Imagine this old bar and its walls whisper tales of camaraderie and resistance. This is Julius. It is a place where history was made. Julius is not just a bar. It is a landmark. It is a testament to New York City’s vibrant LGBTQ+ history.
Julius has stood its ground since the 1860s. It became Julius in the 1930s. Before its queer clientele, newsmen frequented it. Walter Winchell loved Julius. Weegee picked up messages here in the 1940s.
But Julius is most famous for the Sip-In. The Sip-In was a peaceful protest in 1966. Activists challenged the State Liquor Authority’s discriminatory rules. These rules prohibited serving homosexuals.
Three gay men from the Mattachine Society bravely ordered drinks. They declared their sexuality. A journalist and photographer documented it. The New York Times headline read: “3 Deviates Invite Exclusion by Bars.” The activists had to visit a few bars. Some refused to serve them. Julius was one of them.
The Mattachine Society took the issue to court. The court ruled that gays had the right to assemble peacefully. This ruling paved the way for legal gay bars. The Sip-In at Julius was a pivotal moment. It advanced LGBTQ+ rights. It marked a turning point in civil rights history.
Julius almost faded into obscurity in the late 1990s. Helen Buford and her late husband Eugene bought it. They revitalized it. They honored its history. Helen pledged to maintain Julius as a gay bar.
Julius received landmark status. The New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission recognized its importance. It joined the nearby Stonewall Inn. It is now protected for future generations.
Step inside Julius. Note the building’s eclectic facade. It is cobbled together from three structures dating back to 1826. The stucco facade is from the 1920s.
Look around and see photos of racing horses, boxers and actors on the wall. There are also drawings of burlesque girls.
Notice the Basset Hound footrests at the base of the bar. It is believed that the original owner’s dog was a Basset Hound named Julius.
Peer up at the original wagon wheel light fixtures. They once used gas. Now they are electrified. Carvings mark the bar with names and dates. They tell tales of the many people who have enjoyed Julius over the decades.
The jukebox plays diva tunes. You can still get a beer for around $8. It is cash only. On Fridays, you might catch Drag Race muted on TV.
Julius stands as a symbol of resilience. It is a reminder of the ongoing fight for equality. It embodies Greenwich Village history. It is a must-see for anyone interested in LGBTQ+ rights.