Pomona's Past: Uncovering a Surprising Hub for LGBTQ+ Nightlife
Pomona, California - a city often celebrated for its sunny disposition and relaxed pace, a welcome contrast to the bustling energy of nearby Los Angeles. But beneath its generally tranquil surface lies a fascinating chapter of history, one that speaks to a time when this Eastern Los Angeles County city unexpectedly became a beacon for the LGBTQ+ community.
For those looking to understand the evolving social landscapes of Southern California, Pomona's story as a historical gay hub offers compelling insights, often overlooked but rich with local color and a spirit of resilience.
While Pomona today is recognized for its thriving arts scene, historic architecture like the majestic Fox Theater, and community-focused events at FairPlex, its past reveals a more dynamic and perhaps surprising narrative.
The period between the 1960s and 1980s saw a notable concentration of gay bars and gathering spots in Pomona. This phenomenon wasn't accidental; it was a confluence of factors including geography, a prevailing atmosphere of acceptance, and, at times, a deliberate strategy to create safe spaces.
The Rise of the Gay Bar in Pomona
How did Pomona, a city with roots in agriculture and named after the Roman goddess of fruit, become a significant draw for LGBTQ+ individuals seeking community and nightlife?
The answer, according to local historical accounts and research, points to a combination of factors that created a fertile ground for these establishments. One crucial element was a more laissez-faire approach by local authorities compared to other areas, which allowed these businesses to operate with less overt interference.
Anecdotes suggest that rather than facing raids, law enforcement sometimes adopted a protective stance, understanding the need for these spaces within the community.
One establishment that stands out in this history is The Rathskeller. Located in the basement of the historic red-brick Mayfair Hotel, directly across from the iconic Fox Theater, The Rathskeller became a sensation.
Its presence, and the stories that swirled around it, illustrate the unique environment. Imagine a scenario where bikers were reportedly harassing patrons - and the bartender felt empowered to call for assistance, knowing she had support. This anecdote highlights the nascent sense of community and mutual aid that these early gay bars fostered.
The success of The Rathskeller seemed to pave the way for others.
Soon, bars began to emerge not only downtown but also along the bustling Holt Avenue. At its peak in the 1980s, Pomona reportedly boasted as many as seven such establishments. These weren't just fleeting ventures; some, like the ivy-covered bar founded in 1957, had significant longevity.
Owned for two decades by Wally Page, a Chaffey High physiology teacher who also ran the popular Mural House restaurant in Ontario, this establishment, which later became known as The Hook Up, exemplifies the blend of local business ownership and LGBTQ+ community service.
A Spectrum of Establishments
Pomona's gay nightlife wasn't monolithic.
While many venues catered to a mixed crowd or primarily to men, there were also spaces that served specific segments of the community. The Rathskeller, initially a gay bar, later transformed into a popular lesbian disco before its acquisition by Western University of Health Sciences for educational purposes.
This transition itself tells a story - of evolving community needs and changing urban landscapes.
Another notable venue was Alibi East, a no-frills establishment described as a reliable hangout. Owned by Jim Akers, who was instrumental in guiding researchers through Pomona's LGBTQ+ history, Alibi East offered drinks, music, dancing, and a cozy outdoor patio.
It served as a vital social nexus, a place for both catching up with old friends and forging new connections. Akers himself was a key figure, generously sharing his knowledge and introducing researchers to others who had lived and experienced Pomona's gay scene firsthand.
Beyond these, the landscape included places like Club 150, a dance club located downtown on Thomas Street.
Unlike the more low-key, locally focused bars, Club 150 attracted a younger demographic from across the region, underscoring Pomona's broader appeal. Other names that surface in historical accounts include the Tender Trap, The Office Bar, and Our Place, each contributing to the tapestry of Pomona's LGBTQ+ social life.
The Shifting Landscape: From Bars to Virtual Communities
The mid-20th century was a different era for LGBTQ+ individuals.
Meeting and socializing often involved more discreet or even clandestine methods. In Pomona, this meant cruising parks like Garfield or Ganesha, or meeting at rest stops in surrounding areas like Fontana. The emergence of dedicated gay bars in Pomona provided a much-needed antidote to this social fragmentation, offering visible, accessible spaces for connection and belonging.
The research into Pomona's gay history, often pieced together through oral histories, personal photographs, flyers, and city records, reveals a deep well of community memory.
Eyewitness accounts, combined with diligent archival work, bring these establishments and the people who frequented them back to life. This painstaking effort, often undertaken by individuals dedicated to preserving local history, ensures that these stories are not lost to time.
However, as societal attitudes evolved and LGBTQ+ acceptance grew, the role and necessity of traditional gay bars began to shift.
As one commentator noted, "Gay bars are no longer as crucial as gays become accepted and a virtual community exists online." This sentiment reflects a broader trend: the internet and digital platforms have opened up new avenues for connection, support, and community building, reducing reliance on physical, geographically bound spaces.
Why Pomona?
A Look at the Contributing Factors
So, what was it about Pomona that facilitated this unique historical role? Researchers have identified several key drivers:
- Geography: Situated within the greater Los Angeles area, Pomona offered a distinct, slightly more removed location that might have appealed to those seeking an alternative to the more intense environments of larger urban centers.
- Desperation and Need: In an era where public spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals were scarce and often unwelcoming, Pomona's nascent scene represented a vital haven.
The need for safe, inclusive places to socialize was a powerful catalyst.
- Laissez-Faire Attitude: As mentioned, a more permissive regulatory environment and a less intrusive policing approach created an atmosphere where these businesses could flourish.
This created a sense of security that was often absent elsewhere.
- Community Support: The willingness of individuals like Jim Akers to share their experiences and connect researchers with others underscores the strong sense of community that developed.
People were eager to see their history acknowledged and preserved.
Pomona Today: A City of Diversity and Culture
While the era of concentrated gay bars in Pomona may be a chapter of the past, the city itself continues to be a vibrant and diverse place.
Its Mediterranean climate, characterized by warm, dry summers and mild, damp winters, provides a pleasant living environment, blessed with ample sunshine year-round. The city's commitment to the arts is evident in institutions like The dA Center for the Arts, which has served as an inclusive hub for creative expression for over three decades.
The beautifully restored Fox Theater remains a landmark, hosting concerts and performances.
For the LGBTQ+ community, Pomona continues to offer a welcoming atmosphere. Local groups work to provide resources, organize events, and foster community connections.
As the city looks towards the future, its history, including this unique period of social significance, adds a rich layer to its identity, reminding us of the dynamic ways communities form and adapt over time.
The story of Pomona's gay nightlife is a testament to the human need for connection and belonging, and how, in specific historical contexts, seemingly ordinary places can become extraordinary centers of community.
It's a narrative that enriches our understanding of Southern California's cultural evolution and highlights the enduring spirit of those who sought and created spaces for themselves.