Episode 52: Neon Sign Museum

Curator's Choice

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Step behind the neon glow with me as we venture into a radiant corner of Las Vegas history at the Neon Sign Museum. With Aaron Berger as our guide, we delve into a treasure trove of glowing lights that tell the story of Sin City.
🎰 Illuminating Las Vegas's Past and Preserving Its Glow 💡
Las Vegas's neon signs are more than just advertisements; they're historical landmarks that reveal the city's (dark and light) past. In this episode, you'll learn the ins and outs of neon sign restoration and how unique leasing arrangements inadvertently became a lifeline for preserving these glowing artifacts. Among the stories highlighted is that of the Moulin Rouge sign, which marked the first integrated casino in the United States and was created by a rarity in the sign industry, Betty Willis.
🎲 Weaving Neon into the Heartbeat of Las Vegas 💖
We'll also delve into the city's mission to weave these signs into the community's heartbeat, installing them in public spaces, and even enshrining their maintenance in law — exemplified by the legendary cowboy Vegas Vic. Whether you are looking for free aspirin, tender sympathies, or the brightest lights in town, the city that never sleeps has something for everyone.
🔗 Episode Links
Neon Sign Museum: https://neonmuseum.org/
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Curator's Choice - A podcast for history nerds and museum lovers

Chapters

1. Vegas Lights Up The Sky (00:09:29)

2. Signs That Tell Stories (00:12:50)

3. Betty Willis (00:14:05)

4. Moulin Rouge (00:15:16)

5. What is Neon? (00:24:05)

6. Free Asprin and Tender Sympathies (00:28:50)

7. Vegas Vick and Vicky (00:32:56)

8. Yucca Motel Sign (00:35:10)

9. Sign Lightings (00:37:59)

10. Duck Duck Shed-Vegas Architecture (00:39:47)