Tuesday, May 24, 2016

Vintage Las Vegas Souvenir

Hey everyone... I forgot to mention that I will be out of town for about 10 days (starting yesterday). I will check in on the comments when I can, but it's possible that I won't be able to respond as much as I normally do. And now... on with today's post:

Here's something completely different! Last year, my mom was going to get rid of some stuff, and among the items was an enameled bracelet featuring scenes from Las Vegas. I thought that it was WAY too cool to let go, and she said, "If you want it, take it!". I don't have much call to wear it, but it's pretty neat! 

My mom says that she bought it in Vegas while she and my dad were on their honeymoon in 1958.


Here's the first link, with The Riviera - it operated from April 1955 to May 2015; the hotel is slated for demolition.


Next is the Sahara Hotel and Casino. which operated from 1952 to 2011. It was one of the last remaining "Rat Pack" hotels, and it anchored the northern end of the Las Vegas Strip.


Next we have El Rancho Vegas, which had opened in 1941. It was destroyed by fire in 1960, so that helps to establish the date of the bracelet.


This link features Fremont Street, which used to be the most famous street in Vegas. Before the Las Vegas Strip eclipsed it, Fremont Street was featured in countless movies and TV shows.


The Desert Inn operated from April, 1950 to August, 2000. It was the fifth resort to open on the Strip.


One of the most famous casinos on the Strip was The Sands, which operated from 1952 to 1996, and was the home of many of the members of the Rat Pack.


The last link features the Flamingo, which is now the oldest casino on the Las Vegas Strip, opening in 1946. This is where my mom and dad stayed during their honeymoon!


While scanning photos for my parent's 50th wedding anniversary, I found this photo of my mom in front of the Flamingo...


... and this photo of my dad!


I hope you have enjoyed this vintage Las Vegas charm bracelet.


11 comments:

Nanook said...

Major-

'Too cool', indeed-! In many ways the detail in the bracelet is really something.

Behind your mom, is a 1958 Cadillac, and a 1957 Ford, Country Squire station wagon - I think. And nosing itself into the image is a 1948-'53 series of Chevrolet, panel truck.

Behind your dad is (I'm gonna say) a 1953 Plymouth; and on our right trying to upstage Harry James, et al., is a 1959 Edsel-! I really think so.

Thanks, Major, for more views from Sin CIty - and your folks-!

K. Martinez said...

Great match up work on the bracelet. That must've taken you some time and effort. It's also nice to see a photo of your mom and dad. Family photos add that personal touch. Thanks, Major.

Chuck said...

This is one of my favorite GDB posts ever!

I love the connections between the bracelet's images and the actual locations they represent. Like Ken, I also really love the inclusion of your family photos and how they connect to the artifact on display and you personally.

Thanks for sharing not only your personal collection today, but also your family history, Major.

TokyoMagic! said...

Wow, what a great little souvenir. I like the comparison shots, as well as the personal family photos. Thanks for sharing those with us, Major! In the small pic of The Flamingo, Betty Grable is listed as appearing there. In the pic of your dad, the sign lists Harry James. I wonder if they ever appeared in shows together?

Major Pepperidge said...

Nanook, I have tried to find other examples of this bracelet, just out of curiosity… I haven't found anything nearly as nice. Edsels… I love them. I just saw a photo of a gold one, and it was a real beauty.

K. Martinez, it took a little time, but once in a while I'm willing to put in some extra effort! ;-)

Chuck, glad you liked this one. I was iffy about sharing the pix of my parents, but finally decided to just go ahead. I know that the personal touch makes posts like this more fun.

TokyoMagic!, you sure would think that Harry and Betty would have shared the bill on occasion, but who knows. Maybe they could make more dough appearing as separate acts!

zach said...

What a great heirloom! That needs to be handed down through the generations. Thanks for adding the personal touch.

Nanook, I think it's just a '59 Pontiac sneaking up on Dad.

Great post today!

dz

Anonymous said...

Great post, Major.

Thanks.

JG

Nanook said...

@ David Zacher-

You know my first thought was a Pontiac, but I ruled it out, as from what we can (barely) see here, the rear windows don't work for a Pontiac. But you never know. Thanks for chiming-in. I can always use some other input to keep me in my place-!

walterworld said...

Nice memories from a time that's now long gone...

Thanks for sharing these Major

Monkey Cage Kurt said...

Nice to meet the folks today Major. Now I’m able to put a face to the term “leftuggies”.

zach said...

How could I have questioned Nanook on a car ID! I am now convinced it is an Edsel.

dz