Wgtn Evergreen lost in spectacular blaze

Monday, March 07, 2005
Gay NZ, New Zealand

http://www.gaynz.com/news/default.asp?dismode=article&artid=2267

In a spectacular overnight fire Wellington has lost one of its
iconic glbt ex-venues, the Evergreen Cafe.

Originally the site of Carmen's Purple Onion club, the Vivian
Street premises became from the mid-1970s a magnet for the
capital's transgender community and was a home away from home
for many glbt people until its closure following proprietor
Chrissie Witako's death four years ago.

Sold to a developer and due for demolition the site was recently
damaged by a small fire but last night was gutted in what is
believed to be a "suspicious" fire. Fire service Station Officer
Dave Cairns said the deserted wooden building had become a
magnet for itinerant people of late and the fact it had no
electricity or services connnected makes the outbreak of fire
suspicious.

At the height of the blaze, which was reported at 8.55 last
evening, 15 fire appliances were called in from around the city.
Carns said the close proximity of other wooden buildings was a
major concern to firefighters as a strong wond gusting up to
100km/hr fanned the flames. Several blocks of inner-city
Wellington were closed off until the early hours of this morning
and firefighters remained at the site as late as noon today.

The building has been gutted and through gaping, blackened holes
in the street frontage charred remains of the Evergreen and a
neighbouring ex-strip club can be seen. Much of the upper
structure of the two-storey buildings has collapsed and Cairns
says they will be demolished later today.

During its heyday from the mid 1970s to late 90s the Evergreen
was a home away from home for many of the capital's transgender
working girls, a late-night haven away from the often difficult
life on the street. But it also became a relaxing hideaway for
gays and non-identifying men who have sex with men.men who have
sex with men.

Current and ex-working transgenders spoken to by GayNZ.com say
they are saddened by the destruction but several say it was a
perhaps more fitting end than a simple demolition by bulldozer.
"A lot of good memories are drifting up into the sky with all
that smoke," said one older transgender woman as she watched the
fire last night.

Ref: GayNZ.com
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