Wednesday, May 02, 2007

Gone - but not forgotten


I'm getting set to head out on a road trip to the Southwest very soon.
Wish I could stop here en route to look at all the coooooool old signs from Las Vegas casinos that are no more.

I've been to Vegas more times than I care to remember.
Most of the trips were for biz, with each visit averaging a week = way too many days for a non-gambler like myself.
I'm definitely not a Vegasophile, and the novelty of the glittering façades, 24 hour gambling and other adult entertainment on The Strip wears off pretty darn quick.

Yet the glitz and glam of Early Vegas actually holds some appeal.
The highlight of a recent trip to VivaLand was seeing the Early Vegas casino signs on Fremont Street. Looking at those dozen or so refurbished signs, even I could wax nostalgic about this town.

Salvaged from gambling establishments that have met the wrecking ball, old casino signs typically end up at the 'sign graveyard' - their ultimate fate yet to be determined.

Once impressive thresholds that served to welcome guests into fancy gambling establishments; the signs now display faded chipped paint and rusted metal, with nearly every lightbulb broken or missing.
The collection is a treasure trove, nonetheless!
Just use a little imagination...

Would love the opportunity to pay my respects before the signs completely disintegrate into the surrounding desert dust. However, the place seems to open only for group* tours by appointment.
*Anyone want to form a group and go (but not for a whole week)?

2 comments:

Conn said...

That is an awesome place. I have never been but have seen many photo shoots that have taken place there.
Everytime I see a picture of it... I wish I were there.
I love the Aladdin Lamp. So sad that the 90's were so unkind to Vegas with all the demolitions.

Lauren said...

Ooh, that place sounds like fun! Lots of good photo opportunities, I'm sure. Have I told you how much I like the new design of your blog? Very simple and clean.