The Diamond Bar Brick
Title
The Diamond Bar Brick
Subject
Omaha
Bars
Description
Photograph of a brick from Omaha's the Diamond Bar, which was known as the "Oldest Gay Bar in Nebraska." This brick is from the bar's first building and is mainly painted gold with a bit of pink, blue, and green. "The Diamond Bar" is written in sequins and the brick is covered with little gold stars. Above the words is a small, broach-like likeness of the Little Blue Boy.
The brick was given to Pat Phalen, Emperor VI, at Coronation VII, his stepping down ceremony. The text of prepared remarks follow:
"Diamond Bar / Good evening Emerpor Pat, Empress Veronica, and Athena JoJo - the Imperial Court of Neb. as well as all Courts of all nations.
Greetings from The Diamond Bar and welcome to Omaha. Tonight we send as our personal representative Miss April Ann Rose, as well as members of our "family of customers." Not only as a gay bar, but as a community pillar of strength in which all others may take note of and pull together in suite.
The world, strange as it may seem - is still full of bigotry. Straights vs. Gays - Blacks vs. Whites, and even sadder - Gays vs. Gays.
As not only the oldest gay bar in Omaha, but the Midwest - we represent what we feel to be the Ideal Bar. one of no games - no back stabbing - only simple people with simple ways and needs.
As our presentation - we offer the last brick of the old Diamond Bar. An offer to today's court as well as tomorrows. To serve as a New Corner Stone of strength in unity & brotherly love.
After all - we are the past - we are the present - we are the future.
We are the young learning from the old - the old learning from the young - striving for unity together. In short - "We Are the World.""
"Diamond Bar / Good evening Emerpor Pat, Empress Veronica, and Athena JoJo - the Imperial Court of Neb. as well as all Courts of all nations.
Greetings from The Diamond Bar and welcome to Omaha. Tonight we send as our personal representative Miss April Ann Rose, as well as members of our "family of customers." Not only as a gay bar, but as a community pillar of strength in which all others may take note of and pull together in suite.
The world, strange as it may seem - is still full of bigotry. Straights vs. Gays - Blacks vs. Whites, and even sadder - Gays vs. Gays.
As not only the oldest gay bar in Omaha, but the Midwest - we represent what we feel to be the Ideal Bar. one of no games - no back stabbing - only simple people with simple ways and needs.
As our presentation - we offer the last brick of the old Diamond Bar. An offer to today's court as well as tomorrows. To serve as a New Corner Stone of strength in unity & brotherly love.
After all - we are the past - we are the present - we are the future.
We are the young learning from the old - the old learning from the young - striving for unity together. In short - "We Are the World.""
There are some spots where the sequins have fallen off and other wear and tear typical to bricks is visible on the underside of the brick.
Date
circa 1986
Creator
The Diamond Bar
Source
Terry Sweeney and Pat Phalen Papers, Archives & Special Collections, Criss Library, University of Nebraska at Omaha
Publisher
Dr. C.C. and Mabel L. Criss Library
Relation
Terry Sweeney and Pat Phalen Papers finding aid at: https://archives.nebraska.edu/repositories/4/resources/558
Files
Citation
The Diamond Bar, “The Diamond Bar Brick,” Queer Omaha Archives | UNO Libraries, accessed April 20, 2024, https://queeromahaarchives.omeka.net/items/show/28.