| The River Queen |
| Location: | 402 North Water Street |
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Opened: |
late 1960's-early 1970's 1980 |
| Clientele: |
Male/ drag queen |
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One of Milwaukee's most legendary gay and drag bars, The River Queen bar was one of several gay bars housed in a building originally known as the Cross Keys Hotel (built in 1853). Opened by Al Berry who had run the Rooster bar, the River Queen was rumored at the time to be backed by Chicago mob money. The River Queen had a relatively long life, and ranged from a dance bar to a popular hang-out bar, the bar in which everyone was seen at one point or another. In its later years it was often referred to as a drag bar, although it continued to draw a mixed group. The bar is generally accepted as being frequented by "gay" national celebrities when in town for local shows or performances: these include Liberace (actually a Milwaukee-area native), Milton Berle, Paul Lynde, and others. The last half of the 1970s sees a succession of name changes to the bar. The August 1976 issue of the local "GLIB Guide" is seemingly a last mention of the River Queen, reading: "Another familiar bar, the River Queen closed, remodeled and reopened as the Side Door. The new bar is an expanded version of the old bar, with plus carpeting and a giant-size TV screen. The Side Door also features a disco." The Side Door is named because it advertises its address as the side entrance address, 212 E. St. Paul. But by August 1978 the River Queen is to re-open as "The S.S. River Queen", reclaiming its "402 N. Water Street" address as well. But then in May 1979 it is advertised as yet another bar, Jocks, again using the side entrance address. The struggle to remake itself ends in May 1980 when the bulding was demolished. The site of the River Queen was for many years a parking lot. The location is now the site of the Milwaukee Marketplace.
Recollections: 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! The River Queen - First gay bar I was ever in. I was surprised to see so many guys, none of whom matched the sissy stereotype. "The River Queen was the premier meeting and dance bar in its day, located on the site of the current Milwaukee Public Market. I don't remember ever seeing any drag queens there, unless you count Milton Berle, whose entourage announced his entrance dramatically and loudly when he walked in. I was gay-bashed twice at the River Queen, once outside by a group of guys in the parking lot (but that's another great story - we won!) and once inside, decked by two guys who were insulting my date. I had a wonderful view of the River Queen's famous crystal chandelier from the floor up! David Dudley was the big butch manager. When the bar closed, loyal patrons grabbed every memento they could, including the barstools (I was given one later as a gift)." "The River Queen was once the elegent Cross Keys Hotel, built in the 1840's in the beautiful Italianate Style. The 4th floor was removed after a devastating fire, which erased its elaborate roofline and cornices. Ornamental iron balistrades also graced the exterior of this building. In its hey day, it was the most elegant hotel in Milwaukee. President Lincoln once stayed and spoke there. Few who patronized the River Queen knew of its once glorious past." "The first bar I went to when I came out. When they tore it down I took some of the bricks and made a small sidewalk with them." "I loved the River Queen, despite being gay-bashed there twice. I remember looking up at the crystal chandelier after being decked by some guy, defending my date's honor. My most prized possession is a River Queen barstool!" |
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Credits: contents, design and arrangement by Don Schwamb.
Last updated: November-2010.
