Two can-can dancers appearing at Steve's Gay '90s pose for a hoe-down on June 2, 1970. These barefoot young ladies have their knees held very high, showing the edges of their polka-dotted pantaloons. Steve's had celebrated its 20th anniversary in October of 1969. The South Tacoma eatery was well known for its nourishing yet inexpensive menu and wholesome family entertainment. Photograph ordered by Steve's Gay '90s.

Steve's Gay '90s (Tacoma); Dancers--Tacoma; Entertainers--Tacoma--1970-1980;

Wurlitzer pipe organ. In early October of 1971, Steve's Gay '90s was proud to announce that diners could enjoy the music of a completely restored Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre pipe organ. This was the same type of organ used to provide music accompaniment in theaters when silent movies were shown. The owner and restorer of the Wurlitzer was Brian Ingoldsby. View of pipe organ at Steve's Gay '90s with Terry Hochmuth on the keyboard. Photograph ordered by Steve's Gay '90s. (TNT ad 9-30-71, C-7; TNT ad 10-8-71, p. 5)

Organs; Steve's Gay '90s (Tacoma); Hochmuth, Terry;

• Three photos from "Steve's South Tacoma, Wash."
• Printed on front: In Tacoma Visit Steve's Gay 90's

Pianist at Steve's Gay '90s. Steve's pianist has one finger on the "C" key of this antique piano in this May, 1966, photograph. Dressed in plumes, sequins and silk, she presents a smiling countenance toward her public. "Kitty" was part of the all-family "World of Burlesque" which marked Steve's Gay '90s 17th anniversary. Patrons were encouraged to sing along with Kitty, and other pianists Marilyn and Norma Small. Photograph ordered by Steve's Gay '90s. (TNT 6-16-66, D-11)

Pianists--Tacoma; Pianos; Women--Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1960-1970; Steve's Gay '90s (Tacoma);

Three can-can dancers in fishnets, ruffles and plumes, entertain at Steve's Gay '90s in May, 1966. They included Connie and Callie Mernaugh. Steve's, a South Tacoma fixture for decades, offered good food and entertainment at very reasonable prices. Floor shows, including the above dancers and rollicking piano tunes, were suitable for the entire family. Steve's would be marking its 17th anniversary with a new show, "World of Burlesque" with performances on Friday and Saturday nights. Photograph ordered by Steve's Gay '90s. (TNT 6-16-66, D-11)

Steve's Gay '90s (Tacoma); Dancers--Tacoma; Entertainers--Tacoma; Costumes; Mernaugh, Callie; Mernaugh, Connie;

Two can-can dancers on stage at Steve's Gay '90s. Dressed in plumes, fishnet stockings, and ruffled costumes, the dancers were part of Steve's famous floor shows which provided family-oriented entertainment for its diners. Pamella Conner and Vickie Conner were part of a new trio of dancers who replaced the dancing Mernaugh sisters, Connie (Moisio) and Callie (Matthews) and Hazel Gjerde. The Mernaughs had been performing at Steve's for 14 years. Photograph ordered by Steve's Gay '90s. (TNT 11-9-67, D-11, TNT 12-22-67, p. 20)

Steve's Gay '90s (Tacoma); Dancers--Tacoma; Entertainers--Tacoma--1960-1970; Conner, Pamella; Conner, Vickie; Costumes;

Gerrye Schmitt starred as "Nellie Quakenbush" in the musical melodrama, "No! No! A Thousand Times No!" during the spring of 1969. She was part of the Opera House Players who performed in the two-act theatrical review held at Steve's Gay '90s in South Tacoma. The melodrama was directed by Dorothy Jean Heffernan who had previously directed "The Drunkard," held at Steve's in 1967. Photograph ordered by Steve's Gay '90s. (TNT 3-16-69, D-17)

Theatrical productions--Tacoma--1960-1970; Melodramas; Actresses; Schmitt, Gerrye; Steve's Gay '90s (Tacoma);

Knees high, three unidentified song-and-dance men prepared to do their part in the March 10, 1969 rehearsal of "No! No! A Thousand Times No!" The two-act musical melodrama was held in the Opera House of Steve's Gay '90s, 5238-40 South Tacoma Way, in the spring of 1969 and utilized the talents of many of Steve's entertainers. The role the trio played is unknown but apparently involved grasping their straw hats and stealthily crossing the stage. Photograph ordered by Steve's Gay '90s.

Theatrical productions--Tacoma--1960-1970; Melodramas; Entertainers--Tacoma; Steve's Gay '90s (Tacoma);

While three unidentified little girls in polka-dotted costumes with feathered caps think about their dance steps their adult counterparts extend a leggy pose for the camera. The women are three of the original can-can dancers at Steve's Gay '90s. They returned from retirement in October of 1969 to dance on the Opera Room stage as part of Steve's 20th anniversary celebration. From left to right are the Mernaugh twins, Connie (Moisio) and Callie (Sterino) and Hazel Gjerde (Cooper). The Mernaugh's started dancing at Steve's when they were still in high school. Tacomans were invited to visit Steve's and be entertained by Jane McKee, Rag-time Ruthie and the can-can dancers as well as current Steve's favorites. (Photograph ordered by Steve's Gay '90s.) (TNT ad 10-17-69, p. 10; TNT 10-17-69, p. 12)

Dancers--Tacoma; Entertainers--Tacoma--1960-1970; Girls--Tacoma--1960-1970; Costumes; Steve's Gay '90s (Tacoma);

Can-can girls at Steve's Gay '90s. A staple at the South Tacoma restaurant, Steve's Gay '90s, was the trio of can-can dancers in full costume. Joining the newest members on June 2, 1970, was Hazel Gjerde (r) who had danced at Steve's for 14 years before retirement. This picture was used in the News Tribune large ad on June 18th to advertise Steve's 3-day celebration entitled "Good Ol' Days." The Gay 90s Revue would feature 25 entertainers, free noisemakers and free hats. Photograph ordered by Steve's Gay '90s. TPL-8254 (TNT ad 6-18-70, C-17)

Steve's Gay '90s (Tacoma); Dancers--Tacoma; Entertainers--Tacoma--1970-1980; Gjerde, Hazel;