Difference between revisions of "Garden of Allah"

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Revision as of 08:16, 1 April 2010

The Garden of Allah was known for vaudeville, burlesque, and variety shows with female impersonators as its main attraction. The Garden's shows attracted men and women, gay and straight, and often featured nationally recognized performers. Characterized as wild and bawdy, the Garden was like home to many of its patrons, fostering a sense of community and family among gays and lesbians in Seattle. The cabaret, its performers and clientele have been immortalized by Don Paulson and Roger Simpson in An Evening at the Gardent of Allah.

Diagram of the Garden of Allah, by Don Paulson.


A travelling group of gay men, the Jewel Box Review, performed at the Garden of Allah on opening night in 1946.

“HOLD THAT TIGER!” by the Jewel Box Review, 1947.



Francis Blair, entertainer. Larry Norcum and Stephen Blair, AKA Francis Blair, 1948.

The images above were shared with the History Project and can be viewed in Paulson/Simpson's book.



1950s - Pioneer Square