In the summer of 2011, Amy Raymer stood outside the Sahara Las Vegas, waiting for a chance to own a piece of history.

It was an end of an era. The Sahara, one of the oldest properties on the Strip, was closing its doors. Raymer, a Las Vegas resident, was one of the hundreds to show up for its liquidation sale – despite the 100-plus-degree heat.

The visit made Raymer the proud owner of a Sahara camel lamp, which still sits next to her bed. It was also a rare occasion to get free rein to explore the property, including a suite that once hosted The Beatles and the Casbar, where Frank Sinatra had been a regular.