Skip to: Content
Skip to: Site Navigation
Skip to: Search

November 22, 2008 9:40:43 CST



Iconic Sign Is Fabulous Indeed

Posted Jun 14, 08 10:25 CDT in US 

(Newser) – It's been nearly a half-century since the iconic "Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas" sign went up on the Strip, and Betty Willis is still as sharp as she was when she designed it, Las Vegas Weekly reports. Willis created the neon design back when the Strip still intersected dirt roads, but she never doubted "fabulous" was the best word for her hometown.

 Some facts about the classic sign:

  • Willis never trademarked her design
  • The silver dollars that spell "Welcome" were intended to make the sign look lucky
  • The starburst on top is a tribute to Disneyland
  • The Goodyear logo inspired the sign's shape

Source Las Vegas Weekly

0 comments | Print E-mail | Digg Seed this on Newsvine Add this link to Del.icio.us StumbleUpon
The sign has long welcomed gamblers.   (Getty Images (by Event) Individuals)
Wedding photographer Sergio Lopez takes pictures of newlyweds Joseph and Joyce Buangan with the Welcome to Las Vegas sign in the background Saturday, July 7, 2007.   (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
A couple photographs each other at the Las Vegas welcome sign in Las Vegas, Saturday, Jan. 5, 2008.   (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma)
A vintage sign welcomes visitors to Las Vegas, Nevada, the neon capital of the world.   (KRT Photos)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
Our editors also recommend:

Threads (
1
 of 1)



Loading...

Premium Articles from HighBeam

Find more articles like this

Today's Most Popular

Loading...

Other US Stories


What is Newser?

2008 Codie Finalist

Face it: there's too much news. At Newser a team of editors and writers culls the most important stories from hundreds of U.S. and international sources and reduces them to a headline, picture, and two paragraphs. It's the Newser guarantee: we can take any report or column or video and pack what you need to know into 120 words or less. Newser's short-form aggregation, visual format, and unique information tools help you get more of the kind of news you want, in a quicker and more entertaining way. And we do it 24/7—you can come back morning, noon, night (and in between) for something new that matters. Read less, know more.

Learn more »