History of Gay and Lesbian Life in Wisconsin - Businesses - Retail Establishments

 
OutWords Books, Gifts & Coffee
previously AfterWords Bookstore & Espresso Bar
Location: 2710 N. Murray Ave.

Opened:
Closed:

July 1993
(on-going)
Clientele:

Books, Gifts, Coffee
Male/ female

 

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Outwords Books, Gifts & Coffee was opened on July 9, 1993 by Carl M. Szatmary. It was a natural for Szatmary, who had been writing book reviews for both In Step magazine and Wisconsin Light newspaper for years. Originally named "AfterWords Bookstore & Espresso Bar", it was located just north of Park Place on N. Murray, on Milwaukee's fashionable East Side.

Just weeks after the store opened, another Grand Opening was held for its Cafe business, off to one side of the store.

From the outset, the business hosted such events as author talks and readings, and regular book club sessions. In addition to frequent advertising in local LGBT periodicals, they also published Best Books lists each month, around the holidays and at year-end, and even printed a semi-regular newsletter for patrons.

The business was forced to change its name to "OutWords Books, Gifts & Coffee" in 2001 due to a trademark issue with another "Afterwords" bookstore in Washington D.C. The business continued to thrive however, and continues to operate in 2023.

Advertisement: booth at PrideFest prior to opening
(In Step vol. 10-12, June 1993)
 
Article: Espresso Bar Grand Opening
weeks after store opening
(In Step vol. 10-15, July 1993)
 
Ad: Espresso Bar Grand Opening
(In Step vol. 10-15, July 1993)
 
Photo: Card selection
(In Step vol. 11-24, Dec. 1994)
 
Photo inside store
(In Step vol. 11-24, Dec. 1994)
 
Photo: owner with author Greg Louganis
(Quest vol. 3-05, April 1996)
 
Photos: 20th Anniversary (owner Carl Szatmary in blue shirt)
(Quest vol. 20-08, August 2013)
 
 


Article: First G/L Bookstore to open
(Wis. Light vol. 6-12, June 1993)


Ad: Grand Opening
(Wis. Light vol. 6-13, June 1993)


Photo: Owner Carl Szatmary
(In Step vol. 10-15, July 1993)


Newsletter, Winter 1993 (PDF)

Credits: web site concept, contents, design and arrangement by Don Schwamb.
Last updated: January-2023.

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