'Friendly Bar' appears to be the first of a number of LGBT-friendly bars in this building. Based on our best information to date, "Friendly's" was created when a long-time family tavern operated by Kostas Peshoff came under the ownership of Joseph Krumbers. He appears to have operated "Friendly's" from 1944-1947, which becamse well-known amongst ex-military men as a place to meet 'queers'. It apparently closed abruptly for reasons unknown.

The following recollection by 'Bunny' in November 2016 is the majority of information we have about the bar:

"When the Mint Bar relocated on S. 2nd Street, some old-timers came in from Madison who said they had hung out in that same building after (World War II). At the time, it had been called 'Friendlys.' They said it was a bunch of cute boys with crew cuts, servicemen just sitting on their hands, afraid to talk to each other. The Andrews Sisters on the juke box. I myself had never heard of it, but I guess it was THE thing."

If this story is accurate, that means the Fluid building has been an off-again on-again LGBTQ landmark for over 75 years.

The location went through several transitions after 'Friendly's'. When Krumbers closed the Friendly Bar, it became known as Tony's Tap in 1948. It was apparently 'The Hustler' in the early 1970s, which may also have been somewhat gay friendly (additional research is needed).

This location has been host to a long tradition of LGBT establishments. The first was apparently "Friendly Bar" (aka "Friendly's bar") (1944-1947). It was operating as 'The Hustler' in the early 1970s, which may also have been somewhat gay friendly (additional research is needed). But its run as well-documented LGBT establishments really began when it was briefly opened as 'The Decision' for a month or two early in 1976. Next it was Hideaway for the last six months of 1976, after which for a time no longer housed a gay business. Its string of housing LGBT businesses resumed with the relocated Mint Bar II/ Angelo's (1986-1991), followed by BJ's Mint Bar (1991-1993), Zippers (1993-1998), and finally Fluid in 1998-- which is still open in 2024.

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