The Light House Cafe, which opened in 1937 at 776 Washington St. on Lynn harbor, was the oldest LGBTQ+ bar in Massachusetts. It was closed by a suspicious fire in 1975. The Collins family, who owned it, opened Fran's Place at the same location in 1976. Fran's Place held significance as a gathering space for the LGBTQ+ community in the North Shore area of Massachusetts. Like many LGBTQ+ bars, it served not only as a place for socializing but also as a sanctuary where individuals could find acceptance and support. It had great dance music, frequent drag shows, and a Hispanic night on Sundays. The bar had a strong community spirit and frequently held fundraising benefits for local charities. Its closure in 2016 marked the end of an era for the local LGBTQ+ community, and its legacy is remembered by those who frequented it as an important part of their history and identity.
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