Lapdances are a Consitutional Right for Strippers in Salem

Well maybe not yet in Multnomah County, but down in Salem and judge has weighed in his verdict on exactly how close is, well, it doesn't matter in his opinion... it is all free speech.

"Portland is the most oversaturated strip-club city in the world"

As if those of us here did not already know this. The WW had an article this week highlighting one of Portland's more nefarious industries. Say what you like about them, women and liquor have gone together for over 125 years in this city. It isn't anything new.

Back in the late 1800's the area north of Burnside, known then as just "The North Side", was full of bars and taverns catering to the sailor, miner, and loggers that transitted through Portland on their way to other locations. In many of the taverns and saloons it was much the same; liquor and gambling on the first floor, ladies for entertainment on the second. Erikson's Saloon, perhaps one of the most famous of Portland's history, actually allowed women to dance on stage on the first floor. However, due to the rowdiness of the customers, August Erikson surrounded the stage with electrical fencing when it became available (aside - this feature might have just been the icing on the cake for the movie, Roadhouse).

For many years, much of the money generated here bought alot of political influence in the city. And it was not until the clean-up that came in 1905 with the coming of the Lewis and Clark Centennial that Portland's image of rough, men-only type of town began to relax.

The first Gentlemen's club, as we know them today, was Mary's, began in 1965. Since then the industry has boomed, to over 40 clubs, and at least 500 bars. "Liquor and women, a good combination...", my slight adjustment to the lyrics of Kenny Rogers.

The Portland Strip Club Follow-Up

A week ago I posted a bit about Mary's Club, Portland's first strip club. The post had more to do with a photograph I took of the outside, and a bit of history of the place behind the neon. Many people seemed to take notice, and while Portland still seems to lack a blog dedicated to Gentleman's Clubs (though believe me the thought of a new book/blog dedicated to this subject has been passed around amongst my friends with a great deal of enthusiasm), I wanted to give credit to others (thanks to BarFlyMag.com) who have posted on this matter in the past... it isn't history, but merely some good pointers for those who have never been.

Work still continues on my new book, and to my good fortune there is much available to research... I fear that uncovering the history behind the plethora of Portland's Gentleman's Clubs might prove much more daunting.

But if someone knows otherwise, let me know. I know my friends would buy that book...

The First (Topless) Strip Club of Portland

Mary's Club is practically a landmark in Portland since its inception back in 1954, and its addition of topless dancers in 1965. Now Mary's wasn't going to qualify for my book, and this blog isn't about Portland's many "academies of dance" - of which there are many. Still, I liked the grittiness of this shot, and if you haven't been inside, well, some things just have to be experienced.

Which brings up the question: Does Portland have any successful blogs out there devoted to these unique establishments? I know there must be, but I haven't seen one (or rather I have not spent time actively looking)... some one please make a liar out of me. Seems like an easy way to make some coin in this town.