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Wooden sign from Shelly's Leg Tavern, 1975
Famous for the bold sign announcing its identity, Seattle’s first disco opened in December 1973 at the foot of Main Street. Co-owner Shelly Bauman, a colorful figure, named the bar for the leg she lost to a cannon that misfired in a Pioneer Square parade. Money from the lawsuit helped her start the bar. "I wanted a place where everyone would feel welcome, no matter what their sexual orientation, identity, race, religion or other factors." The bar closed in 1978.
ID Number: 2001.66.1
Date: 1975
Physical Description: 1 Sign, Advertising; wood; 48 in.H x 96 in.W x 2 in.D
Credit: MOHAI, 2001.66.1