Starting in AUgust 1989, 3 issues of 'In Step' magazine had teaser advertisements, the first reading simply "Get Ready Girls.. for a VERY special Women's Party". Finally an ad indicated "Sunday September 3rd, doors open 7pm"-- but no bar name, just an address. Was it a one-time party, or something else?

Attendees discovered that 'Nitengales' was "The newest women's bar in Milwaukee", opened by co-owners Linda and Carrie. (By mid-1990, ads and articles mentioned only Carrie, so it is unknown what happened to startup co-owner Linda.)

In its almost 4 year existence, it was quite popular and held various events, both shows of various types and fundraisers. Their 'signature event' seems to have been what they called "All Woman" shows, holding at least 9 of them in their first two years. Starting in mid-1990, the bar's ads used the term "It's The Only Place To Be". The bar hosted softball teams in the SSBL league during its existence, including particpation in the Classic tournament. (See the Images & Articles Gallery page for ads and photos.)

The bar introduced a kitchen operation, with Thursday fish fries starting February 22 and March 1, 1990, advertising $1 off all sandwich platters on Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays through March and most of May.

As early as mid-1991 and throughout 1992, Nitengales appeared to be doing less advertising, and was mentioned less frequently in the media-- often only in the SSBL softball team standings. We have not located any advertising from 1993. Then in the 'Calendar' section of In Step magazine volume 10-11 (June 3-16, 1993), under Friday June 11, a listing appeared: "BoysTown: Milwaukee's newest men's bar opens at 7pm, DJ, dancing, video. Everyone welcome. 2022 W. National Avenue."

Thus, shortly before the bar's 4th anniversary, on June 11, 1993, owner Carrie renamed the bar "BoysTown Nite Club". There was no other warning in media of the upcoming change; only afterward did 'In Step' outline that the change was "aimed at changing the clientele emphasis from Lesbians to Gay men".