Vintage Vegas

 Las Vegas is an iconic city full of historical monuments, glamor, and glimmering lights, that has been called the entertainment capital of the world.

If you look close enough you will see that the city is ever-changing but always leads the way in entertainment, dining, and vacation experiences Bar None!   In this article we will highlight some of the biggest names on the strip that made an impact then and now, looking back at hotels before implosions and remodels, along with some of the biggest entertainers, and history of the strip from the days of Old Vegas from LVCA, and where we are now featuring exclusive Vegas Scene photos with a closer look at just a few of the many newer hotels, and venues of today. →View Video

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The collection began as part of the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce in 1947 to promote Southern Nevada and its offerings. 

Over the years, the collection became a valuable resource for the news media, movies, documentaries, and researchers, with many images garnering worldwide acclaim. With more than 7 million images, 11,000 pieces of film and video, and 1,300 linear feet of manuscripts and artifacts, the archive is estimated to be the world's largest and most comprehensive post-World War II collection of Southern Nevada imagery. The collection is curated by a full-time archivist, who manages it and ensures it is preserved for future generations.  "For decades, the Las Vegas News Bureau has played an integral role in promoting tourism to Las Vegas, documenting and sharing worldwide the sights and sounds of our dynamic city," said Steve Hill, president and CEO of the LVCVA. "We are thrilled to showcase the iconic images that have become synonymous with Las Vegas." 

To honor the milestone, a 75th Anniversary Website features some of the most famous photos of the collection throughout the celebration, beginning with the release of the 75 most iconic images based on how frequently the photos have been requested and published. The first photo captured in the collection is also featured. Taken in Downtown Las Vegas on May 15, 1947 the photo captures Helldorado Days. This celebrated Western-themed festival dates back to the 1930s. Additional photo collections including Celebrities, Entertainment, Downtown, Then & Now, Sports, Implosions, and more will be released online regularly throughout the celebration. Other anniversary programming will include resort partner integrations, a social media campaign, and special events.

In 1947, members of the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce determined they needed to promote and market Las Vegas to increase tourism and created a fund to accomplish that goal. Known as the Livewire Fund, contributions were made by hotels and motels throughout Southern Nevada to create the Las Vegas News Bureau, which was charged with marketing Las Vegas as "The Entertainment Capital of the World." In 1992, the Las Vegas News Bureau Collection was transferred to the LVCVA, where the collection continues to grow and be shared in marketing and promotional efforts.

"If it were not for the Las Vegas New Bureau, essential elements of the visual history of Las Vegas starting in the late 1940s would not have been recorded and just as important, preserved," said Bob Stoldal, retired television news executive and Las Vegas historian. "From its group of talented film and photographers, the archives of the News Bureau continue to provide a unique record of the development of Las Vegas, as well as Southern Nevada. History comes alive thanks to the Las Vegas News Bureau." →NEXT Then & Now p2

The Underground speakeasy and distillery inside The Mob Museum invites guests to its unforgettable venue to see history and adventure.

Visitors are invited to do their finest 1920s-inspired apparel and enjoy live entertainment, prizes, limited-time anniversary cocktails, and the launch of new menu items. Since 2018, the speakeasy's distinctive menu and atmosphere have landed it on several "best cocktail bars in Las Vegas" lists. Meanwhile, the distillery has also received several prestigious awards for its house-distilled moonshine, including receiving the award for "Best Moonshine" at the 2020 International Whiskey Competition.

"Over the past five years, it has been an honor for The Underground to receive recognition for its beverage program and house-distilled moonshines," said Clint Thoman, food and beverage director, The Mob Museum.

"Looking toward the next five years, we are excited to continue expanding our beverage program with new Prohibition-inspired cocktails, new house-brewed beers, moonshine flavors, and more." To commemorate the milestone occasion, guests will have the opportunity to savor limited-edition anniversary cocktails as well as new additions to The Underground's menu. Dixie Flats will perform live from 5 to 8 p.m. and Red Penny Arcade will offer jazz sounds from 9 p.m. to 12 a.m. The Underground will also be giving away exciting prizes to five guests throughout the evening. Prizes may include a private tour of the distillery, free Museum admission, whiskey club tickets, and more. 

"The Mob Museum", the National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement, is a world-class destination in downtown Las Vegas. It presents an exciting and authentic view of the Mob's impact on Las Vegas history and its unique imprint on America and the world. With tales so intriguing they need no embellishment, The Mob Museum reveals an insider's look at the events and people on both sides of this continuing battle between organized crime and law enforcement. True stories of Mob history are brought to life in a bold and contemporary style via engaging exhibits and multi-sensory experiences. The Mob Museum puts the visitor in the middle of the action through high-tech theater presentations, iconic one-of-a-kind artifacts and interactive, themed environments. Our concept was roaring 20's theme with -a modern twist of today using models posing inside the museum with a modern flare in style, but capturing the historical venue and highlighting it's history inside the museum.

If you love history and would like to get a firsthand glimpse of the old Vegas Signs make sure to look at "The Neon Museum", reilluminated the historic Plaza Hotel & Casino sign during a special lighting ceremony and reception after which the sign debuted to the public as a permanent addition to the Museum's collection in its Neon Boneyard.

"The Plaza is where Las Vegas was born," said Aaron Berger, executive director of The Neon Museum. "Its historical value is invaluable and adding its illuminated logo sign to our permanent collection will offer us the opportunity to enhance our tours with stories about the founding of Las Vegas as a railroad town, the flamboyant Rat Pack era, and how the Plaza has evolved over its 50-year history."  →NEXT Spotlight Vintage Vegas p3

Vegas Scene Spotlight

Behind the scenes Photoshoot with long time performer Murray SawChuck and wife.

Taken by the creative director for VSM Paul Rodriguez inside the hotel just before final renovations. The photos are taken inside the iconic ballroom where the dynamic couple was married. If you see a show in this room, it will take you back to the old days of Vegas, as the room is still designed with iconic vintage decor. The power couple for the photo shoot is Murray SawChuck and Dani Elizabeth SawChuck. Murray has always had a dream and desire to perform in Vegas and has done just that, celebrating his residency in Las Vegas for over 20 years.  →View Video

This one-of-a-kind performer has amassed over 1.8 million people, with his witty sense of humor combined with magic, who is still going strong. We catch up with the renowned showman who recently celebrated his one-year wedding anniversary at the Plaza Hotel and Casino, where he was married in September of last year. Courtesy of Plaza. →NEXT Vegas Now p4