By Sukie de la Croix

On This Day in …

1968 Dr. William Simon of the Institute of Juvenile Research speaks to Mattachine Midwest on the subject of “Social Reflections of a Demoralized Sex Researcher.” Dr. Simon was one of three doctors who conducted a survey of homosexuality for the Kinsey Institute. The meeting takes place at the Trip, 27 E. Ohio.

1976 Hot lesbian bars include Augie’s, 3729 N. Halsted—now Bobby Love’s; CK’s at 1425 W. Diversey; and the newly opened Marilyn, 432 N. Clark St.

1979 Rita Mae Brown, author of “Rubyfruit Jungle” and “Six of One,” appears in person to speak on “A Kiss Does Not a Revolution Make” at the Conrad Hilton Hotel.

1982 Dr. Steve Rempas opens the Loading Dock, his third gay bar in Chicago at 3704 N. Halsted St. His other two bars are the Loading Zone, 46 E. Oak St., and Ozone, 112 W. Hubbard. Staff members at the Loading Dock include Bart Lombard, the manager, and bar staff Jeff Courtouise, Skip Howard, Tony Valdes and Bruce Fenn.

It’s the grand opening of Spice Tree, the Northwest Side’s newest gay bar, 2811 N. Central.

The Chicago Knight Motorcycle Club kicks off its annual Toys for Tots charity drive with a cocktail party at the Annex 2, 430 N. Clark St. This is the 11th year this fundraiser has taken place.

1983 Serial killer Larry Eyler, 30, is arrested in connection with the August 1983 murder of Ralph E. Calise, 28, after blood and hair samples taken from Eyler matched those at the sight where the body was found.

1988 Events in the bars include “Ghost Town: A Cowboy Halloween” at Carol’s Speakeasy, 1355 N. Wells; Ron Helizon, the Polish Princess, celebrates his 43 gay years with Fifi, Franchesca, precious Jeannie and Toots at his bar Company, 2683 N. Halsted; and “A Wild Romp With the Beatmaster” at Sidetrack The Video Bar, 3349 N. Halsted.

Different Strokes, 4923 N. Clark St. advertises in the press as “the perfect place for those without both oars in the water.”

1990 In the bars this week are Alana Russell performing live at North End, 3733 N. Halsted; loosen up your vocal chords with a Howling Contest at Bistro Too, 5015 N. Clark St. Cash prizes for the Loudest Howl, the Most Convincing and the Most Original; and a “Super Heroes Costume Party” at Roscoe’s.

It’s the grand opening celebration of the Rodde Center, Chicago’s Lesbian and Gay Community Center at 4753 N. Broadway. The Rodde Center Fund was started in 1977 by Chicago’s chapter of the Tavern Guild.

1992 “Walk Without Fear,” the third annual “Take the Streets” march in Lakeview sets off from the corner of Belmont and Broadway. The marchers stop along the route at the sights of violent crimes to hear survivors’ stories.

Thanks to the Gerber/Hart Library at 1127 W. Granville for the use of their collection and archives.