Welcome to 2023! I hope January has been good to you so far. I’m just back from basically travelling for a month (it was a blast) and now I’m off to Las Vegas again for my annual German Karneval (Mardi Gras) 2 day party at the Tuscany. It’s always a fun party with great people celebrating the traditions originally started in Germany. You can follow along on my Instagram Feed if you are interested.

In honour of my upcoming party weekend, I thought ‘Vintage Photo Tuesday‘ should focus on images from Las Vegas from the 1940s to the 1960s. Then if you enjoyed this post, you can find other vintage Vegas posts I have done at the end of today’s fun.

Let’s begin!

Flamingo Hotel (Las Vegas), 1950s. The Champagne Tower is seen on the right.

The Flamingo hotel is one of my favourite places to stay on the strip. It no longer looks like the cool Mid Century Architecture below but it’s still awesome.

1950s vintage photo of the front of the Flamingo Hotel (Las Vegas), 1950s - Las Vegas

Source: UNLV Digital Collections

Early 1950s photo of a stylish woman hanging out at the Sahara pool. What a super coloured photo!

1950s vintage photo of a stylish woman in 1950s fashions and 1950s hairstyle hanging out At the Sahara hotel pool, early 1950s. (Undated Kodachrome red border slide.)

Source: Facebook-Vintage Las Vegas

Bands are everyhere in the city. Here is a group of entertainers called “Polly Possum, Joe Wolverton and the Dogpatch County Band” performing at the Golden Nugget Saloon in downtown Las Vegas.

1950s Vintage Photo: Group of entertainers called "Polly Possum, Joe Wolverton and the Dogpatch County Band" performing at the Golden Nugget Saloon in downtown Las Vegas. Fun Vintage Las Vegas image.

Source: UNLV Digital Collections

1950s photo of four showgirls (another staple in the city) in stylish 1950s dresses outside the Moulin Rouge, preparing for the Helldorado parade, dated May 5, 1955.

About the Moulin Rouge:

On 24 May 1955 the Moulin Rouge Hotel and Casino opened. It was located at at 900, Bonanza Road on the west side of Las Vegas; becoming what the promoters called “the nation’s first major interracial hotel”.

Until the hotel’s opening African American entertainers in Las Vegas were denied access to public casino and hotel dining areas unless they were performing and were forced to stay overnight in segregated boarding houses on the Westside. Within the next few months the hotel attracted performers such as Louis Armstrong, George Burns, Nat King Cole, Jack Benny, Frank Sinatra, and Sammy Davis, Jr.

Unfortunately, despite its popularity, the Moulin Rouge closed its doors six months later surrounded by many rumors as to what had happened. Its brief run as a successfully integrated casino, though, prompted political activists to campaign for the integration of the Las Vegas Strip – an agreement that was achieved, ironically, in the now closed Moulin Rouge on March 26, 1960 (Source).

1950s photo of four showgirls in 1950s dresses outside the Moulin Rouge, preparing for the Helldorado parade, dated May 5, 1955.

Source: UNLV Digital Collections

Photograph of Lionel Hampton with members of the Moulin Rouge show group, 1955.

Source: UNLV Digital Collections

1960s vintage photo of a group of men and women in 1960s fashions hanging out at the Sands Hotel pool.

Source: UNLV Digital Collections

A floating craps game in the Sands Hotel swimming pool (Las Vegas), 1954. Love the 1950s swimsuits.

Photo description: “Floating craps table – Customers at the Sands Hotel escape the heat by gambling in the pool. About 2200 guests tried this in 1954.” (Source).

1950s vintage Photograph of a floating craps game in the Sands Hotel swimming pool (Las Vegas), 1954. Cute 1950s swimsuits on the women.

Source: UNLV Digital Collections

Las Vegas is known for it’s famous buffets. Here is a image of the Chuck Wagon Buffet at the El Rancho Vegas, late 1940s.

1940s vintage Photograph of the Chuck Wagon Buffet at the El Rancho Vegas (Las Vegas), late 1940s - Vintage Vegas

Source: UNLV Digital Collections

1951 photo of workers installing the now-famous Vegas Vic sign on the front of the Pioneer Club.

Photo Description: “First Highrise Hotel — Center of action downtown throughtout the 1930s was the Apache Hotel which boasted an elevator and a nitery downstairs. The corner is now Binion’s Horseshoe, but the spot has undergone many name changes from Tony Cornero’s ‘S.S. Rex’ to the Eldorado where the mobs were fighting for control of the race wire. Bugsy Siegel’s influence was first felt here in the early 1940s.” (Source).

1950s vintage Photograph of YESCO workers installing Vegas Vic at the Pioneer Club (Las Vegas), 1951

Source: UNLV Digital Collections

Desert Inn, 1950 – The Sky Room, at the top of a three story tower, the tallest structure on the Las Vegas Strip at the time. The woman on the right is Toni Clark, wife of DI president Wilbur Clark. Photographed by J.R. Eyerman for LIFE Magazine (Source).

Source: Facebook – Vintage Las Vegas

Las Vegas-The Wedding Capital.

Las Vegas residents Eddie and Johnie Wright at their wedding reception, April 25, 1957.

In an oral history interview (for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project) with Eddie Wright Jr. and Johnie B. Wright conducted by B. Leon Green. Wright and Wright Jr. discuss coming to Las Vegas, Nevada and their careers as a teacher/nursing aid and a ticket agent at the local Greyhound station, respectively (Source).

1950s vintage Photograph of Eddie and Johnie Wright at their wedding reception, April 25, 1957. Fantastic 1950s Wedding Image.

Source: UNLV Digital Collections

Another wedding photo but this time for Sammy Davis Jr and Loray White at the Sands in Las Vegas on 01/10/1958.

1950s Vintage Photo: Sammy Davis Jr and Loray White wedding at the Sands in Las Vegas on 01/10/1958

Source: Pinterest

Front exterior of Club Bingo (Las Vegas), between 1947-1952. What a fun sign! BINGO!

Photograph of the front exterior of Club Bingo (Las Vegas), between 1947-1952 - Vintage Vegas

Source: UNLV Digital Collections

Playing bingo at Golden Nugget, February 1947 – Photo by Jon Brenneis (Source).

1940s vintage image of a woman in westernwear and a 1940s hairstyle Playing bingo at Golden Nugget, February 1947 - Photo by Jon Brenneis

Source: Facebook-Vintage Las Vegas

Events and conventions are another staple of the Vegas scene.

Congo line at the American Parts System convention – Late 1960s photo.

Source: UNLV Digital Collections

Fremont & Main, 1946. Our lovely lady (love her braid hairstyle) is standing at Union Park which was in front of the Union Pacific depot. The photo is sometime between May-Nov. 1946 (source).

1940s vintage photo of a woman in a 1940s dress and a braided 1940s hairstyle at Fremont & Main, 1946. She's standing at Union Park which was in front of the Union Pacific depot. The photo is sometime between May-Nov. 1946.

Source: Facebook-Vintage Las Vegas

Famous Las Vegas shows. 1950s vintage photo of the Copa Girls Trans World Airlines show rehearsal at the Sands Hotel.

1950s vintage photo of the Copa Girls Trans World Airlines show rehearsal at the Sands Hotel in Las Vegas.

Source: UNLV Digital Collections

Thank you for dropping by and I hope you enjoyed this collection of vintage Vegas photos. Please share any comments you have about this blog post in the section below. I love hearing from my readers.

This is going to be another year of fun vintage content and I can’t wait to share it all with you!

Further Reading about Vintage Las Vegas:

Liz

If you love Mid-Century design (and the atomic age) odds are you have seen or own at least something with a ‘Starburst’ design. This could of been clock, a door knob, mirrors etc. Starbursts were everywhere and that is why it’s the theme of my blog post today. I just love them and I know many of you will as well after this post.

Stardust Motel in Redding, California featuring a Starburst design on the vintage sign. — Stardust Motel in Redding, California. Source: Etsy

Disclosure: Some of the links on my blog from Etsy , eBay are Affiliate Links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

NOTE: If you click on any of the items featured below and they are not available, don’t fret! Hit the search button and see what else is on the websites. There are 1000’s and 1000’s of items being listed daily.

Fall in Love with Mid-Century, Atomic Age ‘Starbursts’ Design

How did Starbursts designs become popular?

Simply…the Atomic Age happened. The period roughly corresponds to 1940–1963, when concerns about nuclear war dominated Western society during the Cold War. Architecture, industrial design, commercial design (including advertising), interior design, and fine arts were all influenced by the themes of atomic science, as well as the Space Age, which coincided with that period. Atomic Age design became popular and instantly recognizable, with a use of atomic motifs and space age symbols (source).

Starburst Clock

Let’s start with the one piece that everyone recognizes from that time period…The Starburst Clock.

This new design was conceived in 1949 by George Nelson Associates for Howard Miller. After it became popular, Nelson had countless imitators, from Seth Thomas to Elgin to Lux to Westclox (Source).

The clock is also sometimes known as a “Sunburst Clock” (for shopping reference).

As you can see in this 1958 Sears Wishbook, the starburst design and other atomic age clocks were very popular.

1950s vintage catalog page for all kinds of Mid Century Clocks-Starburst, Cucko Clocks and more!

Source: Wishbookweb.com

Mid-Century Seth Thomas starburst clock from the 1960s. STUNNING!

1960s Home Decor: Mid-Century Seth Thomas Starburst Clock from the 1960s.

Source: Etsy

Mid-Century Modern, Ingraham starburst clock (Avail as of June 2023 HERE).

1960s Home Decor / Mid Century Design: 1960s Modern Ingraham Starburst Clock

Source: Etsy

I wanted to share another Sears Wishbook page but this time from 1959 because the top right clock reminds me of the clock I shared above. Don’t you agree?

1959 Sears Wish Book Catalog page featuring Mid Century Clocks, like a Starburst clock.

Source: wishbookweb.com

Other Vintage MCM Home Decor Items….

1960s starburst wall sconce.

Vintage MCM / Mid Century Home Decor- Vintage Starburst Wall Sconce from the 1960s.

Source: Etsy

Of course we cannot forget celing lamps, like this 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern version (Avail as of June 2023 HERE).

Note: You can find lots of modern versions of these sputnik / starburst style lights online, if you like these designs.

1950s vintage ceiling lamp with a starburst atomic design made in Italy. Stunning MCM / Mid Century Modern design.

Source: Etsy

I live in an apartment building and we have those dome lights that are so boring and ugly in our livingroom, I just have to find a new solution….like this fantastic vintage MCM starburst shade for your ceiling light.

Vintage starburst ceiling light & shade MCM 15” Mid Century Modern

Source: eBay

Here is an image that was taken of an atomic starburst pattern seen on a vintage formica table. LOVE THIS!

Further Reading: Formica-For the Vintage Styled Home

Vintage MCM Home Design: an atomic starburst pattern seen on a vintage formica table.

Source: Flickr

1960-1965 era GE Textolite laminate countertop samples, that ‘Retro Renovation‘ found. I just love the “Gold Nugget” & “Champagne Nugget” sample names!

1960s vintage countertop laminate from GE textolite featuring an atomic Starburst design.

Source: Retro Renovation

Are you wondering what those formica designs actually looked like on a tabletop? Well here you go! A 1950s vintage kitchen formica table with an atomic starburst gold and silver design. Love it!

Further Reading: “Vintage Formica Tables”-Mid-Century Modern Design Ideas for the Vintage Home

vintage 1950's kitchen dinette set for the retro decor. The formica table top has an atomic silver and gold starburst design. There are also cigar shapes like bubble lamps. The cinnamon red border has a scalloped inner edge against a white center. There are white fleur-de-lis patterns at intervals around the red border. The edging is aluminum trim.

Source: Worthpoint

Atomic Starburst ceramic salt and pepper shakers, made in Japan circa 1960’s.

Source: The Magenta Rose House

Home decor statement piece alert! A 1950s gloss black vase with white hand painted starburst motifs.

A classic example of a 1950’s Mid-Century Atomic Age design Vase.

A gloss black vase with white hand painted starburst motifs make this a real stand out piece.

Source: Forajer

This cool 1960s metal magazine rack, most likely held stories about the atomic era.

1960's Atomic Starburst Magazine LP Record Rack Metal -Mid Century Modern Design.

Source: eBay

Even this 1960s wastebasket (trash can) got in on the starburst design action (Avail as of September 6th, 2022 HERE).

MCM Trash Can Gold Atomic Starsburst design on the side - circa 1960s.

Source: Etsy

Plates, Glasses and other Kitchenware…

Vintage atomic starburst pattern (the design was introduced in 1954), ‘Les Etoile Faienceries Continentales’ dinnerware from the 1960s (Avail as of September 6th, 2022 HERE).

Vintage atomic starburst patterned, 'Les Etoile Faienceries Continentales' dinnerware from the 1960s

Source: Etsy

Old fashion glasses from Dominion Glass Canada circa 1950s (Avail as of September 6th, 2022 HERE).

1950s / 1960s Mid Century Starburst Glassware from Dominion Glass Canada -Vintage Glassware.

Source: Etsy

1960s CorningWare gold atomic starburst graduated coffee carafe (Avail as of September 6th, 2022 HERE).

1960s Kitchen: Vintage Corning Ware Heat Proof Glass Gold Atomic Starburst Graduated Coffee Carafe

Source: Etsy

MCM atomic starburst tumbler glass circa 1950s (Avail as of September 6th, 2022 HERE).

1950s vintage glassware: MCM Mid-Century Atomic Starburst Tumbler Glass circa 1950s. Clear with Atomic Starburst design hand painted in Teal Green, Aqua, black, and yellow

Source: Etsy

As seen in a 1958 Sears Christmas Wishbook – 6 Starburst pattern steel trays (far left).

I personally love all the TV Trays featured!

Source: wishbookweb.com

Starburst door knob back plates were also popular and seen on many MCM homes during this design heyday.

1960s MCM concave door knob + Atomic starburst backplate (Avail as of September 6th, 2022 HERE).

1960s vintage door knob: 1960s MCM Concave door knob + Atomic Starburst backplate

Source: Etsy

There are also lots of modern copies of the starburst door knob if you are looking for something from today’s era, like….this vendor on Etsy (VintageRevivalArtCo), who has the door knob’s back plates in various colours (so you not stuck with whatever vintage colour came with the back plate).

Mid century modern design: Atomic Starburst Doorknob Back Plate for MCM doors.

Vintage Neon Signs

I cannot possibly do a post on this topic and not feature some cool vintage neon signs from this era. They are my absolute favourite.

I think the ‘Welcome To Fabulous Las Vegas Nevada” sign is one of the most recognizable signs on the planet.

Mid Century Vintage neon sign: The Welcome to Las Vegas Sign. Featuring a Starburst design at the top.

The Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign is a Las Vegas landmark funded in May 1959 and erected soon after by Western Neon. The sign was designed by Betty Willis at the request of Ted Rogich, a local salesman, who sold it to Clark County, Nevada.

Legend has been written that “Willis considered this her gift to the city and wanted it to be in the public domain.” She has been quoted in saying, “If I had copyrighted the sign, it probably wouldn’t have been used as much and wouldn’t be as famous. But, it would be nice to have a dime for every time it’s been used.”

However, the Young Electric Sign Company (YESCO) has owned the sign since their purchase of Western Neon in the early 1960s, and the company leases the sign to Clark County (Source).

Welcome to las vegas neon sign at night.

Source: Wikipedia

One more from Las Vegas..The Legendary Stardust Hotel in 1959 with all it’s atomic signage (starbursts & planets everywhere!).

1959 Greetings From Las Vegas Stardust metal sign featuring the vintage atomic era signs.

Source: eBay

Bowling, cocktails, billards anyone? What a stunning 1960s neon sign.

Vintage Neon Sign / Atomic Era / Starburst Design sign as seen on a bowling alley vintage sign. Photograph by David Mushegain.

Source: Pinterest

The ‘Pink Motel” in California with it’s angular, star-topped neon sign.

When Joseph Thomulka moved his family from Pennsylvania to California, he decided to build a pink motel, and in 1947, he did. In 1949, he added the Pink Café, now known as Cadillac Jack’s Café, and in 1959 he added a fish-shaped swimming pool (Source).

Pink Motel in California with its angular, star-topped neon sign.

When Joseph Thomulka moved his family from Pennsylvania to California, he decided to build a pink motel, and in 1947, he did. In 1949, he added the Pink Café, now known as Cadillac Jack's Café, and in 1959 he added a fish-shaped swimming pool

Source: Pinterest

I just had to share the motel’s fish-shaped pool after mentioning. So much fun!

The Pink motel Fish Shaped Pool-Mid Century Modern Design.

Source: la.curbed.com

Looking for more Starburst items to purchase? Then head over to my Etsy “Favourites” page dedicated to all things Starburst (Vintage & Modern)!

Final note, in 2019 I travelled to Brussels, Belgium and saw one the largest Atomic Age architecture examples – The Brussels Atomium.

The Atomium Brussels Belgium photo from vintageinn.ca blog

Question Time: Are you a fan of the Atomic era / Starburst 1950s / 1960s designs? Do you have anything in your home with this pattern? Share ANY thoughts you have on the topic in the comments section below.

FURTHER READING: Check out my archive of ‘Vintage Home Decor’ Posts HERE.

Thanks for dropping by!

Liz

Tag: 1960’s

Vintage Las Vegas Photos, 1940s-1960s