Bars, Restaurants, & Taverns
JR’S WEST
A popular leather bar after the demise of The Other Inn. Opened around 1980
MORE HISTORY COMING SOON
Per book by David Grant Kohl A Curious and Peculiar People page 173 which also states that it took over to cater to the leather community which was Folsom Cell in Old Town. On page 214, “John Phillips and Bill Scott were a couple who also owned JR’s East and JR’s West. Before JR’s West it was known as The Long Goodbye.”
The December 3, 1982 issue of The Cascade Voice magazine Pat Kerwin wrote a piece entitled LOVERS IN BUSINESS TOGETHER. It cited that several couples owned or operated businesses together: John Phillips and Bill Scott of JR’s West;, Chris Tolley and Stewart Benson of Plain Brown Wrapper; Ken Ensimger and Ed Walls of The Owl’s Eye Crafts; and Jim Nelson and Jack Stejc of Jonah’s Restaurant.
Per article, “John partnered with JR’s chain of taverns with Ray Southwick, he was Ray’s lover as well as business partner. After 12 years of this relationship, it all came to an end. [It doesn’t state how John and Bill got together but they had a Holy Union ceremony on February 27, 1982].
In the Cascade Voice newspaper, November 1, 1984, under Entertainment Comedy Isn’t Pretty at JR’s. “Opening November 4th with a $7.50 champagne and hors d’oeuvres feast, this month will guest host Kevin Koesel.”
Included in the Cascade Voice newspaper, November 1, 1984 was an ad on page 25:
300 NW 10th
Years: 1981 -
[see also JR’s East and JR’s CELL]
L-R Lady Elaine Peacock/Woody and Ray Southwick – one of the owners of JR
Cascade Voice April 1, 1984
citations & references:
Prior was The Long Goodbye – 228-1008
Per Oregon Leather History Timeline, page 11, August 19-20, 1981 JR’s West and JR’s Cell open at 300 NW 10th. Owned by Ray Stockton and John Phillps, Raunch Robert is “Warden”/manager.
Per Oregon Leather History Timeline, page 12, Jr’s West and JR’s Cell have a grand opening in the third month open. THEN again Oct 16-18, 1981 JR’s West and JR’s Cell have another grand opening party
Cited in The Portland Scribe, June 23-29, 1977, LIVE MUSIC The Long Goodbye
Possibly 1980/81 Listed on Darcelle’s “PATRONS – Round Trip to Lake Tahoe – Courtesy of ‘HELLO RENO” Miss Terri, Darcelle XV and Directors Furniture] cited as Long Goodbye – Folsom Cell
Cited in Counseling Center for Sexual Minorities Referral and Resources Book Revised April 1, 1980 under Men’s Bars - written in pencil – JR’s West & Cell
Cited in Gay Areas Private Telephone Directory, Pacific Northwest Page 15 Winter 1981-82
Cited in Cascade Voice October 1982 under Taverns – Lounges
Cited in handout Majestic Hotel and Club Baths of Portland presents PORTLAND 1983.
Cited in Out and About 1983 booklet with connotation Beer & Wine/Western
Listed in Damron Address Book/Address Guide 1983 – ( W) (PT – pool tables)
Cited in handout Majestic Hotel and Club Baths of Portland presents PORTLAND 1983.
Listed in Damron Address Book/Address Guide 1984 – ( W) (PT – pool tables)
Listed in Damron Address Book/Address Guide 1985 – ( W) (PT – pool tables)
Not listed in Damron Address Book/Address Guide 1986-1989
Per book by David Grant Kohl A Curious and Peculiar People page 199, “JR’s West and Cell would fold in 1984.”