Las Vegas: A random group of memories

Here are some photos that I came across when cleaning out my office.  I'll be posting more over the weekend.  Feel free to leave comments about these pieces of Las Vegas history, especially those that aren't there anymore.

 

The Horseshoe Club in 1999

The Horseshoe Club neon front in 1999

Fallout Shelter sign from the 1950s used to be on a side street in Downtown

RoadsidePictures says this sign was destroyed a few years ago.  It used to be on Third Street.

 

Used to be on the side entrance to the Horseshoe Club before it became Binion's.

 

The Green Shack signs before they were torn down.  The Cocktails sign is now in the Neon Museum boneyard.

Mid-Century Home in the Scotch Eighties

 

Another mid-century modern home in the Scotch Eighties

 

Motel neon sign that was part of the Algiers

Walter Zick - Mid-Century Modern Las Vegas Architect

 

The Mint Hotel designed by Walter Zick and Harris Sharp

 

He was one of the most prolific architects in Las Vegas.  Walter Zick, along with his partner Harris Sharp, designed some of the coolest mid-century modern buildings in Southern Nevada.  His best known design is probably also the most-beloved, the fabulous Mint Hotel.   It's design fulfilled the optimistic potential that was pervasive across America in the late 1950s and the early 1960s.  In that canyon of neon called Glitter Gulch, the Mint sat shoulder to shoulder with fanciful facades that depicted the Barbary Coast (The Golden Nugget), the Wild West (The original California Club) and San Francisco (The Golden Gate).

Wayne McAllister's design of the Fremont Hotel may have been the first mid-century modern casino on Fremont Street but Zick and Sharpe saw that design and raised the stakes.  Working with YESCO's top designers, Kermit Wayne and Hermon Boergne, the facade of the Mint was one of the first to explore the three dimensional aspects of neon.  It's eye-poping pink and white neon took your breath away.

If the Mint was all that Zick and Sharp had designed in Las Vegas that would be enough.  But thanks to Friends of Classic Las Vegas commercial chair Mary Martinez and our favorite downtown neighborhood blogger, Jack LeVine, I have been given a disc of images and information on the life and works of Walter Zick.  His family is trying to get a school named for him and though their initial request was turned down, we are thrilled to be joining with VeryVintageVegas to help spotlight Zick's accomplishments and keep the idea of a school named in his honor alive.

Walter Zick designed more than just casinos and hotels.  I grew up in Charleston Heights which sports many of the schools and commercial buildings that he designed.  I am familiar with Hyde Park Junior High School which was the first air-conditioned school in the nation.  My brother was born at Southern Nevada Hospital in the mid-1960s when it sported a Zick and Sharp mid-century facade.  I attended junior high school at Garside, which they designed.  I attended high school at Ed. W. Clark High School which was designed by Zick and Sharp.  They designed both Western High School and Valley High School, both cross-town rivals of Clark.  We attended football games every Friday night at the Sam Boyd Silver Bowl, again designed by Zick and Sharp.

After I graduated in 1975, I attended UNLV and had a Shakespeare class in the Humanities Building that Zick designed.  The Maude Frazier Building, the first building on the campus when it opened in 1958 was designed by them.

We did our banking at the corner of Charleston and Decatur at the Bank of Las Vegas and the First National Bank of Nevada both designed by Zick and Sharp.  The Foley Federal Building which was built next to the 5th Street Grammar School where I attended kindergarten was also designed by them.  The Clark County Courthouse near the Foley Federal Building is their design.

I remember the Nevada Savings and Loan Headquarters, the Nevada State Bank near then-popular Spanish Oaks, Western Airlines terminal, the Westgate Shopping Center, the YMCA addition.

In addition to the Mint, he designed the Bird Cage Casino which sat just west of the Mint and was ultimately annexed by the hotel and he and Sharp designed the famous "eyebrow" addition.  They helped complete Wilbur Clark's Desert Inn, had a hand in the remodel of the El Rancho Vegas, designed the first integrated hotel and casino, the Moulin Rouge as well as the Union Plaza and many more.

He also designed residential homes for some of the biggest movers and shakers in Las Vegas including Benny Binion, the Cashman family, Marcus Daly (whose rec room included a below ground bomb shelter, a bowling alley and a movie theater), architect Bill Moore's house, Mayme Stocker's house on Bracken Avenue, Joseph Switzer's house and Ted Weins as well.

We'll hopefully have more on Walter Zick in the days and weeks ahead so keep an eye out here!

Destroyed for a Walgreens.

 

The Moulin Rouge (with signage by Betty Willis) before the fire of 2003.

 

 

Special thanks to RoadsidePictures for letting use this image.

Special thanks to the family of Walter Zick for letting us highlight his life.

Special thanks to Mary Martinez and Jack LeVine for the disc!

Las Vegas to honor visionary Jackie Gaughan



The city of Las Vegas honors the legendary Jackie Gaughan, a man who did so much to re-invent Fremont Street from the late 1950s through today:



MAYOR OSCAR GOODMAN PRESENTS JACKIE GAUGHAN WITH KEY TO THE CITY

WHAT: Casino legend Jackie Gaughan will be presented with a key to the city of Las Vegas by Las Vegas icon Mayor Oscar Goodman. Gaughan is being honored for his many contributions to downtown, Las Vegas, and the casino and gaming industry. Gaughan is an innovative thinker and originated promotions such as fun books and complimentary meals, while being a pillar in the downtown Las Vegas casino scene for over 40 years.

WHEN: Monday, Oct. 13

11-11:30 a.m. Mayor Goodman will present key to the city to Jackie Gaughan

WHO: Casino pioneer Jackie Gaughan and Mayor Oscar Goodman

FACTS: Gaughan has owned or operated several hotels and casinos throughout his career including the Flamingo, Showboat Casino, Union Plaza Hotel & Casino, Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas Club Hotel & Casino, Gold Spike Hotel & Casino, Western Casino and the El Cortez Hotel & Casino.

Gaughan recently made his foray into semi-retirement by selling his shares in the El Cortez.

On most days, Gaughan can still be spotted playing poker on the El Cortez casino floor.

Mayor Goodman is the self proclaimed “happiest mayor in the universe” and he has focused many of his efforts as mayor on revitalizing downtown Las Vegas by creating an urban village filled with small businesses, boutiques, fine restaurants, bookstores and an art component where the public can have social dialogue and exchange ideas.

The Cabana Suites will set the new standard for style in downtown Las Vegas with a retro design that is timeless yet modern, featuring chic boutique style in the Fremont East Entertainment District (slated for completion in early 2009.)

WHERE: Entrance to El Cortez Hotel & Casino’s Cabana Suites (formerly Ogden House)

651 E. Ogden Ave.

Las Vegas, NV 89101


Las Vegas 4th of July 2008 Fireworks Displays- Updated Strip Hotels added

Updated on 7/1/08:

 

This was one of our most popular features last summer so we thought we'd update it for 2008 and bring it back: (We'll be adding to it as we get more info about more programs and displays):

 

Just added:  There will be firework displays on the famed Las Vegas Strip!  Scroll down the list for more information!   Be sure to check back as this list is getting updated almost daily now!

 

Fremont Street Experience is throwing a party, scroll down for details. 

 

9th Annual City of North Las Vegas Independence Day Jubilee
-
The City of North Las Vegas will present this night of fun Thursday July 3 at Seastrand Park at 6 PM!  Come out for food, live entertainment and a fireworks show at 9:30 PM.  For more info call or visit: 633-2650, www.cityofnorthlasvegas.com.

 

Anthem Hills Park 4th of July
When: 7 to 9 p.m. July 4
Where: Anthem Hills Park, Henderson
Cost: Free
More info: 702-267-2171
The City of Henderson will celebrate Independence Day at Anthem Hills Park.

There will be entertainment provided by Oasis Jazz,
KOAS followed by traditional fireworks.

Las Vegas Motor Speedway Fireworks
When: Gates open at 5 p.m.; racing at 5:45 and fireworks at 9 July 3
Where: The Bullring at Las Vegas Motor Speedway
Admission: $15 general admission; $12 senior citizens, military personnel and kids ages 6-12; $9 for children ages 5 and under
More info: 702-644-4444


The Bullring at
Las Vegas Motor Speedway will present its annual Fourth-of-July holiday spectacular on Thursday, July 3. The annual Night of Fire at LVMS' 3/8-mile asphalt oval will include fireworks, a thrill show and NASCAR-sanctioned stock car racing. Classes in competition on July 3 will include the Super Late Model/Late Model Combo class in a 76-lap feature, Modifieds, Legends Cars, USAC Focus Midgets, Bandoleros and Bombers.

The Bullring's concession stand features a family-friendly dollar menu, including: $1 hot dogs, $1 soda and $1 beer.

Las Vegas 51s and Fireworks
When: 7:05 p.m. July 2 & 3 with fireworks immediately following the games
Where: Cashman Field
Admission: $13 general admission
More Info: 702-798-7825


The
51s host the Salt Lake Bees. Fireworks will follow the games both nights. July 3rd is also dollar beer night.

60th Annual Boulder City Damboree
When: July 4
Where: Boulder City

The annual event will feature a pancake breakfast at 7 a.m. in Bicentennial Park; a parade at 9 a.m. beginning at Colorado and going down Nevada Highway; Damboree ceremonies and midway booths at Broadbent Park beginning at 10 a.m.; festivities from 6 to 11 p.m. at Veteran's Memorial Park; and fireworks at Veteran's Memorial Park at 9 p.m..
For more information,
click here.

Downtown Henderson Fourth of July fireworks & celebration
When: 6-9 p.m. July 4
Where: Henderson Events Plaza and surrounding area
Admission: Free
More Info: 702-267-2171
All of Henderson will be celebrating in the Water Street District, along Water Street between Army and Basic, and Atlantic Avenue from Water to Lead.

Enjoy two stages of entertainment, one in the Henderson Events Plaza on the Amphitheatre Stage and one on the Convention Center Lawn Stage.

The Events Plaza Amphitheatre Stage will feature FAB followed by the Henderson Civic Orchestra.

The kids will be cooling off in the water play area and after watching the chalk artist at work they can try their hand at creating too.

The evening will end with fireworks shot off the top of City Hall.

Shuttle service will be available from Morrell Park at 500 Harris Street to Water Street.

July 4th Spectacular
When: Gates open at 4:30 p.m. July 4
Where: Hills Park, Summerlin
Tickets: $25 general admission in advance and $30 at the gate; $20 for children ages 6-12 in advance and $25 at the gate; and free for children ages 5 and under. Tickets for the Pavilion are $100 and includes food (no children allowed).
More info: 702-895-2787

The Las Vegas Philharmonic will presebt its annual 4th of July concert. This year will feature soloist Brent Barrett.

 

Fireworks at Station Casinos
When: 9:30 p.m. July 4
Where: Red Rock Resort, Green Valley Ranch resort, Texas Station, Fiesta Rancho, Sunset Station & Santa Fe Station


The Grucci's of New York have been commissioned to produce "Lights Over Vegas" for 6 of Station Casinos properties around town. The fireworks show will be choreographed to music paying tribute to America and the fun spirit of Las Vegas and will include songs from artists such as Jimi Hendrix, Frank Sinatra, John Mellencamp, Bruce Springsteen, Yes, James Brown, ZZ Top and Copeland.

The musical score to "Lights Over Vegas" will be simulcast live on Beasley Broadcasting's four radio stations including KKLZ 96.3 FM Classic Hits, KCYE 104.3 FM Coyote Country, KFRH 102.7 Fresh FM and KDWN 720 AM talk radio.

Fireworks & Concert at Lake Las Vegas
When: July 4
Tickets: Single ticket prices for the America concert are $100.00 (Floating VIP seats), $75.00 (Reserved Seats) or $40.00 (general admission seats), and do not include tax or handling charges. Children ages 2 and under are free. Call 702-474-4000 or ticketmaster.com
The 1970's hit group "America" will perform at the annual Fourth of July fireworks celebration at Lake Las Vegas.

Also, MonteLago Village will offer two hotel packages for the holiday. Travelers can choose one nights lodging in a one-bedroom suite and receive two tickets to the America concert. Or, guests can choose the "Big Bang Weekend" package, which features two night's accommodations in a one-bedroom suite, two tickets to the concert on Friday, July 4 and two passes to the Vino di Lago Wine Walk on Saturday, July 5.

 

JUST ADDED!!! Strip Hotels added!!!!

Friday, July 4th 

Caesars Palace will be hosting a fireworks display by the famed Grucci Family of New York. When you call the front desk, they don't seem to know they are doing this but if you are persistent, they will find someone who does know.  They are planning on informing their guests by letter on the morning of July 4th (presumably with the morning paper) but here is the info:

9:30 pm  at Caesars Palace  National Class Fireworks Display 

The Las Vegas Hilton had a little more info on their fireworks display.  I called the Special Events number and they told me right away that the fireworks will be going off at 9:30 pm over the Hilton Hotel.  The display is by the famed Grucci family of New York.

9:30 pm Las Vegas Hilton  State Class Fireworks Display

 

The difference between National Class and State Class displays appears to be the amount of money being spent for the displays. 

 

More Special Events


Free Swimming & Skating at Clark County Pools
When: July 4
Where: Cambridge Water Park, 3930 Cambridge St.;

Desert Breeze Water Park, 8275 W. Spring Mountain Road;

Desert Inn Pool, 3570 Vista Del Monte Dr.;

Paradise Water Park, 4770 Harrison Dr.;

Parkdale Water Park, 3200 Ferndale St.;

Sunrise Pool, 2240 Linn Lane;

Sunset Pool, 2601 E. Sunset Road;

Walnut Water Park, 3085 Cecile Ave.;

and Whitney Pool, 5700 E. Missouri St.
More info: 702-455-8200
Clark County Parks and Recreation is taking Fourth of July back to the neighborhoods with activities for the whole family. Thirteen County pools, water parks and skate parks will host free events to help residents celebrate the nation's 232nd birthday.

Residents can enjoy free swimming at all pools and water parks from noon to 4 p.m.

Desert Breeze Water Park will be open from noon to 4:30 p.m.

Hollywood Skate Park, the County's only admission-based park near Sahara Avenue and Hollywood Boulevard, will be open for free from noon to 4 p.m and requires signed waivers by a parent or guardian for entry into the skate park.

Skate parks at other recreation and community centers also will be in operation during that time. Although Hollywood Skate Park rents helmets, skaters are encouraged to bring their own to make sure they are protected.

Rock the Block with El Cortez
When: 6 p.m. July 4
Where: Fremont East Entertainment District, downtown Las Vegas
More information: 702-385-5200
The
El Cortez hotel-casino brings the Fourth of July festivities downtown with Rock the Block, a concert featuring alternative rock sensations Taproot and Everlast.

The outdoor concert is free to the public and begins at 6 p.m. in the Fremont East Entertainment District. Turntablist and producer, DJ Lethal, formerly of House of Pain and Limp Bizkit, will also perform. As a special Independence Day tribute, Everlast will also debut a new song for concertgoers that honors soldiers serving abroad.

In addition to the rockin' festivities, the El Cortez is serving free White Castle hamburgers to its Jackie's Club Cortez members playing table games or slot machines between 12 p.m. and 6 p.m. For additional information, visit Jackie's Club Cortez.

 

 ust Added!  7/1/08:

 


WHAT:
         
Fremont Street Experience will premiere “Don McLean’s American Pie” Viva Vision light and sound show with a weekend-long 4th of July celebration. The events are free to the public and include an opening ceremony on Thursday, July 3 hosted by Nellis Air Force Base’s Honor Guard and National Anthem performers.
 
Live bands will also be a part of the three-day entertainment line-up performing on both the 1st and 3rd Street stages July 3-5. Downtown Las Vegas hotel-casinos Binion’s, Fitzgeralds, Four Queens, Fremont, Golden Gate, Golden Nugget and Vegas Club will be selling 4th of July barbeque favorites from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday-Saturday in addition to bar stations offering a variety of sodas, beers, cocktails and specialty drinks.
 

Fremont Street Experience:

Where:

Downtown Las Vegas, Fremont Street

 

WHAT:          
Fremont Street Experience will premiere “Don McLean’s American Pie” Viva Vision light and sound show with a weekend-long 4th of July celebration. The events are free to the public and include an opening ceremony on Thursday, July 3 hosted by Nellis Air Force Base’s Honor Guard and National Anthem performers.
 
Live bands will also be a part of the three-day entertainment line-up performing on both the 1st and 3rd Street stages July 3-5. Downtown Las Vegas hotel-casinos Binion’s, Fitzgeralds, Four Queens, Fremont, Golden Gate, Golden Nugget and Vegas Club will be selling 4th of July barbeque favorites from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday-Saturday in addition to bar stations offering a variety of sodas, beers, cocktails and specialty drinks. 

WHEN:          
Thursday, July 3
8:45 p.m.
Opening ceremony with Nellis Air Force Base Honor Guard and a live performance of the National Anthem.  

9 p.m.
World Premiere of “Don McLean’s American Pie” Viva Vision show
“Don McLean’s American Pie” will repeat at 11 p.m.

 

Tejano Super Dance
When: July 4 and 5
Where:
Riviera
Tickets: start at $55
More info: tejanosuperdance.com or www.myspace.com/tejanosuperdance The Academy of Tejano Artist and Musicians, and 1604 Entertainment Group are producing a two day Tejano Event at the Riviera. Come meet your favorite artists with our Fan Fare which starts at 3 p.m. Friday and continues at 3 p.m. on Saturday. Dance doors will open at 7 p.m. both days, where the first act begins at 8. Friday's line up: Los Badd Boyz Del Valle, Jessy Serrata, Jay Perez, and Ram Herrera. Saturday's line up: Jaime y Los Chamacos, Roberto Pulido, Los Desperadoz , and David Lee Garza.

 

Rockets Over The River
Where: Laughlin, NV
Cost: Free
More info: 702-298-2214
Just after dusk on July 4, the huge annual Rockets Over The River fireworks display will be free for public viewing along the entire Laughlin River Walk. Various celebrations are planned at the Laughlin hotels and casinos, and radio stations will simulcast each show's music with speakers set up on the river.