The Continental Baths: Where Bette Midler's Star Power Ignited the NYC Nightlife
In the vibrant tapestry of New York City's nightlife, certain venues stand out not just for their ambiance, but for the iconic figures they helped to shape. One such legendary spot was the Continental Baths, a groundbreaking establishment that offered a unique blend of social connection, entertainment, and liberation.
It was here, amidst the lively atmosphere of the Upper West Side in the early 1970s, that a young, electrifying performer named Bette Midler first captured the city's imagination, earning her the unforgettable moniker "Bathhouse Betty."
But what exactly was the Continental Baths, and how did it become such a pivotal venue for emerging talent and a cultural touchstone for the LGBTQ+ community?
Let's dive into the fascinating history of this remarkable establishment.
From Turkish Baths to a Transformed Entertainment Hub
The story of the Continental Baths begins in the late 1960s with Steve Ostrow, an entrepreneur with a vision. Ostrow, a former opera singer himself, aimed to elevate the gay bathhouse experience.
At the time, many such venues were considered somewhat seedy, but Ostrow envisioned something more refined - a sophisticated health club and spa that also served as a vibrant social and entertainment center.
In 1969, Ostrow leased a sprawling 40,000-square-foot space in the basement of the grand Ansonia Hotel.
This location was no accident; it had previously housed the hotel's own Turkish Baths and a magnificent swimming pool. Ostrow recognized the potential to draw patrons away from established competitors like the Everard Baths by offering a superior, multi-faceted experience.
A Multi-Sensory Experience
Opening its doors on September 12, 1969, the Continental Baths was an immediate sensation.
Initially featuring 50 rooms and lockers, it operated 24/7, catering to a diverse clientele. Ostrow was a master of expansion and reinvention. Over time, the venue evolved to include a dazzling array of amenities:
- A cabaret and stage for live performances
- A restaurant offering culinary delights
- A fully equipped gymnasium
- A licensed bar for refreshing drinks
- A vital STD clinic, prioritizing patron health
- A chic clothing boutique
- A convenient travel desk
- A unique roof sun deck complete with sand imported from Riis Beach
The interior design was as audacious as the concept.
Interior designer Richard Ohrbach was brought in to transform the space. He adorned columns with mirrors and glass, bathed the walls in psychedelic colors, and created distinct zones for different experiences. A particularly memorable area was the labyrinthine "Orgy Room," a space designed with black marble, and another large section reimagined as a Roman amphitheater with carpeted risers.
It was a space designed for connection, exploration, and celebration.
At its zenith, the Continental Baths could accommodate up to 10,000 diverse gay male patrons weekly, with some visitors extending their stay for an entire weekend. Despite operating without direct Mafia influence, Ostrow and his patrons faced periodic police harassment, including numerous raids, a testament to the era's social climate.
The Birth of "Bathhouse Betty" and a Musical Incubator
The early 1970s marked a golden era for the Continental Baths, particularly when Ostrow began introducing live entertainment and resident DJs.
Saturday nights became the main event, transforming the venue into a must-see destination. Emerging talents and established performers graced the stage, attracting a broad audience that included both LGBTQ+ individuals and their straight allies, all eager to experience the unique Saturday night energy.
It was within this electric atmosphere that Bette Midler, accompanied by the gifted pianist Barry Manilow, began her meteoric rise.
Midler's raw talent, magnetic stage presence, and fearless performance style resonated deeply with the crowds. Her performances were not just entertaining; they were a cultural phenomenon. She embraced the venue and its patrons, and in turn, the patrons embraced her, bestowing upon her the affectionate nickname "Bathhouse Betty."
The Continental Baths also played a crucial role in the development of electronic music.
It provided a platform for pioneering DJs who would go on to define entire genres. None other than Frankie Knuckles, later hailed as the "Godfather of House Music," honed his skills here before moving to Chicago to shape the Warehouse sound. Similarly, Larry Levan, who would revolutionize dance music at New York's Paradise Garage, also graced the Continental Baths' DJ booth.
The Continental Baths wasn't just a venue; it was a crucible of culture, a place where groundbreaking music was born and where an unforgettable star found her first roaring applause.
Midler's Openness and the Venue's Evolution
Bette Midler herself was remarkably open about her time performing at the gay bathhouse.
In interviews, including an archive clip from February 1973, shortly after releasing her debut album "The Divine Miss M," she spoke candidly about her experiences.
Midler described the venue as an "exclusively homosexual health club" and shared her perspective on its evolving nature: "I caught on there.
And the place has become quite decorated since. I spent a year there, and it went through a lot of transitions. The man who owns it is constantly changing it. He brings in palm trees and birds." This observation speaks to Ostrow's continuous efforts to enhance and adapt the space.
However, the very success that brought in wider audiences also introduced a point of contention.
As the live music became more prominent, some of the original gay patrons felt that the influx of straight attendees diminished the venue's core identity as a space for casual sex and community. This shift, coupled with increasing wear and tear on the facilities and a rise in drug use, contributed to a decline in attendance among the core clientele.
The End of an Era
The vibrant era of live shows at the Continental Baths eventually came to an end.
Ostrow decided to cease the live performances in 1974. The venue itself finally closed its doors in 1977. The closure coincided with the rise of other popular gay and gay-friendly dance venues in New York City, such as Flamingo, the Gallery, and Le Jardin, signaling a shifting landscape in the city's nightlife.
Steve Ostrow later relocated to Sydney, Australia, where he continued to be an active presence in the local gay scene and even taught at the Sydney Academy of Vocal Arts, sharing his passion and expertise until his later years.
He passed away in February 2013 at the age of 91.
Legacy and Lasting Impact
The Continental Baths left an indelible mark on New York City's cultural history. It was more than just a bathhouse; it was a sanctuary, a performance space, a music incubator, and a testament to the burgeoning LGBTQ+ liberation movement of the post-Stonewall era.
Its legacy lives on through the careers it helped launch, the music it nurtured, and the stories it continues to inspire. And for many, its name will forever be intertwined with the iconic "Divine Miss M," Bette Midler, the performer who truly defined the electrifying spirit of the Continental Baths.
The impact of the Continental Baths was so significant that it inspired various film and stage productions, cementing its place in popular culture.
While the physical space is long gone, the memories and the influence of this groundbreaking venue remain, a vibrant chapter in the rich, complex history of New York City's LGBTQ+ community and its vibrant entertainment scene.