Founded by George Ellioplas, Club Milwaukeean was the city's most streamlined and modern nightclub when it opened in 1930. It was known as the "most beautiful club in the state" for two decades. After two suspicious fires and sensational renovations, Ellioplas was shot by his mistress inside the bar in 1947. George Tsopelas reopened as the club a drag cabaret. As the neighborhood declined, Club Milwaukeean was in constant legal trouble. The City closed it down in 1957 after complaints of loitering, pandering, and sexual assaults. It reopened as Club Jay Jay under new owners.