Archives napkins, circa 1980. Courtesy of LGBT-010, DCA.
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Talley-Ho Tavern add from Gay Era June 1976. Courtesy of LGBT-001, DCA.
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La Rose Rouge matchbook, circa 1980. Courtesy of LGBT-006, DCA.
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LGBTQ+ Bar History: An Introduction
From at least the early 20th century in the U.S., LGBTQ+ people have been creating or appropriating spaces for them to meet, socialize, romance and organize community structures. Outside of private homes hosting parties, these first community spaces were typically bars, night clubs and social clubs.
In central Pennsylvania, the first LGBTQ+ spaces appeared perhaps as early as the late 1930’s, but more likely by the 1940’s or 1950’s. The Clock Bar which opened in 1938 in Harrisburg is believed to be the first LGBTQ+ bar in the region, although we cannot be sure at what point it became exclusively LGBTQ+.
In central Pennsylvania, the first LGBTQ+ spaces appeared perhaps as early as the late 1930’s, but more likely by the 1940’s or 1950’s. The Clock Bar which opened in 1938 in Harrisburg is believed to be the first LGBTQ+ bar in the region, although we cannot be sure at what point it became exclusively LGBTQ+.
Harrisburg being the state capital and an anchor to the region was an expected nexus of early LGBTQ+ spaces. But by the 1960’s, these spaces began to appear in other small cities of central Pennsylvania, such as Lancaster, York, and State College.
The 1970’s ushered in the disco era and larger spaces with dance floors became popular. Many of the larger night clubs rode that popularity through changes in dance music through the end of the century. About this time, some alternative LGBTQ+ spaces began to be created by organizations, but much of the focus of the community remained on bars and clubs.
In the 21st century, we have seen the gradual decline of bars and clubs as the main focus of LGBTQ+ communities and the rise of a wider variety of alternative LGBTQ+ spaces such as community centers, organizations, churches, and events. We have also seen the “mainstreaming” of LGBTQ+ people into straight or mixed bars and clubs. At the same time, we have also seen the increasing role of the internet as hosting “virtual” LGBTQ+ space.
In 2020 with the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have seen the further decline of bars and clubs as they struggle to survive amid closings and restrictions on hours and numbers of patrons. Will LGBTQ+ bars and clubs survive? Much of this story is yet to be written, but as LGBTQ+ bars and clubs have come and gone over many decades, their history is an essential piece of the story of the creation of LGBTQ+ community space in central Pennsylvania.
The 1970’s ushered in the disco era and larger spaces with dance floors became popular. Many of the larger night clubs rode that popularity through changes in dance music through the end of the century. About this time, some alternative LGBTQ+ spaces began to be created by organizations, but much of the focus of the community remained on bars and clubs.
In the 21st century, we have seen the gradual decline of bars and clubs as the main focus of LGBTQ+ communities and the rise of a wider variety of alternative LGBTQ+ spaces such as community centers, organizations, churches, and events. We have also seen the “mainstreaming” of LGBTQ+ people into straight or mixed bars and clubs. At the same time, we have also seen the increasing role of the internet as hosting “virtual” LGBTQ+ space.
In 2020 with the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have seen the further decline of bars and clubs as they struggle to survive amid closings and restrictions on hours and numbers of patrons. Will LGBTQ+ bars and clubs survive? Much of this story is yet to be written, but as LGBTQ+ bars and clubs have come and gone over many decades, their history is an essential piece of the story of the creation of LGBTQ+ community space in central Pennsylvania.
