Springfield illinois gay bars
Smokey&#;s Den
Smokey’s Den, originally at N. Fifth St., was the first bar in Springfield that openly catered to gay men and women. When Smokey’s closed in , after nearly four decades in business, it was thought to be the oldest homosexual bar in Illinois.
Owner Mary Lou Schneider (), a Jacksonville native, got the nickname “Smokey” during her career in amateur softball (she was inducted into the Illinois Amateur Softball Association Hall of Fame in ). Schneider, who was gay herself, opened Smokey’s Den in as both a business and a haven for members of the LGBT community.
In a interview by the Vital Voice, a St. Louis publication, Schneider said Smokey’s had few problems with Springfield police, although patrons were initially careful.
“At the start when the police would come into the bar, the kids would yell, “switch” because the boys were dancing with boys and then the boys would grab a girl,” she explained. “Then one night they [the police] came in and somebody yelled “switch” and all of the sudden (the officer) took his nightstick and slid it down to the floor and said, “Carry on, kids.” And we did ever since.”
Smokey’s also hosted drag queen events – the Smokettes, the bra
Recovering LGBTQ History Along Direction 66
Route 66, a National Treasure of the National Trust, winds its way some 2, miles from Chicago to Los Angeles. It weaves past little towns, big cities, national parks, roadside attractions, and also gay bars. As one of the first cross-country highways, Route 66 connected refugees from the Dust Bowl to protection in the s, troops to military bases during World War II, and post-war Americans to California and the western states in the s and onwards. While I traveled Route 66 with the National Trust from Chicago to Springfield, Missouri, I documented places in communities along the iconic route that historically welcomed lgbtq+ travelers.
The subject of gay bars from the past really interests me. Where I live in New York City I lead a walking tour about “gay bars that are gone” and people who attend share histories and sometimes memories from LGBTQ spaces, dating as far back as the s. These are spaces where gay Americans start joy, love, community, and solidarity in the encounter of great social and political adversity. To document the “gay bars that are gone” of Path 66, I came with a few important things in my suitcase: two LGBTQ USA travel guides
Upcoming Mega Events Nearby
Springfield, the capital city of Illinois holds a rooted history that goes beyond its political significance. In terms of the lgbtq+Q+ collective Springfield provides an inclusive atmosphere. While it may not boast the lgbtq+ districts found in larger cities Springfields lgbtq+Q+ people is close knit, supportive and engaged.
The city hosts events throughout the year with Springfield PrideFest organism a standout occasion. This annual celebration embraces romance, inclusivity and diversity. Attracts attendees from all across the region. Featuring a parade live music performances and local vendors it's a day filled with happiness and solidarity.
Several establishments in Springfield cater to the population. For example Club Station House is a liked gay lock renowned for its lively drag shows, dance nights and themed gatherings. It's a place where everyone can unwind and possess a fun filled evening.
Additionally the Phoenix Center acts as a hub for Springfields lgbtq+Q+ community. Providing resources, support services and organizing events are among its functions, in nurturing a sense of collective and connection.
Stay updated with gay events in Sprin
Downtown Springfield gay bar to close soon ahead of 'demolition,' says management
Over the weekend, one of Springfield's three gay bars announced that its long-anticipated closure would happen in about a month.
According to a statement posted to Touché Nightclub's Facebook account first Saturday evening, the bar's last day of business will be in four to six weeks, "due to the impending demolition of our building."
"This will highlight the end of decades of history for this community," the announcement stated.
But the owner of Touché's downtown building, Jack Ballew, said Monday that while the real estate is under contract for sale, the sale has not yet closed.
Ballew said that he does not understand when the buyer, a Springfield-based development firm called the Vecino Group, plans to tear down the building.
The property is worth $, for the building and its half-acre site, according to the Greene County Assessor's appraisal.
Seeking information on when demolition might occur, the News-Leader reached out to a Vecino Collective official three times for this report but has not yet heard back.
Reached by the News-Leader on Monday, Touché manager Jacob Welch said that he and the bar s
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