Gay leather bar philly

The history of the Bike Stop at S. Quince St. What began as a private building would become a public space with live entertainment after World War II, and then a self-identified gay bar in the s. During the nineteenth century, that golden age of fraternal organizations, Philadelphia was home to its share of clubs catering to every profession and interest imaginable; painting, sculpture, advertising, theatre, journalism, literature, science and engineering.

Inthirteen Philadelphia architects formed the T-Square Club for mutual fellowship and to sponsor competitions and exhibitions.

Philly Gay, Lesbian, LGBTQ+ Bar in Center City / Rittenhouse

Inthey bought a three story house and adjacent two story barn at S. Across the street, atlived eccentric antiquarian, Dr. The architects remained on Quince St. Below is the original terra-cotta medallion visible in the photo of the original entrance above. It was saved during renovations and is now at the Athenaeum on Washington Square:.

I was recently able to find two photos of the second floor of the T-Square Club from their Yearbook. Here they are, below:. The theatre helped give rise to small cafes and restaurants bar which catered to its audiences before and after shows. In the late s, after the architects left, the second floor of S Quince St.

He bought the property in Barney had been a pianist and dance band leader in the s and s, performing all over the southeast Pennsylvania area and Atlantic City with his band, the Kentucky Kardinals. He died in By the early s, the Forrest definitely identified itself as a gay bar, philly in gay publications and appearing in gay travel guides.

This was the entance to the upstairs, third floor, private after hours club. Next to that, beyond the U. These strangely named social clubs, named after fictitious poitical or professional clubs, provided important private spaces, where gay men and lesbians could socialize and enjoy a little same sex dancing, which was strictly forbidden in public bars.

There are many stories of raids on the U. The two men discreetly leather their faces hidden from the camera, but note the same black and white checked floor in the ad as is seen gay the postcard above. The tree seems to have been planted somewhere between and In the early 80s, Philadelphia boasted two leather and denim bars west of Broad St.

There was the at S 17th St. There was the Loft at Walnut St. James St. All were doing fine business.