History of Gay and Lesbian Life in Wisconsin - Businesses - Bars and Clubs

 
Neptune Club
Location: 1100 E. Kane, Milwaukee WI

Opened:
Closed:

May, 1972
approx. 1973
Clientele:

Male/ female
Bar

 

 
       
 

The Neptune Club advertised its grand opening as May 27, 1972 (in the GPU News), and advertised that it would also be serving food. Neptune was popular for drag shows and dance music. (The first ads mistakenly listed the address as 1102 E. Kane, the entrance to an apartment upstairs; the address was changed in later advertising to 1100 E. Kane.)

Neptune Club is believed to have been Chuck Cicirello's first gay bar. He closed The Neptune in 1973 to open the Factory, which was to become the legendary Milwaukee dance/ disco bar, followed by Factory 2 and 3, 27th St. Danceteria, and other bars in later years.

    According to historian Michail Takach, Neptune was opened in what was formerly Fish’s Harbor Tavern. The building was later popular as 'the Landing' and 'the Tasting Room' (1993–2007).

(A book, "LGBT Milwaukee" by Michail Takach, seeks to make the story of LGBT Milwaukee accessible, visible, and portable for future generations--before it is too late. The Neptune Club is one of many early LGBT landmarks documented in the book.)

More information about this business is welcomed from anyone who can contribute it.

 


Neptune Club building c2010


Advertisement, May-June 1972
in GPU News


Advertisement, July 1972


Advertisement, August 1972
in GPU News

Credits: initial contents, web site concept and design by Don Schwamb.
Additional research and commentary by Michail Takach.
Last updated: August-2023.

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