Bars, Restaurants, & Taverns

THE FAMILY ZOO

In 1971, the tavern was sold to Robert ”Bobby” Hoblitt who changed the name to The Family Zoo. After Hoblitt took ownership of the bar it became one of the most popular gay hangouts in the city, although it later developed a deserved reputation for indiscriminate drug use.  

MORE HISTORY COMING SOON

620 SW Oak
Years: 1971 - 1986
Zoo Club 1986 - 1987

Originally the Linton Trolley waiting room

Opened in 1957, owned by Robert Saunders (1957-1962) Tel & Tel

Known as Derek’s (1963-1965),  The Annex, [Also known as The Annex Stereo Room]

Gay writer Edmund White visited the bar and immortalized it in his famous travelog, State of Desire: Travels in Gay America. Book published in 1980 – date of visit not listed in book.

Gay writer Edmund White visited the bar and immortalized it in his famous travelog, State of Desire: Travels in Gay America. Book published in 1980 – date of visit not listed in book.

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1974

1974

Princess Royale voting was held here as well

Princess Royale voting was held here as well

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Passport 1973 ad

Passport 1973 ad

Ad placed in Mardi Gras [Crown Prince/Princess Royal Ball] program May 23, 1976

Ad placed in Mardi Gras [Crown Prince/Princess Royal Ball] program May 23, 1976

Ad in Northwest Gay Review February 1977 – Page 6

Ad in Northwest Gay Review February 1977 – Page 6

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Ad in Cascade Voice Feb 11, 1983

Ad in Cascade Voice Feb 11, 1983

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Ad in Storefront Theatre program 1982

Ad in Storefront Theatre program 1982

citations & references:

  • Ad in 1971 Portland Forum program Right On Rev Jones – Dowager Empress Ball page 18 and on page 11 it states in the map “The Brand New Family Zoo 820 SW Oak Street”

  • Listed in Guide to the Portland Area Gay Scene July and September 1972 – The Fountain with phone number 228-0265

  • Listed in Damron Address Book/Address Guide 1973 under Bars/Clubs with notation * - Very Popular, YC – Young/Collegiate, HIP – Heads Frequent (marijuana)

  • Listed in Bars and Taverns PORTLAND The Fountain 1973

  • Ad in Darcelle XV Green Book of 1973

  • Ad on page 13 “Official Passport The Portland Forum November 4, 1973.

  • Cited in The Golden Businesses of our community – The Golden Awards Ball – Sunday, January 21, 1973

  • Listed in Damron Address Book/Address Guide 1974 under Bars/Clubs with notation * - Very Popular, YC – Young/Collegiate, HIP – Heads Frequent (marijuana)

  • Listed in Damron Address Book/Address Guide 1975 under Bars/Clubs with notation * - Very Popular, YC – Young/Collegiate, HIP – Heads Frequent (marijuana)

  • Cited in Jeff Taylor’s Gay Guide for the Pacific Northwest – Summer 1975 edition, page 17 under Restaurants. Open 11 am -4:30 pm for lunch only, prepared in restaurant next door. Tavern.

  • Cited in Jeff Taylor’s Gay Guide for the Pacific Northwest – Summer 1975 edition, page 17 under Taverns – Opens 11 am daily. Happy hours: 9 pm -2:20 am. Tues-Saturday. After-hours: 2:30-5 am (serves coffee and soft drinks) dancing, pool.

  • Listed in Damron Address Book/Address Guide 1976 under Bars/Clubs with notation * - Very Popular, YC – Young/Collegiate, HIP – Heads Frequent (marijuana)

  • Cited in I Love Portland “A Guide To the Portland Court System and It’s Organizations” 1976 a booklet stated, “another public service of Tom Terrific”

  • Listed in Damron Address Book/Address Guide 1977 under Bars/Clubs with notation * - Very Popular, YC – Young/Collegiate, HIP – Heads Frequent (marijuana), W – Western/Cowboy

  • Listed in Damron Address Book/Address Guide 1978 under Bars/Clubs with notation * - Very Popular, YC – Young/Collegiate, HIP – Heads Frequent (marijuana), W – Western/Cowboy

  • Listed in Damron Address Book/Address Guide 1979 under Bars/Clubs with notation * - Very Popular, YC – Young/Collegiate, HIP – Heads Frequent (marijuana), W – Western/Cowboy with another notation: recently expanded

  • Listed in Damron Address Book/Address Guide 1980 under Bars/Clubs with notation * - Very Popular, YC – Young/Collegiate, HIP – Heads Frequent (marijuana), W – Western/Cowboy

  • Listed in Damron Address Book/Address Guide 1981 Hip, (W)(YC)

  • Listed in Damron Address Book/Address Guide 1982 Hip, (W)(YC)

  • Listed in Damron Address Book/Address Guide 1983 Hip, (W)(YC)

  • Listed in Damron Address Book/Address Guide 1984 Hip, (W)(YC)

  • Listed in Damron Address Book/Address Guide 1985 Hip, (W)(YC)

  • Listed in Damron Address Book/Address Guide 1986 Hip, (W)(YC)

  • Listed in Damron Address Book/Address Guide 1987 (was closed- may be reopening)

  • Not listed in Damron Address Book/Address Guide 1988-89

  • Cited in Matthew Baker’s March 1, 2005 paper, “Closeted Nightclubs: Why Doesn’t Portland’s ‘Gay Community’ Recognize the Gay Bar Culture?” “One of these was Derek’s Tavern, which Portland police noted as being ‘frequented by homosexuals of higher class and means’.”

  • Cited in handout Majestic Hotel and Club Baths of Portland presents PORTLAND 1983. Connotations: T – Beer and Wine phone: 228-2054

  • Cited Out and About 1983 booklet Beer & Wine/Disco

  • Presently the building is being used by New Avenues for Youth