Portland's Iconic Mary's Club Celebrates 60 Years of Topless Dancing

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Mary's Club in downtown Portland has been a fixture of the city's nightlife for over 60 years, since becoming the first topless bar in the Pacific Northwest in 1965. The family-owned business, now run by second-generation owner Vicki Keller, has developed a reputation for embracing Portland's creative and independent spirit, employing dancers who are often artists, musicians, and writers in their own right. Despite the club's longevity and the city's reputation for having more strip clubs per capita than anywhere else, Mary's has maintained a unique, community-oriented atmosphere that sets it apart from the industry norm.

Why it matters

Mary's Club's story reflects the evolution of Portland's culture and values over the past six decades. As the city has grown and changed, Mary's has remained a beloved institution, defying stereotypes about strip clubs and embracing the city's progressive, artistic sensibilities. The club's female-centric ownership and staff, as well as its reputation for supporting its dancers' creative pursuits, make it a unique example of how the adult entertainment industry can adapt to local norms and priorities.

The details

Mary's Club first opened in 1965 as the Northwest's first topless bar, founded by Roy Keller. In 1984, the club transitioned to being run and staffed exclusively by women, a rarity in the industry. Current owner Vicki Keller, Roy's daughter, has maintained this female-centric approach while also encouraging her dancers to pursue other creative interests, from music and art to activism. Many of Mary's dancers are artists, writers, and musicians in their own right, blurring the line between the club and Portland's broader cultural scene.

• Mary's Club opened in the summer of 1965 as the first topless bar in the Pacific Northwest.
• In 1984, the club transitioned to being run and staffed exclusively by women.
• Vicki Keller took over ownership of Mary's Club from her father Roy in 1982, and he passed away in 2021 at the age of 90.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Mary's Club plans to celebrate its 60th anniversary with a special event later this year, bringing together the dancers, staff, and loyal patrons who have made the club an enduring part of Portland's cultural landscape.