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.
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.
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.