Originally known as the Phoenix Inn, owned by an American Indian Mama Bernice’s was a tavern named after Mama Bernice who originally worked at Dinty Moore’s three blocks north – still on SW Third. Dinty Moore’s was owned by Bernice’s family, however Arthur Brannen, hired her away from her family’s business as he had purchased the Old Phoenix and needed ‘a personality’ and named the bar after her. She was very popular with the gay crowd. And watched out for the young gay men whom she referred to as “little bluebirds”. 

Per the GLAPN - A Walking Tour of Downtown Portland: A Century of Gay, Lesbian and Transgender Historic Sites June 1999: (1962-64) The owner’s name was Arthur Brannen, but he hired Mama Benice from Dinty Moore’s where she was holding court with the gay crowd, and named the bar after her. She was so notorious in thein the city that she was even mentioned in city council meetings’ minutes.

Per papers that called Chronology of Portland’s Gay Bars – author unknown, “formerly the Phoenix Inn, an American Indian bar owned by Nicholas Polechrones*, sold to Arthur Brannen became gay from July 1964-June 1966; torn down in urban renewal; Mam Bernice worked here all its years under her name; now occupied by GSA bldg. [Edith Green – Wendell Wyatt Federal Buildng].” *NOTE: Nicholas Polechrones also owned Model Inn from 1956-1967.

The bar closed even as the OLCC had renewed the liquor license in 1965 after battling with the city of Portland seeking to close it, and five other bars down. See Margaret Bernice Norris’ bio. It should be noted though, that in 1964 when then mayor, Terry Schrunk and the city council began their Committee for Decent Literature and Films they began targeting gay bars. The police began patrolling the bars more heavily and at Mama Bernice’s the police stated, “At a recent Halloween party, most of the person who came in costume were males [s] dressed as female[s]. Possibly, just like The Harbor Side, the OLCC may have granted Mama Bernice a liquor license but the city wouldn’t grant her a food license and you have to sell food to serve alcohol.

The bar only lasted for two years – 1962-1964. [There’s some dispute on when this happened – some say the bar opened in 1964 other say 1962? Closing in 1966?] 1964 [See Old Glory Tavern].  Out of the eight sought by Mayor Terry Schrunk and the Portland City Council, three were turned down flatly by their votes – Milwaukie Tavern, Model Inn, and Mama Bernice’s. However, the OLCC overturned their decision and granted them liquor licenses. Mama Bernice then purchased what is known as Portland’s first leather bar, The Other Inn. [check out The Other Inn and The Dirty Duck. It appears that the entire block was demolished and for a time turned into a parking lot as per the photo from the Portland Archives. In the 1970s the land was repurposed during urban renewal for the Edith Green-Wendell Wyatt Federal Building which opened in 1975. [See Below Left -   photo by M.O. Stevens] Below RIght, Mama Bernice at a drag function.

Per a paper written by Anne Mussey for the Gay and Lesbian Archives, Ruben Reynaga USNT 421 AERO-VAPORS and Workout Baths possibly circa 2000

Interview with David Hamilton/Mame: Bathhouse (1958-1972), Eventually Dave was able to provide some of his personal experience with one of my projects at least Aero-vapors Bathhouse. Dave had been a client of Aero-Vapors Bathhouse but his memory of it was rather dim; however, he did mention that it was a very popular place. The vicinity surrounding Aero-Vapors located 1237 SW Third has had an interesting history. The Plazza Blocks (Chapman and Lowasdale Squares) are located between Jefferson and Salmon in downtown Portland between thing and Fourth Street.

David mentioned that gay men commonly cruised this area due to the presence of a variety of business that catered to gay men, including Mamma Bemice’s, located on 1228 SW Third Street, (1962-1964). The  bathroom, which is now closed but still stands on Jefferson between 3rd and 4th street, was infamous for the many gay encounters. Other businesses included theatres and a variety of bookstores that often attracted students from Portland State University. Dave did talk about Mama Bernice and her popularity with the gay crowd. She was considered a symbol among the gay community and often served as a second mother to many. Other amusing stories arose about her demanding that her customers, give her a  dime every time she saw them go to Aero-Vapors instead of her bar. The most important change in the Plaza Blocks was the addition of the Terry Park Plaza (formally the Federal Plaza) in 1974. The block where Aero-Vapor used to stand, between Madison and Jefferson, was torn down in 1973. The Portland directory longer listed any businesses on that block in 1973.

In 1958, when Aero Vapors first opened, there were many businesses on the block ranging from T were vacant, however, the bathhouse remained opened. It was only in 1972 that the bathhouse closed, and in 1973 the whole block was torn down.

citations & references:

· Listed in Damron Address Book/Address Guide 1965 under Bars/Clubs

· Listed in Around The World with Kenneth Marlowe Magazine 1965

· Listed in Damron Address Book/Address Guide 1966 under Bars/Clubs

 Per City Week, Portland Oregon February 14, 1986, “Cover Story – Passing of Friend Saddens Gay Community”  “Mama Bernice worked for several years in the mid-1960s at another tavern named “Mama Bernice’s in her honor.”