Newspaper Page Text
THE BARB -7
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George & Don Make It Happen In Memphis
Memphis, Tn. - In a
recent interview with
George and Don, owners of
George’s Theatre and
Lounge in Memphis, they
told us that Memphis has
come a long way since 1970
when they purchased a run
down beer bar, with a seat
ing capacity of less than
forty people, with falling
plaster, leaky plumbing and
broken down equipment.
“You can imagine what
we were in for when we
bought the old “Famous
Door’’ for the total price
of $1,700 back in 1970’’,
George said.
After maintaining that
place for a year, they were
able to get one next door,
and using their capital,
with the help of their many
friends, they managed to
make the place look fairly
decent.
Three years later, after
major remodeling, Geor
ge’s has become one of the
most popular night spots in
Memphis, with a seating
capacity of more than three
hundred people. There is a
cruisy piano bar that seats
thirty-four persons, a se
parate show bar with rais
ed levels, a huge dance
floor and complete dining
facilities. You may order
your favorite cocktail be
cause they are licensed for
liquor and beer. The place
is at the point of being ele-
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Laura, Joan, Liz, Michelle, And Michelle Danielle
Sab rina
Miss George’s
gant, but Don and George
wants to maintain a casual
atmosphere.
Although Don and George
own George’s, they feel it
really belongs to their
many customers and
friends who have been be
hind them all the way with
their support, making it
what it is today, Memphis’
finest night spot.
Like most of us Don and
George have had their set
backs. In 1971 when police
harassment was prevalent,
they were raided because
of a drag show, and the
entire cast including
George was hauled off to
jail for the evening
their friends and custo
mers heard about this, it
caused a ruckus, around
town. The corridors of the
jail were packed with a lot
of supporters, including
many of the bar owners.
All of them were freed on
bail and the trial was set
for a month later. This
resulted in a front page
news story, with follow
up articles and interviews
with two members of the
cast on one of Memphis’
most polular talk shows.
To their surprise, they
found many supporters,
both straight and gay.
The New George’s Theatre And Lounge
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They were advised by
their Attorney to discon
tinue drag shows until after
the trial, which almost re
sulted in bankruptcy for
them. Once again, their
many friends and suppor
ters, including beer sales
men and even the exter
minating men, joined to
gether with donations for
attorney fees, etc. After
the trial (you really
couldn’t call it a trial be
cause no one showed up
to prosecute) the case was
dismissed, and George’s
resumed the shows and bar
activities. Because of all
the free publicity, it was
even bigger and better, with
no more harassment.
The nickname, “Geor
ge’s Truck Stop and Drag
Bar’’ has been tagged on
for obvious reasons. Most
every night you will find
a couple of semis parked
at the curb. . .
George recently an
nounced with pride their
holding of the exclusive
rights to the “Miss Gay
Tennessee’’ pageant this
year to be held December
7th and 8th. It will be a
major happening in Mem
phis, with well known en
tertainers Shawn Luis,
the Miss Gay America
1975, Lady Baronessa, and
Norma Christie, the two
former Miss Gay Americas,
on hand for the crowning.
George’s shows are both
entertaining and exciting,
as well as most of the clien-
tel, and features such
greats as Laura, Joanne,
Michelle Danielle, Sandi
Dale, Melina, KareyDenis,
and of course the infamous
Lily Christine. They alsc
welcome guest artists frorr
other clubs throughout the
country. Every effort is
made to make George’s
comfortable, casual and
exciting place, and one to
be proud of by George, Don
and the Memphians.
When in Memphis, don’t
miss the fun and gaiety.
Go by George’s Theatre
And Lounge at 1786 MadL
son Ave. You won’t regret
it.
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