But as the The Strip has marched relentlessly forward toward a more sanitized, upscale, corporate image the neon signs that adorned the fronts of the casinos have fallen by the wayside, viewed by many as tacky and antiquated. Whether they were replaced by one of those gigantic pseudo-TV screens (yeah, those aren't tacky) as a hotel remodeled or rescued just before the implosion, neon has faded on Las Vegas Boulevard.

YESCO offered refuge to many of those signs over the years, creating what was colloquially known as the Neon Boneyard (or Graveyard to some), a big fenced off lot located near their main facility where classic neon artwork was left to fade and rot in the unrelenting Nevada sun. These signs represented the last bits of the colorful history that Las Vegas has swept away in the name of modernity.

And there they probably would've stayed if it hadn't been for the efforts of The Neon Museum, a not-for-profit organization that rescued the signs and set out on an ambitious project to restore them to their former glory.

Just under a dozen of these glorious creations have been brought back to life and are currently on display on and around The Fremont Street Experience downtown. But there are dozens more still waiting to be restored in a new Neon Boneyard operated by The Neon Museum.

It used to be that you could only view the signs by peeking through a fence but now they offer organized tours on a limited basis for $15 per person. Space is limited and they sell out way in advance so plan ahead.

Before the tours began, I got an exclusive behind the scenes look at the treasures kept behind those fences and I brought back some photos to share with you, which you can view at the Neon Boneyard Photo Page (opens in a pop-up window).

The Neon Museum has started a capital campaign to build a permanent museum on the site where the Boneyard is located. It will include a visitors center (due to open in mid-2012), restored signs, a cafe, and more. If you'd like to find out how you can help The Neon Museum call 702-387-NEON or visit their website at neonmuseum.org.