Showboat Sign (Demolished) Photo courtesy Allen Sandquist
The Showboat Hotel and Casino has been a Las Vegas institution
since 1954. In 2000, ownership changed hands and the Showboat is now the
Castaways. By the way, the "W" in the Showboat sign is now sitting
in the YESCO neon graveyard.
Many thanks to Jim Emory and Allen Sandquist for their
knowledge and information on the "Big W" lettering.
UPDATE 05/06 : The Castaways was imploded on January 11, 2006 and is now big dirt lot. 05-06
Stardust (Demolished)
Las Vegas, NV Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
Here's the Stardust Casino sign in Las Vegas as it looks today.
Check out the Stardust sign with the old space age script lettering.
UPDATE 03/07 : Old Vegas has lost another treasure. Like the Dunes, Sands, Desert Inn, and even the recent Boardwalk and Bourbon Street, the Stardust evokes memories of showgirls, high rollers, and Rat Pack type of entertainment. Sadly, the Stardust is now no more, gone like a sweater in a puddle. 03-07
(Near right) The Stardust entrance
(Far right) A look a the more recent tower for the Stardust
See Roadside Peek'sVintage Vegas for more Vegas classic buildings and signage.
Westward Ho (Demolished)
Las Vegas, NV Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
This interesting marquee outside of the Westward Ho still advertises this casino off Las Vegas Boulevard. And yes, this is
the home of the big ol' hot dog.
UPDATE 05/06 : The Westward Ho was shut down on November 17, 2005 and is currently in tear down mode. 05-06
Gold Coast
Las Vegas, NV Photo courtesy Jay Villa
Here's a shot of the Gold Coast marquee, another one of the larger
than life signs found in Vegas.
Hacienda Hotel (Demolished)
Las Vegas, NV Photo courtesy Allen Sandquist
Check out this shot of the Hacienda Hotel and Casino being toppled
over by a large crane. This hotel used to sit in the spot now occupied
by Mandalay Bay.
Moulin Rouge (Closed)
Las Vegas, NV Photo and info courtesy Karen Vance
Here's the front facade of the Moulin Rouge, after a devastating fire in 2003 that destroyed its innards. According to the June 05, 2003 Las Vegas Mercury News, the Moulin Rouge opened in 1955 in a segregated community, and African-Americans who came to Las Vegas looking for work soon learned that they had to live west of the tracks. With this racism came a vibrant community with blacks developing their own businesses and casinos. However, at the Moulin Rouge, whites and blacks could mingle in the same casino. It also became the place to be for both white and black entertainers.
The 
Westward Ho (Demolished)
Gold Coast
Hacienda Hotel (Demolished)
