Jump to content

Twins, Bacchus, Chicken Coop, Numbers, Etc.


Gilder

Recommended Posts

I was at Half Price Books a couple of days ago, and spotted a couple of photos above and to the right of the front door I'd never noticed before. They're two panoramic "then-and-now" photos of the intersection of Westheimer and Yoakum taken from the same angle, the earlier one from the 1930s depicting an automobile dealer and a gas station, and the later one from 1983 depicting the Tower Theater and the Boobie Rock in those same locations. I hadn't thought about the Boobie Rock in years, and here it pops up twice in the same week.

for some reason i never remembered to stop and take a look, but earlier this evening i finally did - they are great pictures.

never thought i'd get to see the Boobie Rock!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

You're correct about the Midnight Sun having been at Westheimer & Montrose in the same building as what is now the Prive Lounge. I remember it was always packed on weekends, and their Sunday night shows were among the best, right up there with the Old Plantation. I can still see it in my mind as if it were yesterday from your description. It was a pretty cool looking place back then actually, and would still look modern even by today's standards if it hadn't changed.

Thank you all for sharing your recollections!

Correct me if I'm wrong but the name Midnight Sun was a spin on the Midnight Cowboy film? I mean it must have opened a few years after the film 1969. Seems coincidentle. In fact the area resembled many scenes of the film, of course not like Times Square but you get the idea.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The Wonder Woman story reminded me of a sight before one of the Pride parades back when it was still a daytime event. I was camped with some friends near the start when we heard a lot of hoots, whistles and "run honey, run!" and a faint "CLOMPCLOMPCLOMP" getting louder. What to our wondering eyes appeared but a drag queen in full wedding regalia, including askew tiara and veil, skirts and petticoats hiked up to the knees and running as fast as her size 12 heels would carry her to catch up to her float. Guess someone overslept. :blush:

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The Wonder Woman story reminded me of a sight before one of the Pride parades back when it was still a daytime event. I was camped with some friends near the start when we heard a lot of hoots, whistles and "run honey, run!" and a faint "CLOMPCLOMPCLOMP" getting louder. What to our wondering eyes appeared but a drag queen in full wedding regalia, including askew tiara and veil, skirts and petticoats hiked up to the knees and running as fast as her size 12 heels would carry her to catch up to her float. Guess someone overslept. :blush:

Let's face it,

those are the kind of stories and antics that created the allure and mystique of lower Westheimer. Bizarre as it was or is, that is why people would drive miles to the inner city. Spectacle yes, outrageous sure, but it was all in good humor. I imagine it has tamed down quite a bit since its hey day.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Is it possible that the Midnight Sun relocated to the 534 Westheimer address? I could have sworn that's where it was located when I moved here in '81.

If that wasn't the Midnight Sun, then what was it? It existed; I've been in it (and that's nothing to brag about :blush: )

Link to comment
Share on other sites

re: Midnight Sun...

the closest i can get is the 1976 city directory which lists 534 Westheimer as "Second Sun," but 910 Westheimer as "Blue Water Diving School."

534 used to be Q.T.'s, i think, and is now a vet.

oh well - look at the difference a few years can make!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

re: Midnight Sun...

the closest i can get is the 1976 city directory which lists 534 Westheimer as "Second Sun," but 910 Westheimer as "Blue Water Diving School."

534 used to be Q.T.'s, i think, and is now a vet.

oh well - look at the difference a few years can make!

I asked Ray Hill (and who better to ask?) what the name of the bar was across from the Chicken Coop. Without hesitation he said "It was the Midnight Sun, later called QT's." The Blue Water Diving School was still open at the location now occupied by Prive'.

That's my recollection as well. The portion still standing (the Cat Doctor) was the dance floor - the bar portion was demolished to create what's currently the parking lot.

I've seen no evidence that 910 Wesheimer was ever the Midnight Sun.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I asked Ray Hill (and who better to ask?) what the name of the bar was across from the Chicken Coop. Without hesitation he said "It was the Midnight Sun, later called QT's." The Blue Water Diving School was still open at the location now occupied by Prive'.

That's my recollection as well. The portion still standing (the Cat Doctor) was the dance floor - the bar portion was demolished to create what's currently the parking lot.

I've seen no evidence that 910 Wesheimer was ever the Midnight Sun.

Someone here (or elsewhere) must know. Guess it really doesn't matter but if memory serves well, I am pretty sure Midnight Sun was on Westheimer. As teens we used to drive around on weekend's :blush: as did hundreds of other Houstonian's and I could swear it was on Westheimer once?

Can everyone sleep tonight pondering? Help!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Doubt this helps much re the Midnight Sun location, but the following is from a 1985 Chron article about the List case:

"Joey was a street kid Bill picked up on one of his weekend trips to Montrose. Joey said later he was hunkered over a pool table at the Midnight Sun when he caught Bill's eye. At 16, Joey, who had run away from his Tomball home, was getting wise to the ways of the street. He knew that the Sun was tolerant toward street kids, and unlike some of the clubs along lower Westheimer nobody was going to make him buy a drink in order to stay. The place had developed a reputation over the years as a hangout for hustlers. Out in front, across the street and around the corner on Avondale, hustlers on the sidewalks would talk business through their tricks' open car windows."

Link to comment
Share on other sites

scanning through the online TABC license records, here is 534 Westheimer's history:

-Midnight Sun, 01/11/77-01/10/86

-Bayou Landing, 11/20/85-11/19/86

-Momma's Money (!), 02/06/89-02/05/91

-Depo Station, 04/08/91-04/07/92

-QT's, 06/15/87-06/14/98 (and the next license application was denied)

910 Westheimer has only had a license for Prive (03/11/99-03/10/08)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 4 months later...
  • 1 month later...

In the late '60's the Plantation on West Gray was the spot. Liberace visted there after one of his Houston performances.

The owner, Gene Howell, then opened The Farmhouse, off Westheimer.

Jerry Vanover, 'Big David', and Tiffany Jones (Ken Whitehead) danced in drag in Jerry's club on Westheimer east of Montrose.

After 'after hours' it was Art Wren's restaurant on Westheimer where it was Halloween every night!

Those really were the good old days!

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Nobody's mentioned the Parade Disco on Richmond. It was just west of the apartment complex, then known as 1400 Richmond (it was really a cruise-plex). The Parade building is now a Menil Collection storage facility. Anyway, the Parade was owned by Jerry Minaffee (sp) of New Orleans. I remember meeting Grace Jones there one time after her concert at the 'Summit'. Also, when Kathy Whitmire won her first term as mayor, on election night, she, Lance Lalor and other elected councel showed up and the place went wild. The fire department tried to clear it out, but backed off in the end. Hello, like it or not, that was their new bosses-boss.

Also, does anybody remember Hungry International, on the south side of Westheimer and Helena? It burned and moved to the Village. Houlihan's was also on the northeast corner at that same intersection.

One more thing, the GYM across the street from Katz's was named Jim's Gym.

I've read this entire blog to this point in one sitting - talk about brain burn, but great memories.

Not done yet...

I remember seeing Paul Lynd at the Parade and Dr. Bellows (I dream of Jeannie) at JR's.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I remember Kindred Spirits on Richmond near the Loop. The one I went to on Buffalo Speedway was in the 90's and called the Ranch. Had 3 clubs, I think, but I was only in the techno one.

I barely remember the Ranch - seemed so far away from everything!

Here's a shot of the Boobie Rock (with Mary's in the background) circa 1988.

post-2-1203288540_thumb.jpg

Haha those statues - they should put them back! :D

So doing more TABC searches for that address and Waughcrest Dr., it shows that Chances/Charlie's Diner for 1100 Westheimer from 1983-present (RIP Charlie's) but also had a TABC license for Charlie's with a Waughcrest address from 1984-1989 (and owned by a Paul George Kalas - any relation to the Montagu Kalas...?).

It looks like a part of the old Bacchus or Charlie's was "Jamail's Country Inn and Deli" from 1985-1986 - anyone remember that? Seems like an odd place for a "country inn." Or not.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Also, does anybody remember Hungry International, on the south side of Westheimer and Helena?

Vividly.

Back in '81, soon after I moved to Houston, I suggested to a friend that we try HI. "I don't know," he said. "I ate there once and got sick."

Unfortunately, I disregarded his advice; the roast beef sandwich seemed a bit 'off', but I ate it anyway. Afterward, we decided to go to Mary's for a beer; the place was always packed in those days. Pretty soon I didn't feel very good, and sat down on a bench near the door. "Tom," I said, "I'm gonna get sick." Before the words had left my mouth, the sandwich and beer had left my stomach at approximately 40 miles per hour. I'm sure at least a dozen people were unwilling recipients of Hungry International's cuisine that night.

  • Haha 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 7 months later...
scanning through the online TABC license records, here is 534 Westheimer's history:

-Midnight Sun, 01/11/77-01/10/86

-Bayou Landing, 11/20/85-11/19/86

-Momma's Money (!), 02/06/89-02/05/91

-Depo Station, 04/08/91-04/07/92

-QT's, 06/15/87-06/14/98 (and the next license application was denied)

910 Westheimer has only had a license for Prive (03/11/99-03/10/08)

How interesting. Jack Meyer owned the Midnight Sun (which was always at 534 and it's name was taken from a bar in San Francisco), Bayou Landing, Momma's and Depot Station. But Bob Neely owned QTs. I use to party in the Midnight Sun and knew Jack, also in The Chicken Coop, which was across the street and was owned by Oliver Pierceson--who also owned Dirty Sally's on Avondale. Jesus, I don't think any of these guys are still alive. Jack and Oliver would have to be way in their 80s and Neely would be in his early 70s. These guys loved to party. My X was long time friends with these guys. The stories I could tell you about those places--as well as Mary's, The Drum, The Mining Company, The Officers Club, ect......

I left Houston many years ago, 22 actually. I live in NYC and am thinking of writing a book about The Chicken Coop (fiction-ish). Would anyone have a picture of The Chicken Coop? Or know where I can find one? I've drawn a rough floor plan, but would love a real visual. Also, does anyone remember the name of the lesbian bar that was attached to it? It's entrance was up some stairs on Stanford.

Anyone remember the old House of Pies/Guys on Kirby Drive? That place was wild.

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

WOW. I just read through this entire thread. I had forgotten about Lola's, which was on Fairwiew across from the Rip Cord. What a real sleazy pit that was. Keep seeing Jerry Vanover's name--what an insane character. He can't possibly still be alive. Someone also mentioned the Round Table and Baja Sam's (they had a great brunch on Sunday's). Also, that tree limb which was on the patio on the Locker--it use to have a can of crisco tied to it. I ate many a hamburger at Prince's and lots of brisket at that BBQ place that was in that old gas station catty corner from it. Don't forget that great Mexican restaurant that was down the street, right at the curve on Crocker.

The Chicken Coop was one of the wildest, yet laid back places I have ever been in. You could be drinking at he bar talking to someone in a business suit, next to a hustler being harrangued by a trannie hooker, buy a couple of joints from someone at the pool table. Then go sit at that round table and get good and loaded. You could also buy a capsule of X with your beer at the Midnight Sun.

Does any remember the motorcycle over the pool table in Mary's? Or Mary's in Galvaston? Or watching Fanny Farmer drive up to Mary's on his motorcycle with his dog perched in front of him. Or the bartender's in Mary's swinging from that trapeze behind the bar? And what went on out on that patio and back bar is stuff for porn films.

I've got to say I am glad Half Price books is still open. It was one of my favorite bookstores.

Lower Westheimer on the weekends was a circus. It was bumper to bumper. Talk about alive! I'm glad I got to spend the early 80s there. It's a time that can't be repeated. I'm glad my car knew it's way home cause many a night I was seeing two versions of the road. Fortunately it was a straight drive up Main Street to Hermann Drive.

Does anyone remember when the KKK marched down Westheimer. There were 100 klan's men and 400 cops. I think that was in 83/84. Or that roller skating group, The Urban Animals? How about Cabaret Voltaire--I still have a cassette from a Bark Hard show there.

After I left Houston in 86 I heard that the crack epidemic pretty destroyed that area.

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

The Chicken Coop...does anyone remember the name of the lesbian bar that was attached to it? It's entrance was up some stairs on Stanford.

Won't swear to it, but think it was called Twins.

Same era (early 80's) there was a lesbian bar on Lovett (south side, between Roseland and Stanford), which sat far back on the lot. That may have been Twins, but I'm thinking it was called something else. Anyone remember? It holds the distinction of having had the first CD jukebox I ever saw.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Won't swear to it, but think it was called Twins.

Same era (early 80's) there was a lesbian bar on Lovett (south side, between Roseland and Stanford), which sat far back on the lot. That may have been Twins, but I'm thinking it was called something else. Anyone remember? It holds the distinction of having had the first CD jukebox I ever saw.

The first LezBar I remember was Just Marion and Lynn's, but I remember it being over on Richmond near Chaputepec. I remember somebody shot and killed Lynn and then Marion moved over to Richmond and 610 and opened Kindred Spirits. These are all vague recollections. I remember a bar called Twins, but can't remember where it was. What was the bar called that was attached to Charlie's Coffeeshop?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The first LezBar I remember was Just Marion and Lynn's, but I remember it being over on Richmond near Chaputepec. I remember somebody shot and killed Lynn and then Marion moved over to Richmond and 610 and opened Kindred Spirits. These are all vague recollections. I remember a bar called Twins, but can't remember where it was. What was the bar called that was attached to Charlie's Coffeeshop?

"Just Marion and Lynns" was located at the southeast corner of Fairview and Grant (presently occupied by Cousin's). In the mid-80s it moved to the location on Richmond, and that's where Marion was shot and killed in a senseless, unsolved holdup attempt. She was a highly regarded member of the community. I don't know of any ties between Kindred Spirits and JM&Ls.

The building which housed Charlie's Coffeeshop is now occupied by Chances, which caters to a lesbian clientele. The owners of Charlie's also owned the Hotel Montegue in downtown Houston. In between those two businesses, it was also used (briefly) as a stage theater venue. In the late 70s and early 80s it was known as the Booby Rock, which (not unexpectedly) featured topless dancers. At that time the exterior of the building was clad from eaves to foundation in wood shingles, and two nude, female, pseudo-Greek concrete statues flanked the front door. To make them "classier", they were slathered in aluminum paint. One night a drunk ran into one, breaking her legs off at the ankles. Rather than replacing her, the management merely wrapped a length of chain around her neck to hold her up; she now rests in the back patio of Mary's.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Does anyone remember when the KKK marched down Westheimer. There were 100 klan's men and 400 cops. I think that was in 83/84. Or that roller skating group, The Urban Animals? How about Cabaret Voltaire--I still have a cassette from a Bark Hard show there.

i saw several shows at cabaret voltaire, but it did close pretty soon after i started going there with any regularity. and bachanon - i still listen to the band all the time, too. how long were the urban animals around? i remember seeing them out & about a lot, and then they were just gone - or at least i never saw them anymore. didn't they used to joust & such?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

how long were the urban animals around? i remember seeing them out & about a lot, and then they were just gone - or at least i never saw them anymore. didn't they used to joust & such?

i believe they started in the 80's. many are still around and just dont skate as much. they do still joust, the younger ones that is.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

"Just Marion and Lynns" was located at the southeast corner of Fairview and Grant (presently occupied by Cousin's). In the mid-80s it moved to the location on Richmond, and that's where Marion was shot and killed in a senseless, unsolved holdup attempt. She was a highly regarded member of the community. I don't know of any ties between Kindred Spirits and JM&Ls.

The building which housed Charlie's Coffeeshop is now occupied by Chances, which caters to a lesbian clientele. The owners of Charlie's also owned the Hotel Montegue in downtown Houston. In between those two businesses, it was also used (briefly) as a stage theater venue. In the late 70s and early 80s it was known as the Booby Rock, which (not unexpectedly) featured topless dancers. At that time the exterior of the building was clad from eaves to foundation in wood shingles, and two nude, female, pseudo-Greek concrete statues flanked the front door. To make them "classier", they were slathered in aluminum paint. One night a drunk ran into one, breaking her legs off at the ankles. Rather than replacing her, the management merely wrapped a length of chain around her neck to hold her up; she now rests in the back patio of Mary's.

Lynn was the one that was killed. Marion C. is still around. I found out from an old timer that Twins was on the south side of Lovett, sort of between Baja Sam's and KLOL that were on the north side.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

Loading...
×
×
  • Create New...