While today, Las Vegas may best be described as an overpriced shopping mall with expensive shows, slots, and restaurants, it once truly lived up to its nickname of "Sin City," boasting showgirls, gambling, and a whole lot of wild parties.
From pool poker to Elvis in his "Viva Las Vegas" era, here are 24 photos of Old School Vegas that will have you longing for a whiskey on the rocks and a $5.00 prime rib.
1
“When Las Vegas was cool, 1959.”
2
“The Folies Bergere at the Tropicana in Las Vegas, June 5, 1963.”
3
A Las Vegas showgirl applying makeup, date unknown.
4
“Las Vegas showgirls, 1960’s.”
5
“Las Vegas showgirl Dale Strong 1952.”
6
“‘Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas’ - Hunter S. Thompson and his ‘attorney’ Oscar Zeta Acosta in Caesar’s Palace - April 1971.”
7
“Frank Sinatra in Las Vegas, 1960.”
8
“Las Vegas tourists watch a nuke test while swimming circa 1950s.”
9
“Lynda Carter in Las Vegas · 1972.”
11
“Elvis and Priscilla in Las Vegas, August 1969, for Nancy Sinatra’s opening night and after party.”
12
“Here's my Grandpa at the Sahara Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas circa 1964 ~30yo.”
13
“Tom Jones cutting his 34th birthday cake at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas (1974).”
14
“6 year-old Carrie Fisher watching mom, Debbie Reynolds, perform at the Riviera Hotel, Las Vegas, in 1963.”
15
“Elvis Presley at the International Hotel in Las Vegas, 1969.”
16
“Sands Hotel, Las Vegas - 1954.”
17
“Foxy lady and a Plymouth Barracuda in Las Vegas, 1970s.”
18
“The Las Vegas Strip during simpler times, 1970s.”
19
“Debra Paget Performing at the Flamingo Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, December (1954).”
20
“Las Vegas Strip 1950’s.”
21
“Ann Margret and Elvis Presley In Las Vegas, 1964.”
22
“Backstage at the Tropicana, Las Vegas. 1957.”
