Ripcord

715 Fairview
Since December 10, 1982

Some 360°  photos at Link

below, 2014 photo

above, pre-opening ad...note, it's not listed yet in the Guide above it

Above, their Facebook page incorrectly says the club is the
longest running gay bar in Houston, opening Dec 5, 1980.
The ad above it gives the grand opening as Dec 10, 1982,
so it is the second oldest gay bar, after JR's (Apr 22, 1982)

1983

1987

Above, flyer insert in TWT 5/1/87

Below, Ripcord contigent, flags from every state

Above, MIchael Viguet and Wally Welch
photos courtesy Wally Welch

1990

what's a leather bar without some controversy

1990

1992

1993-94

1996

1997

1999

1999 Pride Parade

2000

2001

2005

comment: I wish I could share more ads, but the club seemed to have a
practice over the years of not running all that many ads in the gay publications

2010

2011

2013

below, photos from the internet, 2014 - 2016

Ripcord - John P Van Domelin - Gary Christopher, year unknown

2015

Below, from LUEY Program

2017

the sign on the side was for a Geeks Who Drink gathering,
and the four shots below cover that

2022

Video
40 Year Anniversary Film, 12:30

A bit of pre-Ripcord history at 715 Fairview
I believe Happy Trails was only open during 1982,
from about April 9 through December 3,
and was listed in TWT as a private club