Las Vegas’ Neon Museum Celebrates Women’s History Month

Celebrate International Women’s Day on March 8 or Women’s History Month throughout the month at The Neon Museum in Las Vegas. Several of the museum’s iconic neon signs are tied to the longstanding role women played in the history of Las Vegas.

The Golden Nugget “1905” Sign
This sign honors the founding of Las Vegas, made possible when Helen J. Stewart sold her ranch in 1902 to Senator William A. Clark, acting on behalf of the San Pedro, Los Angeles and Salt Lake Railroad. Stewart went on to become Las Vegas’ first postmaster (1893), first woman elected to the school board (1915) and first woman to serve on a jury (1916).

The Moulin Rouge Sign
The sign was designed by Betty Willis, who also designed the iconic “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign. Moulin Rouge was owned by Sarann Knight-Preddy, the first Black woman to receive a gaming license in Nevada.

The Binion’s Horseshoe Sign
This is one of six restored Neon Museum signs found on Las Vegas Boulevard, between Sahara and Washington. Benny Binion’s wife, Teddy Jane Binion, was essential to the running of the Horseshoe; she was the bookkeeper for Binion’s Horseshoe and managed the casino cage until her death in 1994.

The Green Shack Sign
Dating to the 1930s, the sign is from when Mrs. Mattie Jones moved her fried chicken and bootleg business from her home to a green railroad barracks building on East Fremont Street/Boulder Highway. The Green Shack was one of the first stand-alone restaurants outside of downtown Las Vegas, and one of the longest-running in the valley.