The BACK HOOK
Moving past The Plaza, we enter a quick trip through the classic motor courts of yesteryear and the small businesses that populated the day-to-day lives of regular Las Vegas citizens. From the Yucca Motel to the Green Shack, these are stories of unique businesses that had a lasting impact on the community.
America is on the move. The Yucca has exceptional argon, delightful directional signage, and exceptional artistry rendered via complex craftsmanship and glass tubing.
Things keep on rolling at the Nevada Motel. It's got Vegas Vic on the sign for the very first time in the late 1940's. It's about tourism, and freedom, and yes, refridgeration.
It's all prospectors and cowboys and indians now! The Chief Motor Court is the oldest sign in the collection and does the most to marginalize the local Southern Paiute tribe!
The Palms has two decades of bad luck, which is ultimately good luck for the San Manual Band of Mission Indians, who take over in 2021 to run the first Native American owned casino in Vegas.
You'll believe there's no happier shirt around than this animated argon sign from Steiner Cleaners, loved by everyone, including Liberace who liked their work so much he made a commercial!
RED BARN
Opened in 1958 as an antique store, the Red Barn goes gay almost immediately, becoming the first openly gay watering hole for Las Vegas LGBTQ+ community in the 1960s.
GREEN SHACK
Mattie Jones takes her home cooking to the Green Shack in the 30s, opening for the areas best fried chicken and whiskey (post-Prohibition) at this historic, long running Vegas location.