1950s
The images in this section provide a glimpse into gay and lesbian life in Detroit, Ann Arbor, and Flint during the 1950s. The event timeline highlights a number of ways that the gay and lesbian community started to gain some mainstream visibility.
People & Groups in Detroit
This page shows images of gay couples, leaders, and activists in the Detroit & Flint areas during the 1950s.
Bars & Nightlife
These images show the active bar life for gays and lesbians in Michigan during the 1950s.
University of Michigan
Included here is a memo to President Harlan Hatcher about suspected lesbian behavior between two University of Michigan students as told by the university's Dean of Women.
Event Timeline: 1950s
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1950: Lesbian Melva Earhart acquires the State Bar at its original location on Union Street in Flint. |
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1950: Priscilla Dean headlines at Uncle Tom's Plantation in Detroit during height of city's black drag craze. |
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1950: U. S. Rep. Clare E. Hoffman of Michigan blasts the employment of homosexuals in government. |
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1951: Commission appointed by Governor G. Mennon Williams urges harsher penalties for sex offenders. |
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1952: New state law provides for prison sentences of one day to life for repeat sex offenders. |
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1953: Ann Arbor native W. Dorr Legg helps found the magazine ONE in Los Angeles. |
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1954: Homophile publication ONE reports it has 52 subscribers from Michigan. |
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1954: The Woodward Lounge opens on Woodward Avenue in Detroit. |
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1956: Flamboyant Detroit cult leader Prophet Jones is arrested in his home on morals charge. |
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1958: Detroit chapter of Mattachine Society established by Hal Lawson, David Brewer and Jai Moore. |
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1958: Letter to lesbian publication The Ladder says magazine is well received among circle in Grand Rapids. |
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1959: Detroit vice cop is stabbed while attempting to arrest 32-year-old man on morals charge. |
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1959: Singer Johnnie Ray is arrested for solicitation at the Brass Rail in Detroit. |
Before 1950
1960s