Queer Nightlife in Champaign-Urbana, IL: 1973 - 2000
Title
Queer Nightlife in Champaign-Urbana, IL: 1973 - 2000
Description
The scope of the collection is digitized photographs, papers, and physical objects relating to a select number of queer nightlife spaces in Champaign-Urbana, IL from 1973-2000: The Balloon Saloon, Giovanni’s, theBar, and C. Street. Much of the collection is from Doug Barnes’s materials and was digitally reformatted by Adam Beaty. The collection provides a glimpse of LGBTQ+ social and cultural life in Central Illinois, primarily of the 1970s-80s. Particular themes present are DJing, gay-owned businesses, and disco culture.
Collection Items
The Invisible Man Costume on Halloween at theBar
Photograph of a person in costume as The Invisible Man, wearing a gray patterned robe, a collared shirt and tie, and their face is wrapped in gauze. They are holding a number, given to them for the costume contest.
Person in Drag in Garter Belt at theBar
Photograph of a person in drag performing with a chair on top of a wooden box at theBar. They are wearing heels, black tights, a garter belt, and a hat.
Joe McNamara, Steve Mohr, and Person in Keg Room at theBar
Photograph of Joe McNamara (left), Steve Mohr (right), and another person posing in a room with multiple kegs at theBar.
Bartenders Jimmy and Bobby Burke in Masks on Halloween at theBar
Photograph of twin bartenders Jimmy and Bobby Burke wearing masks and scout costumes, standing behind the bar. Behind them, there is a register and other people dressed in costume.
Jamie Lynn in Leopard Print Outfit at theBar
Photograph of drag queen Jamie Lynn wearing a leopard print outfit at theBar.
Lisa Eden as Judy Garland at theBar
Photograph of drag queen Lisa Eden performing as Judy Garland at theBar. She is lipsyncing while wearing a back dress suit and holding a flower.
Lighting on Dance Floor for Birthday Celebration for Steve at theBar
Photograph of the dance floor of theBar centering a spotlight that reads "Happy Birthday, Steve" on the wall. Hanging from the ceiling, the disco ball is reflecting light.
Two People in Leather Attire on New Years at theBar
Photograph centering two people in leather attire, including muir caps, leather harnesses, leather cuffs, leather vests, and leather chaps, on New Years at theBar.
People Gathered Around Tables at theBar
Photograph of people gathered around tables at theBar, in the space nearby the dance floor on the first floor. Above the exit doors, there is a piece of stained glass.
Two Drag Queens Posing on Halloween at theBar
Photograph of two drag queens posing on Halloween at theBar. To the left behind them, there is a "BEWARE OF DOG" sign on a door, which is the door to Joe's apartment above theBar.