Stop Lite
Bar Women
302 E. Wilson
Madison, WI 53703
State Region
Southwest WI
Neighborhood
Capitol Square
Year Opened: 1946
Year Closed: 1975
Exact Date Opened: Unknown
Exact Date Closed: Unknown
Clientele Primarily Identified As
Gay
Stop Lite, a bar owned by Madison's most best-known attorney Jack McManus (1928-2023,) was popular with lawyers during the day and lesbians at night. The lawyers complained, but McManus defended the women, noting they needed a place of their own. Lesbians made the bar so profitable that McManus could no longer claim a tax write-off. The tough little bar was noted in national gay guides as "mixed" with "raunchy types: hustlers, drags, and other downtown types." The building is no longer standing.
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!
Note: While the Stop Lite was known for years as an unofficial lesbian hangout, the owners didn't exactly welcome or advertise that reputation. When Judy Greenspan ran for the Madison School Board in 1973, she was working at the Stop Lite. When the bar owners found out about her campaign, she was fired, because they didn't want to be associated with the gay liberation movement.
For generations, straight business owners profited from the community, while refusing to acknowledge or support the community in any meaningful way. Judy's experience was sadly not uncommon. This inspired many gay and lesbian pioneers to open their own businesses -- for the community, by the community -- to break this cycle of abuse.
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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