Bans and Censorship of Burlesque in Nebraska

Muscle Dancers at the Douglas County Fair - 1898

In 1898, Judge Scott "sat down hard" on "muscle dances" (i.e. belly dancing) at the Douglas County Fair. The Midway hosted 'The Streets of All Nations" where the "Streets of Cairo" featured belly dancers. The Judge is quoted in the Lincoln Nebraska State Journal,

"This court will not recognize the existence of such a dance by issuing an injunction to restrain its production by other concessionaires than the one to whom the right to produce appears to have first been sold. This dance must be stricken out of the order. That dance in Omaha must stop if I have to tear down the walls of the Streets of Cairo to stop it." (1898)

1900s

Obscene Dancing at the Krug Theatre - 1912

Two dancers in a company playing the Krug Theatre, Omaha's bastion of bump, were arrested for "immodesty in a dance called the 'Goblin Rag' in which the woman was bare legged. She does a 'muscle dance' later which the judge describes as beyond all decency." Judge Kennedy attended the performance to see the obscene dancing at the Krug. The two dancers were charged with two offenses and fined $50 or spend 30 days in jail. The unnamed dancers were discharged from the Krug and the performance discontinued.

Judge Kennedy stated, "The level of decency in the community is really higher than we sometimes believe, and the decent people of the community should not be invited by advertisement into places of amusement where such things as the 'hooch-ma-cooch' and the bare-legged dancing is permitted." (The Omaha Daily News. 1912)

1920s

In the 1920s, dance halls were all the rage for young people to socialize and party. Nude dancing was rumored to be occurring in various "roadhouses" all over Nebraska.

(Falls City Daily News. Falls City, NE. Page 4. September 14, 1924)

The blurb about Falls City reads, "Sheriff Young in behalf of the community and decency will stop that nude dance business. Fullest publicity should be given."

'Dance of Salome' Cut from Church Choir's Pageant - 1924

December 1924, Miss Dorothy DeVere planned to perform the 'Dance of Salome' at her Church's Christmas pageant. Her church, the Hanscom Park Methodist church at the Scottish Rite Cathedral, forbid DeVere from performing the dance after church members saw a photograph of her in an Oriental dancing costume. DeVere had telegraphed to New York City to order her costume, she stated, 'It will be of batik material, very beautiful, of many different colors. The skirt will be long, and about twenty yards of material in all will be used, but of course that doesn't mean much, for no one can easily see through it. They asked me for an Oriental dance and you know what an Oriental dance is. There will be nothing improper about it, of course I will endeavor to interpret the sorrows of the villagers of the ancient times, and also to please the King Herod, who, according to the story, was unhappy and could not find entertainment in anything else offered.' Salome is a character in the Bible, chapter 6 of Mark, where the daughter of Herod dances before him. He vows to give her anything she asks for if he is entertained by her dance. She dances, he's entertained, so she asks for the head of John the Baptist--cut off and presented to her. (Evening World Herald. December 18, 1924)

(Lincoln Journal Star. "Protest Burlesque Show." Omaha, NE. January 19, 1927)

The article reads, "The mayor and city council of Omaha, with a body of women representing the various civic organizations of the city, attended the performance at the Gayety theater Tuesday night to 'see whether the show is objectionable or not.' Approximately fifty men and women, representing organizations including the G.A.R., Women's Relief Corps, Mother's clubs, W.C.T.U., Y.W.C.A., and the Taxpayers' league, protested against teh character of the show before council Tuesday."

The Gayety Theater was a popular burlesque house in Omaha. Read more about it and other early burlesque theaters here.

1930s

Catholics Banned from Seeing Sally Rand - 1934

(Gwiazda Zachodu. "Bishop Rummel's Warning." February 23, 1934)

The article states, "Bishop Rummel's Warning: The space in our paper does not allow to reprint in full the letters sent by Bishop Joseph F. Rummel of the Omaha diocese to each Catholic pastor in Omaha and to Mr. Roy N. Rowl, Mayor of Omaha. Bishop Rummel protests against featuring of a certain fan dancer in the Paramount theatre beginning Friday of this week and prohibits all Catholics of his diocese to attend the show 'under pain of grievous sin.'

Bishop Rummel is absolutely right. Since some time we have noticed that in various Omaha theatres a new type of talking pictures has become the vogue. The producers have apparently not been satisfied with the kind of sex pictures offered the public two or three years ago. Now they manifestingly present scenes and dialogues which are bare of even the most delicate veil of decency.

To climax all this highly suggestive and demoralizing sex stuff the management of one of the local theatres deems advisable to present what they call a fan dancer who, last summer, shocked and rocked even the most sophisticated people attending the Century of Progress Exposition in Chicago. Show men ought to know, that there is a limit to everything. You don't build up a good show attendance in a city of descent people by catering to the pervert cravings of few. Respectable parents will abhor the idea, we are sure, of having their children, even of mature age, attending the presentation of a fan dancer of the reputation of the individual in question.

We wholeheartedly subscribe to the protest of the Rt. Rev. Bishop and trust that at least the Catholics of Omaha and especially the readers of the 'Western Star' will heed the warning of their apostolic leader."

Censoring "Tobacco Road" and "Idiot's Delight"

In the 1937, Omaha's Mayor Butler cracked down on burlesque and nude dances in theatres through bans and censorship. He censored the nationally stage show "Tobacco Road" before it could perform in Omaha. He also censored the stage show "Idiot's Delight". Stage shows weren't the only art form to be censored--Butler also censored the "Slogum House" by Mari Sandoz because of her frank portrayals of the pioneer days in the Sandhills region of Nebraska.

(Morning World Herald. Omaha, NE. "The March of Time." May 5, 1938)

The article reads, "May, 1937-- Mayor Butler bans 'Tobacco Road' and his agents count the cusswords at the Sioux City performance. Two hundred policemen see to it the play doesn't go on here the night of May 7. Next night a 'laundered version' is offered by a jittery cast. Ten days later Mayor Butler tells the Lunts they must make deletions in the script of 'Idiot's Delight.' The Lunts refuse, say they won't go on. Mayor Butler confers with Alfred Lunt. The play is given as written just to let the people see, says Mayor Butler, how offensive it is. Mayor Butler says the Federal theater's plays will be watched closely for profanity and obscenity. May 1938-- No stage plays are scheduled for Omaha."

(Omaha Sunday Bee News. Photo of morals squad members viewing 'Tobacco Road.' May 9, 1937)

(Paramount Theater [Now the Rose-Blumpkin Theater]. Omaha, NE. Tobacco Road. National Archives. 1937)

(Paramount Theater (Rose-Blumpkin Theater). Tobacco Road Stage. National Archives. 1937)

(Paramount Theater [Rose-Blumpkin Theater]. Tobacco Road. National Archives. 1937)

Omaha patrons were able to see "Tobacco Road" at the Paramount Theater, which is currently still functioning as a theater called the Rose-Blumpkin Theater.

Banning the Striptease in Omaha

(The Nebraska State Journal. Lincoln, NE. "Bans Strip-Tease Acts." March 31, 1937)

The article reads, "Bans Strip-Tease Acts. Omaha. Mayor Butler said Tuesday he has issued a warning to Omaha hotel managers no strip tease acts are to be permitted at public functions or private parties held in the hotels. He made no additional comment."

After this 'warning', the Mayor did ask City Council to ban Strip-Tease acts in hotels and conventions. Similar bans were occurring all across the country--most notably in New York City. Mayor LaGuardia clamped down on strip-tease acts the same year, 1937.

(Star Herald. Scottsbluff, NE. "Dan Butler Asserts Gypsy Rose Lee Not to Strut in Omaha." October 30, 1938)

The article reads, "Omaha's Irish mayor, big Dan Butler, made it plain today Gypsy Rose Lee, erstwhile strip tease artist, will get no change to display her shapeliness in Omaha. Butler, who gained notoriety for banning 'Slogham House,' by Mari Sandoz, and the play 'Tobacco Road,' said 'we are not going to have any Gypsy Rose Lee stuff or any other strip teasing. She won't get a chance to pack 'em in Omaha. She won't even get to unpack her bags." He commented after a report reached him the stage celebrity might be booked for an Omaha vaudeville appearance."

Gypsy Rose Lee was one of the most popular burlesque performers during the 1930s and 40s. It's a shame she was unable to perform in Omaha during that time.

1940s

Public Indecency Laws in Omaha- 1941

"It is unlawful to show any immodest or immoral act, scene, play, floor show, moving picture, screen picture, talking picture or any immodest or immoral dance, song or dialogue."

"It is unlawful to appear in a state of nudity, or in a dress not becoming to his or her sex, or in an indecent or lewd dress, or to make any indecent exposure of his or her person, or be guilty of any lewd or indecent act or behavior."

"It is unlawful to commit any indecent, lewd, or filthy act or to utter any lewd or filthy words, or to sing any song, the words of which are suggestive of indecency or immorality."

In this context, lewd is described as, "inclined to, characterized by, or inciting to lust or lechery; obscene or indecent."

1950s

A carnival outside of Omaha was raided by the Omaha Sheriff and County Attorney's Officers in September 1954. According to newspapers, 40 to 50 teenagers watched two striptease acts where both dancers stripped to the nude. Four women and a ticket seller were booked by county officials. They also stopped all "games of chance" (i.e. gambling). (Telegraph Bulletin, 1954)

The Town Theatre - Burlesque Policy Ends - 1958

The Town Theatre opened as the Moon Theatre in 1919. It was considered Omaha's only burlesque house from 1945 to 1958. In 1958, the Town was bought by the Cooper Foundation. The Coopers ended its 'burlesque policy', officially cutting off Omaha to burlesque movies and in person shows. The Muse Theater attempted to pick up where the Town left off but it only lasted a few years.

(Evening World Herald. "Glad Burlesque Gone." Mrs. Dick Ecabert. April 12, 1958)

1960s

Sally Rand is Arrested in Omaha - 1965

Sally Rand performed her famous fan dance at Mickey's No. 1 at 324 South 15th Street. The vice squad was sent to the night club to observe Miss Rand's performance. After her performance, Rand and the club owner, George F. Earl, were arrested and released on $300 bonds each. A patrolman stated he witness the performance on a well lit stage. Miss Rand appeared in a white gown with two large feather fans. She danced slowly to recorded organ music. After about a minute, the officer said, Rand exposed her body and performed nude for about six minutes. Sally Rand added that she was last arrested in San Francisco in 1946. She had performed in Nebraska before this incident. Sally Rand was 65 at the time of the arrest.

Omaha Clubs Agree to No Exotic Dancers - August 1, 1965

(Council Bluffs Nonpareil. "No Exotic Dancers." Omaha, NE. July 14, 1965)

Article states, "No Exotic Dancers. Omaha--Exotic dancers and strip teasers will be taboo in Omaha after August 1. Police Chief L.K. Smith said Tuesday that the operators of six clubs where such acts have been performed have agreed there will be no more performances after August 1. That date was set to let club operators fulfill existing contracts. The agreement follows the arrest last Friday night of fan dancer Sally Rand on a charge of performing a lewd dance."

Nightclub managers and police met up in early July 1965 to discuss ending exotic dancing in Omaha. According to many newspapers at the time, the nightclub owners of Omaha had agreed to self censure their entertainment in order to forgo police raids and legal action. This worked for a little while until most clubs decided their business suffered and to reinstate exotic and semi-nude dancers. During this time there were at least 5 venues featuring exotic dancers in Omaha. By August 26, 1965--Yano's New Yorker was advertising "Exotics Are Back!".

Omaha's Indecent Exposure Laws Ruled Unconstitutional - 1965

The City of Omaha arrested Sally Rand for indecent exposure and eventually lost in court. Omaha's indecent exposure law was deemed unconstitutional because of the suit against her. The law under which Rand was arrested prohibited any person from appearing in a state of nudity, but it also outlawed wearing clothes of a person of the other sex. Rand's lawyer argued this would make a girl wearing boy's jeans illegal and the municipal Judge Eugene Leahy agreed.

Strippers were then charged under a new ordinance prohibiting "indecent, lewd, or filthy acts, uttering of lewd words or singing of lewd songs and the performance of obscene gestures." The Assistant City Prosecutor, Lynn Carey, believed this would be an easier route to charge exotic dancers for wearing "scanty attire" and dancing "bumps and grinds." His was sadly mistaken, as strippers continued to strip in Omaha.

Vampira is Arrested at Yano's New Yorker - 1965

Vampira "That Dancing Vamp" was striptease dancer, born as Michele Devereaux (c. 1940) in Cheyenne, Wyoming. She performed in a few venues in Omaha during the 1960s, most notably at Yano's New Yorker. She was arrested in September 1965, after performing at a strip tease after the ban was instituted in Omaha. Yano's New Yorker Show Palace was located at 2553 Farnam Street, in Omaha. Vampira was booked for putting on an immodest exhibition and indecent exposure. She was 25 years old when she was arrested, putting her birth year around 1940.

(The South Omaha Sun. Advertisement for Yano's New Yorker. September 2, 1965)

The Vice Detail Chief Captain Ted Janing watched Vampira's first show and then swooped down to arrest her and the owner, Yano S. Caniglia. They were booked at Central Police Headquaters but released in no time, as Vampira performed a late night show the same evening! Her costume from the first show was confiscated for evidence so she wore a new costume which didn't garner arrest. Attorneys for Vampira filed a petition in error against the Municipal Judge O. M. Olsen for ordering a $300 bond for Vampira and $100 bond for Yano. The court agreed with her and the bonds were forfeited.

 

(Vampira...this show brought arrest.)

(New Outfit... no arrest this time.)

(The South Omaha Sun. "Up and Down the Street." August 26, 1965)

(Omaha World Herald. "Strip Tease Forfeit." Page 55. September 22, 1965)

Cirino's Lounge is Suspended - 1966

 

(Omaha World Herald. "Dancer Appeals." April 13, 1966)

The blurb states, "Dancer Appeals; Marree Lynn Custard, 23, convicted of indecent exposure, filed motions for an acquittal or a new trial Tuesday in District Court. A jury Thursday found Miss Custard guilty in connection with a dance she performed February 9 at Cirino's Lounge, 1224 Farnam Street. She has not been sentenced. Miss Custard had been billed as 'Omaha's only topless a-go-go girl.'"

In 1966, the City Council of Omaha suspended the liquor license for Cirino's Lounge due to semi-nude dancing. It was never reopened.

1970s

The City of Fremont attempted to ban topless dancing in the city in 1971. Luckily, a federal court ruled in 1974 that Fremont's ordinance was "unconstitutionally vague, violated freedom of expression and didn't provide judicial review before a liquor license could be revoked." The court issued a restraining order to prohibit the city from enforcing the ordinance stating the topless dancing would have to be ruled obscene before it could be banned.

Public Indecency Laws in Nebraska - 1977 - LB38 Sec. 162

(1) A person, eighteen years of age or over, commits public indecency if such person performs or procures, or assists any other person to perform, in a public place and where the conduct may reasonably be expected to be viewed by members of the public:

(a) An act of sexual penetration; or

(b) An exposure of the genitals of the body done with intent to affront or alarm any person; or

(c) A lewd fondling or caressing of the body of another person of the same or opposite sex.

(2) Public indecency is a Class II misdemeanor.

1980s

Lincoln Strippers and Obscenity Laws - 1980

In 1980, State laws stated, "Nude or topless performances were not obscene nor illegal unless they 'come down to intercourse.' If a performance is not legally obscene, the county attorney cannot intervene." The state law was vague in defining obscenity. Officials in Nebraska's capitol city tried to find loopholes to prosecute BJ's Hideaway, 5100 N. 48th St.-- a night club with exotic dancers who would strip to pasties and g strings. BJ's featured topless dancers Monday through Saturday, including amateurs on Monday and Wednesday nights. Sunday night was a "family night" with a live band as entertainment.

Beatrice Bans Nude & Semi-Nude Dancing - 1981

The City Council of Beatrice banned nude and semi-nude dancing at establishments located in the Central Business District through a city ordinance. (Beatrice Daily Sun. 1981)

1990s

Kearney, NE - 1990 Attempted Ban

Kearney City Council attempted to ban topless dancing. They allowed the citizens to cast their vote. In November 1990, 55% of Kearney's voters cast a ballot FOR topless dancing, effectively ending the attempted ban.

Fremont, NE - 1991 Attempted Ban

The City of Fremont attempted to outlaw topless dancing where alcohol is sold in 1991. The town was concerned about Boomers, a club that featured strippers. The City Administrator, Jack Sutton, originally passed the ordinance in 1974 but it was overruled by the U.S. District Judge Warren Urborn. The bar was owned by Don Crum at the time and had never received complaints during his 8 year tenure as bar owner. The City Council agreed to have a study session to review the city's power to outlaw topless dancing where alcohol is sold. It was determined that Fremont would be in contempt of a U.S. District Court order if it enacted it's ban on topless dancing. In May 1992, Fremont voters defeated a proposed law to prohibit topless dancing in bars like Boomers Lounge. The vote was 3,218 against the ban and 3,054 for it.

State Teen Exotic Dancing Law - 1991

The State of Nebraska proposed a rule outlawing exotic dancers under the age of 19 from performing in bars or where alcohol is sold. The proposed rule change got a lot of attention as it was set off by a 16 year old girl being arrested for working as a topless barroom dancer at Boomers Lounge in Fremont, NE.

Columbus, NE - 1992 Attempted Ban

The city of Columbus attempted to ban topless dancing in 1992. The city council did not want the decision of a ban to be made by their constituents by voting. Only one Councilman was for the citizens voting. Councilman Steve Johnson stated, "The city belongs to the people, and if a controversial issue such as topless dancing emerged, the decision should be given to them."

Greenwood, NE - 1997 Club Denied Permit

The town of Greenwood, of Cass County, rejected a nude dance club in November 1997. The Cass County Board denied a special use permit to Eric Boron to open a Crazy Horse Gentlemen's Club Inc. (a chain of exotic dancing clubs mostly). Even though the public wouldn't be able to see into the club and know they had exotic dancers unless they entered, the Board sided with multiple concerned business owners and citizens who felt the club would "detract from the family-oriented businesses in the area." The case didn't end there and was challenged in court. (Omaha World Herald. 1997)

2000s