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former Flagship 29
Union, NJ |
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In the mid-1930s, Donahue's, a nightclub/restaurant was decorated in a nautical style. When it burned down, this oceanliner structure was built to replace it. Flagship 29, 225 feet long and 70 feet wide, opened in 1938 as a nightclub. It had a two-dimensional sailor on the roof that waved signal flags. It was condemned in 1941 and burned down in 1942. It was rebuilt after WWII and reopened again as a nightclub, hosting entertainers like Dean Martin and Jackie Gleason. In the 1950s, it featured all the big-name rock and roll stars. By 1960, the ship was used as an American Shops clothing store. In the early 1960s, there were plans to turn it into a strip club. In the mid-1960s, another nightclub failed, as did a dinner theater in 1968.
In the 1970s, it served as a furniture store and U-Haul agency. By the time Brick Church Appliances bought it, it had been renovated so many times it was falling apart. The ship was demolished in 1986 after the roof collapsed. It was completely rebuilt as a Wiz electronics store (middle row of photos). In 2003, "For Lease" signs went up and the parking lot was used as the temporary home for Planet Honda. In 2004, the ship became the new home to a P.C. Richard & Son outlet, another electronics store (bottom row of photos). For more, see this website. [scans second row thanks Tom Haggerty]
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The Boat
Vernon, NY |
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The Boat is 90 feet long and was built in 1923 as a restaurant and bar. In 2003, it was still open but up for sale. By 2005, it was officially closed. In 2010, the building was still vacant. As of 2011, the place has reopened.
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Diamond Jim's Gentlemen's Club
Beloit, WI |
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Diamond Jim's Gentlemen's Club was originally a restaurant. It has been here since at least the 1950s. The two-story building in back was constructed later. The faux smokestacks were removed sometime between 2007 (first photo above) and 2011 (two bottom photos). The restaurant was called "The Landing" at one time but I don't know if that was the original name. The place is also referred to as Diamond Jim's Isabella Queen. Does anyone know more about the history of this building?
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The Ark
Jacksonville, NC |
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The Ark is located just west of the New River. I can't track down any history of the place yet.
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