BDSM → Leather subculture
The D.C. Eagle was a gay leather bar in Washington, D.C., operating from 1971 to 2020. It was relocated several times, with its most recent location at 3701 Benning Rd. NE since 2014. It was one of several unrelated leather bars carrying the name “The Eagle”.
History
The roots of the D.C. Eagle can be traced back to informal dinners of a group of local motorcyclists and leathermen at Louis’ bar on 9th Street in Northwest. After the founding of the Spartans MC (April 3, 1968) the bar war renamed Louis’ Spartan Lounge. Don Bruce was one of the early Spartans Presidents and opened a club owned home bar at 904 9th St. NW in 1971, together with his brother Eddie. They were supported by Don’s partner Dick McHugh. Due to city redevelopment, the bar was forced to move several times. In 1987, another move was ineviteble. While Don and Eddie Bruce decided to retire to Florida, Dick McHugh opened the bar Dick’s Place at 639 New York Ave. in a former Manhattan Transfer Company building, which was later named the DC Eagle. Ted Clements and Peter Lloyd became owners of the bar in 2011.
Since 1982 the Mr. D.C. Eagle competition was held at the bar, at the time claiming to be “the longest running leather title contest in the entire country”. The winner qualified for the International Mr Leather Competition held in Chicago. Two former Mr. D.C. Eagle went on to win the international competition: IML 2004 Jason Hendrix and IML 2014 Ramien Pierre.
Bootblacking has a tradition at the Eagle as well. Not only featured the bar a bootblack stand, which at least dates back to the mid-1980s. The Eagle also sponsored a number of early International Mr Bootblack contestants, including the first IMrBB 1993 David Morgan, IMrBB 1995 Tim Cousins, and IMrBB 1999 Robert Ehrlich. IMrBB 1998 Matthew Duncan was sponsored by the Centaur MC, but bootblacked regularly at the Eagle.
Around 2002, a regular “Dyke Night” was started during a weeknight, opening the business to a more diverse crowd.
Eagle Wings was an annual fundraiser held from 2004 on during D.C. Eagle Anniversary Weekend, in November, with proceeds having been donated to local DC charities.
In 2014 the Eagle relocated to a warehouse at 3701 Benning Rd. NE. It closed in 2020 after several months of financial difficulties.
Besides the Spartans MC, several local gay (motorcycle) clubs displayed their club colors at the Eagle, including the Centaurs, Lost Angels, Scorpions, Shipmates, FFA (Fist-Fuckers Association), Highwaymen, Nine Links, Druids, Vulcans.
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