Vintage Las Vegas - WorldLifestyle |

Sin City, City of Lights, Glitter Clutch – no matter how many ways you say it, Las Vegas is known today as the Entertainment Capital of the World. It wasn’t always that way though. In its beginning, Las Vegas was nothing more than a small Western town with a couple of buildings and certainly no neon lights. Take a trip into how Las Vegas grew into the giant that it is today. From stars to the Strip, Vegas has changed not only Nevada but the way the rest of the world views entertainment.

This photo is an aerial shot of Las Vegas taken in 1964. It is odd to see the leading financial, commercial, and cultural center for Nevada as nothing more than an old Western town in the middle of a dessert. With a few buildings built, this is the skeleton of the massive city that will eventually grow and become one of the top destination spots in the world.

Built in 1952, the Copa Room was an entertainment nightclub showroom on the Las Vegas Strip. It was well-known for hosting many performers such as the Rat Pack, Jimmy Durante, Tony Bennett, Bobby Darin, and more. The showgirls were known as “The Copa Girls”, which are shown above. Sadly, The Copa Room did not last and closed in 1996, making room for the Sands Hotel, which is there to this day.

The Desert Inn, also referred to as the D.I., opened in 1950 and was the fifth resort to open up on the Las Vegas Strip. It was also one of the first hotel in Las Vegas to feature a fountain at the entrance. The casino was one of the largest in Nevada at the time and opened with 300 rooms, including the Sky Room, which was at one point the highest vantage point on the Strip. Shortly after major renovation, the Desert Inn was bought by Steve Wynn in 2000 for $270 million. Unfortunately, he decided to demolish it. Today, in its place is the Wynn and Encore.

Frank Sinatra is arguably the spark that changed Las Vegas from an old desert town to a glamourous wonderland that is designed for adult pleasure. Sinatra made his first big screen debut in 1941 in the film Las Vegas Nights. At that time, he was hardly the Sultan of Swoon that he is known for today. Ten years later, once he grew in his career as seasoned performer, he headlined at the Desert Inn, bringing the swag and style that turned Las Vegas into the major destination that it is today. Since then, he has made his appearance in numerous starlight venues. Las Vegas was basically Sinatra’s playground, and, because of him, the City of Lights were never the same again.

The Stardust was a resort and casino located on 63 acres along the Las Vegas Strip. Though it opened up in 1958, in went under a lot of renovation throughout its history, including its main complex and 32-story tower being built in 1991. Even after all the renovations, The Stardust officially closed in 2006, and was demolished one year later. As of today, the site was bought by a Malaysia-based Genting Group who plans to open Resorts world, a Chinese-themed resort, by 2020.

Being located in the middle of a desert, Las Vegas can get pretty hot, to say the least. With the heat commonly staying on the high side of the scale, with temperatures reaching well into the triple digits at times, especially in the summer, people needed an escape from the heat. With air conditioning not common until the 1950s, pools became a lifesaver for the guests. So, they combined the two attractions of gambling and relaxation into one, allowing people to cool off while still taking full advantage of the Las Vegas experience.

The Bluebell Girls is one of the most celebrated dancing groups in the world. The highly acclaimed group was founded by Margaret Kelly, also known as Miss Bluebell. She was a dancer in Paris, and when she was 22, in the year of 1932, she created the troupe Bluebell Girls. With their base being in Paris, The Bluebell Girls have permanent troupes in other nations in Europe, Africa, eastern Asia, and, of course, Las Vegas.

Vegas Vic, a neon sign resembling a cowboy, was first erected on the exterior of the Pioneer Club in 1951. Today, he is known as Las Vegas’ mascot and has constituted as the unofficial welcome sign, being reproduced thousands of times all over the world. Today, the sign can still be found at 25 E Fremont, still waving to all of the millions that pass through.

When you think of Las Vegas, you can’t help but think about slot machines. Ever since they were introduced into Sin City, they have taken over. To this day, slot machines make up about 70 percent of US casinos income. In this photo, Kim Smith is taking a break from her modeling and acting career by hitting the slots. Judging from her smile, we can only imagine that she's winning some major money.

Originally created by the Silvagni family as a place where the constructors working on the Hoover Dam could escape from the heat, Hotel Apache opened in 1929 and became the first of many accomplishments. For example, the hotel was the first in Las Vegas to have air-condition in the hotel lobby and air curtains at the entrance. In addition, it was also the first along the Strip to have an electrically operated elevator and fully carpeted casino. If that wasn’t enough, Hotel Apache is also accredited for making poker a mainstream casino game.

Known as the “The Queen of Rock & Roll”, Lillian Briggs was the first woman to receive super stardom at the dawn of early rock ‘n roll in the early 1950s. In this photo, Briggs is performing at The Sand Hotel, Las Vegas. Though she had a great career and made a huge impact in the music world, Briggs eventually left the stage in the 1970s, opting instead to become a businesswoman where she was also extremely successful in.

With every queen there is a king, and Elvis, famously known as the “King of Rock ‘n Roll” fits that spot perfectly. When he began his career in Las Vegas, surprisingly, many people did not like him. In fact, the critics hated him. At that time, Vegas was still caught up in the Rat Pack era, which was a bit more on the mobbed-up glamour. When Elvis came on the scene, he introduced an entirely different style to music, one that was more youthful and daring, causing many to instantly dislike him. That hate he received didn’t stop Elvis, and instead rose above them all. Oscar Goodman even said that “Elvis Bridged the gap between the Frank Sinatra/Rat Pack yeas and what you see today – big names, big shows, big packed houses. More than any other performer, Elvis set the tone.” With every queen there is a king, and Elvis, famously known as the “King of Rock ‘n Roll” fits that spot perfectly.

When he began his career in Las Vegas, surprisingly, many people did not like him. In fact, the critics hated him. At that time, Vegas was still caught up in the Rat Pack era, which was a bit more on the mobbed-up glamour. When Elvis came on the scene, he introduced an entirely different style to music, one that was more youthful and daring, causing many to instantly dislike him. That hate he received didn’t stop Elvis, and instead rose above them all. Oscar Goodman even said that “Elvis Bridged the gap between the Frank Sinatra/Rat Pack yeas and what you see today – big names, big shows, big packed houses. More than any other performer, Elvis set the tone.”

Located in the heart of downtown Las Vegas, Fremont Street is among one of the most famous streets in the Las Vegas Valley. It is also the address for many famous casinos: Binion’s Horseshoe, Eldorado Club, Golden Nugget, Fremont Hotel and Casino, Golden Gate Hotel and Casino, Four Queens, Pioneer Club, and The Mint. The street is also represented in an abundance of television shows and movies. Along with that, it is filled with neon signs, which is why it is nicknamed the “Glitter Gulch”, and also holds the famous sign, Vegas Vic.

Known as the “Marriage Capital of the World”, Las Vegas has become popular for weddings, mainly because of its easy accessibility in acquiring a marriage license. Currently, Las Vegas is the divorce capital of the world, with the divorce rating reaching 13.9 percent. However, that does not mean that all marriages in Vegas are doomed to fail. Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward, for example, go against the odds and were married for 50 years until the passing of Newman in 2008.

The Dunes Hotel was the tenth resort to open up on the Strip, and operated from 1955 to 1993. Although it garnered much success in its beginning, the Dunes Hotel started declining in business, mostly because it was located in the southern-most part of the Strip. The Dunes were becoming desperate and had to borrow money. There were even times when the Sands Hotel lent performers and entertainers, such as Frank Sinatra who, on his appearance, famously wore a sultan’s hat. However, their efforts had eventually failed, leading the Dunes to close in 1993.

Sammy Davis Jr. was an American singer, musician, dancer, actors, and comedian. He is most notably known as appearing in the Rat Pack in the film Ocean’s 11. During the 1960s, Davis’ career experienced some decline, but that all changed with his hit record “The Candy Man” in 1972. Since then, he became a star, in Las Vegas especially. Soon enough, he was known as “Mister Show Business”.

McCarran Airfield was not the first in Las Vegas, and actually had problems “lifting-off” due to The Great Depression and World War II. However, despite the challenges, McCarran Airfield finally took of in 1941. In the first year of its operation, the airport served over 35,000 passengers. Once the 1950s rolled around, and air travel became more popular, Las Vegas was experiencing more traffic, pushing the airfield to expansion in order for it to survive under the high demands. In 2015, McCarron received over 45,300,000 passengers. It is the 30th busiest airport in the world by passenger traffic and the 8th busiest by aircraft movements. Born from humble beginnings, the McCarran Airfield has grown and reached new heights.

Elvis wasn’t the only person to dominate the music industry back in the day. Child prodigy, Liberace is an American pianist, singer, and actor with a career spanning over four decades. From the 1950s to the 1970s, Liberace was the highest paid entertainer in the world, establishing concert residences in Las Vegas. Elvis wasn’t the only person to dominate the music industry back in the day.

Child prodigy, Liberace is an American pianist, singer, and actor with a career spanning over four decades. From the 1950s to the 1970s, Liberace was the highest paid entertainer in the world, establishing concert residences in Las Vegas.

Along with the hundreds of hotels and casinos located on Fremont streets is the historical casino and hotel, the Golden Nugget. Opened in 1946, making it the oldest casino in the city, the Golden Nugget is the second largest casino in the downtown area, with 2,419 deluxe guest rooms and suites. Not only does it have its long history in Las Vegas, but it also has a strong foothold in media, appearing in films such as Viva Las Vegas, the James Bond film Diamonds Are Forever, Next, and many more.

On December 31, 1967, Daredevil Evel Knievel attempted the now-famous jump over the water fountains at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. The motorcycle jump was a 141-foot attempt, his longest to-date. Unfortunately, his motorcycle decelerated unexpectedly and he came short, resulting in serious injuries. The Caesars Palace Crash, as it is now known, skyrocketed Knievel to fame overnight. On December 31, 1967, Daredevil Evel Knievel attempted the now-famous jump over the water fountains at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.

The motorcycle jump was a 141-foot attempt, his longest to-date. Unfortunately, his motorcycle decelerated unexpectedly and he came short, resulting in serious injuries. The Caesars Palace Crash, as it is now known, skyrocketed Knievel to fame overnight.

Zsa Zsa, Magda, and Eva were the glamorous Gabor Sisters. This image captures them celebrating at a party inside the Last Frontier Hotel following a show in 1955.

This picture was taken back in 1942 in the pool located at El Rancho Vegas hotel and casino. The bathing suits the women wore were typical of this time period.

About 100 nuclear bomb tests were done above the ground in the desert between 1945 and 1962. It was a common sight for people in Las Vegas to watch the action from a safe distance. About 100 nuclear bomb tests were done above the ground in the desert between 1945 and 1962.

It was a common sight for people in Las Vegas to watch the action from a safe distance.

Tanya, the Siamese elephant, was a popular attraction inside The Dunes Hotel and Casino. Tanya, the Siamese elephant, was a popular attraction inside The Dunes Hotel and Casino.

The guests of the Sands Hotel not only had a special shuttle to take them around, but they had some especially stylish drivers as well. The guests of the Sands Hotel not only had a special shuttle to take them around, but they had some especially stylish drivers as well.

This is a picture of the original entrance to the Flamingo Hotel, financed by world-famous mobster Bugsy Siegel. It was the first luxury hotel on the strip when it opened in 1946. This is a picture of the original entrance to the Flamingo Hotel, financed by world-famous mobster Bugsy Siegel.

It was the first luxury hotel on the strip when it opened in 1946.

This was Las Vegas in 1905 and pictured is one of the city’s most famous streets, Fremont Street. Before the bright lights and throngs of people, it was just another quiet road in a quiet town.

This is an image of bathing beauties in the 1920s ready to take a dip in the pool at Ladd’s Resort, one of the first vacation resorts in Las Vegas. It would still be another 25 years or so until the city’s first luxury resort would open. This is an image of bathing beauties in the 1920s ready to take a dip in the pool at Ladd’s Resort, one of the first vacation resorts in Las Vegas.

It would still be another 25 years or so until the city’s first luxury resort would open.

Las Vegas in 1906 (when this picture was taken) was far cry from Las Vegas in 1956, and certainly nothing like Las Vegas in the 21st century. Here, Las Vegas is a just a small town in the Wild West. Las Vegas in 1906 (when this picture was taken) was far cry from Las Vegas in 1956, and certainly nothing like Las Vegas in the 21st century.

Here, Las Vegas is a just a small town in the Wild West.

In 1960, Frank Carroll had big dreams of building the largest structure in Las Vegas, but he ran into financial troubles. Howard Hughes bought the building in 1969 and the Landmark Tower finally opened. It boasted 400 slot machines and 476 rooms. In 2003, it was demolished. In 1960, Frank Carroll had big dreams of building the largest structure in Las Vegas, but he ran into financial troubles.

Howard Hughes bought the building in 1969 and the Landmark Tower finally opened. It boasted 400 slot machines and 476 rooms. In 2003, it was demolished.

French film star Brigitte Bardot and her new husband, German industrialist Gunther Sachs Von Opel leave their plane after a flight from Las Vegas, where the couple were married in a surprise ceremony in 1966.

The Cal Neva Lodge in Crystal Bay in the early 1980s. Before the Las Vegas Strip ruled the gambling world, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr. helped make the Cal Neva Lodge one of Nevada's coolest casinos in the 1960s The Cal Neva Lodge in Crystal Bay in the early 1980s.

Before the Las Vegas Strip ruled the gambling world, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr. helped make the Cal Neva Lodge one of Nevada's coolest casinos in the 1960s

On September 1, 1948, the Thunderbird Hotel was the fourth resort to open on the Las Vegas Strip. Rosemary Clooney made her first appearance here in 1951.

Breakfast at the Dunes Hotel on the Las Vegas Strip in 1955.

The Showboat opened in 1954; it was the first resort within Las Vegas city limits. Shown here in 1961.

1950s Las Vegas Strip – Standard, KLAS, Desert Inn, where the Wynn entrance is today. KLAS went on-the-air in 1953.

Jake Freedman owned the Sands Club and decided to do some investigation into his biggest rival, the Dunes. He is pictured here in the 1950s in a white suit, taking a chance at the craps table. Before his night was over, he had lost $10,000.

Rare 1950's Photo VP Richard Nixon in Las Vegas, Vice President in Sin City Vintage Photograph Rare 1950's Photo VP Richard Nixon in Las Vegas, Vice President in Sin City Vintage Photograph

The Mint is another one of the hotel casinos from Las Vegas's bygone era. Situated on Fremont Street, most may recall its location as being the home to Binion's Hotel which acquired it after The Mint's closure in 1988. The hotel would eventually close in 2009, a victim of the late 2000's recession.