Steve's Cafe, more commonly known as Steve's Gay '90's, was a very popular eating establishment for several decades. Located on South Tacoma Way, it was owned by Stephen O. Pease and John J. Stanley and offered, according to the 1954 City Directory, a "Smorgasbord of American Dishes Served in an Atmosphere of the Gay 90's." The restaurant was remodeled more than once; in the summer of 1954, new "cable-car" seating was added with the names of various streets and cable car numbers attached to the ends of the benches. Powell & Market #505, Angel Flight #62 and Lake Washington/Yesler/Pioneer Square #412 were just a few signs pictured in a July 4, 1954, photograph. A Cable Car Menu posted indicated that French fried prawns in a basket could be purchased for $1.00, half a fried chicken for $1.25 and Steve's Dutch Lunch, only 75 cents. Tasty, inexpensive meals could be found at Steve's along with cocktails and entertainment. The pictured "Cable Car Room" was designed by Bill Knabel Sign & Display Service.

Steve's Gay '90s (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1950-1960; Signs (Notices);

Steve's Gay '90s. Steve's Cafe (later commonly known as Steve's Gay '90s) was a fixture in South Tacoma for several decades. It was well known for its good food and lavish entertainment. View of Cable Room, a specialty dining area within Steve's which definitely had an old-time atmosphere. Steve Pease had imported actual cable car seating for his restaurant; Bill Knabel Sign & Display Service designed the room's layout. Names of actual cable cars were attached to the ends of the seats, including Powell & Market Strs., Bay & Taylor, and Angel Flight. Photograph ordered by Douglas Fir Plywood Association. TPL-3850

Steve's Gay '90s (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1950-1960; Signs (Notices);

Ahlab Court, Ladies' Oriental Shrine of North America, welcome passengers aboard the well-known Steve's cable car on a wet February noontime. Some of them are wearing the traditional fez but others have on more daring "Hedda Hopper" creations. The women may have had their own "Oriental Band" similar to male Shriners; an accordion, banjo, and drums are visible. Photograph was taken on February 25, 1958, outside Steve's Gay '90s. Photograph ordered by Ahlab Court, Ladies' Oriental Shrine of North America.

Ahlab Court, Ladies' Oriental Shrine of North America (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma; Hats--1950-1960; Cable railroads--Tacoma;

The Barbers Union Local #158 sponsored a citywide whiskers-growing contest in July of 1958 in conjunction with the 11th annual national Western Caravan of the Horseless Carriage Club of America. Photographed at Steve's Gay '90s, these ten men had one thing in common: their whiskers were real! Dressed in a mixture of gold mining and evening clothes of the 1800's, entrants sported handlebar mustaches, muttonchops and Abe Lincoln beards. Even the judges of the event wore appropriate facial hair as they pondered their choices. William L. Wade, the Abe Lincoln lookalike at the right (second row), was declared the first prize winner. Photograph ordered by the Barbers Local #158. (TNT 7-18-58, p. 14-article; TNT 7-19-58, p. 3-article & picture of Mr. Wade)

Contests--Tacoma--1950-1960; Beards; Wade, William L.;

Two determined-looking women seem to be making their point clear to the thoughtful group of bearded men in a tableau set at Steve's Gay '90s. This scene was part of the beard-growing contest sponsored by the Barbers Local #158 on July 17, 1958. Participants are dressed in clothing which may have been worn in the mid-1800's, including evening clothes, top hats, and gold mining gear. Photograph ordered by the Barbers Local #158.

Contests--Tacoma--1950-1960; Beards; Theatrical productions--Tacoma--1950-1960;

The winning entrants in the beard-growing contest pose proudly with their trophies at Steve's Cafe, better known as Steve's Gay '90s, on July 18. 1958. The Abe Lincoln lookalike, William L. Wade, in the center won the top prize, with second place going to Richard C. Christian, left, and third place to James Grenier in sideburns. All three men are dressed formally in the styles of the 1800's. Winning contestant Wade had recently moved to Tacoma from Yelm to enter the whiskers contest. He received a trophy, wristwatch and a razor. For an additional view of other contestants, see D115482-2. Photograph ordered by Barbers Local #158. (TNT 7-19-58, p. 3)

Contests--Tacoma--1950-1960; Beards; Awards; Wade, William L.; Christian, Richard C.; Grenier, James;

A young family waits to select from a menu at Steve's Gay '90s as their hostess smiles in this July 27, 1960, photograph. Three can-can dancers and the m.c. are on the stage behind them in the restaurant's Opera Room. Mrs. LeRoy M. Curtis enjoys a free dinner at Steve's as Steve's Gay '90s was one of ten restaurants where Dine Out Every Month Club members utilized the "Buy one, get one free" method of receiving free meals. For $5.00, Dine Out Every Month Club members would receive a coupon book good for ten meals at participating restaurants. With Mrs. Curtis is her husband and daughter Terry; assisting the Curtis' family is Steve's hostess Vicki Tran. (TNT ad 8-2-60, p. 8)

Steve's Gay '90s (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1960-1970; Families--Tacoma--1960-1970; Curtis, LeRoy M.; Curtis, LeRoy M.--Family; Curtis, Terry; Tran, Vicki;

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;

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);

The cast of "The Drunkard" posed for a variety of shots on February 27, 1967. The 1890's melodrama, directed by Dorothy Jean Heffernan, was held at Steve's Gay '90s, 5238-40 South Tacoma Way, in March and April of 1967. Kathie McCulloch, as Mary Wilson, is pictured above with her hands aloft and mouth open in dismay at the appearance of the play's mustached villain, Jack Richardson, who stars as Lawyer Cribbs. Photograph ordered by Steve's Gay '90s. (TNT 3-3-67, A-6)

Steve's Gay '90s (Tacoma); Theatrical productions--Tacoma--1960-1970; Melodramas; Richardson, Jack; McCulloch, Kathie; Actors--Tacoma--1960-1970; Actresses;

The three new can-can dancers at Steve's Gay '90s (l to r) Vickie Conner, Kathy Tamburelle and Pamella Conner posed while on stage in December, 1967. They were photographed while performing a special Christmas holiday stage show which was presented on weekends.The dancers had a variety of costumes but all featured tall plumes, ruffles and fishnet stockings. The new dancers replaced the can-can trio of Connie Moisio, Callie Mathews and Hazel Gjerde, who retired in November, 1967, after 14 years at Steve's. Steve's Gay '90s was a longtime South Tacoma fixture that offered reasonably priced cuisine along with entertainment harking back to the America of the 1890's. (Photograph ordered by Steve's Gay '90s.) (TNT 11-9-67, D-11, TNT 12-22-67, p. 20) TPL-9874

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

Two entertainers at Steve's Gay '90s; photograph taken on December 8, 1967. Both are dressed in the fashions of bygone days. The woman seated at the piano was identified as "LuluBelle" in a News Tribune ad later on February 19, 1968; she carries a paper fan. LuluBelle was proclaimed being "back in town," and entertaining each Saturday evening at the Old Piano Table. The man is believed to be Jack Richardson, "King of the MCs." Steve's Gay '90s was a very popular restaurant in South Tacoma that offered family-styled entertainment. Photograph ordered by Steve's Gay '90s.

Steve's Gay '90s (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1960-1970; Entertainers--Tacoma--1960-1970; Fans (Accessories)--Tacoma;

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;

Informal portrait of young singer Diane Schuur. The teen was a guest performer at Steve's Gay '90s restaurant at the time of this January 23, 1968, photograph. "Deedles" had her first gig at the Tacoma Holiday Inn at age 9 where she sang on weekends with just a pianist and drummer. She would later be introduced at the 1979 Monterey Jazz Festival by Dizzie Gillespie, record more than a dozen albums, and been the recipient of several Grammy awards. Photograph ordered by Steve's Gay '90s. (www.baldwinpiano.com/what/schuur.html)

Schuur, Diane; Singers;

Fifteen-year-old Diane Schuur belts out a tune at Steve's Gay '90s where she was a guest performer on January 23, 1968. Born in Tacoma, Miss Schuur grew up in Auburn, the daughter of a police officer. Miss Schuur, whose first gig was with a two-piece combo at the Tacoma Holiday Inn at age 9, would grow up to become a Grammy award-winning jazz performer. (Photograph ordered by Steve's Gay '90s.)

Schuur, Diane; Singers; Pianists--Tacoma--1960-1970; Pianos;

Local singer Diane Schuur playing an old-fashioned Gaines piano at Steve's Gay '90s. The young teenager was a guest performer at Steve's at the time of this January, 1968, photograph. She had had private music lessons as a small child and also learned a lot about the piano by ear. Her first single for Decca Records was a country tune, "Dear Mommy and Daddy," but she would go on to utilize her 3 and a half octave range in numerous jazz recordings. Photograph ordered by Steve's Gay '90s.

Schuur, Diane; Singers; Pianists--Tacoma--1960-1970; Pianos;

A young Diane Schuur, hands delicately placed on the keys of an antique Gaines & Co. piano, poses for an informal portrait on May 10, 1968, at Steve's Gay '90s. She was a frequent weekend performer at the popular South Tacoma restaurant. Even as a teenager, she was known for her outstanding voice and musical ability. Photograph ordered by Steve's Gay '90s.

Schuur, Diane; Pianists--Tacoma; Pianos; Singers; Steve's Gay '90s (Tacoma);

Jack Richardson, dressed in "old-timey" clothing complete with straw boater, a striped jacket, and a tie labeled "South Tacoma Wash.," was advertised as "King of the MCs" in May of 1968. Mr. Richardson was an entertainer at Steve Pease's well-known Gay 90s restaurant located at South 54th and South Tacoma Way. This photograph was used in a collage of Steve's entertainers advertising the upcoming 19th anniversary of Steve's Gay '90s. The 3-day celebration would feature 25 entertainers, free noisemakers and free hats. Special guests appearing included the Don Lemon Trio and the Cable Car Conductors. Photograph ordered by Steve's Gay '90s. (TNT ad 6-13-68, C-18, TNT ad 8-16-68, p. 13)

Richardson, Jack; Steve's Gay '90s (Tacoma); Men--Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1960-1970; Entertainers--Tacoma--1960-1970;

This is believed to be songtress Peggy O'Neil who performed for many years at Steve's Gay '90s in South Tacoma. Her real name was Margaret Farrugia, Lincoln High School alumna, and mother of six. On May 10, 1968, she is pictured wearing plumes in her upswept hairdo with matching accessories on her black evening dress. Peggy O'Neil was a popular entertainer specializing in singing "the blues" and old-time "torch" songs. She would participate in the 3- day celebration of Steve's Gay '90s 19th anniversary called the "Good Ol' Days." Photograph ordered by Steve's Gay '90s. (TNT ad 6-13-68, C-18)

O'Neil, Peggy; Farrugia, Margaret; Women--Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1960-1970; Entertainers--Tacoma--1960-1970; Singers;

A two-act musical melodrama was performed three days a week for the enjoyment of patrons of Steve's Gay '90s from March 19th to April 24, 1969. Entitled "No! No! A Thousand Times No!," it was directed by Dorothy Jean Heffernan. The acting and singing troupe involved, the Opera House Players, was basically composed of entertainers from Steve's Gay '90s restaurant. Bill Thurmon, above clutching a rifle, portrayed the aptly named Noble Hart. Mr. Thurmon was a member of the barbershop quartet, the "Most Happy Fellows." His wide-eyed companion is not identified. Photograph ordered by Steve's Gay '90s.

Theatrical productions--Tacoma--1960-1970; Melodramas; Thurmon, Bill; Actors--Tacoma--1960-1970; Actresses; Steve's Gay '90s (Tacoma);

Bill Thurmon is surrounded by a bevy of beauties while in rehearsal for the musical melodrama "No! No! A Thousand Times No!" at Steve's Gay '90s. His mouth is wide open, either in surprise or dismay. The Opera House Players, consisting of many of Steve's entertainers, made up the cast of the melodrama. Performances were held mid-week for about a month during the spring of 1969. Mr. Thurmon was a member of the barbershop quartet, the "Most Happy Fellows." Photograph ordered by Steve's Gay '90s.

Theatrical productions--Tacoma--1960-1970; Melodramas; Thurmon, Bill; Actors--Tacoma--1960-1970; Actresses; 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);

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);

The cast of "No! No! A Thousand Times No!" posed for a variety of photographs on March 10, 1969. They were preparing for the opening of the two-act musical melodrama on March 19th. One actor, straddling a wooden chair above, gapes in astonishment at the exhortations of an aproned actress. All performances would be held at Steve's Gay '90s, 5238-40 South Tacoma Way, and include twelve big musical numbers. Members of the audience were invited to a community singalong prior to the 8:00 p.m. opening curtain. Photograph ordered by Steve's Gay '90s. (TNT 3-16-69, D-17)

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

In case Jack Richardson's handlebar mustache, sinister black cape and dented black derby didn't give away the right clues, Rory Ogburn, a member of the Opera House Players, gently reminds the audience that they should reward the "villain" with appropriate greetings. Mr. Richardson portrayed the city slicker, Stafford Blackman, in the 1890's musical melodrama, "No! No! A Thousand Times No!," at Steve's Gay '90s during the spring of 1969. He had also appeared in another villainous role in a previous Opera House Players production of "The Drunkard" in 1967. Mr. Richardson was known as the "King of MCs" in his regular entertainment role at Steve's. Photograph ordered by Steve's Gay '90s. (TNT 3-16-69, D-17)

Theatrical productions--Tacoma--1960-1970; Melodramas; Richardson, Jack; Actors--Tacoma--1960-1970; Actresses; Ogburn, Rory; Steve's Gay '90s (Tacoma); Signs (Notices);

American Cancer Society campaign. People were asked to give generously to the American Cancer Society during the April, 1969, fund drive, to meet the goal for Pierce County of $38,500. Signs were posted in the trolley car belonging to Steve Pease of Steve's Gay '90s. The trolley was parked in back of the South Tacoma Way restaurant. L-R are Joe A. Vraves, recently named county chairman for the April crusade; Mrs. Donal D. Sherfy, residential chairman; Billie Resch of Wilson High School's volunteer bureau; and A.L. Lee, special gifts chairman. Mr. Vraves is also the mayor of Fife. Photograph ordered by the American Cancer Society. (TNT 3-31-69, p. 2)

American Cancer Society, Pierce County Unit (Tacoma); Charitable organizations--Tacoma--1960-1970; Street railroads--Tacoma--1960-1970; Vraves, Joe A.; Sherfy, Donal D.--Family; Resch, Billie; Lee, A.L.;

Three dancers and children. Three tiny tots sit on the laps of three women on the Opera Room stage at Steve's Gay '90s in October of 1969. Each little girl is dressed identically to the woman holding her. The three women are believed to be former dancers at Steve's, including the Mernaugh sisters, Connie (now Moisio) and Callie (now Sternio), and Hazel Gjerde (now Cooper), who were one of the first can-can trios at the family-oriented restaurant. Steve's was celebrating its 20th anniversary with a reunion of many old-time entertainers, including the Mernaughs and Hazel Gjerde. 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);

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;