M&M Club 50th Anniversary Reunion Scheduled for Sunday, July 5
Event honors Bob Schmidt for five decades of community service
Milwaukee, WI – Fifty years ago this summer, something magical happened at the corner of Water and Erie in Milwaukee’s Historic Third Ward.
On Sunday, July 4, 1976, the M&M Club (124 N. Water St.) opened its doors to the community for the first time.
“This weekend, another new bar had its grand opening: M&Ms+, in the same neighborhood as The Inferno and The Wreck Room. A free buffet was offered and the crowd overflowed into the street. The two bartenders, Lanny and Bob, really put in a day’s work while the ever-popular Jamie Gays served as grand opening hostess.” – GLIB Guide (August 1976)
Over the next 30 years, the M&M was not only part of the rebirth of Milwaukee’s destination neighborhood, but an important part of our local heritage. Although the bar closed in May 2006, ongoing reunion events have kept the M&M family connected across two decades. This year’s gathering, celebrating the golden anniversary, will be especially historic.
Join long-time friends and chosen family on Sunday, July 5, to celebrate five decades of M&M memories — and the lifetime contributions of Bob Schmidt to Milwaukee — at the 2026 M&M Club Reunion. The event, held at La Cage NiteClub (801 S. 2nd St.) will start at 1 p.m.
Bob Schmidt, attending in person, will receive a BeSeen Award from the Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project and a Honorary Proclamation from Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers for 50 years of community service. In October, the M&M Club site will receive a State Historic Marker to recognize its historic and cultural impact.
The event will feature:
- Retro Drag Show, hosted by Miss Karen Valentine
- Retro Drink Specials
- Retro DJ & Dance Party
- Retro Photo Exhibit
- Bar Food Available
- Sidewalk Seating Available
This event is presented in loving memory of Ron “Rona” Thate (1951-2023.)
Note: due to operational challenges, this year’s reunion could not be held at the M&M Club building (124 N. Water St.) We are thankful to La Cage NiteClub for opening their doors to the community for this special event.
Can’t make the reunion — but want to support Bob and the State Historic Marker? Make a tax-deductible online gift to our Fund Drive today!
Questions? Contact us!
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
Mentioned in This Press Release
Recent Press Releases by Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project
Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project Achieves Pre-Approval for New State Historic Markers
Mar 17th, 2026 by Wisconsin LGBTQ History ProjectWausau, Milwaukee sites meet cultural landmark requirements
This Is It (1968-2025) Approved for State Historic Marker
Mar 4th, 2026 by Wisconsin LGBTQ History ProjectWisconsin's second LGBTQ historic landmark will be installed in summer 2026
“Beacons of the Bay” Documentary Premieres Saturday, January 31
Dec 22nd, 2025 by Wisconsin LGBTQ History ProjectProject honors the lifetime experiences of eight living LGBTQ elders
