The most popular New York City bars catering to gays and lesbians in the 1930s through the 60s were often partnerships with the mafia. Operating a gay bar at this time was technically illegal which made it a perfect opportunity for the mob to make money, and the mobsters supplied the booze and cigarettes and paid off the NYPD. The list of bars included The Stonewall Inn, the Howdy Club and The 181 Club, and some believe that the raid on the Stonewall in 1969 was also really a mob bust. [NYP]
Filed under:
