Queer Wisconsin — A living history of LGBTQ+ life in Wisconsin

A living history of LGBTQ+ life in Wisconsin

Bar / Club

Stealers

Racine

Summary

They first appeared in media in the April 23, 1982 issue of 'Escape' magazine with the ad "Racine's Newest, Hottest Disco". In the next (May 7, 1982) issue of Escape, the bar listed opening times and various specials in the "Daily Calendar" section and also appeared in the Directory. By the next issue of Escape magazine that we have however (July 30, 1982), the bar was no longer listed. Thus the bar appears to have been open for only a couple of months.

The age of disco was already running down by this time, and Racine could likely not well support a second 'gay' bar right across the street from the long-established Jo'Dee's bar.

Images

The following are recollections of others who have been kind enough to submit their personal memories to the webmaster. You are welcome to do the same! This was across the street from Jo'Dee's Int'l and was supposed to be competition. They opened the same year that Judy opened the patio at Jo'Dees. Bobby Lyons (owner of The Shack, who also owned Club 219 much later) opened it at the time. I believe Mark Braun was the manager at the time. It didn't last very long. I lived upstairs from Jo'Dee's at the time, along with George and Donnie Day, Jackie & Freeda, Scott, and Chi Natto. George and Natto used to be dancers at Circus. Tony Aiello via Facebook Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project
Advertisement / (Escape v5-09, May 1982) / / Escape