It held regular lesbian events, and held repeated fundraisers or HIV/AIDS charities since the emergence of the epidemic in the early 1980s. Others have paid tribute to the fact that the club has hosted a variety of promotions over the years. Chuck Bowers became involved in 1976 and took over as sole owner in 1978.Īlthough news of the club’s closure was met with dismay and criticism by some users of social media, many others sung its praises and did not begrudge that fact that Bowers – now aged 70 – wants to retire and maximise potential earnings from the premises. Bowers started negotiations with CVS/pharmacy in 2014 and after several months of constructive negotiations, a lease agreement was finalized in April for a new CVS/pharmacy to open in late 2016,’ said the statement which was posted on the club’s Facebook page.Ĭlub Hippo was opened in 1972 by Kenny Elbert and Don Endbinder. Bowers, had made the decision to lease the premises to CVS. The club, located at the intersection of Charles and Eager Street in the Mount Vernon district, announced its closure with a statement back in May which revealed that the club’s owner, Chuck L. It held its final dance night on Saturday, and its karaoke stage and saloon area will be closed this coming weekend. Club Hippo, which has been serving Baltimore’s LGBT communities for the past 43 years, is closing its doors this week.
