Browse Items (12 total)

Yearbook article that discusses the two gay discotheque bars in Champaign-Urbana, specifically Giovanni's and The Balloon Saloon. The article discusses the emergence of these spaces and the national gay movement.

Yearbook article that discusses the two gay bars in Champaign-Urbana, namely Giovanni's and The Balloon Saloon, and interviews students and bar patrons.

Newspaper article about two gays bars in Champaign, The Balloon Saloon and an unnamed bar, which was Giovanni's. The article interviews bar patrons and discusses the utility of the space for gay people to socialize and cruise.

Image of a red matchbox for “Giovannies Place”, otherwise spelled Giovanni’s. It lists the address as 521 N. Hickory, Champaign, Ill.

Image of a red matchbook for “Giovonni’s Balloon Saloon”, otherwise spelled Giovanni’s. On the back, it says "Where good fellows get together", with a pictorial work of three people drinking beers.

Image of a silver Zippo lighter with "Giovanni's" in red cursive lettering.

Article about gay bars and spaces that were around before the mid-1980s, including The Balloon Saloon, Giovanni's, and theBar. They mention the atmosphere of gay liberation, cruising, and drug use.

Photograph of people with their backs to the camera inside Giovanni’s, showing bubbles from the bar’s bubble machine.

Photograph of a close up of a person and others inside Giovanni’s, showing bubbles from the bar’s bubble machine.

Photograph of people with their backs to the camera inside Giovanni’s, showing bubbles from the bar’s bubble machine.