Register is the nation’s official list of cultural resources worthy of recognition and preservation.

“This sign is one of the most recognizable images associated with Nevada and its tourism industry,” said James. “This national honor underscores the historic value of the sign.”

The Welcome sign is located on the median of Las Vegas Boulevard in unincorporated Clark County, just south of the Russell Road exit on Interstate 15. It reads, “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada” on the front and “Drive Carefully” and “Come Back Soon” on the back.

The sign is owned by Young Electric Sign Company (YESCO) and leased to Clark County. "As owner of the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign, YESCO is proud to be the stewards of this important cultural resource which has done so much to promote a positive, vibrant image for Las Vegas and Clark County for the past 50 years," said John Williams, the company’s vice president and general manager.

The sign was designed by Betty Whitehead Willis of Western Neon, at the time one of a few women in the nation working as sign designers. In 1959 a group of Strip hotel owners asked the Clark County Commission to fund the design and construction of a sign to welcome visitors to Las Vegas. The winning bid, from Western Neon, was for $4,000. Later, YESCO bought out Western Neon and became the sign’s owner

The Welcome sign was placed on the old U.S. Highway 91, which was the main route from Southern California. The closest hotel was the Hacienda, located where Mandalay Bay is now. Clark County Commission meeting minutes in May 1959 note that the sign was to be located just north of the old McCarran airport. It is still at that location, although the main route for travelers is now I-15, and the old McCarran airport is now Signature Executive Terminal.

In the 1990s, another group of hotel owners, thinking the sign had outlived its day, commissioned a study to determine whether a new structure should be built. A public outcry followed and the sign remained. Although YESCO owns the trademark, the image of Welcome sign was never copyrighted, so it has been used freely for commercial and non-commercial purposes over the decades. As a result, it is recognizable internationally and the Welcome sign’s popularity as a tourist destination and photo opportunity continues to grow.

In January, Clark County completed work on a parking lot in the median just south of the sign to enable individuals and groups to safely take pictures of the sign without having to park on the side of the road and run across three lanes of traffic to get there. The new lot also provides access to the sign for the disabled for the first time. Access to the sign had been somewhat limited since its creation in 1959. The new lot features 12 parking spots, including two for the disabled, plus space for two buses.

This year marks the 50^th anniversary of the installation of the Welcome sign, which has marked the southern approach to the Strip since 1959.

The county, in its application for placement in the Register, argued that the sign meets National Park Service criteria for being historically significant in these ways:

• “...For its association with the post-World War II entertainment, tourism and advertising industries.The 1950s saw an explosion of casino construction on the Las Vegas Strip, and the 1959 Welcome sign represented the optimism and boosterism of Las Vegas casino owners and civic leaders. The fifties also saw the development of national advertising into a fine art, which made Las Vegas a most desired tourist destination and indeed, a household word across the country and around the world.”

• “Designer Betty Whitehead Willis was a Las Vegas native and daughter of a pioneer southern Nevada family. She attended art school in Los Angeles and had a career as a graphic designer before becoming a sign designer in the early fifties. Willis also designed, among others, the locally treasured Blue Angel Motel sign, and the 1955 Moulin Rouge Hotel and Casino sign.”

• “...As an excellent example of Exaggerated Modern/Googie architecture (1940s-1960s). The sign utilizes a stretched diamond shape with curved sides, set against an angular double column, outlined with light bulbs to accentuate the unusual shape, which are characteristics of Exaggerated Modern/Googie. The sign has become a cultural icon, known and loved around the world, not just because of its historical value and association with Las Vegas, but also because it is one of the dwindling examples of Exaggerated Modern in the southwest and especially in Las Vegas.”

We encourage everyone to come out to the Springs Preserve tomorrow and join in the fun of the annual Cultural and History Fair.

There will be booths (indoors!!!!) with staff and volunteers from the various Archaeology, Historic Preservation and other cultural groups around the Valley.  We have displays, hands on exhibits and fun for the whole family.

In addition there will be performing arts and visual arts groups from around the Valley as well as the Las Vegas Pauite Dancers.

So, here's the schedule:

Culture & History Fair: Making an IMPACT

Exhibitors include:

Exhibit Hall A (Desert Living Center, Rooms A and B (lower level))

• Las Vegas Little Theatre
• Nevada Ballet Theatre
• Liberace Foundation and Museum
• Friends of Classic Las Vegas
• Lost City Museum
• Nevada Archaeology Association
• SWCA Environmental Consultants
• Springs Preserve Archaeology
• City of Las Vegas Historic Preservation Commission
• City of Las Vegas Office of Cultural Affairs
• Atomic Testing Museum
• Lied Discovery Children's Museum
• Las Vegas Gamble-Aires
• Celebrity City Chorus
• CSN Performing Arts Center
• UNLV Department of Music
• Thai Cultural Art Association of Las Vegas
• HRA, Inc.
• Nevada Rock Art Foundation
• Preserve Nevada
• UNLV Performing Arts Center

Courtyard (outside Exhibit Hall A)

• Nevada State Parks
• Springs Preserve Education Activities

Exhibit Hall B (Rotunda Galleries A and B)

• Goodsprings Historical Society
• Morelli House
• Goldwell Open Air Museum
• Clark Country Museum System
• Cultural Site Stewardship Program
• City of Henderson Department of Cultural Arts and Tourism
• Metro Arts Council

• Archeo-Nevada Society
• UNLV Department of Anthropology - Anthropology Society
• Nevada Humanities
• Southern Nevada Agency Partnership
• Native American Community Services
• Las Vegas Master Singers
• Nellis Air Force Base
• Friends of Gold Butte
• Protectors of Tule Springs
• Nevada School of the Arts
• Las Vegas Youth Orchestras
• Foundation to Assist Young Musicians
• Nevada Department of Cultural Affairs
• Las Vegas Paiute Tribe
• Super Summer Theatre

Amphitheater

• Southern Nevada Living History Association

Entertainment Schedule

Amphitheater
10 – 10:30 a.m. Las Vegas Paiute Tribe
10:35 – 11:05 a.m. Los Matachines Dancers
11:10 – 11:30 a.m. Celebrity City Chorus

11:35 a.m. – 12:05 p.m. Las Vegas Paiute Tribe
12:10 – 12:30 p.m. Southern Nevada Living History Association
12:35 – 12:55 p.m. Las Vegas Gamble-Aires Chorus

1 – 1:30 p.m. Los Matachines Dancers
1:30 – 2 p.m. Las Vegas Paiute Tribe

Library Patio
10-10:30 a.m. Celebrity City Chorus – DeLux Quartet
11 a.m. – noon Las Vegas Youth Orchestra – Youth Philharmonic Chamber

Courtyard (between Dialogue Center and Rotunda)
11:30 a.m. – noon Celebrity City Chorus – Ooh La La Quartet
1:30 – 2 p.m. Celebrity City Chorus - GloryGals Quartet

Orientation Plaza
10 – 10:30 a.m. Celebrity City Chorus

Springs Cafe by Wolfgang Puck
10 – 10:30 a.m. Amici della Musica
11 – 11:30 a.m. Las Vegas Gamble-Aires Barbershop Quartet
11:30 a.m. – noon Nevada School of the Arts

Noon – 12:30 p.m. Celebrity City Chorus – Bewitched Quartet
12:30 – 1 p.m. Nevada School of the Arts
1 – 1:30 p.m. Celebrity City Chorus – Vegas Sound Quartet
1:30 – 2 p.m. Las Vegas Gamble-Aires Barbershop Quartet

Don't forget the famed Morelli House (Eighth and Bridger) is open later in the afternoon from 3;00 - 6:00.

Tours and Refreshments!

Hope to see you there!

Our friends at the Nevada State Museum will be hosting a book signing for my new book, Las Vegas in Postcards: 1905-1965 on Friday evening, May 8th.

My co-authors Carey Burke will be there and there is the possibility that Allen Sandquist will be joining us as well.

The book-signing reception begins at 5:30 pm

At 6:30 that evening, Dennis McBride will moderate a talk with us on how the book came about.

We hope you will join us for a fun-filled evening!

Friday, May 8th

Nevada State Museum

700 Twin Lakes Dr

Lorenzi Park

5:30 pm Booksigning/Reception

6:30 pm Discussion

On Thursday, May 7th, we are taking a slight break from discussing Las Vegas History with Untold Stories. May is Historical Preservation Month in Nevada and we are taking that opportunity to turn the spotlight on Cultural Tourism.

We will be talking about what is Cultural Tourism, what role does it currently play in Las Vegas, how can that role be expanded and how can it be marketed not only to tourists but more importantly the local population to help increase the role that history does play, every day throughout the Las Vegas Valley.

Our panelists include:

Brian Paco Alvarez - local historian and curator of the Las Vegas News Bureau

Marilyn Gillespie, Executive Director, Natural History Museum

Aaron Micallef - curator at the Las Vegas Springs Preserve

Courtney Mooney - local historian and the Preservation Officer for the City of Las Vegas

Remember- Untold Stories now starts at 6:30 pm.

Thursday, May 7th

6:30 pm

Las Vegas Springs Preserve

Desert Learning Center

Admission is $12

 We hope to see you there!

It's hard to believe that is May again!  Seems like just last week we were all together celebrating Helldorado and now it's time to do it all again!  Woo-Hoo!

As most of you know, May is Preservation Month and, as always, we have many fun things to do and we invite all of you to join us!

Here are some dates and Events worth remembering:

Thursday, May 8th

Untold Stories: Cultural Tourism:  Can it work for Las Vegas?  Panelists include Brian "Paco" Alvarez, Courtney Mooney, Aaron Micallef and Marilyn Gillespie.

Las Vegas Springs Preserve

Desert Learning Center

6:30 pm

Admission is $12

For more information about the panel and panelists:

http://classiclasvegas.squarespace.com/2009-friends-of-classic-las-ve/

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Friday, May 8th

Booksigning and Discussion

Our friends at the Nevada State Museum will be hosting a book signing for my new book, Las Vegas in Postcards: 1905-1965 on Friday evening, May 8th.

My co-author Carey Burke will be there as well.

The book-signing reception begins at 5:30 pm

At 6:30 that evening, Dennis McBride will moderate a talk with us on how the book came about.

We hope you will join us for a fun-filled evening!

Nevada State Museum

700 Twin Lakes Dr

Lorenzi Park

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Saturday, May 9th

Cultural History Fair

Las Vegas Springs Preserve

10:00 am - 2:00 pm

Free

We have a booth and some cool displays, so drop by and say "Hey"

Morelli House Open House

The Junior League is hosting an Open House at the famed Morelli House.

Tours will be given as well.

3:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Free

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Wednesday, May 13
Helldorado Roundup Party

Fremont Street Experience
6 to10 p.m.
First Street Stage - Randy Anderson, 8 to 11 p.m.
Third Street Stage - Third Town, 8 to 10 p.m.
Food, drinks and entertainment

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Thursday, May 14
Carnival Midway opens 5 to 11 p.m.

Featuring mutton busting, media events, bull riding and local barrel racers
First Street Stage - Scotty Alexander Band, 8 to 11 p.m.
Third Street Stage - Third Town, 8 to 11 p.m.

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Friday, May 15th
Whiskerino Contest Finale 4:45 p.m.

Fremont Street Experience, 3rd street stage

$10 entry fee

Preservation Association of Clark County Yearly Event

PACC is once again holding their annual event.  This year it is taking place at the historic 5th Street School.  Stoney Douglas from the City of Las Vegas will be giving tours and a brief presentation about the restoration of the building.

6:30 pm

5th Street School

401 S. 4th Street

Admission is free but RSVPs are required.

RSVP to Corinne Escobar at CorinneEscobar@pacc.info

Light Refreshments will be served.

Carnival 5 p.m.to midnight
PRCA Rodeo 7to 9 p.m.
Downtown Rodeo Grounds

First Street Stage - John Encino Band, 8 to 11 p.m.
Third Street Stage - T.J. Weaver Band, 8 to 11 p.m.

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Saturday, May 16th

Helldorado Hold’em Texas Hold ‘em Poker Tournament
Binion’s Horseshoe Hotel & Casino, 9 a.m.

Helldorado Parade

Once again we are joining forces with Jack LeVine at VeryVintageVegas and Dr. Lonnie Hammagren to celebrate Helldorado!  We will be using Dr. Lonnie's truck float filled with some cool Las Vegas historical artifacts.

If you would like to join us along with the parade route and help out, contact me or Jack.  Last year we finished the parade and celebrated at Micky Finnz.  Look for us to do something similar this year!

7:00 - 9:00 pm

Fourth Street (between Charleston and Ogden)

Fireworks Show, 9 p.m.

Carnival

noon to midnight
PRCA Rodeo 9 to11 p.m.
Downtown Rodeo Grounds

First Street Stage - John Encino Band, 8 to 11 p.m.
Third Street Stage - T.J. Weaver Band, 8 to 11 p.m.

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Sunday, May 17
Carnival

Noon to11 p.m.
PRCA Rodeo7to9 p.m.
Downtown Rodeo Grounds

Third Street Stage - Hazard County Rebels, 8 to 11 p.m.

Rodeo tickets  available from noon to 6 p.m:

10:00 am - 3:00 pm

Carey Burke and I will be there selling and autographing copies of "Las Vegas Postcard History: 1905-1965"

If you live out of state or can't make the book-signings but would still like an inscribed and autographed copy of "Las Vegas Postcard History: 1905-1965", here's the link for you:

www.classiclasvegas.com/coolstuff/coolstuff.htm

So there is plenty going on!  We hope you will join us in celebrating all month long!  Check back for added events as the month goes on!