Before the days of Windy City Times, Gay Chicago, and the old GayLife, there were several attempts to produce a gay publication in Chicago. Tuffy This Month in Chicago (I think this one lasted one issue) is the subject of this week's Chicago Whispers. I know nothing about the
origins of the publication, so if anyone has any info please contact me.
Tuffy This Month in Chicago was a glossy digest that doesn't immediately strike you as being gay. On the cover a young man leans against a wall covered in graffiti. It's dated August 1972.
Vol. 1. No 1. Cost 50�.
The editor and publisher are listed as Paul and John Britt, who had a photographic studio at
734 W. Fullerton. On page 3 there are ads for bars, The Trip at 27 E. Ohio and the Annex Lounge at 2865 N. Clark—the first of the three Annex bars. There are also ads for Rib Shack No 2, One Octave Higher, a record store, Logo's Books and Piccadilly Circus bike rentals; all in the Lakeview neighborhood.
A column by That Girl called Tuffy's Trivia weighs the merits of drag bars in Chicago: 'Robie
Landers, director and m.c. of The Sparrows, has to be the tops in his field. Each member of
the cast at The Sparrows is a well-known impersonator with individual talent, together they
create production numbers that are worthy of the stage at the Schubert ... '
'The Baton is generally considered #2 as far as female impersonation is concerned.
Naturally, they try harder. The show consists of several gentlemen with unbelievable talents to
entertain. Capuchine, outstandingly beautiful, performs a sensuous strip on a bearskin rug.
Comedy numbers are also put into the show, which gives you some relief from glamour and
production numbers. On a good night you will see one of the owners of the Baton, Felicia, do
his skating routine or his baton twirling number. The Baton serves very generous drinks, great
hamburgers and has friendly people working for them. Avoid, if possible, the bus tours
—straight people love the Baton'
'Togetherness, 61 W. Hubbard St., is definitely new to drag. The three cast members are
individually talented, but very clumsy as a group. Tina King, a seasoned veteran to show
business, recently retired and the show now lacks sparkle. Stacy Stevens adds humor to
Mama Cass and sheds new light on Barbra Streisand. LaVerne Sinclair is a double for Diana
Ross and Jennifer Radclyff mimics some of the most well-known Black singers beautifully.
Togetherness leaves much to be desired as a nightclub, poor lighting, close quarters and
especially their less than generous drinks, and their only saving factor is the individual talents
of their few entertainers.'
Also in the magazine is a New York gay bar guide, and ads for Biggs restaurant, Pipers Pub at
3225 W. Irving Park, Luv Boutique, Fischer's Flowers, the Old Town Folklore Center, Ruthie's
bar, the Baton, and the Head East Boutique.
I've always maintained that the gossip column in a gay publication is very important to students
of gay history, as it gives an insight into the minutiae of gay life during the period. No name
appears on Tuffy's gossip column, but here it is full: 'Welcome back to Beverley of the Trip'
Lenny of the Annex was so devoted to his loved one while he was in hospital. Each day he
visited and worked every night
Is Eric walking dogs in Lincoln Park for a living?
Jimmy,
the new bartender at the Checkmate either puts on a bald head or does he have real hair?
Paula Karol at the Baton sings 'The Man That Got Away' with tears in her eyes. Catch it
Want a real treat—catch the 'straight' bartender at Togetherness
Micky, waiter at the Trip,
celebrated his birthday cruising the Baton, the Ritz, the Gold Coast and finally the Oak Tree
Mark Vickers is looking into a new show for Chicago – 'Look to the Oscar'
Virginia Slim, a
new addition to the Baton
Is it true that Kenny Wagner lives in the back of a truck?
Mel,
from Shari's, puts an extra ice cube in good customers' drinks
It's too bad Gaile isn't at the
Haig
Lovely Miss Greta soon to arrive in Chicago from the New York stage
Robie
Landers having breakfast at the Oak Tree with a fantastic blond
Tina King, formally of
Togetherness, and Dionne are off to N.Y. for 'the operation'
Tried the new dart game at
Broadway Sam's?
Which bartender spent the entire day sleeping at the Newberry Theater?
Visit Eddie at the back bar of the Baton
Don Juan boutique closing again
Has anyone
found the new Ruthie's?
Noa at the Ritz mixes the meanest Margaritas in town
Serge
was seen dining with Andre's mother at the Bengal Lancers
Bob Farthing dining at
L'Auberge
Latin Lovers at La Riviera
Will Dal pass his driving test?
Helpful Hint of the
Month: You don't need a law degree to be an innkeeper.'
Who were all these people? If you know, or have any other memories to share, contact Sukie
de la Croix at WCT: (773) 871-7610, sukiedelacroix@ozhasspoken.com .
