Well, I remember Hillside Cleaners. Mr. Pooler owned it and he was a gentleman in himself. Lots of my clothes passed through those front doors! Seems attractions of sexual-related entertainment always brings in the customers, however, from what I have seen in this world, it would take much, much more to attract me into this "gentleman's" club, as it were, for me to sit there, swill beer or cocktails and watch chicks swing and sway around in bikinis. I see bikinis every day, anyway. Right now, my wife back at the house (I'am in Manila for the weekend) said our son has some of his classmates over for a swim party. That's clean entertainment. But if Mr. Rhulin has plans for the building, better for downtown Bangor. Get the girly-girl club out someplace where it does not clutter up downtown. Lots of downtown buildings that survived the Urban Renewal program in the late 1960's and are still standing in Bangor today, should be restored to their almost-original appearance. When buildings such as this are lost to time, they can never come back. Thanks, Mr. Rhulin for your efforts. Success in making the turnover of this building an asset to yourself and to the City of Bangor.

NICE! Some of the best news I've heard lately.

It's great to see this swine attractor closing. It is a pseudo-whorehouse, and any other definition of it's function is simply indefensible. Good-bye and good riddance; open your pit way out in the woods somewhere.

Great - so we're swapping out the strip joint with a head shop. Bangor's really moving up in the world.

I've never been to Diva's but I regard it as a sort of artifact of Bangor's bawdy heyday as Lumber Capital of the World. It does conflict, however, with my Puritan/Protestant heritage, but somehow we sort of look the other way, these days.

Great News!!! That place is a trash hole.. and all the scum bags that work there that cant find a REAL job, will be collecting unemployment... taking hard earned money from even more people now.... Glad to see it go...

They are scumbags because they are trying to make a living anyway they can. Jobs are hard to come by these days. Would you rather them not work and life on welfare?

I doubt very much that people are calling Mr Haddix to complain that their children are employed at Diva's. Excuse me they are 18 and over anyway. They are not children. They are adults and able to make their own decisions. Remember,Mr Haddix, lying or making up falsehoods is against the word of god. I wonder if it is OK for a headshop to be next to the church.

LOL Bangorian!

Maine loses another cultural landmark. I wonder how many light loafer Catholics, Liberals, Baptists and other hyppocrytes have actually set foot in that joint thinking that with their weekly warming of the pews, all would be forgiven?

Well I guess I have to add my 2 cents...First of all lets set the record straight...Some of you need a refresher course in history...We have just for the first time EXPOSED every denomination of Churches across the country and Overseas Sexual Child Abuse with Priest...Should we close those churches...Should Church's be forbidden to be within 500 feet of schools...Maybe we should call churches "JOINTS"...DIVA'S is running a respectable business --- NOTHING ILLEGAL OR AGAINST THE LAW --- So you go to a lounge where women wear bikini's --- big deal --- You go to beach --- you LOOK but DON'T TOUCH --- you go to Beal's Jewelry --- you look BUT DON'T TOUCH --- Diva's been in business for 11 years --- I wonder how that could be --- People still go to church --- As a free country --- nobody has forced anyone to go to Diva's -- No one has ever forced you attend the same church where Child Molestation occurred for YEARS...Some of you need to ZIP IT !!!!!

It's simply amazing how many people are afraid of their own skin. I'd rather take time to talk to a diva about her life then to talk with anyone here who spews hate.

Who's spewing hate?

Just because you don't agree/like Diva's doesn't mean it shouldn't be allowed to run. Cormier is running a business, she pays people to work there (and they are not on state aid), she pays her taxes, light bill, etc. People choose to go in and purchase her business of their own free will. You don't like the business, don't go in it. If you don't like Shaw's, does that mean it doesn't have the right to be there? Geez people, just let it be.

If it wasn't making money from citizens it wouldn't be there.

Think about it.

They must wear more clothes than store cashiers here in Manhattan do.

And with the big mamas down here I'd say they also must be showing a lot less.

Funny how you people are so quick to judge. Calling Divas "trash" and that people who work there "can't find a real job". Nobody forces anyone into those doors. You are all happy to see a headshop be put in there, but not legal entertainment? Re read some of these and listen to yourselves. If anything illegal or against the law was going on in that business, she would have been shut down 10 years ago. Somehow it's still up and running, females have jobs to support their families and ARE NOT on state aid, men CHOOSE to go in and spend THEIR money on drinks and to watch (WATCH) beautiful women... Are you the type of people to stand outside of an abortion clinic or a church where a priest has molested children and protest? I doubt it, and if you do, you really need a hobby. If you don't like it, don't go in. Simple as that. I think it's sad the building is being bought out and I hope to see Divas relocated in the near future. It will be nice to see her in a classier part of town where a thriving business should be.

John:

Was this the small building WABI Radio used to be in or was that down the hill further and closer to the alley way where Eddie Graham of Bangor Hydro Electric used to park his new highly expensive personal cars?

I know this is the corner of State and French Streets.

You know all you people that wrote something bad about Diva's should really think hard!! So are you trying to say that women that wear a string bikini are trash? If so I guess then you are calling many of the women all around trash. Just because they dance inside a building doesn't make them trash. Many of the people that complain about Diva's I bet have in the past or still do watch a porno, use adult toys or other things that can't be mentioned in this newspaper.

The problem tose people have is they feel that everyone else has to see thier life the same as other or they are trash. Try looking in the mirror people. I personaly find it funny that the church goers spend thier time going to curch then turn around and have a drink or watch an immoral show or book. And at the same time don't eithier have the commen sense that when you are going to church that you are listening to someone else's understanding of the Bible and you are paying them to tell you that. How about stop calling people trash and get your own lifes!!!

ho hum

Oh, that's what that place is. I go by there fairly often bound for other destinations downtown. I always assumed with a name like that it was a hair salon.

It's this Lawlor character the same guy that owns that creepy XXX movie place on Hammond Street? When can we look forward to that going under?

Bangorian ... your an idiot ... Dave Lawler has nothing to do with Diva's ...he simply own's the building..why don't you move or better yet call yourself STUPID IDIOT ...GEEZE

Mainelyme...the second floor of this building was where WABI had its radio studio, prior to moving out to "|Studio City in the new building Hildreth built. Jim Winters was the primary radio personality.

I'm all for porn, girls dancing on poles and all that stuff but Diva's sucks and the women that work there are nothing special. I would not waste my money in that place and therefore I don't get there. If the area had a decent strip club I might go once in awhile with some males friends for the fun of it but as I said. Diva's sucks and the women are avg. at best. Check out their web site if you don't believe me.

I'm not attacking the women that work there. I'm sure they are nice people but if I'm going to pay 6 bucks for a beer I want something decent to look at, something that is attractive and Diva's does not offer that.

Say what..."Kevin_of_Bangor"...$6.00 for just a glass of beer? I remember there used to be "bottle clubs" in Bangor...and all you paid was just the entrance fee, and the waitresses tips, and the food you bought, if any. How much now for a six-pack of the foreign beer, Budweiser? 12-ounce? $6.00 is extreme. I went to a club in Manila last night (I was there on personal business - not in the club, but in Manila, that is). The club was the "Embassy Super Club". Nothing to do with embassy's. It's over in Global City (Manila) on Fort Bonifacio Street. It's an over-hip club with laser lights and plasma Tv's and is loaded with ladies in strip-down, slinky clothing. People flock there by the hundreds (generally in the 20-30's year olds) in designer gear. The signature drinks there uaually are Champaigne, Chivas, Green Tea, Grey Goose, and Martinis. Music is great...It's vocal and electro-house, old school to new hip-hop and rythm and blues. Dancing is rampant...chicks ask the guys to dance...Me and my friend got worn out dancing! They have DJ's there two weekdays and all weekends...and you generally party until the sun is out and the joggers are set to run. The cost to get into this place is P300.00 pesos (about $6.00 US), and drinks are priced reasonably. Beer...local San Miguel, 12-ounce in a frosty glass is P200.00 pesos ($4.00 US). Any foreign beer, American, Vietnamese, Thailand, Hong Kong, Japanese and Mexican beers are all P300.00 ($6.00 US). I doubt you are getting your money at Divas, guy. Then again, you cannot even dance with these humpers. No class at all.

@ John

I have no clue if the beer is six bucks a glass but it would not surprise me if it is. I've not stepped into a strip club in years because there is not a good local one around and I'm not going to drive to Portland for it. A beer in most bars will run you at least 3 dollars and strip clubs, which Diva's is not a beer is always at least twice as a normal bar. When I have gone to a strip club I bring at least 200 bucks because it's not cheap.

Maybe you can get a beer for 3 bucks in Diva's, I'll never find out. I refuse to go into that place because the women are nothing special and they are in thongs at best. It's obvious I have access to the interent and I'd rather get a six pack and surf the net for something that is pleasent to the eye doing a strip tease, or wearing a thong and top dancing sexy. At least I can then find an attractive looking female doing it.

I've had friends that have tried to get me to go to Diva's, I always pass. That place is just not worth it so I could care less if it goes away. Not as if it's a great place with hot women that will be missed. If it was topless with good looking women I might miss it, but it's far from that.

As I said before. I'm all for porn and good strips clubs but Diva's is nothing but a wanna be and best of luck finding a new place, if it ever does. They would make a lot more money going full nude without alcohol but they would have to fire all the women that work there first. As I said, visit their website and you will see what I mean. Avg. women at best and and tramp stamps (lower back tat's) are not sexy.

I know what you mean, Kevin. I hate low back-tats. It's ugly. That went out years and years ago over here. Women in Vietnam in those smoky, puky bars are the only ones that still have them, and these chicks are in their 40's! Still sexy, though. But, yeah...you really have to get into New York City or beyond to find the real-deal on strip clubs and nice-looking girls. Better entertainment and more "club" atmosphere. I heard about Diva's a couple of years ago from a guy who called my house and told me the updates on Bangor...and he said Divas was a dive. Guess if you want to see something, get out of Maine. That's not to say the sexy chicks are not there...that's saying, "what's beneath those clothes...only mother knows"!

Hey thinkaboutit, I'll provide you with a little education: A landlord makes a decision about who to rent their property to. You're an idiot if you think that Diva's rents that building and the landlord doesn't know what goes on in there.

OMG. By handblown glass art, does that mean bongs? That is too friggin funny, I never even thought for a moment it was a head shop, but yeah, it makes sense. But, the way some people fear Diva's, they probably think it's a "head" shop already....LOFL Bangor has like, 3 headshops now, business must be good. Diva's will find another space because men want a place to go and drink and look at young women in bikinis. Business is also good for Dave's, what does that tell ya?

the girls will take men or women upstairs or whereever and perform sexual favors for them that place is dirty over half of the women who work thee are infected with disease. and ahve heard of some who are under 18 so its not so innocent. and te dont always only wear bikinis the police have shoed up unannounced and hae fined the place for women being nude. these are nasy unattractive women who need to get area job and kep their clothes on go to mcdonlds or somethig but stop spreadinf your disease and filth around bangor.

Men gotta get it off somehow. If Diva's (or pornograhy) helps with the relief valve, maybe that's a few less assaults, rapes, molestations, etc. Men didn't invent testosterone - God did that.

ab9902 And you know all of this how? Are you speaking from experience? Or friends with some of the workers there? There has to be a reason why you are so well informed! Have you actually seen the nasty, unattractive women who work there? I really don't care one way or another,'m just tired of the nasty ,negative comments from people that half the time have no idea what in hell they are talking about! At least, all these 'nasty women were working and not collecting welfare! Look at it that way! And please check the spelling!

good riddance!

95+% of women today dress slutty - I don't mean to offend, but that is my opinion. How does that relate to Diva's? Not sure...later.

Hey, folks...is it also possible that these chicks don't even shave under the armpits? That's the definition of a coward, you know...it is the man who wakes up with his face in a girl's armpit and is afraid to open his eyes!

36 comments so far.how many have actually BEEN to Diva's. Not my cup of tea but 11 plus years in business says something. If nobody spent money there it would have closed long ago! Diane Cormier employs people and pays bills,taxes,etc.. Perhaps you people with your name calling comments might wanna look in the mirror,I know how to spell hypocrit.As for commenting on what "goes on at Diva's", if you haven't seen it with your own 2 eyes maybe you shouldn't be saying it's so. And yes the same Dave Lawler owns Dave's video,so what!

If the men want a pretty girl to socialize with then why not try the old-fashioned way and strike up a conversation with the girl at the bar at a nice restaurant? What is the matter with men anyway, is there a real man out there that has the guts to ask a girl "Hi, Can I buy you a drink?" You wouldn't be wasting so much money in the first place if you did that. Perhaps you might get the chance to not only talk to a pretty girl but get the chance to know her.

Johninphilipines : One thing I know for sure is that "Mother knows Best" in reference to what is behind the clothes. You guys need to get a back bone and quit the guessing game, if you want to know then get to talking with the girl. You will never know unless YOU find out. Dare Ya!

Hey...GlenburnGirl...from what commish4 wrote, seems like he does have a point to make. I have not been to Diva's, but from the comments, I can well imagine the atmosphere. I have been into some pretty steamy clubs in my life, in lots of places in this world, and let me say, I came away with one or more girls on my arms, had a literal ball over night and never was "rolled". Now, as far as your offer...oh, yes...I DO know what's under all those clothes...I could be a licensed OB/GYN by now, GlenburnGirl! I probably 'am more aggressive than most guys, as all the girl can do is refuse the drink, or turn away from me, or refuse to talk. It does not intimidate me; she just may have been embarassed. But that only happened to me three times in my life and that was when I was a total horndog in my earlier years in my 20's. I had to calm down, take things cool and easy, go slow and don't make a complete fool of myself and try to put on a fake display. Thanks, hon...your post was accurate.

By the way GG...if I was back there in Bangor...I'd "dare"!

Come on, not all the girls are bad, I went to high school with four or five girls who have worked there recently. Two of them were actually really good looking. One of those two is still a virgin. Not my idea of a nasty strip club skank.

have known Diane Cormier for 11 years. She has already received offers for rental space. Sorry Bangor but Diva's ain't going away that easy. Diane fought for her 1st amendment rights and spent a pile of cash in legal fees in doing so. Oh, by the way, she WON that court battle. Hope JohninPI can stop in before the move. As I said before, see it with your own eyes BEFORE making comments that are derogatory. Owning Diva's does NOT make Diane a bad person,infact I like her alot !!!!

I think we need more strip clubs and while we are at it, lets legalize prostitution. We might actually be able to regulate and tax the pleasure industry like every other profession for once. All I see here are a bunch of repressed,uptight, puritanical loudmouths who feel that somehow they have been vested with the right to decide what's best for everyone because they go to church on Sunday. The reality of it is regardless of the front you put on you like to get your freak on like everyone else your just ashamed to admit it OR perhaps you are the king of freak and are afraid of the jail time.

Either way, try focusing on your own existence and leave everyone else to theirs. I have one heck of a lot more respect for Ms. Cormier than the vast majority of you, at least she's honest about her motivations.