If you were daring enough, you went down the shaft (another stairway) to the Mines.
The walls were made of wood and there was sawdust on the floor throughout. The front room was up a flight of stairs and quite large with one long bar, a wardrobe, and some benches. Some member’s passes didn’t have their real name, but rather, nicknames to protect their identity.Īccording to a history blog of Leather Clubs, i mmediately after the entrance the venue had a bright red washroom with urinals, wash closet, and sinks through which the water fell directly on the floor. The non-members and guests of members were issued a temporary pass with the house rules. If the doorman did approve of your dress, you paid admission fees based on membership. Near the coatcheck, there was a sign which offered a discount of 5 cents to those who were not circumcised and that “could prove it.”Īs it was so hard to get in, even celebrities such as Mick Jagger and Rudolf Nureyev were “blocked” and not allowed to enter because they did not respect the dress code. I nstead of having “what to wear” dress code, they had a posted lists of what not to wear with the option to check your clothing at the door. The police did raid, but on a usual night, those men outside were just in costume.Įven (according to rumors) The Village People were so inspired by the dress of the patrons, they used the bar as inspiration for their iconic costumes. In fact, unknowing people who were looking to enter the club oftentimes were afraid a police raid was happening because they saw so many men in uniforms outside. They f requently wore leather, cowboy clothing, motorcycle wear, workers’ gear, or police uniforms. The men who were allowed to enter were hand selected. Gritty, dirty, the epitome of sleaze, it was probably the most popular and notorious gay club in history. Sadly, Mineshaft closed in the midst of the AIDS epidemic. The club was strict, it was meant for the exclusive purpose of men to practicing sexual activities which were distinct from the conventional gay norm. Hidden among the warehouses of Greenwich Village’s meatpacking district, it became a symbol of the sexual revolution that exploded during the seventies. Managed by Wally Wallace, the Mineshaft ran from 1976-1985 at 835 Washington Street. Mineshaft: NYCs Most Legendary Gay Club You’ve Probably Never Heard Of