Wendover Will facts for kids
Wendover Will is a famous giant sign. It was built in 1952 for the Stateline Casino in West Wendover, Nevada. Today, it's a well-known landmark for the whole town. It's like a giant cowboy welcoming everyone!
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How Wendover Will Was Created
Designing a Giant Cowboy
A talented designer named Pat Denner created Wendover Will. He was asked to design the sign for the Stateline Casino in 1952. Pat Denner also designed another famous sign, Vegas Vic, in 1951. The company that built Wendover Will was called The Young Electric Sign Company.
Why the Name "Wendover Will"?
The sign got its name from two things. "Wendover" comes from the town itself. "Will" comes from William Smith, who started the Stateline Casino.
A Big, Bright Welcome
Wendover Will stands about 63 feet (19 meters) tall. Its main job was to attract people traveling on US Highways 40 and 50. These roads are now known as Interstate 80. The sign is covered with 1,184 feet (361 meters) of bright neon lights.
When you drive east on Interstate 80, a message under the sign says, "This is the place." This phrase is a nod to Brigham Young, a famous pioneer. If you are driving west, the sign says, "Where the West begins."
Moving to a New Home
Later, the Stateline Casino got a new owner. The sign was then given to the town of Wendover. The town spent about $200,000 to fix up the sign. The Young Electric Sign Company did the repair work.
Wendover Will was moved to Wendover Boulevard, right in the middle of town. A special ceremony was held on June 9, 2005, to celebrate its new home.
A Protected Symbol
Today, Wendover Will is a registered trademark. This means the City of West Wendover officially owns its name and image.
How Wendover Will Is Recognized
A Symbol for the City
When West Wendover became an official city in 1991, Wendover Will was included on the city's official seal. This shows how important the sign is to the town.
A World Record Holder
Wendover Will even made it into the Guinness Book of Records! It was listed as the "World's Largest Mechanical Cowboy."
