Saturday, November 03, 2012

Viva Las Vegas!

If I had a time machine, one of my destinations would definitely be Las Vegas in the mid-1960's! By then the city had grown from a small desert community to a vibrant city unlike any other. Not into gambling? Never fear, you could go see any number of lounge acts, comedians, and musical revues.

I love this first photo (from March 1965), with a group of gals (and one guy) all ready for a night on the town. The famous neon lights of the Strip almost turn night into day.


Oooo, glittery! Where should we go first? Wayne Newton is playing at the Fremont. This is a 1963 photo (as are the remaining images), he was only 21 years old and already a headliner.


The Golden Nugget is right on the corner, we could check it out. If it's good enough for that sailor, it's good enough for me.


They don't make signs like this any more... they are real works of art!


I have another 20 (or so) night images of Las Vegas, but they all start to look the same, in a way. Same casinos, same lights, etc. Are you folks interested in seeing more, or are you satisfied?

15 comments:

D-ticket said...

This is the Vegas of Vince Savino and Sheriff Lamb and The Savoy.

If you're watching the new series, it looks exactly like this.

The girls are probably going over to the Carnival Room at the Fremont to see Jerry and Wayne Newton.

Nanook said...

Las Vegas - the real home of Glitz & Glamour. I for one never tire of seeing pics of Sin City - especially during the 60's. Bring 'em on. Thanks Major.

David said...

I would be very happy to look at all the vintage Las Vegas photos you would care to post!

The location of this batch is actually downtown Las Vegas near Fremont St. The famous Strip itself if just a bit south of here.

Anonymous said...

Major, the reason we love these is because we can never go back there again...don't hesitate to share as many as you have!

Bill in Denver

Chuck said...

You keep showing us pictures of the Mark Twain and Sleeping Beauty Castle and we keep coming back for more. Why should things be any different with Vintage Vegas? I say "bring 'em on!"

TokyoMagic! said...

I agree with everyone above! More vintage Vegas, please!

Nancy said...

Me too....these are gorgeous!! As was said, we can never go back and I for one treasure all of the images you bring us! :-D

Pilsner Panther said...

There's a big junkyard full of these old neon signs just outside of Vegas. I've never been there, but I've seen pictures of it. It's kind of surreal-looking, what with all the signs sitting on the ground and jumbled together.

Tracy B said...

@Pilsner Panther,

http://www.neonmuseum.org/

It's not outside of Las Vegas, but just a few blocks from Fremont St.

Pilsner Panther said...

Thanks for the link, Tracy. Much appreciated!

Rick West said...

Viva, Lost Vegas! More! More! More!

Anonymous said...

Major, What Bill in Denver Said. MOAR MOAR MOAR...

Some Beauties in this lot. These always play well in my office screen saver slide show. Lots of admiration for old Vegas, when it was good to be naughty.

JG

Nancie said...

I too vote for more Vegas!

Rand Noel said...

Lived there over 60 years, still do. I've even seen some of these old vintage photos with me or my family in them pretty amazing. In the 60's photos of Fremont street at night Id's be crusin' Fremont though in those years - I also have a Vintage Las Vegas FB page

Rand Noel said...

Lived there over 60 years, still do. I've even seen some of these old vintage photos with me or my family in them pretty amazing. In the 60's photos of Fremont street at night Id's be crusin' Fremont though in those years - I also have a Vintage Las Vegas FB page