1217 NW Stark

Years: 1975 - 1978

The Pied Piper 1968 -1971 or 1974(?)

Red Garter 1974 – does not appear to be gay

Oil Can Harrys – 1975 – unknown

Riddles 1975-1978 does not appear to be gay

Kachina Lounge 1979-1981

Bushes – 1981-1982

Stark Street Station 1982

Flossies – 1982-88

Silverado – 1988 – 2007 [moved]

RIDDLES

Not much is known about Riddles, but it does not appear to be a gay bar, more like a jazz or live band bar.

Per Below Left: April 14, 1977 Oregon Journal [various listings during April] Below Right a mention in Doug Baker, Baker’s Dozen column May 12, 1977.

Above Left ad is from July 23, 1977, Oregon Journal. Above Middle Doug Baker’s Column Baker’s Dozen November 24, 1977. Above Right article about the 5-day suspension from Dec 14, 1977, Oregon Journal.

citations & references:

·       Cited in The Portland Scribe, June 23-29, 1977 LIVE MUSIC 224-7660 Jim Pepper Quintet played here.

Per article in the newspaper Northwest Gay Review, June 1977 written by W Holman “A Gay History – lest it be forgotten” sheds many stories on various bars, ”Uptown, a boisterous and crowded Pied Piper (now Riddle’s) offered booze and a crowded dance floor. The tables, part of the dance area, were frequently topped by would-be dervishes doing their thing. Bordering the floor was a no-man’s land; it was risky and expensive. The house allowed for no spillage and ignored complaints. Waiters were kept running replenishing accidents. The house loved it – and prospered.”

The ad below is one of several ads in January 1978 in the Oregon Journal this one dated January 24, 1978 appears to be the closing of Riddles.