An article in the Cascade Voice, February 3, 1984, page 15 under RECESSION OR RECOVERY? By Robert Paul Dunn Just four years ago July 3rd Darrel and David opened a new bar to the gay community, the Hunt Pub. “Somebody’s had by then given us the first clean and respectable bar and they thought that there had been a banker for 12 years and gave up that career to begin the bar. They hoped to invest the profits in rental units for gays and were aiming at a gentlemen’s bar. It seems that the Hunt Pub, along the way, has been a lot of things other than that, including drag, leather, women, and is now about 50-50 men and women setting in comfortably together.

Darrel says that as the business took more and more of their money, they realized their goals would have to be changed. The bar took more and more of their time, too, and their relationship suffered. As they tried to produce a clean bar with the best product available for the dollar, they learned a lot about the community, the court system, organizations, individuals who work in and for the community and other bar owners (with many of whom they have become personal friends). They created employment and the business within their community and city of Portland at large.

Finally, it became a choice between keeping their business or keeping their relationship together. They reluctantly decided to let the business go. Their dreams and hopes did not seem to be feasible in reality…has maintained them in his home.  [continuing in the article] The bar has experienced many changes over the 3 ½ years. Now the sale of the Hunt Pub to Mark Lohr marks the last change Darrel and David will oversee. [part of a larger article]

Interesting portion of the article is: The spring and summer of 1981 saw many changes in Portland’s bar scene. Soon after the Hunt Pub came CC Slaughter’s and Somebody’s and the Embers moved into even better locations; then Ray’s Ordinary Bar and Grille followed. Even Roxy Hearts became gay again. [further I the article] Earl from Wilde Oscar’s had several reasons for locking the doors and calling in an independent company to dismantle and sell the fixtures. In 1979 he experienced a 300% raise in his rent, and then in 1983 the landlord would allow him a $1,250 month to month lease or a $2,100 monthly sum on a five-year lease. After his extensive and expensive attempt to meet OLCC requirements for a liquor license (which in the end refused for arbitrary reasons at best), Earl decided to quit, not sell, the business. [further in the article] The economic depression of the Pacific Northwest has echoed through every seg Northwest has echoed through every segment of the urban countryside without prejudice. And gays, who for ages he been assigned the dubious honor of having “disposable income” find biting many of the same bullets that have long been the diet of the straights, instead of eating out and going out for entertainment Most of our disposable income is time.

Businesses that have changed name and ownership and/or address: Bushes to Stark Street Station to Floosies; Hamburger Mary’s East to Dugan’s; Black Hawk to JOQ’s; Jelly Bean to The Store; [wrong, the card show was called The Store, The Jelly Bean was a clothing store, but because people came in and said Hi Jelly Bean, Jeanie changed it all to Jelly Bean] Rhondee to C C Slaughter’s; Embers Rafters to Embers/Avenue; Somebody’s Place; Roxy Hearts; Hunt Pub; Dudley’s _____________and Record Pool to Portland DJ Ass and Chuckles to 1810 NW Lovejoy

Business that have closed: Dahl & Penne; J & J; Grand Oasis; The Half Moon Tavern; Wild Oscar’s ; The 214; Paparazzi; Fickle Fox; Into Leather; Skinners; Lion Pride; Hot Potata Café; Mildred’s Palace [Mildred’s Palace moved and with that move the name changed to The City Night Club]; Players, The Helm.

Businesses that are new: Forward Gear; JR’s West, JR’s Cell; Ray’s Ordinary Bar & Grille

Mentioned in Northwest Examiner article June 2006 page 6, NW in the ‘70s: epicenter of Portland gay culture,. Northwest was home to many gay gathering spots, including gay bars such as Lulu’s (now Muu Muu’s), next  were popular spots at: 17th and Lovejoy,  Purple Clown and Lion’s Pride, now 21st Avenue Bar & Grill, was another gathering spot.

Lesbians had their own hangout at Primary Domain, on Northwest 16th where Slabtown is today Jimmy Mak’s was popular with gays for a time,  was Ray’s Ordinary Bar, now Tiger Bar, on Northwest Broadway. Bikers liked J & J Tavern, formerly on West Burnside, and reportedly rode their bikes right up to the bar.

More research is needed to find out the reason for this business closing.