What is so good about “The Pioneer”?
How would we know it from casions and
other buildings that look like casinos?
To begin, the most significant thing about
this place is that almost everyone knows
the sign. Located on Fremont Street, there
is a smiling neon covered cowboy that
has not only become a local legend, but
has come to symbol games of chance all
over the world. Dubbed “Vegas Vic”,
this cowboy-sign was installed in the
1940s when the casino was going strong.
The casino was closed in 1995, and now
houses a souvenir shop. Named “Vegas
Vic”, he and his counterpart Laughlin
Lou (who sits atop the Glitter Gulch next
door) were created by Salt Lake City graphic
artist Partrick Denner. Vic was the first
of the three cowboys and went up in 1951
at a cost of $25,000.
While
not as common as a pair of dice or a splayed
hand of cards, every once and a while
someone will put a smiling cowboy (pointing
at his own grin) to signal that this game
of chance is lucky. While up to code as
far as fire hazards go the Pioneer is
not one of the classier joints in town.
Located in a forsaken corner of Fremont
Street, it is dearly loved by those who
are long time favourites of Las Vegas.
Like an old burger joint that refuses
to go out of business, The Pioneer Club
Building keeps on trucking, and gives
a historic touch to Las Vegas.
|
|
