Christ Mares opened the Mint Bar, one of Milwaukee's longest-operating gay bars, on New Year's Day, 1949. Owned and operated by Angelo Aiello from 1960 until his death in 1978, the bar was a cozy, beloved, highly visible downtown landmark. For generations, it symbolized the Milwaukee gay community. After decades at 4th and State, the Mint was evicted in 1986 for the construction of the Bradley Center. After relocating to the South Side, the Mint Bar struggled to compete with newer, more popular venues. When Bettie Aiello retired in 1991, the Mint name was retired forever, ending a 42-year legacy.