Last week I went to visit the Neon Museum because recently they decided to restore the Moulin Rouge sign. This was my most favorite sign in the boneyard collection and during the time I was employed with the museum it was always my mission to see that sign restored. Although I was no longer working there while it happened I am so happy that it was finally restored. Many of you may not be familiar with the Moulin Rouge Hotel and Casino and I don't blame you because in May of 1955 this casino was only open for five months. It was the first racially integrated resort in Las Vegas. So, when performers like Sammy Davis Jr., Harry Belafonte, and Ella Fitzgerald played the Las Vegas strip casinos they were not allowed to gamble, eat, or stay in the Casino. They entered through a back door, performed, and left out the back door. Of course all of that changed when the Moulin Rouge opened. Finally African American performers had a place that they could call their own. It became so popular with the Rat Pack that they performed a special 2:30am show called their "Breakfast show" just so they could perform in front of a mixed race crowd. Now, I know what you're all thinking "Bridget, if it was so popular why did it close after five months?" Well, there are two theories the first one is that the owner of the Moulin Rouge had poor money management skills and they had to declare bankruptcy. The other theory is that the mobsters who were running the other Vegas casinos at the time didn't like that the Moulin Rouge was taking tourists and celebrities away from the strip. The Moulin Rouge was located on Bonanza Rd about 4 miles up from Las Vegas Boulevard and that is a far distance to travel away from the strip. So, the mobsters went to the loan officers at the banks, the liquor distributors, and the food distributors and told them "that if you wanna continue to do business with us, then you're not doing business with the Moulin Rouge". So, no matter what theory you believe the Moulin Rouge had to close their doors. However, in the 1960s under threat of a protest march down the Las Vegas strip against racial discrimination by Las Vegas casinos a meeting was arranged to take place at the Moulin Rouge. Then Governor Grant Sawyer, several casino owners, local African American leaders and then NAACP President Dr. James McMillan met to discuss the desegregation of all the Las Vegas casinos. This meeting resulted in what is now known as the Moulin Rouge agreement which fully integrated all the casinos in the city of Las Vegas. So, now you all know why this sign means so much to me because its had a big impact on the history of our city. I personally think it is the most historic sign in the collection and I'm happy to see it finally restored. It is long overdue.
 |
| This beautiful sign was created by Betty Willis (She also designed the Welcome to fabulous Las Vegas sign) this neon sign is glowing pink because that is helium gas on the inside of the glass tubing and when it is electrified it glows that color. There are other types of gases used when making neon signs such as argon and neon gas. Argon is a pale blue color and neon is an orange/red color. |
Thank you for the history lesson!
ReplyDeleteI heard of stories of the first desegregated casino in Las Vegas, now I know it is the Moulin Rouge :-)
The Neon Museum is on my list of places to visit. I will definitely look for the restored Moulin Rouge sign ^_^
I learned briefly about the Moulin Rouge in one of my hospitality courses. It's certainly something very few know about, but I am glad you know some Las Vegas hospitality history. At this point, it's a must for me to visit The Neon Museum and the Pinball Hall of Fame. I have been saying I would visit for years now, it's about time I actually go (maybe when this semester concludes, it's been a crazy semester with so much coursework!).
ReplyDeleteThank you for the history lesson :) I am not from here so I really do not know much about the history of Las Vegas. I did want to go to Neon Museum for the Tim Burton exhibit, but the prices were a bit steep for 3 people so I had to pass :(
ReplyDeleteI'm not from Las Vegas, i enjoy learning about the history and your post was very informative, I plan to visit the Neon Museum soon
ReplyDeleteWow, I was born here but never knew the full history of the Moulin Rouge. I've been wanting to visit the Neon Museum since its reopened but haven't had the time, maybe this winter.
ReplyDeleteThat's really interesting, can't believe I've never learned about this in school. I want to visit the Neon Museum along with the Mob Museum.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate the historical information you provided about the Moulin Rouge. I am African American and once was an active member of the NAACP, this post has enlightened me on the history of Las Vegas.
ReplyDeleteI'm new to Vegas and never heard of this museum. I'm definitely going to check it out. I think its wrong what the mobsters did. The mob had hate and jealousy in their hearts and they will reap what they sowed.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing that!! Its so unfortunate that after living here my whole life, somehow I had no idea about such a important and significant moment in our city's history. CCSD really needs to step up their game when it comes to Nevada/ Las Vegas history.
ReplyDelete