Friday, September 4, 2009
More About This
My goal is to list every gay bar that ever existed in Detroit. I am trying to do my own research into what these bars where like. I am also going to post some stories about the lives of gay people in Detroit especially in the 1930's and 40's. This time period just fascinates me. If you are an older person who lived in Detroit please send me your stories about what life was like for a gay person in old Detroit.(Any time period) I really love old photos. If you have old photos please see if you can get them scanned and send them to me. By posting them on this website you will be helping to preserve history. If I have not listed a bar, please let me know. I am also interested in the old gay bar raids by the Detroit police. Also, stories of undercover Detroit cops arresting gay men in stings for soliciting. If you have any suggestions about where I can find this kind of information please let me know. I don't think you can post pictures in a post on this blog, please email them to me at: detroitsocialclub@gmail.com
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I'm so glad you're doing this. Just recently, I called the gay bookstore in Ferndale and asked if there were any books on the gay history of Detroit. The guy told me that he didn't know of any, but wished he did.
ReplyDeleteI loved The Gas Station. It was the mid-eighties when I started going there. I wasn't a hustler and didn't know for a while that it was a hustler bar.
The drag contests were excellent. I remember one night there was a Grace Jones queen. She was leading two guys on all fours in cat-like clothes on leashes into the dance floor/stage. I tripped into one of them and almost fell.
I wish I had pictures to give you. Hopefully, the word will spread and you'll get some. I'll try to post a link to your blog in my signature at another site.
I hung out at the Gas Station, the E Ramp and Trixx during those years. My ex had a restaurant around the corner. He knew I liked to dance and didn't worry about me going to the gay bars bc he knew I wouldn't get hit on. lol
DeleteNow, if you really look at the old Lelli's on Woodward, you can still see the hinge that is now painted over, that is if the building is still standing. I believe they had a fire a few years back. The Iron Hinge closed in the late 1970's and Lelli's bought the space to expand their restaurant. The upside is that Lelli's was one of the best Italian restaurants in Detroit at the time.
ReplyDeleteI used to live in that bar..LOL
DeleteI remember Rita Porter and Danny Dilletto, the Dj Stanley and The Larry & Lauren review from Pontiac Mi and Lana Carr, Gina Holloway and Bette Davis, Tippy Hedren and JoJo, hairdressers George, Curtis and Dean.
Those were great times..
Do you have any info about Ted’s on the Park, the best 3 AM gathering place after the bar's around Palmer Park closed?
ReplyDeleteI used to go to Ted's after nights at Bookie's and Menjo's. One night a busboy or someone from the back chased the chef out of the kitchen and through the restaurant with a gigantic knife!
DeleteOMG!@ That is crazy!! I lived on W. Nevada from 85 till 88. Used to order the spinich pie all the time. One time my bf and I had a big fight. I was naked and he was threatening to kill me. I grabbed the bed sheet, threw it around me, and ran down to Teds. It was about midnight. 2 cops were sitting in there and I ran up and I yelled "Help me. My boyfriend is trying to kill me!!" They looked at me with my sheet falling off and said "Call 911". Then I heard my name and my gay brother and his friends were all in there loaded. They had been at the Gas Station. And I sat down with them, with that ugly light pink sheet wrapped around me, totally naked underneath, and ordered spinich pie and we sat and laughed and had a good time. Don't know where bf went. I'm a straight female from Bloomfield. Didn't turn out the way my dad hoped I would. Just a party girl!!
DeleteA bar that I don't see listed is CT's The Cock Trap. Sorry, I don't remember exactly where it was, but it was on the west side. My manager at a fast food place worked there in 1986. I've been there a couple times.
ReplyDeleteTo my knowledge, I (Dana Wild)was the last Miss CT's; I believe it was 1989~1990. (I was also Miss R Place and 1st. alternate Miss Gay Detroit that same year respectfully.)
DeleteGreat blog! I've just started trying to be more involved in the gay Detroit party scene and this is exactly what I've been looking for! ^_^
ReplyDeleteCT's was on Greenfield somewhere between the backstreet/backpocket bars and 96..on the east side of the street.
ReplyDeleteIncredible blog. I can think of about 20 others that are missing and will send you a separate email. Remember...The Cruise Club, Taboo, Bookies, Doug's, JPS's, etc? I'll start asking some friends as well and get you quite a few more. Those were the days. Unfortunately we'll never see it again and the young guys nowadays will never know the importance of the bar scene for us back in the 70's and 80's.
ReplyDeleteTed's on the Park burned down - I believe in the late 80s or early 90s. It had the most fascinating cross-section of Detroit night life in town. Prostitutes, pimps, bikers, people from the many gay bars in the area, and some of the most hilariously profane waitresses anywhere. I really miss that joint.
ReplyDeleteThere was a gay bar at the northeast corner of East Jefgerson and Mt. Elliot called the Bitter Lemon. I was only there once, must have been about 1973; that night they had slow dancing. The place had a reputation for attracting men from the Coast Guard station at the foot of Mt. Elliot.
ReplyDeleteThe bar and restaurant that was the original version of today's La Dolce Vita ought to be included. Straight people went there, but it was a gay establishment. Just can't recall the name at the moment.
ReplyDeleteBackstage Deli and Footlights on Woodward.
Delete-rodeojim
It was Salute.
Deleteplease please please,.....THE BRASS RAIL, & THE RED DOOR two of the best.
ReplyDeleteRed door 404 was not a gay afterhours. I used to deal coke there, and trust me I know. Used to leave The Works, then from there I'd go th red door 494 off Woodward
DeleteChris H, I give you credit for the wonderful site you are creating. I wouldn't have the patience. I really enjoy what you are doing and just accidentally found it. I am now a senior citizen and had Studio D in Flint. The first state chartered legal, nonalcoholic club in the states. I'm in Lima, Ohio working on a large space that was donated to the Lima Gay Community Center. If the roof hasn't collapsed from the snow, I may have it open by the spring. The only Ohio club for gays, lesbians, bisexuals, transsexuals, transvestites, and NO straights. 7,600 square feet with a 75 seat X-rated movie area. Members only. Email me at kernnews@aol.com. Hope you can get info on Ronnie Paige who headlined my club. Johnny Triplette aka Timi Saxton died in Flint January 2010. He started learning impersonating at Studio D. I miss him so bad. As we age, we lose friends from many ways, diseases, aging, accidents, and we wonder what is it really all about? Like Peggy Lee asked, "Is that all there is?"...Just keep dancing.
ReplyDeleteAlot of people don't realize how much FUN it was to be gay and living in Detroit back in the day. It had places that rivaled anything Chicago, New York, or Ft. Lauderdale ever had to offer. God, how I miss it all!!!!
ReplyDelete..yes it was special..loved woodward ave bars...i met someone new almost every night....and guys w/ class too..!
DeleteMl 6 favorite bar was the Woodward. Quiet little place nice for pick ups. Guys were always buying me drinks
DeleteNice people.
Don't forget about the old Flame Bar in Ann Arbor. We would start out at a fab disco joint called The Rubiyat and work our way over to the Flame for after-hours. We used to even smoke pot in the booths in the back. Marijuana possession was only a $5 fine back then in AA; don't know if it still is or not. Man, them were the days!!!!
ReplyDeleteI remember those days Rubiyat was only gay on Tuesday night.
DeleteI remember the Rubiyat and the Flame, damn good times in Ann Arbor! I also use to stop for a plum wine at the Blind Pig, in between!
DeleteI have old photos at the Rubiyat and probably the Flame too. A funny store about the Rubiyat, a friend told me they had a gay friend who was in a relationship but this was mid-70's and he could not take his older partner to a work party. What the heck, I had not met the guy but a free night. Well, after we get to A2 find out it is at the Rybiyat, and after about 9 the bar fills and it was Drag night, and of course, I knew half the club and they all came over. Poor bugger, of all the straight gals he could have used for cover! haha! Luckily his co-workers were all pretty cool and they had a blast dancing with all the pretty folks to the great old music.
DeleteThere was a bar just west of the Deck in the late '70's called "My Fair Lady". It gave Menjo's a run for it's money for a while. Very classy with a nude marble woman in the middle of the dance floor. Does any one remember??
ReplyDeleteLOL, the Deck was the only bar I was ever barred from.
DeleteWasn't that an after hours place? I remember going there (I think I might have a few photos). Perhaps I am mixing up a few places, the one I am thinking of was closer to Woodward than Bookie's and Menjo's.
DeleteAnd remember the best clothing store ever... ME AND MY LADY on Woodward in Ferndale near the zoo and the fantastic old flea market?
I just found this blog tonight whilst searching for a now defunct gay bar in the Detroit area called The Aruba Bar. (I was reminiscing with friends from the early 80's from Detroit.) We used to hit The Aruba prior to going to Todd's. Their drinks were cheap and the dance floor was small but totally mirrored. (It was a great place to practice your dance moves!)The bartenders there were great! I celebrated my 21st birthday there. 21 shots of Chartruese and kept going!!! (Yes we were out and drinking under-age for years before that in the whole scene!)
ReplyDeleteAnd like the person who posted on March 9th said, it was fun to be out and gay in Detroit back in those days. (Even If I wasn't really "out" yet!)The scene was so open and there were tons of straights, gays, lesbians, punks, rockers, new wavers, and straight girls (hat the term "fag hag") who frequented all these bars. It was such an open and excepting scene.
At college The Nectarine Ballroom, The Flame and The Rubiyat were the only places to go. None were as fun as Menjo's or Todd's.
The whole scene then was fabulous and much better than anything here in Boston today. I still am blown away by the discord between the lesbians and gays here in the Boston club scene. The two never mix. That is so contrary to my youth in Michigan. Where do people hang now????
I loved the Aruba. $5 all you can drink Wednesdays were a blast. Great music too.
DeleteThis is a great blog! Thanks for doing it & good luck putting together all the history.
ReplyDeleteEven though I no longer live in Michigan I still remember my days in Detroit as special & (trans)formative. Detroit has a gay history that we can be proud of. It was the first major US city to adopt a no discrimination clause in its city charter.
I came out in Detroit in 1972. I was in high school & found the phone number for the Gay Liberation Front at WSU. Through them I got involved with the Green Carnation Community Center (was at Forrest & 4th before it was demolished) & the Gay Liberator newspaper (you can find copies in the archives at the san francisco main library, Library of Congress (http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn93020244/) & the Michigan State University Libraries.
Detroit did have a considerable gay life. Very much a party town in the 1970's. The gay community was so large then that if you wanted an apartment in Palmer Park you needed to get on a wait list & then it could take up to two years to get into some of those buildings.
One really cool bar not yet mentioned here include the Interchange on Trumbel St (I hear that the SF Eagle bought them out). It was the first time I was ever handcuffed! =) Also, Detroit had a number of bath houses. I can't remember them all but two that come to mind are the Club Bat Chain & TNT. I remember that they were so technologically advanced. They both had a VCR & wide screen TV before anyone else even heard of such things. The Club Bath only ever played TV shows (this was before cable so this meant reruns of Green Acres). It was good to go to the TNT even on off nights because you could watch a movie with a friend or get laid if business picked up
Do you remember John Taetsch (parking lot guard) or Joe Williams (bartender) or Ernie McCarty (door guard) from the Interchange? Good friends of mine, sadly, all gone now.
DeleteI met Steve in 1973 at the Green Carnation Gay Community center. It had Beer Kegger Saturdays, drop-in times, and there were a number of people that could live there. Steve lived there for a while, then I moved in for about 6 months.
DeleteSteve and I became very good friends and we used to go to the baths, particularly the TNT, where you could meet a man or watch a video of a movie.
We would often to Bookies, Menjos (on Six Mile), Tiffanys on Woodward, or the IC (Interchange). We lived in Palmer Park for years. Detroit had a very active, gay community. Yes, there were some dangers, but there were a lot of wonderful people that lived there.
Sadly, Steve passed this year in August of 2024. Friends for over 50 years it was Detroit that brought us together and made us the best of friends.
The Interchange became the Detroit Eagle which just closed last night (Saturday, July 10) after 23 years. I went to the final night and talked to several of the old guard who talked about the period before the Interchange. The leather crowd at tht time went to a small bar called the Voyager which was in the Commodore Hotel, and across the expressway from that was the Town Pump with go-go dancers. Anyone know anything about these bars might want to post it. The original Interchange sign that was on the outside of the building was acquired by myself last night at the closing of the Detroit Eagle. A picture is posted on Recon --Bondagespankx2._
ReplyDeleteI would love to see your photo of the Interchange sign, can't seem to bring anything up w/ the name you gave?
DeleteHello, My name is Joel (JoJo) and back in the early 70's. I was one of the GoGo boys at the Town Pump. I worked there when Doug Kramer was the bartender and another dancer named Misha. I met my partner there 45 years ago. Boy, those were the days! I met many guys who came to the Town Pump, many fond memories!! :-) The Town Pump is still in business, but not a gay bar. It's now called The Town Pump Tavern. There was also a hotel above the Town Pump, but I can't remember the name. There were many places in Detroit in the 70's that were a lot of fun. Drag shows at the Queen Mary where that had Bubbles Laru and Chile Pepper. A cursing bar was The Woodward owned by Andy not far from a restaurant called Ted's on the Park, now closed. I miss the old Detroit days. I'm not sure it's safe in that area anymore. We live in California and haven't been in the Detroit bar area for decades. Many great memories though. Thanks for posting this site and allowing me to visit the past.
DeleteWOW...I can't believe that this site is here! I came out in the early 80's and the bar scene in Detroit was the greatest! You could just go to a bar that was quiet. You could go to a bar that had strippers. You could go to a bar that had a show. You could go to a bar to pick up dudes. You could go to a bar if you were looking for a little leather in your life. That was all in one night! The scene was great! The afterhours were even better!
ReplyDeleteThere were so many people I remember from back then and of course AIDS wiped out many of my great friends. It seems that is when the bar scene started shifting!
You have a great list of bars on here! Again, what a great site.
I used to perform at quite a few of these bars back then. I was a former Miss Gay Detroit at the time. A titleholder was treated like a true queen at that time. What great memories.
Thank you again for creating a truly wonderful site for all of us "OLD" bitches. I just wish the kids today could experience what we once had here in Detroit! Looking over this list, the music has truly died!
I was one of first club dj's Russ Knight (from 1968-1975) and played at The Iron Hinge, Morey's (they had the best drag shows on Monday nights in the 70's) Bookie's club 870 and Cafe Gi Gi's.
ReplyDeleteMy lover at the time was Trisha Trash, who did Bette Midler before anyone else.
I miss those days and wish that I had alot of photos, but I lost them in a house fire in 1978 here in Texas.
If anyone has photos let me know.
Love to those wonderful days in Detroit!!
The Iron Hinge was the first bar I went to when I came out in 1972. Awesome drag shows. I remember Shereen Dennis. She was so sweet and talented. I then started going to Bookies Club 870.
DeleteThe Iron Hinge was the first bar I went to when I came out in 1972. Awesome drag shows. I remember Shereen Dennis. She was so sweet and talented. I then started going to Bookies Club 870.
DeleteI just wanted to add a couple of things that may ring a bell with someone.
ReplyDeleteMy real name is not Russ Knight, I used it to dj in gay clubs back then and Trisha Trash was the original, not the person that took that name years later.
We knew Bette in those days and that's why Trisha did Bette for years.
I also co-hosted the Miss Gay Michigan contests with Boulevard Blanche and was the host of Kelly and the Photo Players shows and also dj'ed at the Palm River Club on top of the Roostertail and it was a mixed crowd back then.
I see you don't have Morey's listed, it was on Michigan Ave. and was open from appox. 1970-1972, it later burnt down.
Gi Gi's was the last place I played and the dance club was in the basement back then and they had a restaurant upstairs.
One of Detroit's best gay restaurants then.
Trisha Trash....LOL... There was a drag queen here in Lansing. A big Mama kind of queen. Very big. Rumor is she died of Aids.
DeleteI lived in an all gay apt. building on Second Ave.(The Parklane) from 1965-1968.
ReplyDeleteIt was a wild place to live back then and everyone knew each other.
The laundry room was the best place to meet someone.
An older married couple (the Hatfields) were the managers of the building.
I remember we all had to leave during the 1967 riots for a week.
When we returned some houses were burnt down in the neighborhood, but our building was not touched.
It truly was a fun place to live.
Thanks, for reading this, Russ Knight.
the Hatfield's were my grandparents...my mother (Barb) was the caretaker during those years...if you have any pictures and/or info on them I would love to hear from you. email: danglin-spencer@comcast.net
DeleteGreen Carnation Gay Community Center near Wayne State U was the 70's alternative to the "bar scene". Dennis Franz, Steve Compton, Dennis Lambiris, Richard Marshall, Larry Bohannon & Alan Hatcher were behind the scenes keeping the place open for many who were looking for a healthy place to socialize without alcohol or drugs. We had Detroit's first "call for help" phone line that was called the "Gay Switchboard". Many calls came in from confused youth who needed info about coming out and places to go. We had "rap groups" on thursday nights alternating between Wayne State classrooms and our Center's living room. Up the road a mile away was the "Trumble House" that was the communal living space for the staff of the "oldest continuous gay newspaper in America," The Gay Liberator. It was headed by Dennis Franz and Dennis Lambiris who strived to approach our society from a more social(ist) perspective. It ran until around 1977. Together with Wayne State University Gay Liberation Front we all organized the first Gay Marches down Woodward Avenue from 1974 thru 1977. If anyone knows what happened to any of these people mentioned here please post info here or contact Larry Bohannon on Facebook with info.
ReplyDeleteLarry...... it is MORTY !! Please contact me....I am SO VERY happy and thrilled were alive!!! Tiffany's and Larry & Mort & the rest made that bar a "Detroit Institution"!!!!!!!!!!!!
Delete1970's Jockey Bar...
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone remember a place on 7 mile near Woodward called the Jockey Bar? I remember a Detroit News front page story (circa 1978 or 1979)about guys turning tricks in the parking lot - I think that got the place shut down. I was in High School at the time and that was the first I heard of a gay bar anywhere - so I had to go find it. I didn't succeed. But while looking - I did discover the Gas Station. Had lots of fun for a skinny blond boy from the suburbs in THAT parking lot! (heavy sigh...)
I think you are referring to Jocks Bar. It was run by a girl named Janey/bartending and her business partner, I believe was a guy named Tom. It was at 7 mile and woodward and shared the parking lot with the Gas Station and Toobes.
DeleteMaybe there was also a bar called "jockey" the bar "Jocks" was short lived and was more around 1987-90
DeleteHow about the traveling rave from the mid 1990's called the RED DOOR? Mostly gay or experimenting crowd...
ReplyDeleteAnyone remember that place? It took me a year to earn a pass to that place.
I remember that place! They sold NO2 ballones there and I felt out of place because I didn't do XTC. The had a few matresses set up behind the DJ booth for people to have sex on, and there was always a long line for those. They had the best trance music anywhere!
DeleteNo mattress to have sex on behind dj booth. Why do you have to embellish on things? Tell the truth, it was a mostly str8 club that were very tolerant to the gay crowd. I used to hang out with the manager upstairs .
DeleteWhen I was growing up in Rochester in the late 70's kids at school used to joke about a bar in Rochester called Rossi's. It was on the top of the hill south of town. This was like 77-78. I don't think it was exclusively a gay bar, Rochester was not that large a town in those days, but that was its reputation.
ReplyDeleteI also lived at the Parklane Towers about the same time. I remember going to the apartment above mine to play Password with Winn Wells, Chunga and Kenny Blair. Chunga & Kenny had the big apartment with the black/white checkered marble floor and Kenny had his sewing studio on the first floor. I remember Bookie Stewart used to come over for coffee and talk about his plans for the "new" Diplomat and I remember the grand opening as an upscale cocktail lounge. Chunga & I met Liberace at the opening (he playing at the Fisher theater). Then Chunga & I moved to Maryland about a month before the riots. It was always amusing to see Bobbie Johns come down the alley to the little store next door with his very blonde hair in rollers (NOT in drag) and if anybody commented he would threaten to knock them through the fence. The Parklane always had an eclectic mix of residents.
ReplyDeleteThere was a bar called the C & W on the far west side, not far from Gigi's. It was opened by a couple of men who used to hang out at the Palais. It was a fun place to go.
ReplyDeleteAlso, on Woodward was Spears. Spears was not a gay bar, but several gay people would go in there.
The CCW name comes to mind.
DeleteSo long ago! I have been in the South Florida area for over 22 years now, but nothing can compare with the great times that I/we had in Detroit back in the mid-70's to early 80's. I remember my first experience in a gay bar was in April of 1975 and GiGi's bar was in the basement. 18 was the drinking age at the time and I was getting in at the "Escape" on Joy Rd at the age of 17. That bar was so great,- great music and hot men...and the shows were fabulous. Over the next few years I started participating in those shows as a male dancer for Fran Jeffries and especially Jennifer Foxx with Tony Brown, Larry Clairmont, and a guy named Rick Pittman I think. Those days were the BEST by far!! Anyone remember an "out of loop" bar on 8-mile rd called the "Plain Brown Wrapper" or for short: "The Wrapper"? It didn't last long '79-'80., but I worked there as a dancer, dj, spotlight guy, performer, and cocktail waiter. I think it was run by some shady types - I never really wanted to ask!! The Backstreet and Menjo's were really HOT too then. Todd's was really popular for show night.
ReplyDeleteBob Bruno/Jennifer Foxx was my idol and absolute favorite. I don't know if she remembers how I bungled her Talent/Performance sequence the night of the Miss Gay America pageant of (1982). It was at the Masonic Temple in Detroit that year. Unfortunately she lost that year but won in Houston the following year. I was relieved that she won the next year because I felt so responsible for her losing in Detroit. Anyway, I really miss the friends and the great times that we had. As with most people, I lost so many friends as well.
Yes, I remember almost all those bars/clubs listed here. There was another after-hours place that I barely recall. It was open for only a year or so back in 1981-82 - I think the name was Manus or Mannus or Mannis? The front area was fairly well lit, but there was a back area where crowds of men would stand elbow to elbow checking each other out. Everyone was usually toasted or drugged up by that time of night but what a fantastic time we had. I will check this blogspot from time to time to read more about those glory days. Happy Thanksgiving everyone and good health to you this Holiday season.
Anyone know what Lady T Tempest is doing these days? Is she still with us??
I recall Manus/Mannis or however it was spelled! I think it was across the street from the old IC (later the Detroit Eagle)- Near Trumbull and Holden.
Deleteiam alive and well,sexy as hell...i live my life as a woman now...thanks for asking and remembering me...take care.LADY T TEMPEST
DeleteWish I could remember who you are....I was Larry's best friend clearly remember Tony and Rick.
DeleteWish I could remember who you are....I was Larry's best friend clearly remember Tony and Rick.
DeleteI was the coat check girl at Manus! Loved that job! Do you remember Ireen, the snake lady?
DeleteIt was Manis! I just located my membership card, wish there was a way to post a photo here...
DeleteCafe GIGI, used to go there too. And thanks for mentioning the ESCAPE, I was trying to remember the name of that place. SO many fun things to do back int he day. I used to love to dress up and dance and not be bothered by guys so the Gay clubs with all the beautiful boys who also dressed up was heaven for me when I was young.
DeleteYes, I remember Manus or Mannus or Mannis! As somebody mentions, it was across the street from the old IC (Eagle) ! It was very sleek/minimalist as I recall, with BIG dramatic flower arrangements, pin spotlights, and I seem to recall fruit plates, lol!
DeleteJennifer Foxx and Lady T Tempest are two of my favorites. They are to this day alive and well. They are both on Facebook along with Tiffany Middle sex another one of my favorites. I came out in 1972.
DeleteAnyone remember the prudential barthouse near the state fair grounds. Fun times
ReplyDeleteHad some very good times at the Prudential.
DeleteThe "CT" bar, was a hole-in-the-wall bar on the wast side of Greenfield Rd., about a half mile n. of the Back Pocket bar. It was owned by Ruby Nipheratos, the owner of the R&R, on Michigan Avenue. It opened as the "Cock Trap", but the name was changed to "The CT", supposedly after homeowners in the neighborhood bitched about the name. Detroit gay personality, Jimm Tuffy spun records there for a while. Ruby sold the bar several times, on land contract, but recovered it when the new owners defaulted.
ReplyDeleteAnyone remember a short lived bar called Club-Lah-Di-Dot, on 7 Mile Rd., a block or two east of Ryan Rd., near Pershing H.S.? It was owned and operated by a cute young Italian guy with curly hair, named Vince. Being in a bad neighborhood, it only lated a year or so. There was never more than 5 to 6 guys there ant any time.
Another short lived gay bar was Zipper's, on Sherwood, at 7 Mile (or was it Outer Drive?) It was the new locale for the late Bruce Detloff, after he left the Gold Coast.
I had my commitment ceremony at zippers in 1994 long before it was legal. Nice atmosphere.
DeleteI had my commitment ceremony at zippers in 1994 long before it was legal. Nice atmosphere.
DeleteWhat happened to all the posts on each bar. Looks like they all disappeared. I also don't see Poppers Pontiac on the list. This gay bar in Pontiac was formerly called Studio 55.
ReplyDeleteI remember Studio 55, I used to go there many nights a week and every weekend for a period in the early 1980'5. The doorman was nicknamed Miss Piggy, I didn't think it was nice but he was actually a really nice guy. I met quite a few boyfriends there, and dated one of the bartenders. Good memories of that bar.
DeleteWhat ever happened to the gay record pool directors, Lee Eckinger from AMP and Steve Nader from Dance Detroit?
ReplyDeleteI hear Steve Nader died sometime around 2011.
DeleteI was hoping someone could tell me if they know the where-abouts of Jerry Johnson. He was an early DJ at Menjo's and also traveled around the whole area doing mobile DJ for some of the old Disco clubs (he actually came out to a Disco in the basement of the old Nifty Normans that used to be quite fun and almost stumbling distance from me in Wolverine Lake). Lost track of him in the later 70's and would love to say hello.
DeleteWhat ever happened to the GLORY HOLE club, I believe on six mile near Woodward? I wanted to go but was young and too damned bashful. Wish is was there now.
ReplyDeleteNot sure when the GH closed, but I think it was a few doors down from Bookies on 6 mile - near Manjo's; I met what turned out to be one of my best friends in the basement play area there! There was also a similar sex club upstairs at 7 and Woodward - I think it was called Heaven.
DeleteWhen I discovered the GH indeed I was in heaven. Lived there 24/7 sometimes, and then would hit Palmer Park in the back during the day, and at night near the fountain up front and would always spot the cops coming through the park, would holler out COPS -- I felt like Moses leading the Israelite's through the Red Sea....all those fucking around would run to their cars....O the memories
DeleteYes the Glory Hole was just what the name suggests. A bunch of rooms with holes to the adjoining rooms and a fun playroom downstairs.
DeleteThere is a bar missing from the list or at least I don't see it. Jocks! It was located on the same street as the Gas Station...there was the Gas station, Toobes and then next door was Jocks. It was a small place... I think it was owned by a guy name Tom and a girl named Janey or Jeannie (she also bartended) Food establishment and bar. The good ole days.
ReplyDeleteMy uncle used to manage a gay bar in Pontiac called Poppers. Anybody been there? I believe it is defunct. When I live in the Detroit area, I frequented Backstreet, The Flamingo, Menjo's and Innuendo. There used to be this hot stripper named Sky at Innuendo. Anyone remember him? It would have been in the late 90's. I had such a crush on him. I was only about 20 at the time.
ReplyDeleteYes I used to trek up to Poppers once in a while for a change of pace, I really liked it. It has long been closed, and the strip mall it was in is pretty dilapidated.
DeleteDo they still have The Gear circuit party in Detroit?
ReplyDeleteSome of the bars came from other events, and sparked other events that were bigger than the bar (and in some cases, Detroit's gay scene). Diamond Jim's Saloon (in the building formerly by the owner of Stilletoes) was opened as a "thank you project" to the community from a Leather titleholder. Jim won Mr. Leather Michigan (last one) from The Interchange Bar (then owned by John Workman and Bob Isabelle), and the only Michigan titleholder to win a back-to-back title of Mr. Leather Detroit at the R & R Saloon (owned by Ruby Niphortius). Though Diamond Jims' Saloon had it's roots in "gay country", it had a following of Bears, Cowboys and Leather (both gay AND straight/fetish). Diamond Jim's Saloon was opened by the same guy who brought Gay Rodeo to Michigan and had the first Rodeo at the Michigan State Fair Grounds (20 year anniversary is 2014). Also from Diamond Jim's Saloon came Leather Institute for Education (L.I.F.E. - Detroit), and the Mr. Leather Cowboy contest. Biggest event in many years (since "Do-A-Fool" weekend by Tribe Detroit), was "Wall-2-Wall Fur Bear". Folks all the way down in St. Louis were talking about the trip to Detroit for this event. DJS was open for 10 years, and closed in July of 2010. Also a big leather event that came from there was "Detroit Area Rough and Kinkfest" Weekend (D.A.R.K. - Detroit) an event put on by L.I.F.E. Detroit. ;)
ReplyDeleteOh, and one of the few bars in Detroit who had a "black owner".
ReplyDeleteI am enjoying this reminiscence no end! I remember one Halloween in the late 1960s going downtown on the "DSR" in high drag to the "10-11" where ChiChi reigned longer than Queen Elizabeth II. On the bus?!! Just imagine. I hope someday that my granddaughter appreciates the fact that I wasn't always the old guy on the couch, but it might be hard for her to imagine me in endless chiffon -- nose full of poppers -- dancing the night away!! The only drugs I get now are the "legitimate ones" -- what a bore.
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone remember "Sally from the Alley" a drag queen from back in the day....I first saw here at the Conquest, Bruce allowed her to put on a drag show fundraiser to buy her son who "drownded" a tombstone....LOL it was a hoot, and she was older than God then...RIP Sally
ReplyDeleteI use to see Sally from the Ally perform at "Bookies Club 870/Gaygon's. I believe the owner's name was Frank Gaygon. Sally was a hoot and a holler. So funny. Everyone loved her. Lolol.
DeleteI remember when i was a kid in the early 70's, there was a bathhouse we used to go to that I think was called "The Climax". It was on State Fair St. in Detroit. It was alot of fun at the time. I think it had a fire. Does anyone remember this place? I can't find any info on it on the internet or even this site.
ReplyDeleteAre you referring to the Prudential? I vaguely remember the name changing, maybe that was it?
DeleteTwo of my favorites were "Midnight Sun" & Heaven's above the "Gas Station" at Woodward & 7 mile. God! I miss those days!
ReplyDelete"Heaven's" & "Midnight Sun" were after hour clubs. But many of us know this. LOL. GREAT TIMES!!
DeleteI think that perhaps one of the most notable "Gay Friendly" clubs of the mid 80's was "Club Taboo." It was a mix of everyone. I always went with my best friends and bypassed the ID and admission check points. I never remember buying a drink but always was drunk. The African American diva's (regular patrons) were dressed to kill! I was more of a "Club Kid" at 16 years old. i would tune in to "The Electrifying Mojo" on the drive in from the suberbs.
ReplyDeleteOne night in particular I remember seeing one of the first and best house concerts with a mix of talent from Detroit & Chicago. Paris Gray was singing "Big Fun", Jamie Principle rocked "Ride", and Steve Silk Hurley "Jack Your Body." DJ Derrick May rocked the turntables and brought the house down! This was only one night of many that I wish I could return to if I had the chance!
I remember the glass house, circus, Bingos, Club exclusive, my fair lady, the railroad crossing, Todds,cafe GiGis,the underground, The Famous Door, the deck, there was a bar on east 7 mile and woodward, the Goldcoast, zippers, and we'd eat at Backstage on longwood and Woodward...wow, too many bars to name...fun!
DeleteI remember the glass house, circus, Bingos, Club exclusive, my fair lady, the railroad crossing, Todds,cafe GiGis,the underground, The Famous Door, the deck, there was a bar on east 7 mile and woodward, the Goldcoast, zippers, and we'd eat at Backstage on longwood and Woodward...wow, too many bars to name...fun!
DeleteI cannot remember the exact relationship, but something like my mom's sister-in-law's brother or such owned THE WOODWARD (if I recall, this was a long time ago) I only went there once, when my best friend was meeting a guy and did not want to go there alone. It was pretty much all older guys. I think the door was unmarked or just had a small sign.
ReplyDeleteThe Woodward is the oldest gay bar in Detroit. In Michigan - in fact. It's still operating as of 2018.
DeleteYes Andy...Sam...Bill ran the Woo Sam was really nice and so was Bill...Andy on the other hand could be a real prick at times he picked me up one night after him and his lover Steve got into a fight...and said do you want to get screwed i said hell no ...Then he saud get out....lol
DeleteDoes anyone know where this place was or who owned it? An acquaintance told me of a leather bar called CHAINS that was sole in 1995. I'd like to find one of the owners if it was true.
ReplyDeleteI used to love amyl nitrate. Such a headrush!!
ReplyDeleteHow about the after hour clubs. Those were fun.
Do you have a Facebook page. I created a photo album of Backstage/Footlights on my "Gregory J. Ostrander" page. If you send me a Friend Request or Private Message me there is a story with almost 400 pictures. I can give you accsess to it. I think I have it set for, Friends of Friends I think. I will set it if so for Public viewing. It might already be set for Public viewing. I see you have your page up for sale. I would love to Share that for you. Sharing works so many miracles on Facebook. I will be 66 Feb. 1st. I was born in 1954. I was able to drink in the bars at that time. 18 year olds were able to. I wonder if I have ever met you. I also have a page for all the dogs I have rescued throughout the past 9-10 years. Sharing their photo ablums and stories is what help all of them. You can contact me at, gregostrand@gmail.com I was the day bartender the past 2-2 1/2 years before the fire destroyed it. So sad. I loved working there and all the people. My photo is posted on the site. I blocked out the face of one of my faithful customers for his privacy. Let me know. Thank you for creating this site. I'm know all the hard work you had to put into it. Like I say, I would LOVE to Share that this page is up for you.
ReplyDeletePlease excuse my few typo's. Lol.
DeleteLived across the street from the Diplomat in 66/67 so spent considerable time there. Others I remember but haven't seen listed here were the 1011 which was on a backstreet off Woodward right in the center of downtown. Right around the corner from 1011 was the Checker Bar & Grill which was gay at night. Also hung around the Barbary Coast which was on the west side out a ways from downtown. I left Detroit in 1969 and left Michigan in 1979 so I don't remember all the street names. Gay Detroit was a fun and exciting place to be back then. Late nights after the bar scene went to a gay bath house across the river in Windsor. I think it was called Vesuvius. The Woodward was only a couple blocks from where I lived so I went there a lot. It was pretty crowded most nights.
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