Cove Bar-- Bars and Clubs in the History of Gay & Lesbian Life, Wisconsin

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

The Cove
aka Mickey's Cove
aka The Backroom

Location:	157 S. 1st Street, Milwaukee WI
Opened: Closed:	February 1972 April 1973
Clientele:	Male/ Female Bar

Mickey's Cove was advertised in the February 1972 issue of GPU News as "Milwaukee's new Fun Spot- A Snug Harbor for your enjoyment". By September 1972 ads called it simply "The Cove", as Milwaukee's Party Bar.

Then the October 1972 issue of GPU News advertised the opening of the bar with an ad, "Flash! New Bar! The Backroom (formerly The Cove)". An ad the next month said "we know what you're looking for", listing dancing, bands, and go-go boys as attractions (along with some interesting graphics).

But by February 1973 advertisements touted "Re-Opening" of The Cove. But after one more ad in March 1973, advertising stops and "The Cove" is gone.

The business was listed as "Cove" in a single national Gay Bar Guide: the Bob Damron guide of 1974.

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


First Advertisement: as "Mickey's Cove" (GPU News 72-02, Feb. 1972)	Advertised as simply "The Cove" (GPU News 72-07, July 1972)	Ad: First 'annual' Corn Roast (GPU News 72-08, Aug. 1972)

First Advertisement as "The Backdoor" (GPU News 72-10, Oct. 1972)	Ad: The Backdoor: "We know what you're looking for" (GPU News 72-11, Nov. 1972)	Ad: The Backdoor: Go-go Boys, John at the piano Sundays, dancing, live bands from time to time (GPU News 72-12, Dec. 1972)

Ad: The Backdoor: The boys in the Backroom are 'Squeekie' and Dennis (GPU News 73-01, Jan. 1973)	Advertisement: Re-Opening as "The Cove" (GPU News 73-02, Feb. 1973)	Ad: The Cove with playful modern sailors instead of Pirate theme (GPU News 73-03, March 1973)