The JUMBOS Story
Over the Years
The story here presented will be told by more than one pen, as the story of an offense against the laws is told in court by more than one witness.
— Wilkie Collins “The Woman in White” 1860
1969
- “Jumbo” is introduced to a newly built five-unit shopping center. Inside one of the units was a bar complete with a large area rug, fireplace in the center, a jukebox in the corner and a dance floor. He immediately seizes the opportunity to open a bar in Hollywood where he and his friends can have a little fun.
1970
- June 27, 1970 at 5153 Hollywood Boulevard. Bottled beers are 45¢, cocktails 50¢, and shots of peppermint schnapps are $1 each. A shot and a beer for $1.45 – a tradition is born.
1971
We’re Packed!
- Jumbo’s is busier than ever after the Sylmar earthquake. Jumbo begins writing “Clowning Around,” a monthly newsletter for Jumbo’s guests to view party pictures
1972
- First members of the Jumbo’s Drinking Team are issued cards for $10 each. The card allows them one free drink every day for a year.
1973
Pillow Parties
- Pillow parties begin. We clear out all the tables and fill the bar with new pillows. Everyone meets each other while sitting on the floor next to little Japanese tables. Jumbo installs a pizza oven in the corner and serves free pizza every Thursday night.
1975
- Jumbo’s Halloween parties welcome everyone, including hookers who came in dressed as nuns.
1976
Disco Theme
- Jumbo’s adopts a new disco theme is an instant hit and includes a mirrored ball, smoke machine and kaleidoscope, and top of the line sound system.
1982
- Out with the pizza oven. Out with the fireplace. Build a stage, enter a pool table and bring in the pole dancers! Jumbo’s is now a pole dancing club fondly described as “Cheers with tits.” Out with the pool table, keep the girls. Fights over pool table bad, girls good.
1990
Meet Jumbo’s Daughter
- Jumbo brings in his daughter to run the show, and what a show it is!
1990
Present Day
- Jumbo’s daughter reflects on the Clown Room,
(Regarding the 70’s) It was the best of times, and the wildest as well. I’ve always felt very proud for all the club has become. Loyalty has been our family motto no matter what!As the years passed the venue changed with the times. The living room décor changed to disco with a disc jockey booth, then country western and then pole dancers. We had a dance floor up until the pole dancers. I guess the best way I could describe Jumbo’s is you went there to feel welcomed and accepted, to just have a good time!
— Wilkie Collins “The Woman in White” 1860
Many thanks to the talented dancers, bartenders, bouncers and the scores of loyal guests over the years. Thank you for your contribution.
1969
“Jumbo” is introduced to a newly built five-unit shopping center. Inside one of the units was a bar complete with a large area rug, fireplace in the center, a jukebox in the corner and a dance floor. He immediately seizes the opportunity to open a bar in Hollywood where he and his friends can have a little fun.
1970
Jumbo’s Clown Room celebrates its grand opening on June 27, 1970 at 5153 Hollywood Boulevard. Bottled beers are 45¢, cocktails 50¢, and shots of peppermint schnapps are $1 each. A shot and a beer for $1.45, a tradition is born.
The bar was a lovely living room atmosphere with red barrel chairs surrounding a fireplace in the center. Tables topped with candles and clown ashtrays. Red bar stools with backs and booths all along the perimeter. There wasn’t any snack machine at that time. There weren’t any dancers, just a really fun place to hang out with friends. We had a jukebox. We had parties for many occasions. Mrs. Jumbo would make enormous pots of food to share with all the patrons.
1971
February
We’re packed. Jumbo’s is busier than ever after the Sylmar earthquake. Celebrating life becomes top priority for many.
Jumbo begins writing “Clowning Around,” a monthly newsletter for Jumbo’s guests to view party pictures, read of upcoming parties and find out who is named “Clown of the Month.”
Jumbo’s names a Clown of the Month each month as voted on by the guests. Each Clown of the Month has their picture in Clowning Around with a write up about them. The “Clown of the Year” winner receives a color television set.
1972
First members of the Jumbo’s Drinking Team are issued cards for $10 each. The card allows them one free drink every day for a year.
1973
Pillow Parties Begin – We clear out all the tables and fill the bar with new pillows. Everyone meets each other while sitting on the floor next to little Japanese tables.
Jumbo installs a Pizza Oven in the corner and serves free pizza every Thursday night.
1975
Jumbo’s Halloween Parties welcome everyone, including hookers who came in dressed as nuns.
1976
Jumbo’s adopts a new Disco Theme is an instant hit and includes a mirrored ball, smoke machine and kaleidoscope, and top of the line sound system.
1982
Out with the pizza oven. Out with the fireplace. Build a stage, enter a pool table and bring in the pole dancers! Jumbo’s is now a pole dancing club fondly described as “Cheers with Tits.”
Out with the pool table, keep the girls. Fights over pool table bad, girls good.
1990
Jumbo’s daughter starts running the show.
PRESENT DAY…
Jumbo’s daughter reflects on the Clown Room,
(Regarding the 70’s) It was the best of times, and the wildest as well. I’ve always felt very proud for all the club has become. Loyalty has been our family motto no matter what!
As the years passed the venue changed with the times. The living room décor changed to disco with a disc jockey booth, then country western and then pole dancers. We had a dance floor up until the pole dancers. I guess the best way I could describe Jumbo’s is you went there to feel welcomed and accepted, to just have a good time!