Bar
1801 N 12th St
Milwaukee, WI 53205
State Region
Southeast WI
Neighborhood
Six Corners
Year Opened: 1962
Year Closed: 1965
Exact Date Opened: Unknown
Exact Date Closed: Unknown
Clientele Primarily Identified As
Lesbian
The Forum Bar was a popular, pioneering, racially integrated gay bar. It was a social hub for white, older professional men, including Mount Sinai doctors, Marquette professors, and Boston Store management. In the early years, it featured live piano from locally famous Billy Cunningham. As most of the Six Corners neighborhood was demolished for I-43, the Forum was able to operate in plain sight among its ruins. Customers called it "12th and Vine" to maintain discretion. While listed in national gay guides, The Forum was never raided. In 1965, The Forum changed hands and reopened as The Pirates Den.
INPUT ALWAYS WELCOME!
We are always looking for photos of the exterior and interiors of Bars and other Places, as well as information about ownership, activities and opening and closing background info about Places. We welcome your input and photos!
INPUT ALWAYS WELCOME!
We are always looking for photos of the exterior and interiors of Bars and other Places, as well as information about ownership, activities and opening and closing background info about Places. We welcome your input and photos!
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