The city's "adult entertainment district," located between Downtown Crossing and Chinatown, more or less. The porno places are now entirely gone, and the "combat" these days are mostly between developers and Chinatown residents who don't want to be displaced by expensive condos planned for the area's rundown buildings.
There are now just two strip clubs left, both huddled together on the mostly-an-alley Lagrange Street.
Chris Gassler
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Lovers, Muggers & Thieves - a Boston Memoir
By jonathantudan
Thu, 05/14/2009 - 11:52am
In 1969, as an eighteen-year-old college freshman, I managed a six-story flophouse inside the Combat Zone, renting rooms by the week to the local dancers, hookers, musicians, drug dealers and street scammers. I recently published a book formed from that experience, Lovers, Muggers & Thieves – a Boston Memoir. Although this is a work of nonfiction, most of the names and other identifying characteristics of the persons and places included in this memoir have been altered to protect identities. The experiences detailed are all true and have been portrayed as I remember them, to the best of my ability, but I would be dishonest if I did not confess to slight distortions of the finer points which lay beyond the clouds of reminiscence. Some details, drawn with lines through decades of memory, may be inaccurate. I also have taken some liberties and romanticized the musical entertainment inside the strip clubs, substituting juke-box rock for the ubiquitous honky-tonk crap; although the snare drum and organ do make an appearance in a few venues. Conversations throughout the text may not always be word-for-word transcriptions of actual dialogue, but rather are meant to bring the emotional entanglements of this time to life. To be sure, Lovers, Muggers & Thieves is not meant as a story about the Combat Zone; it just happens to take place there. This is more of a coming-of-age tale about a boy coping in a man’s world. When I moved into the building I was a virginal, innocent, wide-eyed kid; within six months I was carrying on an affair with a popular stripper, ten-years my senior, joining her and her friends for enjoyable diversions from the daily grind of my classroom existence. My story brings to life a convergence of extraordinary events inside the city’s most infamous neighborhood. It’s an entertaining journey of friendship flirting with the dark side. To my friends and neighbors of the Combat Zone who shared with me a brief moment in time and forever changed my life, this memoir is dedicated to you.
jonathan Tudan
Are you doing a book tour?
By Ron Newman
Thu, 05/14/2009 - 12:10pm
Any readings in local bookstores?
Your book is not (yet?) in either the Minuteman Library Network or the BPL catalog.
LM&T a Boston Memoir
By jonathantudan
Thu, 05/14/2009 - 1:28pm
Ron...
My book was recently published. I don't know why it is not available at BPL; I am not familiar with Minuteman. LM&T is available in several Boston outlets: the COOP at MIT, South Station, Trident Booksellers on Newbury, Emerson College, BU, Northeastern, Barnes & Noble South Shore Plaza. It can also be found on Amazon and B&N's websites. I have spoken with BU and MIT's COOP about a signing in the fall after the students return. I will be in Boston the end of this month for an interview with Mike Marotta, the Arts & Entertainment editor for the Herald.
jonathan Tudan
Minuteman Library Network
By Ron Newman
Thu, 05/14/2009 - 1:44pm
is the union catalog of almost all local libraries *except* the Boston Public Library: Cambridge, Somerville, Arlington, Belmont, Lexington, Brookline, Newton, etc. So if your book isn't in that catalog, none of those libraries have yet bought it.
http://mln.lib.ma.us/
LM&T - a Boston Memoir
By jonathantudan
Thu, 05/14/2009 - 1:30pm
The book's web site is: www.loversmuggersandthieves.com
jonathan Tudan
Why did the Combat Zone change in the 1960's?
By C-dub08
Fri, 10/18/2013 - 11:26pm
In the late 1950’s Scollay Square and the “red light district†behind it, were leveled to make way for the new Government Center development; a deal was made between the folks who ran the prostitution and nude clubs in Boston and the City Government.
The deal was that, instead of having this illegal activity being all over the city with Scollay Square as the focus; the Lower Washington Street area was given over to the folks who ran the prostitution and nude clubs. In return that area enjoyed an easement of the local obscenity and liquor laws; as long as the “Combat Zone†ran smoothly and “safely.â€
City realtors could move towards gentrifying the neighborhoods that no longer had “seedy†clubs in them and business boomed in the new “burlesque†theater district. (Win-win.)
The “Combat Zone†was so named later by newspaper articles. (Catchy.)
I spent a lot of time in the Combat Zone in the mid-1970’s; I felt “looked after†by the folks that owned the clubs. Good times.
Jonathan,
By Janbrog
Wed, 02/15/2017 - 2:23pm
Jonathan,
I bought your book on Amazon and read it! I'm writing a book about the 1976 Murder of Andrew Puopolo and was wondering if you knew or knew anyone who knew any of the defendants. Leon Easterling, Richie Allen or Edward Soares.
Jonathan,
By Janbrog
Wed, 02/15/2017 - 2:24pm
Jonathan,
I bought your book on Amazon and read it! I'm writing a book about the 1976 Murder of Andrew Puopolo and was wondering if you knew or knew anyone who knew any of the defendants. Leon Easterling, Richie Allen or Edward Soares.
It's like old home week here
By SixBSam
Fri, 06/05/2009 - 12:08pm
"When I moved into the building I was a virginal, innocent, wide-eyed kid"
Huh, ain't that the truth.
Hello Jon. Your book arrived yesterday and I've nearly finished it. Hell of a read that's brought back a lot of fond memories of our misspent youth. I've sent you an email through the book's site and hope to hear from you soon.
Hi Doug. I'm not sure you'll remember me. I used to visit you and Jeanne at your digs on Gloucester St. I remember you had a friend, Jorge N. visiting from Mexico at the time. Glad to hear you're still alive and kickin'.
Hello Phil Kava. If you happen to hear from Little Al, please tell him that his old friend Tink remembers him with much affection and speaks of him whenever we chat about our days in the Zone. Is Jackie J (sax player and close friend of Al's) still around too?
Hi John Paiva. I'm wondering if you know whatever happened to Muzzi, Everett's sax player? Big bear of a guy that everyone loved. I heard he passed away some time ago, but don't know if that's true.
Very sad news that Roger has passed. He was a truly lovely man and without a doubt one of the best frontmen ever.
For those that are interested, I have an 8x10 black and white photo of Roger and the Pacemakers. Roger's on the far left, then Arnie Barrie, Jimmy Gregory, Jimmy Cady and Denny Ward kneeling in front. It's tattered, stained and ripped, but still easily photocopied. If you contact me at liviatrivia at yahoo, I'm willing to make copies and send them to you, but if I get a lot of crap mail at that account, it will be closed. So please, serious requests only and first consideration to those who knew him. Or, as an alternative, if anyone has the expertise to instruct me, perhaps there's a way to recreate it electronically and post it on someone's website? Either way, I'm willing to share.
Thanks everyone, for sharing your memories of life in the Zone. It's been a pleasure to read.
Sam
Tink, Jack, muzzie roger etc
By broadway al
Sun, 06/07/2009 - 1:38pm
I've been talking to Doug a lot because we're both out here on the coast.
Jack Joyce was a fisherman down' P town for a while thought I have had contact
with him since the early nineties. I didn't know Muzzie was gone (Billy Mazocca).
A sax player/repairman Bob Drinkwater out in Wakefield heard from him once in
a while.
Jimmy Keady was seen playing and singing at an open mike night in Quincy.
Phil Kawa is available from Kawamusic.com
Doug has a recording studio in N. Hollywood called Hard Drive.
Denny Ward (Haddad) is gone. As are (I believe) both Simone brothers.
If you can get more info to me please. I don't remember your name and I can't remember Tinks
real name either.
BILLY DWYER
By CHRIS COSTA
Fri, 01/16/2015 - 3:20am
HEY BILLY DID YOU KNOW MY PARENTS..... JOE COSTA AND MY MOTHER WAS ELAINE SHE OWNED THE FOUR CORNERS LOUNGE AND BOTH MY PARENTS OWNED CHRIS LIQUORS INC. AND MY GODFATHER WAS JOE TOBAGGI
is this memior still avilable for purchse
By ralph e cirns
Wed, 11/27/2013 - 3:33pm
I just came across your posting I too am interested in writing a memior of the Zone proably in the years covering 1974 to about 1982 or 1983.. PS where can I get a application to that new condo where the 663 once stood HO HO HO reply [email protected]
Tempo Raye
By Phil
Thu, 06/04/2009 - 3:16pm
Does anyone have any information on a gorgeous and classy stripper named Tempo Raye from about 1970. She was about 30, brunette, great body. Worked at Peter and Harry's, a little joint on Avery Street that connected to The New Normandy Lounge, which faced Washington Street. Both small and seedy but lots of fun. She also danced at The Moire, located on a small street perpendicular to Stuart and across from the old Living Room, not far from the old Nick's Steak House. Anyway, she was really hot. Also, there was a cute hooker named Dee Peterson who worked out of Good Time Charlies and the 663 on Washington. Any info on her?
First, that street where the
By Wally
Fri, 06/05/2009 - 8:49am
First, that street where the Moire was is called Warrenton and the club is now a parking lot for the Edison Co. Yes, Tempo was really something--sexy, hot dancer, friendly and danced to a live music. One of the popular combos was "The Ben Anthony Trio" and they also played at the old Teddy Bear in Park Square.
Next, I do remember Dee who had a place in Charles River Park--really enthusiastic but don't know what happened to her--would like to though!
Speaking of that subject, there was an older sporting girl named Terri from Beacon near Dartmouth. I heard she still works and must be almost 80! Any detes? A friend also told me about an exotic, tall busty, blonde German girl named Annie or Anya or something like that. Worked out of Charlies but also hung around Jasons and Club Max. She had(maybe still does)a place in Brighton and she was able to introduce you to some of the strippers, too. Very wild in the sack and I think she's still active. Any info on her would be great to hear. The CZ is not yet over and done with!
Reminiscences of Roland Shaughnessy
By SixBSam
Tue, 06/09/2009 - 5:04pm
If you go to youtube and search on the above title, you'll find a series of eight short interviews with Roland Shaughnessy, former drummer with Mac's Mob, the Rainbow's (Dario's maybe?), the Platters, and a few other groups. He talks about how he got into the business, life on the road, the Boston club scene in the 60s, his time at Berkelee, his decision to leave the business and what he's doing today.
Sam
Was the Tam around back
By anon
Wed, 06/24/2009 - 6:00pm
Was the Tam around back then? I've heard it's been for a while. Any good stories, or at least shocking ones?
Donna Lee!
By Jessica James
Sat, 08/03/2019 - 3:36am
I remember Donna & Tangerine, the beautiful black girl. So cool hearing these names!
Yes it was Gebo and his
By Chip
Sat, 11/09/2024 - 4:48pm
Yes it was Gebo and his brother Sonny. They were awesome. That man always looked out for me and the code was taking me to the brush factory. I often think of them we all lived in the same area. LOL those were the days
Could it be?
By Billy Dwyer
Sat, 06/16/2018 - 6:40pm
Albert, Albert is it you? I hope it is and if so, please contact me. It is kind of important. I would really LOVE to speak with you.
Hope this works out
The Pussycat lounge
By Billy Dwyer
Tue, 07/02/2019 - 6:24pm
Albert, if you by chance ever read this, please send an email to me at [email protected]. I would really like to speak with you.
Wow, what happened to Nelson?
By cuddles/Rachelle
Fri, 08/25/2017 - 1:33am
Wow, that is so sad he was a great guy..
I was a regular patron all
By JosephMumma
Wed, 03/04/2020 - 12:29am
I was a regular patron all around the zone in the 80's. My favorite was the Naked I. I remember a huge bouncer there. He was like andre the giant kind of huge. I remember when the girls shift was over he would line them up and escort them all into a big van.
Richie
By Georgina
Sun, 07/21/2013 - 11:25pm
was he the creep that sold all kinds of jewlery and shit...
UGH!
richie Allen
By Jan Brogan
Thu, 06/29/2017 - 12:31pm
Dear Bouncer Bob,
I'm writing a book about the 1976 murder of Andrew Puopolo in the Combat Zone. Would love to hear your memories of Richie Allen - especially what he did with his life after he was acquitted. On or off the record. Please email me at [email protected] Would be grateful. Thanks.
Richie Allen
By Jan Brogan
Tue, 05/02/2017 - 12:20pm
I'm writing a book about the 1976 murder of Andrew Puopolo in the Combat Zone and the two trials that followed. I would love to talk to you if you knew Richie Allen, Eddie Soares or Leon Easterling back in the day. It could be on or off the record, whichever you prefer. I would be grateful.
If you have a few minutes, please email me at:
[email protected]
BACK IN THE DAY of the combat zone
By INTERMISSIOM LOUNGE
Sun, 05/17/2020 - 7:58am
strippers hookers after hours went to mary anns at the circle and then finished the night off at 1869 beacon St what a strange trip it was has bndows that never cameen and always will be 1869 beacon was the place for group sex and reefer>>> the record player in the back living room stuck on fog hat live slow ride and all us naked kids lying on the floor passed out hoping for cool air through the window that never came and then the hot steamy sun who's got money for eagles deli breakfast? life in the 80's before AIDS!!!!!!!
Sonny
By Neil Flewelling
Sat, 08/11/2012 - 1:45am
Mary, Is it you ? If so, please email me. Neil
Hey Debbie
By Allan
Mon, 07/22/2013 - 2:23pm
Hey Debbie,
How have you been? My name is Allan. I used to hang out at Dominic's when you worked there. We used to talk often. I used to work for the City of Boston. Why did they close down Dominic's? What have you been up to now? You can email me at [email protected]
I hope to hear from you.
Thank
I think they just retired or
By anon
Sat, 12/27/2014 - 10:28pm
I think they just retired or sold the property for a good price. I thought it was a decent enough place but kind of boring. The era of the bar in Boston is also over.
kendra - naked i
By hooligan
Wed, 12/14/2016 - 4:00pm
Kendra - I remember you - you were my favorite dancer @ the naked I - you were always very nice to me - I recall you wore a fedora and cute little rock n' roll outfits on stage - We often ran into each other @ the Rat - good times !!!
INterview
By Jeremy Fraga
Wed, 07/18/2018 - 12:03am
Kendra your email doesn't work. You can email me at [email protected] I would love to interview you.
Ray Comenzo
By Railbird
Sun, 07/07/2019 - 11:24pm
Ray didn’t manage to get very far from the Zone, or even off Washington St. He’s not an academic or a social scientist. He’s a doctor at Tufts Medical, and a specialist in some rare disease.
Naked I
By Heaven
Sat, 05/16/2020 - 1:22am
I worked there the lady i remember was Red that was a burlesque dancer back in her day. Lambrose was the manager and Roy Dee was my agent . I danced under the name Eve then.
Roy Dee was my manager also.
By Laura In Florida
Mon, 12/18/2023 - 8:33am
Roy Dee was my manager also. I first danced as Saphire at the NI and then as Dianna
Roy dee
By Tanya
Thu, 06/13/2013 - 10:16pm
Oh yes I remember him...made lots of money off those poor girls
ROY DEE
By Kit
Fri, 07/27/2018 - 5:35pm
anybody else have videos taken of them by Roy dee? Sickens me where these may have ended up. Any info [email protected]. Thx
Searching for my mom
By Sabrina Chamberlin
Fri, 03/15/2019 - 2:57pm
I know this may sound crazy but my mother was a dancer at the naked i in boston in the 80's and 90's I was looking to see if anyone knew any info about her or wants to sit down and have a chat grab some food and talk. I was born in 1992 she gave me up at the hospital because she was a dancer at the time and into drugs. 26 years later still looking for her. I know it may not mean much to most people becuase she may have not made the best decisions but I'd like to meet her if I had the chance. Please contact me if you're willing to help or may know anything! Thank you so much!
good luck
By FrankD
Thu, 08/15/2019 - 10:05am
i hope you find your Mother!
Mom
By Heaven
Sat, 05/16/2020 - 1:34am
I was there in 95 i think. [email protected] is my email
The "i"
By BrooklineBoy
Mon, 05/18/2020 - 1:06pm
Hi Des, long time! Maybe you'll see this message this decade! Thirty years later and I still see Jimmy at Starbucks from time to time. When your name comes up, it's always with a laugh at your sense of humor and respect for your Scottish ways! The Naked i is a galaxy far away and long ago, but good to see you as one of the survivors who's moved on. Oh yeah - I'm not writing a book - some memories are only meant to be shared with those who live through the same! You know who I am!
Me too
By Georgie
Thu, 09/06/2012 - 4:58pm
I remember...
Love
Georgina...
yep I made it out alive...tee-hee
I remember
By anon
Fri, 09/07/2012 - 6:03pm
I'm glad you're okay, whoever you are.
who am I??
By Georgie
Sat, 09/08/2012 - 8:52pm
I was in The Zone '73-'75. Worked at the Carribe 3-4 times. (What a scumbag Leo was..)
Also frequently worked the Living Room, Squires and 2 0'clock.
Some of my besties I remember were...Desiree, Ronnie Fox, Trinket, Barbarella and side kick I think Rachael....
I was far from, stable back the....
Called myself...
Georgina
Rachael and the Two O'Clock 1975
By C-dub08
Sat, 10/19/2013 - 12:52am
Georgina, I was great friends with Rachael, from Venezuela, right? I spent a lot of time in the Two O’Clock. My regular bartender was the nephew of “Lefty Two-Guns†Ruggiero of NYC. Al Pacino played him in “Donnie Brascoâ€. Interesting folks.
Do you have any memories of; Jackie Brody, Stephanie Rose, Krishna or Sweet Lorraine?
Leo from the Caribe
By Dino
Sat, 08/03/2019 - 2:16pm
CANDY SAMPLES??
By heeberts liquor...
Sun, 10/04/2020 - 10:40am
YEAh i remember candy samples didnt she use to perform at the Pilgrim with uh flanny fox and congressman robber mills?? their wuz um er uh dippin doo nut in fields kahner and uh um re white cab company on dot ave their wus pussy kat over on lincoln ave that place wuz funn 2!!
Roni lived in Winthrop..
By Aprille Bernard
Sat, 06/25/2022 - 11:36am
Had a daughter named Trina..looking for herr
Naked I in the 90s
By Suzie
Mon, 08/19/2013 - 1:08pm
Amber, I worked there in the early 90's - and you are right! We had great holidays together. Were you in that time frame too!
CZ Dancers
By Jeffrey M.
Mon, 07/30/2012 - 8:23am
Hi Leslee,
Do you remember Barbara "Sunshine" French? She was a dancer at the 2 O'Clock and Pussy Cat?
Jeffrey
Squire
By Paul
Thu, 10/25/2012 - 10:29pm
Hi. I played guitar in the band at the Squire for 3 yrs July 73-July 76. The place drew a very diverse crowd: young people who came to dance, couples who came to hang out and drink, and of course the hard-core striptease audience. We played top-40 hits 5 sets a night, the dance floor was usually crowded and there were go-go girls on pedestals who got naked while we played. One I remember was named Misty. When we took our 20-minute breaks, strippers performed on the dance floor. Alphonso was the owner, Paul Tripp was the bandleader, the bouncers were Billy and John, the barmaid was Barbara. When Alphonso died, the new boss was Richie somebody. In July 76 I quit playing for a sales job with Capitol Records in NYC, and did that gig for over 30 years.
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