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First Avenue 1975

administrator — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 22:34:00 +0000

Our tour is focused on the late 1800's- early 1980's - a broad span of time, but a time in which adult entertainment was a visible part of Seattle. Most of the content of the tour centers around Seattle shifting out of the 1970's and into the Downtown we know today. Here is 1st Avenue between Union and Pike. Beyond the Wonder Inn, you can see "Open All-Nite"; a sign belonging to the Green Parrot Theater. Today this is the South Arcade to the Market with an entrance to the Pike Brewery half way down the block.

Courtesy of the Seattle Municipal Archives, Image # 35976

The Green Parrot was one of the most well known adult theaters on First Avenue.

You might notice that this view of First Avenue is the same one that is used to advertise the film, Cinderella Liberty.

The Triple Door

administrator — Tue, 19 May 2009 22:45:00 +0000

The Triple Door launched a new website which includes the history of the building, once the Embassy Theater; great design and a lot of information. www.thetripledoor.net

Gypsy Rose Lee

administrator — Tue, 19 May 2009 22:39:22 +0000

Called the Marilyn Monroe of Burlesque, Gypsy Rose Lee started out in theaters in Seattle before moving to Los Angeles. Here is a great film excerpt:

Pamphlet from 1911

administrator — Mon, 18 May 2009 22:45:00 +0000

From the Seattle Public Library

1920's girlie film

administrator — Sun, 17 May 2009 22:36:00 +0000

Searching around for old films, this one was found on youtube:

Adult Bookstore 1972

administrator — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 23:01:32 +0000

Courtesy of the Seattle Municipal Archives, Image # 35448

Midtown Theater 1972

administrator — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 22:44:15 +0000

First Avenue in 1970's in Seattle had many theaters. Gone today are the marquees and lights advertising XXX rated shows. Only a few remain. This photo is of the Midtown Theater, next door to the city's first mortuary, the Butterworth Mortuary. The space the theater occupied is now a hair salon.

Courtesy of the Seattle Municipal Archives, Image # 31719

The World's Largest Brothel

administrator — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 04:06:00 +0000

The world's largest brothel was here in Seattle, at the base of Beacon Hill. 500 rooms built by the mayor in 1910, Hiriam Gill. Hiriam Gill served as mayor on two occasions. He ran on the platform of breaking up vice in Seattle's red light district, The Lavabeds, and moving houses of ill repute out of the district. The second time he ran, he promised to contain the houses back in the district as they had started to take root in other neighborhoods, like Ballard, Georgetown and residential neighborhoods. Here is a picture of the world's largest brothel:

Lou's Place

administrator — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 19:29:00 +0000

From the Seattle Public Library

KUOW interview

administrator — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 17:35:05 +0000

KUOW interview with Mercedes about prostitution in Seattle's history