STEINER CLEANERS
(c.1962)
STORY
Similar to the "Mullet Man" from Doc & Eddy's Pool Hall, this "Happy Shirt" from Steiner Cleaners is conveying its message purely through design and iconography. Based on a drawing by original owner Herman Steiner's daughter and fabricated by YESCO in 1962, "Happy Shirt" was a "fixture in the strip mall on the southwest corner of Tropican and Maryland Parkway" (note: by UNLV, the Liberace residence, and Liberace's Tivoli Gardens).
This is an animated sign, portraying "Happy Shirt" greeting visitors with a wave of its arms, with the illusion of motion achieved by technical means. By sequencing the two positions electronically, the sign appears to move.
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Steiner Cleaners often provided dry cleaning services for Las Vegas celebrities, including Liberace, who was so satisfied with the service he received that he recorded a local radio commercial for the business.
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KEY NARRATION
Sign Facts
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Steiner Cleaners opens in 1962.
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Herman Steiner's daughter drew the picture which inspired the sign.
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Great example of a simple argon sign.
Guest Education
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The Steiner Cleaners sign (aka "Happy Shirt" is a great example of an animated sign.
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The shirt's arms move up and down – he is a very happy shirt – because he has been recently cleaned!
Additional Details
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Liberace used Steiner Cleaners for many years.
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Each elaborate outfit could take up to a week to clean properly.
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He enjoyed their work so much he recorded a commercial for them.
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