Coordinates: 38°53′42″N 76°57′04″W / 38.89494762590221°N 76.95116051908279°W / 38.89494762590221; -76.95116051908279

D.C. Eagle

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D.C. Eagle
Map
General information
TypeGay bar, Leather bar
Location3701 Benning Rd. NE
Town or cityWashington D. C.
CountryUnited States of America
Coordinates38°53′42″N 76°57′04″W / 38.89494762590221°N 76.95116051908279°W / 38.89494762590221; -76.95116051908279
Opened1971
Closed2020
OwnerTed Clements, Peter Lloyd

The D.C. Eagle was a gay leather bar in Washington, D.C., operating from 1971 to 2020. It was relocated several times, with its most recent location at 3701 Benning Rd. NE since 2014.[1] It was one of several unrelated leather bars carrying the name "The Eagle".

History

The DC Eagle at 639 New York Ave. NW, where it was located from 1987 to 2014

The roots of the D.C. Eagle can be traced back to informal dinners of a group of local motorcyclists and leathermen at Louis' bar on 9th Street in Northwest. After the founding of the Spartans MC (April 3, 1968) the bar war renamed Louis' Spartan Lounge. Don Bruce was one of the early Spartans Presidents and opened a club owned home bar at 904 9th St. NW in 1971, together with his brother Eddie.[2] They were supported by Don's partner Dick McHugh. Due to city redevelopment, the bar was forced to move several times.[3] In 1987, another move was ineviteble. While Don and Eddie Bruce decided to retire to Florida, Dick McHugh opened the bar Dick’s Place at 639 New York Ave.[1] in a former Manhattan Transfer Company building, which was later named the DC Eagle.[2] Ted Clements and Peter Lloyd became owners of the bar in 2011.[1]

Since 1982 the Mr. D.C. Eagle competition was held at the bar, at the time claiming to be "the longest running leather title contest in the entire country".[4][2] The winner qualified for the International Mr Leather Competition held in Chicago. Two former Mr. D.C. Eagle went on to win the international competition: IML 2004 Jason Hendrix[5] and IML 2014 Ramien Pierre.

Bootblacking has a tradition at the Eagle as well. Not only featured the bar a bootblack stand, which at least dates back to the mid-1980s.[1][6] The Eagle also sponsored a number of early International Mr Bootblack contestants, including the first IMrBB 1993 David Morgan, IMrBB 1995 Tim Cousins, and IMrBB 1999 Robert Ehrlich.[7] IMrBB 1998 Matthew Duncan was sponsored by the Centaur MC, but bootblacked regularly at the Eagle.[8]

Around 2002, a regular "Dyke Night" was started during a weeknight, opening the business to a more diverse crowd.[1]

Eagle Wings was an annual fundraiser held from 2004 on during D.C. Eagle Anniversary Weekend, in November, with proceeds having been donated to local DC charities.[9][10]

In 2014 the Eagle relocated to a warehouse at 3701 Benning Rd. NE.[3][11] It closed in 2020 after several months of financial difficulties.[3]

Besides the Spartans MC, several local gay (motorcycle) clubs displayed their club colors at the Eagle, including the Centaurs, Lost Angels, Scorpions, Shipmates, FFA (Fist-Fuckers Association), Highwaymen, Nine Links, Druids, Vulcans.[1]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f Miller, Shauna (2013-06-06). "At the D.C. Eagle, 42 Years of Leather Daddies, Assless Chaps, and Good Vibes". Washington City Paper. Retrieved 2024-07-05.
  2. ^ a b c "DC Eagle - History". web.archive.org. 2013-01-06. Archived from the original on 2013-01-06. Retrieved 2024-07-05.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  3. ^ a b c Riley, John (2020-05-08). "DC Eagle closed after months of mismanagement, employees say". Metro Weekly. Retrieved 2024-07-05.
  4. ^ "Mr. DC Eagle & Contest - DC Eagle DC Eagle". web.archive.org. 2017-06-23. Archived from the original on 2017-06-23. Retrieved 2024-07-05.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  5. ^ "International Mr. Leather - IML 2004". web.archive.org. 2006-03-24. Archived from the original on 2006-03-24. Retrieved 2024-07-05.
  6. ^ Chibbaro Jr, Lou (2012-10-04). "DC Eagle in search of new home | Gay News | Washington Blade". www.washingtonblade.com. Retrieved 2024-07-05.
  7. ^ Bean, Joseph W. (2004). International Mr. Leather: 25 Years of Champions. International Mr. Leather, Inc. and The Leather Archives and Museum. ISBN 1-887895-38-8.
  8. ^ Boggs, Nicholas (1998-06-05). "Shining Boots. Local man polishes over 300 pairs and wins title at leather competition". The Washington Blade. Archived from the original on 2024-07-05. Retrieved 2024-07-05.
  9. ^ "Eagle Wings - DC Eagle DC Eagle". web.archive.org. 2017-07-03. Archived from the original on 2017-07-03. Retrieved 2024-07-05.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  10. ^ "Eagle veterans benefit is Saturday night | Washington DC LGBT Events". www.washingtonblade.com. 2013-04-24. Retrieved 2024-07-05.
  11. ^ Chibbaro Jr, Lou (2012-10-04). "DC Eagle in search of new home | Gay News | Washington Blade". www.washingtonblade.com. Retrieved 2024-07-05.
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