PORTLAND, Oregon — Darcelle XV.
The name alone evokes a kind of immortal Portland lore. Though the legendary drag queen herself has been gone now for more than a year, the drag venue that bears her name is still in business.
"This was his heart and soul. This is him," said Maridee Woodson, the daughter of Walter Cole, who performed as Darcelle XV until he died last year at age 92. "There has been so much history made in this building; it's giving me goosebumps. It's giving me goose bumps right now!"
Woodson and her brother, Walter Cole Jr. now own Darcelle XV Showplace. Woodson said it was her father's dying wish for them to keep the club going but says now the club is in danger of closing.
Woodson estimated that over the last few months, business has dropped by about 40%. She blames number of factors for the decline.
"My dad passes away; he's not a draw anymore," noted Woodson. "We have the reputation of Old Town. We have the reputation of Portland."
Adding to that: inflation and other post-COVID challenges that have plagued so many other small businesses.
Woodson said the club needs the public's help getting over the hump.
"Come to a show, please," said Woodson.
On Friday night, several guests showed up to catch the glamour and support the Darcelles.
"I love the drag performers, I love the ambiance of it, I love their drinks, it's all inclusive," said guest Korina Engle. "I would be devastated to hear [if it closed]; honestly, it's been around for so long."
Regulars, like Anthony Tweedie, are also concerned and hope others will support Darcelle's.
"We see lots of guests coming in from out of town, which is great," said Tweedie. "But we need the local community to come back and remember why they came to Darcelle's for their special occasions."
Woodson said she isn't speculating as to when she would be forced to close the club, but she's optimistic that she won't have to.
"We have 57 years of history here," said Woodson. "That is not going to go down without a fight."