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

 
Body Shop
Location: 720 Bodart Way, Green Bay WI

Opened:
Closed:

June 1982
March 1985
Clientele:

Male
Bar/ social

 

 
       
 

Body Shop bar in Green Bay was opened when the owners of the Manhole (Joe Mallien and Mike Dziuba) decided to relocate and begin anew. It was an extremely popular bar in Green Bay. It was the "home" bar of the Argonauts leather club, hosting its title competitions for 4 years (between the time the Manhole bar closed and when the Argonauts annual "Run" moved to a member's rural farm).

The bar is listed in bar directories in 'Escape' 5-07 thru 5-15 (May-Nov 1982), 'OUT!' 1-06 (April 1983) and 'RAGG' (May-Sept. 1983). Most listings are keyed as 'M D L W' (Men, Dancing, Levi-leather, Western) or similar.

Body Shop was transformed by owner Mike into Who's early in 1985.

(Mallien, who co-ran The Manhole, Body Shop and Who's for a total of more than 11 years, later said it grew tiring and he didn't mind when his tenure running bars came to an end. He said it was a struggle to stay afloat much of the time.)

The history of LGBT bars in Northeastern Wisconsin was the subject of an excellent article in the Green Bay Press Gazette in 2020.

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

Beach Party
February 1984
In Step vol. 1 issue 2
 
Emperor and Empress Ball
'83 Emperor Joe Mallion, '84 Emperor Czar Nicholas II,
'84 Empress Sheba, and '84 Empress Jackie Morgan
April 1984
In Step vol. 1 issue 6
 
Mcall Productions show:
(L to R) back: Barbra Jean Mason, Natasha, Pepper McCormick,
front: Bouji & Mandi McCall.
(In Step vol. 1-09, May 1984)
 
Dance bar is "undergoing serious renovation including the building of another bar and raised platforms that will create a 'sunken dance floor' in time for their 2nd anniversary"
(In Step vol. 1-09, May 1984)
 
Mcall Productions show:
Upcoming 2nd Anniversary celebration
(Steppin Out column-
(In Step volume 1-10, June 1984)
 


Photos from Grand Opening
(Escape magazine vol 5-15, July 1982)


Ad for Argonauts Northwoods Weekend
(Escape magazine vol 5-15, July 1982)


BodyShop's first newsletter:
ShopTalk, April 1984


Body Shop becomes Who's Bar
(Steppin Out column-
(In Step volume 2-05, March 1985)

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

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