Webster Hall 1920s Masquerade | Historic NYC LGBTQ Heritage T-Shirt

Webster Hall 1920s Masquerade | Historic NYC LGBTQ Heritage T-Shirt

Before Stonewall, before the modern gay nightclub, New York City's Bohemian community was already transforming the masquerade ball into a remarkable space for creativity, self-expression, and social freedom.

At Webster Hall, 125 East 11th Street, the city's artists, writers, radicals, and LGBTQ+ communities gathered for extraordinary celebrations during the 1910s and 1920s.

Built in the late nineteenth century, Webster Hall became famous for its elaborate costume balls. The gatherings welcomed gay men and lesbians, including participants who appeared in drag at a time when public expressions of gender nonconformity could attract hostility.

By the 1920s, LGBTQ+ New Yorkers were organizing their own balls at the hall, helping establish a tradition of queer nightlife and community that long preceded Stonewall.

The Front — Webster Hall Masquerade Ticket

Inspired by antique theatrical admission tickets, the front graphic features ornate lettering announcing WEBSTER HALL MASQUERADE.

A decorative Venetian-style mask, emerald feathers, engraved gold ornament, and matching ADMIT ONE panels create the appearance of an imagined period admission ticket.

The historical address, 125 East 11th Street, New York City, connects the artwork to the actual venue.

The Back — Bohemian Masquerade Balls

The larger companion graphic celebrates Webster Hall's famous masquerade era through an elaborate ornamental composition.

Beneath the sweeping WEBSTER HALL lettering appears a stylized architectural illustration, framed by emerald and ivory feathers and an engraved masquerade mask.

The inscription BOHEMIAN MASQUERADE BALLS — 1920s honors the period when Webster Hall became an important gathering place for New York's emerging lesbian and gay community.

A History Worth Wearing

• Commemorates Webster Hall's documented LGBTQ+ masquerade history.
• Features the historical East 11th Street address.
• Celebrates 1920s Bohemian nightlife and early queer self-expression.
• Includes coordinated, original front-and-back heritage artwork.
• Draws inspiration from theatrical tickets, event posters, and period engraving.

Part of the Walt & Pete® Historic Gay Bars Collection.

Historical Interpretation

Both graphics are contemporary artistic interpretations inspired by historical masquerade culture. The admission ticket and illustrated architectural composition are not presented as authenticated surviving Webster Hall artifacts.

Walt & Pete® — Forgotten Moments, Forever Remembered.

THE SHIRT — AS COLOUR 5082 HEAVY FADED TEE

This design is printed on the AS Colour 5082, a substantial heavyweight T-shirt selected for its vintage character and structured, contemporary silhouette. Made from heavyweight carded cotton, it has the weight and presence of a favorite concert or heritage shirt designed to become more personal with wear.

• Heavyweight 7.1 oz fabric
• 100% carded cotton
• Boxy, oversized fit
• Garment-dyed for a softly faded, lived-in appearance
• Durable construction
• Tear-away label

FIT

The AS Colour 5082 is intentionally boxy and oversized. Choose your usual size for the intended relaxed silhouette. Consider sizing down if you prefer a closer, more traditional fit. Please consult the size chart before ordering.

GARMENT-DYED CHARACTER

Each shirt is dyed after construction, creating subtle fading around seams and edges. Natural variations in shade, fading, and color distribution are part of the garment’s vintage character and make every shirt slightly unique. These variations are intentional and are not considered defects.

CARE

Wash separately before wearing. Wash inside out with similar colors using cold water. Because the garment is pigment-dyed, some color transfer may occur during the first few washes. Do not bleach. Tumble dry on low or hang dry when possible. Do not iron directly over the printed artwork.

EU representative: HONSON VENTURES LIMITED, gpsr@honsonventures.com, 3, Gnaftis House flat 102, Limassol, Mesa Geitonia, 4003, CY

Product information: AS Colour 5082, two year warranty in the EU and Northern Ireland

Warnings, Hazard: For adults

Care instructions: Machine wash: cold (max 30C or 90F), Non-chlorine: bleach as needed, Tumble dry: low heat, Iron, steam or dry: low heat, Do not dryclean