The Amsterdam Museum has made a replica of Cafe 't Mandje, a bar in Amsterdam located at the Zeedijk. It is considered to be the first gay bar in the Netherlands and one of the first in the world. It was opened in 1927 by Bet van Beeren, herself a lesbian. After WWII the cafe became famous by its reputation and Bet became an icone of the gay-scene, she was called the Queen of the Zeedijk.
In 1967 Bet van Beeren died and her body lay in state on the billiard table in the cafe. Her sister continued the business but had to close it in 1983 because of the disruption of the heroine trade in the street. The Museum made the replica with some original furniture. The paperwork on the walls is not original but housed in the archives. But this is a good replica of how it looked like. The portrait is not Bet but probably a gift from an artist.
This was Bet.
Marianne, you know if I were ever to give an award, it would go to you because you have such a great blog. You find the greatest articles to post and there is not much you miss. I have so enjoyed reading your posts and read such great posts of interest. We have had everything from the Royals to street and building murals, historical value, villages, shops, bicycles, canals, flowers, markets, festivals and now "Here comes Bet";. You are virtually unstoppable and I love it. Librarians have a vast hunger for knowledge and its a pleasure to read your posts. Cheers and have a wonderful day.
BeantwoordenVerwijderenSad that it couldn't continue as a thriving business.
BeantwoordenVerwijderenI think Amsterdam was the home of many firsts Marianne.. Lots of artistic and talented people over the years.
BeantwoordenVerwijderenAnother amazing story, Marianne. My first thought in looking at the first picture, is "who cleans all those knick knacks on the shelves. She must have been a much-loved lady.
BeantwoordenVerwijderenWell at least there is this, incredible work they did to remake it. Too bad that it had to come to a close.
BeantwoordenVerwijderenWhy the TV? That seems to take away from the impression.
BeantwoordenVerwijderenCafe's mostly have a TV, at least to watch football matches...
VerwijderenIt's amazing that this bar started do long ago. We have a small population so very seldom see a gay bar or bookstore.
BeantwoordenVerwijderenIets waar Amsterdam best trots op mag zijn.
BeantwoordenVerwijderenAn interesting exhibit for a museum. The bar was sure filled with stuff. You could sit for a long time and just look at it all!
BeantwoordenVerwijderenWhat an interesting place , so rich in history !
BeantwoordenVerwijderenBet must have been a real character!
BeantwoordenVerwijderenA fascinating story and good history lesson. Bet certainly had an extraordinary life!
BeantwoordenVerwijderenIt must have taken a lot of courage to open this bar in 1927. Sure, it was the jazz age, but even then most gays were in the closet. How cool that the bar was deemed significant enough to be preserved.
BeantwoordenVerwijderenDearest Marianne,
BeantwoordenVerwijderenQuite a character and already at that time!
What do you mean with: died and her body lay in state on the billiard table in the cafe?
Hugs,
Mariette
opgebaard
VerwijderenHow interesting. I think she would be pleased how some views around the world have and are changing.
BeantwoordenVerwijderenDear Marianne,
BeantwoordenVerwijderenThank you for your piece on my auntie Bet in your wonderful blog.
The portrait in the picture above was made by Albert Blitz. It's Bet's youngest sister Greet, without whome the bar would have desintegrated a long time ago. The many items at the AmsterdamMuseum exhibition are but a fraction from the complete collection at the actual bar on the Zeedijk 63.
Come see for yourself. You're welcome.
Fun and respect since 1927. We don't know any better.
Diana van Laar, Café 't Mandje.
Dear Marianne,
BeantwoordenVerwijderenThank you for your piece on my auntie Bet in your wonderful blog.
The portrait in the picture above was made by Albert Blitz. It's Bet's youngest sister Greet, without whome the bar would have desintegrated a long time ago. The many items at the AmsterdamMuseum exhibition are but a fraction from the complete collection at the actual bar on the Zeedijk 63.
Come see for yourself. You're welcome.
Fun and respect since 1927. We don't know any better.
Diana van Laar, Café 't Mandje.