There are a collection of men who helped build the city of Las Vegas during its formative years that didn’t have colored pasts. Their origins are not linked to organized crime and their stories aren’t the sort of things people make movies about. However they would become the shining examples that the gaming industry could not only exist without the Mob but could continue to grow. A fact that was established in 1941 and continues to endure to this day. The El Cortez is the city’s oldest hotel casino to continuously operate under the same name and only the 2nd casino ever added to the nation’s historical preservation list. It’s also the only casino on that list still open to this day. This is the story of the people and the properties that shaped Downtown Las Vegas.
Saturday, May 22, 2021
PCP - 360 Vintage Vegas: Jackie Gaughan & the El Cortez
There are a collection of men who helped build the city of Las Vegas during its formative years that didn’t have colored pasts. Their origins are not linked to organized crime and their stories aren’t the sort of things people make movies about. However they would become the shining examples that the gaming industry could not only exist without the Mob but could continue to grow. A fact that was established in 1941 and continues to endure to this day. The El Cortez is the city’s oldest hotel casino to continuously operate under the same name and only the 2nd casino ever added to the nation’s historical preservation list. It’s also the only casino on that list still open to this day. This is the story of the people and the properties that shaped Downtown Las Vegas.
Saturday, May 15, 2021
E-364: Maskless Assholery
Random Vegas
Flamingo's cascading feathers signage, on display today on the southwest corner of the property, was created by artist and parade float designer Paul Rodriguez in 1976. He was also the designer of the Clown marquee for Circus Circus Reno (Neon Museum & Research)
Twitpic of the week
The Eiffel Tower experience in all her French glory, glowing blue, white and red. The 2/3rd replica of the arc de triomphe, the Paris balloon, it’s all there. Its a postcard worthy snapshot from @maverickheli of another resort that has embraced its theme in the wake of detheming. And doing so shows they know who its audience is and how to cater to them. Continued thanks to MaverickHeli for providing unique perspectives that inspire impassioned monologues.
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Saturday, May 8, 2021
E-363: Covid Condoms
- In 1968, just before his 2-week residency in the lounge at the Riviera was coming to an end, Shecky Greene was informed that plans were to turn the showroom into a Keno lounge.
- In an attempt to be funny, Greene came to the stage that final night and began chopping up the stage floor and giving out pieces to guests in attendance as souvenirs
- The next morning, unaware of this antics, ownership informed Greene they were going to extend his run in the lounge for another month. (Vintage Riviera Research)
Twitpic of the week
The legend as I’m sure she’s looked to many of her patrons on many a nights. This is El Cortez after a case of Coors Light and a tough night at the tables. Magnificent and frightening. Somehow sticky too, all communicated via their classic signage and usage of neon. @zotaramichael shares with us a view askew. A journey that no doubt comes with a story for the ages.
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Saturday, May 1, 2021
E-362: Question Mark?
Random Vegas
Tiesto and Zedd will make $250k per set during their residencies at Resorts World. The average headliner club set lasts about 2 hours (@LasVegasLocally)
Possibly the best sign in Vegas history, the gold and maroon turret at the Dunes. The biggest mistake in Vegas history was losing that sign to a publicity stunt as part of the implosion of the Dunes. We can’t live in the past but thanks to pictures like @summacorp we can visit it. Don’t lament that they are gone but appreciate what she gave us while she was around.
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