Fremont East District in Downtown Las Vegas, Nevada- click for Hi-Res
Photo by: LasVegas360.com
Photo taken: 12/30/2011
The Parking Garage at Binion’s in Downtown Las Vegas, Nevada
Photo by: LasVegas360.com
Date Taken: 12/30/2011
Vegas Vicki (Sassy Sally) Sits atop the Glitter Gulch Sign
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.
While the Fremont Street Experience was under construction and before they took Vegas Vicki down, she and Vic were married in a ceremony covered by the local newspapers and news stations.
Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas at the south end of the “Strip”
Betty Willis passed away on April 20, 2015 (age 91) in Overton, Nevada. Betty was famously known as a neon sign designer and is responsible for designing one of the most iconic signs in the world, The Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Nevada sign. Erected in 1959 by Western Neon and is currently owned by YESCO. The sign was designed by Betty Willis and was never copyrighted.
Blue Angel Motel
The Blue Angel Motel sign was also designed by Betty Willis was criticized for depicting the well endowed angel that now over looks the motel. At one time, the angel revolved and was surrounded by blue jays. The Blue Angel was inspired, fittingly enough, by the Blue Fairy in Walt Disney’s classic animated feature, “Pinocchio”.
The Normandie Motel Marquee neon sign
Another sign by Willis was the Normandie Motel Sign. The original motel was located on the east end of Fremont Street and was torn down during the first decade of 2000. The sign is now located on Las Vegas Blvd. just north of Fremont Street and is part of the public display from the Boneyard collection.
Moulin Rouge Neon Sign in West Las Vegas
Willis designed the French inspired sign for the Moulin Rouge Hotel.
She continued designing signs until she retired at the age of 77.
The Griffin Cocktail Lounge in Downtown Las Vegas, Nevada
Photo by: LasVegas360.com
Photo Taken 1/14/2012
Alpine Village Inn in Las Vegas, Nevada
Alpine Village Inn was Closed in March 1997. They were famous for their chicken soup. Full article and recipe here
NavigationRecent PostsOlder PostsTwitterSponsors
