Drag in Chicago
Title
Drag in Chicago
Subject
History of Drag
Creator
Elizabeth Benacka
Publisher
Chicago History Museum
Date
1850-1990
Contributor
Rodney Bethea
Items in the Drag in Chicago Collection
Berlin Nightclub
1987- Notorious gay bar known for it's European vibe and drag performances, in service for over 3 decades
Sidetrack
1982-open
Ann Sather Restaurant
1945- not specifically known as a place of drag performance, but the site of many community gatherings in support of LGBTQ+ matters (website somewhat backs this). Known for Joan Jett Blakk's announcment for president candidacy
Academy of Music
Donniker’s Minstrel’s theater where they performed “Africanized opera bouffe) of minstrel and drag
Hooley's Theatre
Ella Wesner, male impersonator, performed here; Chicago Whispers, also black face performed here
Queen of Finnie's Masquerade Ball, Trianon Ballroom
View of guests attending Queen of Finnie's Annual Masquerade Ball at the Trianon Ballroom, 6201 South Cottage Grove Avenue, Chicago. Guests in attendance included donor James C. Darby and members of Chicago's gay community; 1958
Queen of Finnie's Masquerade Ball, Trianon Ballroom
View of guests attending Queen of Finnie's Annual Masquerade Ball at the Trianon Ballroom, 6201 South Cottage Grove Avenue, Chicago. Guests in attendance included donor James C. Darby and members of Chicago's gay community.
Jewel Box Review, Robert's Show Lounge
View of the Jewel Box Revue, a traveling drag review held at Robert's Show Lounge, 6622 South Park Way (now King Drive), Chicago. Guests in attendance included donor James C. Darby and members of Chicago's gay community.
Beaux Arts Ball, Ambassador West Hotel
View of the Jewel Box Revue, a traveling drag review held at Robert's Show Lounge, 6622 South Park Way (now King Drive), Chicago. Guests in attendance included donor James C. Darby and members of Chicago's gay community.
Beaux Arts Ball, Ambassador West Hotel
View of guests attending the Beaux Arts Ball at the Ambassador West Hotel, 1300 North State Parkway, Chicago, 1958. Guests in attendance included donor James C. Darby and members of Chicago's gay community.
Beaux Arts Ball, Ambassador West Hotel
View of guests attending the Beaux Arts Ball at the Ambassador West Hotel, 1300 North State Parkway, Chicago, 1958. Guests in attendance included donor James C. Darby and members of Chicago's gay community.
Beaux Arts Ball, Ambassador West Hotel
View of guests attending the Beaux Arts Ball at the Ambassador West Hotel, 1300 North State Parkway, Chicago, 1958. Guests in attendance included donor James C. Darby and members of Chicago's gay community
Beaux Arts Ball, Ambassador West Hotel
View of guests attending the Beaux Arts Ball at the Ambassador West Hotel, 1300 North State Parkway, Chicago, 1958. Guests in attendance included donor James C. Darby and members of Chicago's gay community.
Beaux Arts Ball, Ambassador West Hotel
View of guests attending the Beaux Arts Ball at the Ambassador West Hotel, 1300 North State Parkway, Chicago, 1958. Guests in attendance included donor James C. Darby and members of Chicago's gay community.
Beaux Arts Ball, Ambassador West Hotel
View of guests attending the Beaux Arts Ball at the Ambassador West Hotel, 1300 North State Parkway, Chicago, 1958. Guests in attendance included donor James C. Darby and members of Chicago's gay community.
Beaux Arts Ball, Ambassador West Hotel
View of guests attending the Beaux Arts Ball at the Ambassador West Hotel, 1300 North State Parkway, Chicago, 1958. Guests in attendance included donor James C. Darby and members of Chicago's gay community.
Queen of Finnie's Masquerade Ball, Trianon Ballroom
View of guests attending Queen of Finnie's Annual Masquerade Ball at the Trianon Ballroom, 6201 South Cottage Grove Avenue, Chicago. Guests in attendance included donor James C. Darby and members of Chicago's gay community.
La Cueva
1980's- known as the oldest Latina drag bar, known to be open in 1981
Beaux Arts Ball at the Ambassador West Hotel
View of guests attending the Beaux Arts Ball at the Ambassador West Hotel, 1300 North State Parkway, Chicago, 1958. Guests in attendance included donor James C. Darby and members of Chicago's gay community.
Private Halloween Party in Chicago
View of guests attending a private Halloween party in Chicago. Guests in attendance included donor James C. Darby and members of Chicago's gay community.
Private Halloween Party in Chicago
View of guests attending a private Halloween party in Chicago. Guests in attendance included donor James C. Darby and members of Chicago's gay community.
Private Halloween Party in Chicago
View of guests attending a private Halloween party in Chicago. Guests in attendance included donor James C. Darby and members of Chicago's gay community.
Private Halloween Party in Chicago
View of guests attending a private Halloween party in Chicago. Guests in attendance included donor James C. Darby and members of Chicago's gay community.
Private Halloween Party in Chicagao
View of guests attending a private Halloween party in Chicago. Guests in attendance included donor James C. Darby and members of Chicago's gay community.
Private Halloween Party in Chicago
View of guests attending a private Halloween party in Chicago. Guests in attendance included donor James C. Darby and members of Chicago's gay community.
Private Halloween Party in Chicago
View of guests attending a private Halloween party in Chicago. Guests in attendance included donor James C. Darby and members of Chicago's gay community.
Queen of Finnie's Annual Masquerade Ball, Trianon Ballroom
View of guests attending Queen of Finnie's Annual Masquerade Ball at the Trianon Ballroom, 6201 South Cottage Grove Avenue, Chicago. Guests in attendance included donor James C. Darby and members of Chicago's gay community.
Queen of Finnie's Annual Masquerade Ball, Trianon Ballroom
View of guests attending Queen of Finnie's Annual Masquerade Ball at the Trianon Ballroom, 6201 South Cottage Grove Avenue, Chicago. Guests in attendance included donor James C. Darby and members of Chicago's gay community.