I recently posted a pic of the old mansion, the Oglivie- Weiner House and the comments went viral within an hour. It has recently been purchased by John Bryant and his wife to be renovated into a bed and breakfast.
So many memories for so many people were born in this wonderful magical place. Quoting Bailey Thomas,, "The Florentine on Austin Place not far from downtown Shreveport. Originally home to the W.B. Ogilvie family and later to the Samuel Weiner family. In the 1950s, Robert Friend opened it as "The Florentine" which was a gathering spot for entertainers, celebrities and the eclectic. From "Historic Shreveport".
In the 70's Gene Barnett took possession of the grand old home. It became the home of the first openly gay bar in Shreveport. Again, those who were members of the LGBT community as well as those who weren't, celebrities, (I met a few myself as a teen there) and Shreveport's elite would dance the night away under the big disco ball that hung in the main ballroom.
Below are just a few of the comments where those who were there and miss it open their hearts to tell of the wonderful people we met there, some we loved, some we lost. But mostly we found ourselves there and connected to many who were there for the same reason.
The FLORENTINE CLUB on Austin Place with the name emblazoned it. During its hey...See more
by: Ernie Roberson
Amazing that I did a Google search and lo and behold: the house is still there. Today, April 9th, marks the 37th anniversary of my coming out at The Florentine Room. I was in my freshman year at Centenary. If I recall correctly it was Easter weekend. I spent many, many a night haunting that house. Later I became the DJ—my first such stint. Socially withdrawn in high school, I overcame that problem, learned to dance and progressed to being able to do the line walk FACING the rest of the crowd. I know there was some cattiness back then, but for the most part, everyone supported everyone else. Met my first coupla crushes there—at least, the first ones I could actually DO something about.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, I have had to rush through S'port a few times over the years and always wondered if the house was still standing; couldn't take time for an investigative detour. I am glad to see that The Florentine is still there. It also warms my soul to see the other remembrances here. RIP, Gene and all the others of that day who made my coming out such a happy experience. I know that disco ball's spinning in heaven!
I quote a letter of 11 Sep 1977 from "Mike D." here:
ReplyDelete"I'm taking fifteen hours (at least right now) this semester. With three other jobs in addition to classes and homework, I figure I will be dead or insane or both by Christmas break. ... My third job is DJ-ing at the Florentine, if you're ready for that! I have been spinning the records there for about a month now, and so far the place has been packed on the weekends. A lot of people are coming in from Dallas, Houston, and New Orleans, so apparently word is spreading that there is finally a decent bar in Shreveport. Wednesday and Thursday nights are a little busier than normal, but still pretty slow. Still, I am doing my damnedest to get the people in. Last two weekends in a row I broke the door record--something like 400 people a night, whic is unbelievable considereing that this is Shreveport, after all! Last night I had an incredible crowd to work with; I have never seen people stay on the floor as long as they were doing. Even the dykes finally quit pestering me for slow songs and were out strutting their stuff."
For my memories of 1976 through 1977, I recall Friday and Saturday evenings coming from the air base with several friends and dancing until the bar closed. When I got orders to relocate to Germany, an older guy (maybe as old as 45!) told me gay slang to use when I went to bars there.
I hate that the new owner, Mrs. Bryant, I can only assume flagrantly omitted Gene and his ownership of the Florentine from at least the 70s (his favorite time for the Florentine- he spoke of it fondly and with many funny stories) clear thru the late 90s, when he passed away. It was also his home. I suppose that part of the house's history is too unseemly to mention, considering the money Mrs. Bryant is trying to raise for its renovation. Am I happy it's being restored? Of course! But I am equally upset that they neglected to mention Gene, since I worked for him as first a bartender and later the manager of the club during the early to mid-90s, I had much love for that man. Rest in peace, Gene. You will not be forgotten!
ReplyDeleteYou all are so correct, the Florentine Club was Shreveports last true Grand Dame. I was the DJ there back in the early 80s and it was a blast. I will always miss Gene, he was a great friend to me as well as the Gay community. The will never be another Mz. Kitty or another Florentine.
ReplyDeleteMy Uncle and Aunt ...John and Lil Noble also owned the Florentine Club in the 50's. Spent many years going there and have pictures of the entertainers with my Uncle and Aunt. My cousin has one of the huge mirrors from the house.
ReplyDeleteAnyone remember a DJ there named Glen? Circa 1979-82. Last name? I had him play "The Great Curve" by Talking Heads and it cleared the floor.
ReplyDeleteIt been fun reading this! I can only imagine!
ReplyDeleteThe Florentine will always hold a special place in my heart. The best of times. I always feel like I grew up there. I'm still friends with Harvey and I will love Frank Lytle through out
ReplyDeleteEternity. Sookie I hope you are well and my shoes Frank made me were 12 inches high...wish I still had them
This is Suzan Salter
DeleteSuzan, I was about to ask if this was you! I was there when Frank made those fab platforms for you and himself, All eyes were on you guys at the Hircsh! Debbie Wall
DeleteMany...many great memories of the Florentine
ReplyDeleteIt's wonderful to hear people talk about Frank Lytle. He was my first real boyfriend. My first night ever at the Florentine was the Mr. Gay Louisiana pageant. A bunch of sexy men from all over the state, and in between the swimsuits and whatever other categories, drag performances. Naomi Sims! And one fabulous queen being carried in on a litter by four guys (one of whom I knew from college, but who had felt he needed to be circumspect down there at Northwestern in Natchitoches). She performed Diamonds Are Forever and to this day that song sparks so much Proustian feeling for me. Thank you, Florentine. I had moved up north and been through more than a few men when I heard the news about Frank. Devastated. Horrible. Memories...
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