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

 
Wolfe's Den
Location: 302 E. Madison St., Eau Claire WI

Opened:
Closed:

 about 1990
2005
Clientele:

Male/ Female
Bar/ lounge/ social
 
       
 

The Wolfe's Den (aka Wolfie's) had been a neighborhood bar since the early 1980's or possibly before. The owner John Wolfe was gay, and word of that got out around 1990; as a result, he lost most of his 'straight' clientele. Meanwhile, most of the remaining customers were the gay regulars, but the owner didn't advertise as a gay bar until The Trading Company opened in 1995, giving him the confidence to advertise more openly.

John Wolfe the owner passed away in 2005, and the bar became incorporated with a neighboring restaurant. (It is no longer gay.)

More information about this business is welcome from anyone who can contribute same.

Northwest Wisconsin News article
(Quest vol 3-03, March 1996)
 
Ad, Easter Hat contest
(Quest vol 3-05, April 1996)
 
Ad, Miss Gay Eau Claire USofA Pageant
(In Step vol 13-12, June 1996)
 

Various advertisements in one issue of G-Street magazine
(G-Street vol 1-07, January 2001)
 

Ad, July 4 Cookout & Karaoke
(G-Street vol 1-12, June 2001)
 
Ad, Chippewa Valley Pride
(G-Street vol 2-02, August 2001)
 
 


Early advertisement
(Quest vol. 3-03, March 1996)
 


Photo of the owner, John Wolfe
(courtesy of contributor V.K.)
 

Credits: web site concept, content and design by Don Schwamb.
Information on Eau Claire bars contributed by V.K..
Last updated: August-2022.

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