Mona’s Club 440: San Francisco’s First Lesbian Bar

Mona’s Club 440 was San Francisco’s first lesbian bar and most likely first in the USA. In 1934 Mona Sargent originally opened the bar on Union Street as a Bohemian hangout for artists and writers. By the time the nightclub moved to 440 Broadway in 1939, Mona’s had become a mecca for lesbians, transgenders and male impersonators. One of the most loved performers was Gladys Bentley, sometimes called “The Brown Bomber” who often created raunchy lyrics to well known songs and flirted with all the women in the audience. Along with Bentley’s growing popularity also came financial success, and she eventually married her female lover from New Jersey… read more >

Mona's 440 Club 1936 Vintage Men's T-Shirt

More Gourmet Blogage

1975 Motor Trend 500

By 1970, the American automobile was undergoing a transformation at light speed, only surpassed by the technological changes in the racing world. As if to

Read More »

Ice Ice Baby

Rollin’ in my 5.0 with my rag-top down so my hair can blow… “Here’s the OG 5.0. Still have it. This photo was taken before

Read More »

Dub Life

“When I was a teenager, working towards dropping out of high school to starting to tour with bands, I’d drive around in my VW Bug

Read More »