
City - Baltimore MD - Adult entertainment 1910

by Mike Savad
Title
City - Baltimore MD - Adult entertainment 1910
Artist
Mike Savad
Medium
Photograph - Colorized Photo
Description
Colorized photo from 1910
Original Title: Lubin's Building and business district
Photographer: Unknown
Location: 404 East Baltimore St., Baltimore, MD
When I think of the past, adult entertainment isn't one of the things I think of, and yet they did have it back then. Prudish on the beach, and overly dressed on the streets, they still had entertainment to please the fella's.
For over a hundred years, eight blocks, this particular street was loaded with burlesque houses, and other forms of entertainment. While not all of them had people undressed, it was known for that kind of show. And interestingly enough, it still is, only its about a block long, due to anti-smut campaigns.
On the left is the Gayety theatre, opened in 1906, and served as a burlesque theatre. By 1960 they were showing X-Rated films, and on December 21, 1969, it caught fire. The inside was gutted, but the lobby and front exterior wasn't damaged. Today its an adult video and book store.
On the right is the famous Lubin's theater. They were Vaudeville based, the building was described as elegant, cream and gold colored, and covered in lights. It was designed to pull eyes and grab attention. Today this building still remains, but you would never recognize it.
Uploaded
June 20th, 2019
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