The Change, a gay bar, opened at 1510 Prospect Avenue East in 1972. The Change was located within the Advance Building. The Change was a “college-age hangout” and regularly hosted live music and entertainment. In 1972, Cleveland’s first unofficial gay pride march started outside of bar. The following year, The Change opened a women’s bar, Chez Ms, on its lower level. The Change was the site of several violent incidents in 1973, including an armed robbery and multi-car collision that occurred in front of the bar. The Change closed in 1974 due to ongoing “financial strain.” The Orchid Room moved into the space formerly occupied by The Change. The Advance Building has since been demolished.
Additional information coming soon.
Resources
- “A Little More Than Change.” Call and Post. April 21, 1973.
- “Around Town.” High Gear. April 1975. Page 14.
- “Cleveland’s Second Gay Pride.” High Gear. August 1976. Page 10.
- Fell, Naomi L. “Freelance Writer Roland Forte…” Call and Post. July 28, 1973.
- Nosek, John, and Leon Stevens. “Gay Community 1970s.” Encyclopedia of Cleveland History.
- “The Happening.” Plain Dealer. July 14, 1972
- “Women’s Bar Closed.” High Gear. December 1974.