Hoyt Hotel
The Hoyt Hotel, specifically the Gracie Hansen’s Roaring 20s Room was where drag balls were held off and on between 1967-1971. The history is also under ORGANIZATIONS - Imperial Soveriegn Rose Court.
The first mention of the Hoyt Hotel and/or Gracie Hansen’s Roaring 20s Room was in Doug Baker’s column in the Oregon Journal March 23, 1967, page 3 [see below middle] The first ball to have been held at the Hoyt Hotels Gracie Hansen’s Roaring 20s Room was to be the spring ball entitled “April in Portland”. Through Doug Baker’s Column in The Oregon Journal, March 23, 1967, page 3 – was there pressure by the mayor not to have the ball held at the Hoyt? It appears to be so.
1967 - Spring Ball produced by the Pruitts
Where: Neighbors of Woodcraft Hall
In the article published in The City Open Press page 14 October 25-November 21, 1985: The Imperial Sovereign Rose Court of Oregon, it states, “In the Spring of 1967, The Pruitts staged another show at the Neighbors of Woodcraft Hall. The show, “April in Portland” gave Kissi Diki the title of Queen, which somehow fit appropriately.”
Where: Neighbors of Woodcraft Hall [originally scheduled for Gracie Hansen’s Roaring 20s Room]
The second time a ball took place was for the 1967 Fall Ball Halloween, October 31, 1967 Theme: Pot Pourri Crowned: Mame, David Hamilton was crowned Rose Queen VI. Confirmed per Monarch's History (rosecourt.org) [see below Left]
Photos below Left in the photo far left with a striped jacket and red hair is Darcelle, the man in a tuxedo is Sanford Director; Roxy next to the statue the person walking from the steps is Rose Empress XII Lisa Jean. The photo below Right: Lisa Jean in front of her sign in the lobby of the Hoyt Hotel, outside of the Gracie Hansen’s Roaring 20s Room.
A snippet of a mention in the Oregon Journal November 2, 1967, Page 2 [see above Right]
Per Radio Interview in April 2010, Walter W Cole/Darcelle XV explains how he first got into ‘official drag’ and his first outing was to go to this ball.
Norcross: Tell me about that moment when you first put on a dress and decided it was comfortable.
Cole: Well, I don't think it was a moment. What it was about the four-hour ordeal. Because I didn't do anything for myself, I didn't paint my own face, I didn't have my own costume.
I was 37 years old [1967] when I put on my first dress. And I was invited to a masquerade party at the Hoyt Hotel. And my friend at the time, Roxy Neuhardt, who we're still together after 40 some years, invited me in said he would paint my face. And he did and it took two hours. I do it in 20 minutes now. [Roc Neuhardt arrived at the Hoyt Hotel in 1966 when Rene DeHaven was hired as the choreographer for Gracie Hansen’s Roaring 20s Room. Roc would be one of his featured dancers – both coming from Las Vegas, Nevada. However, Roc hurt himself and did not return to Portland until 1969 therefore Walter is wrong about his time with photos to prove there is an error].
He borrowed a costume from Gracie Hansen, who was working in the Roaring 20’s room. He worked with her, but he didn't tell her he borrowed it. So, when I walked in her costume, she was not amused.”
Photos below were taken at Hoyt’s bar where over 2,500 miniature bottles were on display as part of Harvey Dick’s various items of “fun’ on display. David Hamilton/Mame is the person in the orange dress and yellow wig.
1968 – Fall Ball
Crowned: Kissi Diki crowned Rose Queen VIII. Monarch's History (rosecourt.org) however, per Monarch's History (rosecourt.org) Again, some history confused, but it appear Kissy Dickie was crowned FALL 1968. [confusing press has Kissi Diki winning in 1967 and the Imperial Sovereign Rose Court has him winning in 1968]
Kissy Dickie [Per the 1977 by W Holman for the Northwest Gay Review in A Gay History, lest it be forgotten. Cited on page 5 of the Special Issue it states “In spring 1967, the Pruitt’s staged another show at the Neighbors of Woodcraft Hall. The show “April in Portland”, gave Kissy Dickie the title of Queen, which somehow seemed to fit.
Per the Alternative Connection, page 19, October 1991 – A BIT OF COURT HISTORY by Philip Staley: A “Queen of the Ball” would be chosen by audience appreciation, although the judges seemed to hold the wand for the winner. More shows were to follow. While some of these “Queens” prefer to remain anonymous, 1967 chose Kissy Dickie as Queen, the numerical backing of some may come later in this digest.
Per Empress Tracey St. James, The person in the red wig and gloves was Kim.
1971 – Spring Ball Sunday, May 2nd at 6:30 PM PRICE $5.00 presented by The Portland Forum per The Fountain newspaper, page 13, May 1971 issue. Theme: “Academy Awards” Crowned: Telané crowned Rose Empress XIII, [Empress XII Lisa Gene stepped down] Photos below, Left Unidentified person to the left, David Hamilton/Mame to the right. Photo to the right David Hamilton/Mame and Gracie Hansen.
Per Empress Tracey St James the photo below Left: “Mame [David Hamilton] doing ‘Dear World’. That the world [he is sitting on] below his dress.” Left to Right: Ron Riddle, Rose Queen VI Mame, Ed Hash, Danielle August. Photo below Right: Rose Empress XIII Telane' seated on the throne.
The photo below Right: Possible Sanford Director to the left next to Roc Neuhardt, on the throne is Rose Empress XIII Telane’, Mame/David Hamilton is middle right in an orange flapper dress. The photo below Middle is Rose Empress XIII Telane’. The photo below Right: Van Richards/Vanessa (out of drag) and Rose Empress XIII Telane’.
Per a Facebook post by Kimberlee Van Patten on February 8, 2023, “Thought to have been crowned in the spring of 1971, Talane' is our 2nd black Rose Empress. Her predecessor Lisa Gene was the first "Queen" to use the moniker "Empress" after Vanessa went back and retroactively elevated the semi-annual "Queens for a Day" to Empresses ("Rose Empress" had yet to be coined).” Robin Robinett replied to the post by saying that, “Actually, I was there at the Hoyt hotel when Talani won the crown. It was more like a beauty contest then. She came out on stage and seductively walked around a chair and looked at the audience, and just sat down and looked wonderful, and the audience went nuts. Long time ago. I think that was also the year Darcelle and Roxie came in wearing their mirror embellished outfits.” [Believe the mirror outfit was Roxy’s for the Fall Ball 1971]
Below Left photo is the announcement for The Academy Awards Ball. Below Right is from June 1971 issue of The Fountain, page 14 under IMPERIAL TIDINGS – The Portland Forum.
“I would like to personally than everyone who made “The Academy Award’s Ball”, such a tremendous success. For me, it was one of the highlights of my reign as Empress. Never has Portland had so much Royalty assembled at one time. I join with them in wishing all of you peach and happiness, to the friendliest city on the West coast.” Empress Taleni and the official court of the 13th Rose.
It also cited: REMEMBER: Watch for “The President’s Ball” to be hosted by the Royal Court on July 18th – more on this later.
The Academy Award Ball was mentioned on page 13 of the June issue of the Fountain. “Doug Baker did it again in his Oregon Journal “Baker’s Dozen” coverage of the Academy Awards Ball.
Per the article published in The City Open Press page 14 October 25-November 21, 1985: The Imperial Sovereign Rose Court of Oregon, states, “Telanie, later abdicating as Empress XIII, would be the last Empress to be crowned by the Portland Forum. Before the next Empress was chosen the now so-named “Rose Court” would become a separate entity; and by popular vote by the community would be the next Empress be selected.”
Empress Telani stepped down within months of being crowned and Vanessa was designated Regent Empress XIII and ruled in her place until the Fall Ball. It is said that Rose Empress XIII Telane’ stepped down due to not having the flexibility to fulfill her duties due to the restraints that Vanessa who was given the title of Protectoress of the Empresses meant you couldn't do or say anything without her approval. Per Imperial Sovereign Rose Court of Oregon documents state, “Vanessa was instituted as Regent and Protectoress of Empresses by the Portland Forum in order to complete the reign.” [Upon Tracey St. James stepping down in 1972, she proclaimed Vanessa, Rose Empress XIII, thus removing Regent from her title.]
First of two balls – the October Fall Ball – announcement of the candidates
Theme: Right On! Rev. Jones! Date: October 31, 1971
AND 1971 – Fall/ October ball – First “Presentation of Candidates running for Empress”
Theme: “Right On! Rev Jones! Crowned: announcement of the candidates as per an article below Middle in The Fountain, November 1971 about Gracie Hansen being part of the show. Photos below Right are some of the photos taken of Gracie. Far below Right is the Review of Right On! Rev Jones! Was in The Fountain, December 1971 issue page 28. Interestingly though, if you read at the bottom of the article it states that Tracey St James is declared Empress of the Inland Empire BUT, there will be a Coronation Ball and come to find out that’s where she is crowned!
Then a group number.
Below Left is the program front that would be used for both the announcement of the candidates “Right On Rev Jones” and the second ball the Dowager Empress Ball later themed, “Showtime at Mardi-Gras” which would be The Vanessa’s step-down see below Right. Several things happened in 1971. First, the Hoyt Hotel was slowly closing, and the Roaring 20s Room had lost Gracie Hansen which caused its luster also the Fall Ball was the final ball as the Spring and Fall Ball were combined into one yearly.
It is unclear if the following photos are from a different event or the same due to the date stamp on the side of the photos some state November 1968 and some say December 1968. The person in white is David Hamilton/Mame doing “Dear World”.
1969– Spring Ball possibly at the Roaring 20s Room. Theme: "Pot Pourri" Crowned: Ginger as Rose Queen IX
Confusing with what is stated in the press relating to Ginger and the period of time.
Per the Alternative Connection, page 19, October 1991 – A BIT OF COURT HISTORY by Philip Staley: In the fall of that year, (1967) at Gracie Hoyt Hotel, Ginger Bob became another victim of the scepter.
In the article published in The City Open Press page 14 October 25-November 21, 1985: The Imperial Sovereign Rose Court of Oregon, states, “In the fall of that same year (1967), at the Roaring 20s, entitled “Pot Pourri”, Ginger Bob was awarded the crown as Queen – a well-deserved reward.”
1969 - Confusing as per a Facebook post by Kimberlee Van Patten on February 3, 2023 “Crowned Queen for a Day and elevated to Rose Empress X by The Vanessa XIII, prior to 1971, Rochelle is our first black Rose Empress. She was allegedly crowned at the fall ball of 1969 at the "Days of Wine and Roses". However, the photo of her crowning is dated June 1968 and the inscription on the back says "Rochelle's crowning at "Moonlight and Roses".” When Doug Baker’s column in the Oregon Journal November 5, 1969, page 3 under the heading, “Belated Halloween Party at Hoyt”. Doug stated, “biggest such party in Portland history, a gathering of 600 homosexuals in the Roaring 20s Room…” [see below Left], however, he doesn’t say who won. The photo below Right is not a great photo, but there’s Gracie on a stage sitting on a motorcycle.
1970 – Spring Ball produced by the Pruitts
Per the Alternative Connection, page 19, October 1991 – A BIT OF COURT HISTORY by Philip Staley: The following Halloween, the Pruitts engineered their final effort; Anything Goes.* The Pruitts did. They disbanded and scattered. [IF you look at the Fall Ball 1969 it states that it was produced/put on by the Pruitts. Though it appears that they ‘dissolved and became Portland Forum in 1969 then incorporated in 1970 both were the precursor to The Imperial Sovereign Rose Court which in 1971 became the first court outside of San Francisco. The original name of the Portland Court was The Imperial Inland Empire.]
From the autobiography entitled Life Not Just a Drag by Gary L Alexander Portland, Oregon “By 1970, I was working at a little place called Mary’s Nightclub in Portland, Oregon. About a year before that I had visited Portland and won a contest at the annual drag ball, they held every year. By then they had entered the Imperial Court System that was forming. This system in the gay community had been started in San Francisco by Impress Jose. I believe this was the beginnings or organization in the gay community. Drags brought many gays together at their annual ball. They brought many together from other cities around the country. [It appears that Gary L Alexander aka Scarlet was stating he was crowned in 1969]. Please note that [Per the 1977 by W Holman for the Northwest Gay Review in A Gay History, lest it be forgotten. Cited on page 7 of the Special Issue it states, “The following Hallowe’en, again at the Roaring 20s, the Pruitts engineered their final effort, “Anything Goes”. The Pruitts did. They disbanded and scattered. Their last show produced Queen XI Scarlet.
Theme: Anything Goes [not to be confused by Empress Anything Goes Rose Queen VII 1968]
Crowned: - Rose Empress XI Scarlet O’Hara was crowned Rose Queen VII. Per Monarch's History (rosecourt.org)
Confusing as the article published in The City Open Press page 14 October 25-November 21, 1985: The Imperial Sovereign Rose Court of Oregon, states, “Halloween, again at the Roaring 20s, the Pruitts engineered their final effort. “Anything Goes”. The Pruitts disbanded and scattered but not before their crowning of Queen XI Scarlet.”
[Per 1977 by W Holman for the Northwest Gay Review in A Gay History, lest it be forgotten. Cited on page 7 of the Special Issue it states, “In the namesake year of ’69, the Portland Forum was founded. Auntie Mame (David Hamilton) – residue of the disbanded Pruitts, Vanessa (Van Richards), and Gary Michael were the aggravating trio responsible for forging the Forum. Vanessa assumed presidency. Their purpose was to continue the spring and fall frolics of anasy and to be a social, recreational and charitable conglomeration representing the gay population of Portland. As a non-profit organization, it was granted charter by the State of Oregon, to become the first organized organization in the city – for gaydom. Their fundraising methods were honorable and ethical. Their prosperous biannual show proceeds were donated to various charities. They also changed, through no plausible reason known, the titled for Queen to Empress. [While a queen they might well be, they would bear the title of Empresses XII of the Inland Empire.
The yearly ball which selected an Empress added another rite: a spring spree from which another title was chosen Princess Royale (later to become Back-Up Empress).
Per Rosecourt.org ‘January 16, 1970, the Portland Forum registered with the State of Oregon as a non-profit corporation.”
Crowned: Scarlet was crowned Rose Queen XI. [later changed to Empress XI] confirmed by Monarch's History (rosecourt.org)
Above Right photo was taken in December 2022 in Palm Springs, California. Scarlet O’Hara aka Gary L. Alexander born on October 11, 1942, in Los Angeles California. Upon coming to Portland, he worked at Mary’s Club [press photo to the right] as a stripper for several years in the late 60s. Leaving Portland he found work up and down the west coast from Alaska to Los Angeles as well as Nevada and Arizona for years. Per the Imperial Sovereign Rose Court of Oregon data, “Scarlet was a buxom blonde with a giant smile, a big heart, and a sense of humor to match.”
Following her reign as Rose Queen XI, she moved to the great state of Alaska. In 1978 she was crowned Empress VI of the Court of Alaska and was hence known as Alaska’s Empress VI Gari.
The photos below are from a proof sheet for the Fall Ball 1971.
In 2013 Gary wrote a book Life’s Not Just A Drag that details his life on and off the stage. At the Fall Ball, the Portland Forum [under the guidance of Vanessa as Protectress of the Empresses] changed the title from Queen to Empress; [per Imperial Sovereign Rose Court of Oregon, “Pruitts of Portland and community leader Vanessa is credited with going back through early records and identify all the Rose Queens crowned at the proceeding spring and fall balls.”
Vanessa retroactively changed the titles of all the Rose Queens to Rose Empress and assigned appropriate numbers. During the fall ball of 1970, Lisa Jean was the first Queen to use the moniker of Rose Empress and to receive a number designating her reign.
1970 - Fall Ball produced by the Portland Forum
Per the Alternative Connection, page 19, October 1991 – A BIT OF COURT HISTORY by Philip Staley: In the auspicious name-sake year 1969, the Portland Forum was formed. They changed, through no plausible reasoning, the title of Queen to Empress. While they might be, they would bear the title of Empress or else. Lisa Jean became the first Empress crowned by the form as Lisa Jean XII of the Inland Empire. [some of this feels wrong]
Crowned: Lisa Jean was proclaimed Rose Empress XII. [Portland Forum changed the title from Queen to Empress]
In the article published in The City Open Press page 14 October 25-November 21, 1985: The Imperial Sovereign Rose Court of Oregon, states, “Lisa Jean was awarded the first title of Empress, crowned by the Forum as Empress XII of the Inland Empire. The yearly Ball which selected an Empress, added another rite: a Spring Spree from which another title was chosen, Princess Royale (later to become “back-up Empress).”
As stated in the Imperial Sovereign Rose Court of Oregon records, “Lisa was a slender, beautiful queen who loved to pose for the camera decked out in feathers and jewels. She was a talented hairdresser (who completed in hair design contests), choreographer, dancer, and entertainer who acted and danced with several Portland ensembles.”
Per an interview on 10-27-2022 with Bill Looker aka Tracey St James, Empress XIV, “Lisa Gene worked at Mary’s Club [a strip club in downtown Portland] as a female impersonator – stripper along with Gary Alexander aka Scarlet. We’d go down [along with his partner Ed] and watch her strip. He [Lisa Gene] in drag would tease all the straight guys and they would get hot and bothered and at the end of the evening Lisa would come out and drop her top and there were no tits! One night it almost caused a fistfight.”
Per photo bottom Left from the column Imperial Tidings in June 1971 issue of The Fountain Vol 1 No. 4 newspaper. Per photo bottom Right is believed to have been taken at The President’s Ball per notation in the Imperial Tidings held on July 18, 1971. Note that Rose Empress XIII Telane' in the middle front second row, with the rhinestone scepter and the white coverlet.
Per the Alternative Connection, page 19, October 1991 – A BIT OF COURT HISTORY by Philip Staley: Tracy St. James, Empress XIV, was the first selected. This Empress turned to Vanessa of Royal Regency title dom, stripped her of this, and so proclaimed Vanessa to be Empress XIII…filling in the gap by the long departed Telanie.
Per the article published in The City Open Press page 15 October 25-November 21, 1985: The Imperial Sovereign Rose Court of Oregon, states, “ The year was 1970. A well-deserved freedom invaded the City of Roses. Portland’s Empress was not to be chosen by public balloting instead by again and prejudiced judges. Tracy St. James became the first Empress to be selected by this constitutional freedom of public voting to become Empress XIV.”
Note: Tracey St James was the first Empress to be voted on by the people instead of a set of judges. He noted that you had to apply, then go and be interviewed by the selected five judges. If you passed their scrutiny, then you were allowed to compete. Tracey also stated that when he was announced as the winner, Lillian Carter asked for a recount. Tracey was still the one who received the crown as Empress XVI.
Per the Alternative Connection, page 19, October 1991 – A BIT OF COURT HISTORY by Philip Staley: A yearly Ball which selected an Empress added still another rite: A Spring Spree which would select a Princess Royal or backup Empress. While certain freedoms began to spring up around the community, ie: City Hall and the like, so within the Gay Community changes became abundant. The Empress would be chosen by public balloting, not by prejudicial judges.
Changing from two balls to one didn’t stop from having another ‘event’ to announce the candidates, and that’s what the Portland Forum did – held a ball before the ‘big ball’ entitled Right on! Rev Jones! This ball caught the eye of the press, or should we say columnist Doug Baker. Doug who put his thoughts in the column of the Oregon Journal newspaper also had an office at the Hoyt. This is how a columnist for the Oregon Journal saw the affair and recounted it in one of his columns: “Halloween is the time of year when the gay world likes to party – a custom which dates back to the years when men dressed as women were often arrested for ‘disturbing the peace.’
In those days – 10 years or more ago – the only night of the year the gay boys could do their thing with immunity from arrest was Halloween when they could pass off their strange garb as ‘costuming’.
Times have changed and homosexuals in ‘drag’ are now seen around the city in the late hours with some frequency. As far as I know, none have been arrested for at least a decade.
Sunday night the gay crowd held the biggest such part in Portland history, gathering of 600 homosexuals in the Roaring 20s Room of the Hoyt Hotel.
Participants came from as far away as Medford and Seattle and an estimated 250 came dressed as women.
There was a floor show at which the Hoyt Hotel’s Gracie Hansen arrived aboard a Honda motorcycle. Both the motorbike and Miss Hansen were smothered with rhinestones.
Miss Hansen related a number of bawdy one-liners, some of them aimed at a prominent Oregon politician and not a few at my favorite columnist (me, Doug Baker). The partygoers tittered loudly at her shafts.
As is customary at such gatherings, the celebrants elected a ‘queen.’ The winner again this year was a salesclerk from a Portland jewelry store who is renowned for his exquisite costumes.”
In another column, he said that “Gracie played housemother to the gay crowd at their annual Halloween party.”
Why was Doug Baker so surprised? Maybe for him, it was but being in drag and holding drag shows were nothing new in Portland. In fact, nearly every burlesque and vaudeville program had a female impersonator in them; normally as the ‘master of ceremonies’. Since the early 1900’s the Harbor Club at SW Frist Ave and Yamhill Street offered drag shows which became the only bar in Oregon declared off-limits to members of the US Navy. In the 30s drag shows were held at the Variety Hall in the Oregon Hotel and the Music Hall (413 SW Tenth) which became Café Rumba in the 40s. By 1950 the Jewel Box Revue came into town and played at Rossini’s Clover Room.
1971 – Fall Ball Theme: The ball was called “The Dowager Empress Ball “Show Time At Mardi Gras” [was the final ball as the Spring and Fall Ball were combined into one “coronation ball”] Date: Sunday, November 14, 1971, Crowned: Tracey St James was crowned Empress XIV.
Below Left seated, Regent Empress XIII Vanessa. Below Right is the proof sheet 10/71 Subject: Ken/Empress Coll. Tony TRI-X 400 ASA A-20; Left to right: Elsa Daniels, Darcelle, Tracey St James, and?
Below photos Left to Right: Lady B – Larry Bozart Middle: John Konkalski and Tracey St James Right: The Vanessa ?
Photos below are Tracey St. James performing her talent portion with Julio. Per Empress Tracey St. James: That was a great number and Julio ‘the thug’ worked at the Magic Gardens on 4th Ave. The number was, ‘Think Mink’. The below Right is “costume”.
Per Empress Tracey St. James “Randy from Seattle is the one sitting on stool.” Photo below Right: L to R George Gobel and The Vanessa
January 1972 Vector Magazine from SFO states: San Francisco Scene Bay Area Invades Portland Festivities by Bob Ross “The Bay Area descended on Portland in mid-November for the coronation of the fourteenth Rose Empress. Most of the hardy travelers drove up (due to excess Royal baggage) in groups of 3 and 4 (cars, that is). It is a long (10-12 hours) drive and being all freeway, little or no scenery along the way. Coming from the other direction were the delegations from Canada and Seattle. Needless to say, the Hotel Hoyt (a fully restored Victorian edifice) was just not quite ready. After all the luggage was stowed and the road grime washed away, we went out to sample Portland’s nightlife. Our hosts had prepared a fun itinerary for us. Most of the bars serve beer and wine and close at one o’clock, then the masses descend on the only liquor bar, the RIPTIDE, for nightcaps and dancing. A sample of one afternoon and evening is as follows: a nice spaghetti buffet at ZORBA, THE GREEK’S, and then down to catch the show at ORLEAN’S ALLEY — a fun show, presided over by MISS SCARLETT O’HARA and THE CHOCOLATE DELIGHT, and then ‘off to ROMAN’S for a delightful get-together with our hosts, Steve, and Kim. The bartenders here roller skate behind the bar — Talk about fast service! We then wandered over to the OTHER INN where “Mama” had a huge buffet laid out for us. It was here that DIZZY DIKI, of HANS OFF fame, received a ring (diamonds galore) from his many friends in Portland for his many fine charities both there and here . . . kudos. Next stop was DEMAS’ TAVERN and another great show by the fabulous “Darcelle.” Talk about rhinestones, this person is covered in them from head to foot. We understand there is a contest going to guess the weight of “Darcelle’s” rhinestones . . .good luck! After this, we all wound up back at the RIPTIDE for drinks and dancing. Sunday afternoon was the scene of feverish activity as last-minute preparation and rehearsals took place in the ballroom of the Hoyt. Finally, the evening rolled around, and the Ball got underway. First came the Court of the REGENT CZARINA, VANESSA - all turned out in various modes of Barbarian costume. This was followed by an interlude of dancing. Then came the entertainment portion, with the entertainers of Portland beautifully assisted by guests from Vancouver, Seattle, and our own ALLAN LLOYD (from the P.S. show) and J.J. VAN DYCK. This was followed by the processions of visiting Royalty and their PORTLAND – ROSE Courts, the EMPRESS OF CANADA, LYNN, and her Court; EMPRESS BOBBIE of Seattle and entourage, then the EMPRESS CRISTAL with her court — representing the Peninsula, San Jose’ and the Privy Council. Finally, the formal coronation of the new Empress, TRACEY ST. JAMES, the 14th Rose, Empress of the Inland Empire.”
Below Left photo: (San Francisco Court) Absolute Empress VI Crystal January 3, 1971 – January 9, 1972, Crystal was the first publicly elected Empress in San Francisco and Tracey St James was the first publicly elected in Portland. Below Right: Harvey Dick, owner of The Hoyt Hotel, man center unknown, Walter/Darcelle and Roxy.
And of course, the winner, Empress Tracey St. James.
Article Right is from The Fountain, December 1971.
The Hoyt closed its doors on August 2, 1972: Demolished: 1977
As David Hamilton/Mame [photo below] “We had one hell of a time!”
For a full history on the Hoyt Hotel, check out: Lost History of Oregon: A Hotel by the Name of Hoyt by Donnie Lost History of Oregon: A Hotel by the Name of Hoyt — triangle productions!
Though Tracey St. James had been announced as Empress at the October 30th ball, Right On Rev Jones, she now was allowed to accept the scepter, the bouquet of flowers, and the crown photo right. Photo middle The Vanessa with scepter and Tracey St James. Photo Left L to R Jimmy (in drag) and Richard Calhoun.
Photos of Walter W Cole/Darcelle and Roxy. Walter/Darcelle lost to Tracey St. James, but became her Czarina and the following year would be crowned Empress XV at the Paramount Theatre in downtown Portland.
