Leon’s, the oldest continuously operating gay bar in Baltimore and one of the oldest in the country, is temporarily closing after the death of its owner Ron Singer. Screenshot via Google Maps.
Leon’s, the oldest continuously operating gay bar in Baltimore and one of the oldest in the country, is temporarily closing after the death of its owner Ron Singer. Screenshot via Google Maps.

Leon’s, one of Baltimore’s oldest gay bars, is reopening this week after a 45-day hiatus.

Staff members announced on social media that the bar with entrances at 870 Park Avenue and 227 W. Chase St. will reopen on Wednesday, Sept. 30.

Before its temporary closure, Leon’s was considered the oldest continuously-operating gay bar in Baltimore and one of the oldest gay bars in the country. Its name comes from Leon Lampe, who owned the bar in the 1930s. It has operated as a gay bar since 1957.

Leon’s closed temporarily on July 15 following the death of its owner for more than 20 years, Ron Singer, on July 7 at the age of 66.

Singer left Leon’s to family members, but representatives said they needed to close temporarily while the transition to new ownership was underway.

Ed Gunts is a local freelance writer and the former architecture critic for The Baltimore Sun.

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