Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Hot on Facebook
Uproar After NC State Agent 'Fixes' Girl's Lunch Preschooler has to eat chicken nuggets instead of mom's meal »

Iconic Sign Is Fabulous Indeed

Nearly 50 years later, designer discusses her creation

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Jun 14, 2008 10:25 AM CDT

(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

The sign has long welcomed gamblers.
The sign has long welcomed gamblers.   (Getty Images (by Event) Individuals)
A vintage sign welcomes visitors to Las Vegas, Nevada, the neon capital of the world.
A vintage sign welcomes visitors to Las Vegas, Nevada, the neon capital of the world.   (KRT Photos)
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.
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.
A couple photographs each other at the Las Vegas welcome sign in Las Vegas, Saturday, Jan. 5, 2008.   (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

More Newser Stories

Foreclosed Vegas Homes Turning Into Pot Farms

Vegas Hotel 'Death Ray' Burns Tourists

Gehry Gambles Big in Las Vegas

Obama to Offer $1.5B in Housing Help

Sin City Seethes Over 2nd Obama Diss


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne