Historic Strip in the Heart of Vancouver
In Vancouver for the weekend, and through some kind of cosmic serendipity I’ve just started reading Lily Burana’s notorious memoir Strip City, while our retro-modern hotel happens to be steps from the city’s most historic and longest running strip club. Opening its doors in 1947, The Penthouse is still family-owned and operated and boasts a rich history- at one time the center of commerce for over 100 working women. From the late ’40s and into the ’50s and ’60s, the club booked big name entertainers and hosted afterparties for the likes of Frank Sinatra, Lena Horne, Ella Fitzgerald, Sammy Davis Jr., and even Gary Cooper. The Penthouse evolved from a swinging nightclub to a full-blown strip palace in the ’70s; comedians and burlesque girls metamorphosing into exotic dancers and strippers, despite multiple raids and shifting liquor laws. Apparently history buffs on Heritage Vancouver tours make a stop at The Penthouse as well- for educational purposes, naturally.
This weekend, there’s a Miss Pole Dance Canada competition, but unfortunately we’ll be back in Seattle by then.
The Penthouse:
1019 Seymour Street
Vancouver, BC V6B3M4
(604) 683-2111
The Penthouse, front view (courtesy of http://www.penthousenightclub.com)
Burlesque Seattle Press 