Wendover Will facts for kids
Wendover Will is a famous sign that was first made for the Stateline Casino in West Wendover, Nevada, in 1952. This giant cowboy sign is now a well-known landmark for the town of West Wendover.
Contents
The Story Behind Wendover Will
How the Cowboy Sign Was Created
A designer named Pat Denner was asked to create the sign for the Stateline Casino in 1952. Pat Denner had also designed another famous sign, Vegas Vic, which was put up in 1951. The Young Electric Sign Company, also known as YESCO, built the Wendover Will sign.
Why the Name "Wendover Will"?
The sign was named "Wendover Will" after the town of Wendover and William Smith. William Smith was the person who started the Stateline Casino. This huge sign is about 63 feet (19 meters) tall! It was built to attract people traveling on US Highways 40 and 50, which later became Interstate 80.
Bright Lights and Special Messages
Wendover Will has 1,184 feet (361 meters) of neon tubing. Neon tubing is a type of glass tube filled with gas that glows brightly when electricity passes through it. 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, an important historical figure. If you drive west, the sign says, "Where the West begins."
Moving to a New Home
Later, when the Stateline Casino got new owners, they gave the sign 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 then 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 Local Icon
Today, Wendover Will is a registered trademark of the City of West Wendover. This means the city officially owns the name and image. Many people who live in the area simply call him "the cowboy."
Why Wendover Will Is Important
A Symbol for the City
When the town of West Wendover officially became a city in 1991, the Wendover Will sign was put on the city's official seal. This shows how important the sign is to the town's identity.
A World Record Holder
Wendover Will was even listed in the Guinness Book of Records! It was recognized as the "World's Largest Mechanical Cowboy."
See also
- Stardust sign
- Vegas Vic
