HIGH GEAR

feature

Akron in review

by Steve Jobe

Akron, Ohio, the rubber capitol of the world, is situated in the northeastern part of Ohio. Today, Akron is the center of a metroplex situation that offers a wide variety of places where gays way meet and socialize.

S years ago, back in 1964, Akron certainly was not the center as it is today. At that time, Akron had two mixed bars, The Lincoln Bar and The Cadillac. Both bars were crude salon types and if one was under 18, he or she was not permitted. Those that were, many times found a rougher type crowd who often caused many a fight. For those that either were too young or chose not to visit the two establishments, their Homes were the only other asylums where gay socializing could occurr. Others walked the streets or visited the still notorious Grace Park and still many remained to be closeted. There was always the fear of bar raids or being picked up by the police if one chose the streets. The news of New York's famous Stonewall riots meant very little to gay Akronites at that

themselves amidst

time.

As the 60's came to a close, private bars dawned a new era for gays in Akron. Two gay bars where dancing was permitted opened up; The Market Cafe and Rene's Bar-only to be followed by The Robinhood, a gentleman's bar where live piano music could be enjoyed.

As the 70's took hold, Mother's Bar and Myrtles 5 & dime opened in downtown Akron. Both bars were successful, but lasted only a few short years. It seemed for Akron that Gay Bars were only short life span businesses.

Soon to break that short life span came Satan's Bar opening up in 1972 on West Market Street. Satan's Bar offered an inferno for the girls and a den for the boys. Three years later, they moved to their present address at 839 South Arlington Street. Recently, High Gear Staff visited Satans along with the other Akron Bars.

A loud "YEA" filled the air when patrons at Satan's Bar were told of High Gear staff's presence. One of Satan's

patrons, Pat Krajeck, struck up a conversation with us. Pat worked as a bartender for the Market Cafe back in the 60's. "Satans, a

far cry from the Market," as Pat put it, gives her and her friends an ideal place to meet and socialize. There are pool tables, a large stage and plenty of seating space.

Satan's has had many benefits such as one for Akron's gay disc jockey, Ma Ma Fitz and The Metropolitan Community Church. Most recent was a benefit heid for one of Satan's patrons, Judy Fluharty, whose child custody case was denied back in June of 78 and is currently being re-appealed. Satan's Bar and patrons raised over $350 towards Judy's staggering $2,500 legal fees. Judy says she really appreciated the support both moral and financial. She says she still will continue to re-appeal her case right up through the court system until she wins her

children.

Next, High Gear Staff paid the Hayloft at 77 North Adams a visit. Helen, Hayloft owner, greeted the staff at the door. She welcomed us to what her patrons

have said is the friendliest night spot in town. Tom C.,

patron,asked us to sit a spell and talk. We asked Tom if Akron's Gay Community needed something more than just bars; " think it would be nice if we had a social center or gay community house," Tom replied. Such a center could easily become a reality with support such as The Hayloft has shown for Akron's gay churches, Metropolitan Community Church and Cascade Community Church.

Charles Boyd, professional dancer, volunteered his services on five occasions as The Hayloft's auctioneer. He also has decorated The Hayloft in keeping with each season of the year. Two benefit auctions were held for each church and the fifth

was a Salvation Army Auction. Most recently was an auction for Akron's Cascade Community Church which raised over $340 towards the Church's new home. Everything from telephones to plants was auctioned off.

Currently, The Hayloft is selling GEAR 50/50 contest tickets which will generate funds for GEAR programs and make someone a little richer with the 50% of the ticket sales as Grand Prize.

Like The Hayloft, The American Disco, located at 419 Kenmore Boulevard,also opened its doors in 1974. As co-owner, Steve Skorbot told us, they were one of the first Discos in Ohio. The American Disco was an overnight success as the new sound of disco evaded the land. Parking is never a problem at The American Disco as the lot can easily hold over 200 cars. New additional lighting for the parking lot is currently being installed to better serve their customers.

The American Disco has two bars to serve their patrons and a new dance floor that is housed by glass enclosures, which can easily be seen from either bar. Patrons doing the disco under Steve's unique light show enjoy Akron's only dry ice vapor drifting from the ceiling which adds to the lively atmosphere. A new ceiling for the dance floor will soon be installed and new sit down food facilities will be a new feature in coming months.

We ask patron Tom Gaul, a Clevelandite, why he comes to The American, "Because I always meet the neatest people here and cause it's so close off of 1-76."

The American, too, has been very supportive of Akron's Gay Community. They have been Akron's best supporter of High Gear for over four years.

Men's Rap Session 3rd Sun. 4-7p.m. Kent United Presbyterian Church 1456 E. Summit St. Sponsored by

The Tri-Co Gay Coalition & Presbyterian Gay Caucus

Recently, The American held a benefit which raised over $250 for Matlovich's proposition 6 campaign. In past years, The American has held several benefits for Akron's MCC and Salvation Army.

The American was the first bar in Akron in which the gay community went to bat for. Several years ago, police were arresting and harassing patrons as they left the American's parking lot. Stan Roberts, MCC Pastor at that time, and many others picketed the city building in retaliation for the unnecessary harassment. Soon after. the harassment stopped.

At about the same time the American began business. The Metropolitan Community Church began organizing in Akron. Their first Pastor was Joel Kaul who now works for Cleveland's West 9th Street Club. MCC went through many a rough time those first years. Homophobic straights threw rocks at the church's meeting place on Maple Street.

moved its services to the Not long after that, MCC Unitarian Universalist Church at 3300 Morewood Road. Stan Roberts took over the job as Pastor at that time and guided the congregation into receiving the Charter for their church.

Today, Reverend Karen Wheeler and Reverend Angie Umbertino co-pastor the Church. Services are held each Sunday at 2 pm with a fellowship hour following the services.

In May of 1976, Akron acquired another gay social spot. The Stagecoach. It is Akron's most centrally located bar at 259 East Market Street. According to patron, Dean Welman, "The Stagecoach jumps seven nights a week". Like Satans. The Stagecoach is equally popular by both men and women.

remodeled their building Recently, The Stagecoach installing new soft lighting, a cloak room and new sound system. We ask several patrons why they came to The Stagecoach. The consensus was reasonable prices for strong

drinks.

The Stagecoach, like other bars, also is very supportive to Akron's gay non-profit organiztions. Two benefits for Akron's Metropolitan Community Church have been held this year alone. In the past, many gay and human rights groups met there and were well welcomed.

Christmas Eve 1977, Akron

OF

FAMIL

CASCADE

MUNITY

CHURCH

again added but another place for gays to go. Dissidents from Akron's MCC formed their own non-denominational church, Cascade Community Church. The Reverend C. Shawn Farrell was called from Dallas, Texas to pastor the new church.

Now starting their second year, Cascade meets each Sunday, at 2 pm to share in worship at The Faith Community Church on the corners of Allyn and Wheeler Streets. From a small congregation to 25 in the begining, Cascade has tripled their membership roles in less than a year.

As 1978 came into being. The Akron Steam and Sauna moved to a new location at 41 South Case Avenue selling their old facility to The Club Bath Chain. (CBC). Akron Steam and Sauna had been in operation for almost ten years, however, the management during that time kept strict rules with no special outreach to any one group.

The Akron Steam and Sauna is open daily from 1 p.m. to 7 a.m. large steam or Sauna facilities. One can enjoy either, the new Owner Gene boasts about their new whirlpool, which is one of Ohio's largest and most therapeutic in the area. There is ample parking and over 40 rooms

for the customers.

the building at 1339 East Market Street in June of 1978, a major renovation was in order. The lower portion of the building once housed the Market Cafe back in the 60's and Akron Steam and Sauna occupied the upper level.

When The Club Bath took over

gutted to allow a complete new The building was completely floor plan layout. New oval showers were installed, 13 large rooms were built, a TV room was included, and a nearly completed on the lower level. On the upper exercise room was planned; all level, 15 large rooms were built, a movie room put in, a canteen installed, and Sauna adjoining more showers.

Still in the plans for the Club Akron is a new whirlpool which is hoped to be in service by the. spring of 1979. A rooftop sundeck is planned and a new improved dormitory will be included.

When one looks back over the past. 15 years, the progress for gay life in Akron certainly has improved. Hopefully, the next 15 years will be as good.

services:

Sundays 2:00P.M.

Faith Assembly Church

Allyn and Wheeler Sts.

Rev. C. Shawn Farrell Akron, Ohio

Pastor

Mailing address:

241 Wheeler St Akron, Ohio 44304

Phone:

(216) 434-8709