Dom Orejudos, a.k.a. Etienne
This story originally ran on Advocate.com in November 2018. Artwork on the walls by Dom Orejudos, a.k.a. Etienne
Chicago lost a piece of gay history in 2018, when Man's Country, the city's oldest bathhouse, closed its doors after 44 years.
The private club went out with flair, celebrating its last day with a 13-hour party that began on New Year's Eve 2017 and lasted into the next morning, according to the Chicago Tribune.
The Uptown site was a backdrop to some of the biggest achievements and challenges faced by Chicago's LGBTQ+ community. Author and historian Owen Keehnen said the loss of Man's Country was "a gay version of seeing the house you grew up in torn down. It was everything. A place of sexual liberation, social ease with being gay, and community building." The property was to be demolished to make way for condominiums.
Scroll down for a last look inside.This story originally ran on Advocate.com in November 2018. Artwork on the walls by Dom Orejudos, a.k.a. Etienne
Chicago lost a piece of gay history in 2018, when Man's Country, the city's oldest bathhouse, closed its doors after 44 years.
The private club went out with flair, celebrating its last day with a 13-hour party that began on New Year's Eve 2017 and lasted into the next morning, according to the Chicago Tribune.
The Uptown site was a backdrop to some of the biggest achievements and challenges faced by Chicago's LGBTQ+ community. Author and historian Owen Keehnen said the loss of Man's Country was "a gay version of seeing the house you grew up in torn down. It was everything. A place of sexual liberation, social ease with being gay, and community building." The property was to be demolished to make way for condominiums.
Scroll down for a last look inside.
Chicago's oldest gay bathhouse closed forever on New Year's Day 2018.
Entering the hallowed and historic hallways
Entering the hallowed and historic hallways.
More Etienne artwork on the stairs
Etienne artwork adorned the stairway.
Checking out the check-ins.
"We are family..."
Locker room atmosphere.
"Someone left the cake out in the rain..."
"Last night a DJ saved my life…"
Looks like it'll be spring water
Etienne's stairway to heaven.
Locker room encounters allowed.
"You can ring my be-e-ell, ring my bell..."
"Sweet dreams are made of this..."
Desk set.
The office of the big guy, with a memorial rose or two.
Giving customers the once over.
"Yes, it's my last chance, for romance, tonight..."
Don't say we didn't warn you.
A cozy corner.
Vintage art by Etienne
Vintage art by Etienne.
"So let's dance, the last dance..."
Showgirls take the stage.
Don't get lost... or do
"Cause when I'm bad, I'm so, so bad..."
The end of an era
Harry Cross and Ron Ehemann in the lobby with the mahogany elephant.
Actress Marlene Dietrich and Paul Porcasi in a scene from the movie Morocco.Donaldson Collection/Getty Images
