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It was common for people to sign in with joke names such as Judy Garland or Donald Duck. To get in, one had to get past a bouncer, pay an entry fee ($1 on weekdays and $3 on weekends), and sign a club register. Beyond the front door, which was located in the 53 Christopher Street building, one entered a small vestibule. Gay bars often operated as “private” clubs to circumvent the State Liquor Authority policy that prohibited gay people from being served alcoholic beverages. The Stonewall Inn was opened in 1967 by Mafioso Fat Tony Lauria as a “private” gay club. Management typically bribed the police, Mafia, and State Liquor Authority officials for protection, so they were tipped off in advance of an imminent raid and would sometimes turn up the lights to warn patrons to stop any open displays of affection or slow dancing, which could risk arrest. Law enforcement would selectively arrest patrons and managers, impound the cash register and alcohol, and padlock the front door. This led to routine police raids of gay bars and clubs. The presence of gay people was considered de facto disorderly. Starting in 1934, after the end of Prohibition, the New York State Liquor Authority regulated liquor licenses, which prohibited the serving of alcohol in “disorderly” establishments. The original Stonewall Inn was a gay bar that, like, virtually all gay bars since the 1930s, was operated by, or with some, Mafia involvement. In March 1965, the estate that had owned the property for over 150 years sold it, along with five adjacent properties, to Burt and Lucille Handelsman, who were wealthy real estate investors. In 1934, Bonnie’s Stonewall Inn opened here as a popular Greenwich Village bar and restaurant, and operated until 1964, when the interior was destroyed by fire. In 1930, they were combined with one façade to house a bakery. If you prefer to be warm, travel to gay Vermont in the summer and enjoy the farmers markets, amazing outdoor concerts or take a dip in Lake Champlain.The two buildings were constructed as stables in the mid-19th century. The spring is amazing with everything in bloom and the perfect time to hike the many mountains. In the winter, enjoy great skiing and snowboarding. Whether you are looking to have that picturesque wedding you have always dreamed of or you just want to visit and experience the beauty, we think gay-friendly VT is the place to be any season you choose. Accommodations range from resorts to the more quaint bed and breakfasts. The locals are warm and genuine, spending quality time chatting and sharing with travelers. The artisanal food movement is booming in Vermont, primarily because local food has always been a staple of life. This artisanal ethos extends to almost all aspects of Vermont. When traveling to Gay-Friendly Vermont, day tours with Vermontology are a great way to see the area's local attractions! Accommodations vary from beautiful Bed and Breakfasts such as, Made Inn Vermont in Burlington to the beautiful Stowe Mountain Lodge and Field Guide located in Stowe. More than just maple syrup and Ben and Jerry’s, Vermont is a liberal, beautiful place that is extremely welcoming of LGBT travelers. It has quickly become a preferred destination for the LGBT community. Quaint but progressive, Vermont was one of the first states to legalize same-sex marriage.