History of Gay and Lesbian Life in Wisconsin - Businesses - Bars and Clubs

 
Rainbow's End
Location: 417 Jay Street, La Crosse

Opened:
Closed:

1994
August 2008
Clientele:

Female/ Male
Bar/ dance club

 

 
       
 

'Rainbow's End' in La Crosse was apparently owned and operated by 'Peg'. It first appeared in the Guide section of In Step magazine in Sept. 1994 (v11-19) through In Step's demise in 2003, then continued in Quest magazine's 'Nightlife' or "bar Guide' sections through August 2008 (Quest vol.15-14). Most early listings coded it as "G/S, WM": mixed Gay/Straight, more Women than Men.

The bar seems to have flown largely under the radar state-wide in the 1990's, with the only mention in LGBT media in the 1990's a single mention from 1994. While coverage began to pick up by 2001, the advertising budget also appears to have been sparse, as the first advertisements we have located began in 2001, largely in the short-lived 'G-Street magazine'.

As mentioned, Raindow's End was listed in Quest magazine through an August 2008 issue (vol.15-14). In the next issue of the magazine, the location is shown with a new bar name: 'Chances R'. We are unaware if this was the same owner changing the bar name, or a new owner.

Any information about this business is welcomed from anyone who can contribute it.

Article: Funds raised for AIDS Hospice care
(In Step vol 11 #18, September 1994)
 
 
 
Article: Packers vs Vikings Pot Luck Party
(G-Street magazine vol 1 #7, January 2001)
 
Advertisement: Great Lakes Harley Riders, Celebrity Auction
(G-Street magazine vol 1 #12, June 2001)
 
Article: Sparta Women's Softball Tournament,
Ronnie Nyles Red Robin Family Fund picnic
(G-Street magazine vol 2 #2, August 2001)
 
Ad: Minneapolis duo Absolutely;
Tom Hadley Art Show breast cancer benefit
(G-Street magazine vol 2 #02, August 2001)
 
Photos: Ronnie Nyles 'Born Gay Birthday' show
(G-Street magazine vol 2 #02, August 2001)
 
Ad: Art of Hadley auction to benefit AIDS % breast cancer
(G-Street magazine vol 2 #02, August 2001)
 
Ad: Where the Parties Are for Pride/
'Pride Along the Mississippi
(with Players and My Place bars)
(Quest vol 8 #07, June 2001)
 
Article: Red Ribbon Celebrity Auction for HIV/AIDS
(In Step vol 19 #09, June 2002)
 
 
Article: Red Ribbon Variety Show for AIDS
(In Step vol 20 #19, September 2003)
 
Ad: Red Ribbon Variety Show for AIDS
(Quest vol 10 #13, October 2003)
 
 
 


Advertisement auction to benefit AIDS & Breast Cancer
(G-Street volume 2 issue 2, August 2001)

Credits: web site concept, contents, design and arrangement by Don Schwamb.
Last updated: June-2022.

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