Stargaze

While many newbees of the late 70's and early 80's began the process of self discovery at the ripe young age of 16 or 17, I was not aware of the existence of Montrose until I was 22. What I found back then was absolutely amazing. The excitement, adventure and newness of discovering this part of Houston was wonderfully astounding. Perhaps I had lived a sheltered life because I had grown up in Houston but had never known about Montrose until then. For a newbee, the area was a great big wonderful world unto itself. It was like Disneyland for gay people. In addition to the obvious excitement for a young gay man, there was something more. This part of town offered not only a place to relate to others like me, but an area with a personality and flavor unlike any other in the city. I enjoyed the new discovery for a number of years before my travels took me away from Houston. Since I moved away some years ago, I have been hearing rumblings that it is definitely not the same Montrose. I still live out of town but I would love to know what Montrose is like today compared to the 70's and 80's. My curiosity is all consuming. I would really appreciate your feedback. Hopefully, my life will someday return me to one of the most wonderful cities in the world. Until then, I would love to know what's changed about the area and the experience of living there. Thank you

I went online to maps.google.com to look around at the Montrose neighborhood since I have been away from Houston and the Montrose area since around 1986 or so. It was painful to see a vacant lot where the Midnight Sun used to be located. Replaced for a parking lot? Really? Other equal disasters were very discouraging like Dirty Sally's. Change is o.k. as long as it is change for the better. It's clear that people investing in the community do not have their heart in it - just their pocket book and self serving interests. By the way, I noticed that noone mentioned The COPA. Remember that one? It was located in the corner of an L-shaped strip of businesses on the corner of Richmond and Kirby. The music, dance floor and good times were amazing. I understand it has long been changed to something else. I'm not sure when the demise of The Copa happened but it was quite an exciting place - just a little removed from the central area of the heart of Montrose. I've tried to theorize about the devolution of Montrose's community personality from the 80's to the present. Some changes, of course, happen even in the best of times. But I am thinking that perhaps one possible source of so many businesses going by the wayside might include revenue lost as a result of those who, sadly, may have had to prioritize personal funds towards health care related expenses. Forgive me if I am missing facts which are obvious to those who have lived in the Montrose area over the course of the last two and a half decades, or less. I would love your feedback.

It doesn't sound like a bad idea, just not a constructive move towards the restoration of the Golden Age of Montrose. I feel like I'm in the movie Titanic: It's as if I'm in a crowded room screaming to the top of my lungs and noone even notices. Well, at least not the movers and shakers who control the flavor and personality of the neighborhood.

I am saddened by the loss of Mary's. Although it was never my cup of tea back in the day, nonetheless, it has always been such an iconic landmark that has weathered the storms of change. I've been away from Houston and Montrose for a number of years now. This was one of the few places that reminded me of a time when Montrose was simply magical.