Mary's, Naturally
The History & Clippings, Part 1 1971 to 1982
The History & Clippings, Part 2 1983 to 2019

 The Murals    The Murals Story    Mary's Fairies
Mary's Naturally--The Song
Memorials Held in Mary's Patio/Outback
Mary's, The End

click on any of the above sections

When did Mary's Open? Well, first I want to offer this
excellent essay on the guys who first opened the bar,
Joe Anthony and his son Michael
and their associated ventures, PDF
and, at the publication's site

Again, When did Mary's Open?

There's some confusion, for a variety of reasons....
these columns by Montrose Voice Publisher Henry McClurg:

...or, a slightly different remembering from Henry McClurg

from other soruces, Joe Anthony's son was named Mike

Or, various ads.....this one would indicate the bar opened in September 1974...we know that's not right...

or, May 1970.....

or another article...from May 2000, going 30 years back to 1970

But I think the bar opened in March 1971, per the ad below from the Nuntius.
There was NO mention in the Nuntius of Mary's prior to March whatsoever,
or any bar at that address, and the ad calls it the "newest spot in town"

And, in the April 1971 Nuntius' gossip section, first mention...as "the new Mary's Lounge"

And, more actual evidence tying it to 1971,
from Cole's City Directory...

These are annual directories of city addresses. For 1969 through 1971
for 1022 Westheimer it gave "Tommy's Lounge,"
and finally in 1972, "Mary's Lounge." Given the lag time any directory would have,
I am going with 1971 for Mary's opening.

****************
below, 1982 Pride Parade photo, by JD Doyle

below is a sketch by Scott Swoveland of a layout drawing of Mary's, especially the back,
and showing the location of the Houston Motorcyle Club plaque.