Our Beloved Saints
A Saint is a layperson whose life and accomplishments are in keeping with the Order’s philosophy and mission. They have gone above and beyond in their service to the community.
Saint Dirty Daddy Herveous, Holder of the Nickys, Father of the wayward sailors, Savior of the Hidden Doar, Friend to all
Harvey Meisnner
Harvey Meissner is widely recognized by many people across the United States. He was born in Fort Worth, Texas and graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in the 1960s. Shortly after college, Harvey moved to San Diego and began working at one of the gay bars. Due to his wit and dedication to the patrons, Harvey's reputation grew along with the bar's revenues. In the 1970s, Harvey received multiple honors, including the "Nicky Award," a community accolade presented by the Imperial Court de San Diego.
In the mid-1980s, Harvey returned to the North Texas area and settled in Dallas, where he started working at the Hidden Door. At that time, the bar was facing a crisis as its founder had recently passed away. Tony Barbrow, who had previously served as the office manager, assumed management of the Hidden Door Corporation and Trust. Shortly thereafter, Tony entrusted the management of the bar to Harvey, who had established a solid reputation among many people. Harvey always prioritized the well-being of the bar, its patrons, and its employees.
During the Covid-19 crisis, Harvey seized the opportunity to implement changes that would enhance the bar experience for all patrons. Additionally, the Trust took the initiative to donate over $2 million to various charities in the Dallas area. On June 19, 2023, Harvey, through the Trust, made an additional donation of $250,000.00 to several Dallas charities, including Legace Cares, Cathedral of Hope Charities, AIDS Services of Dallas, and the Resource Center.
Moreover, the Trust is providing a donation of $5,000.00 per year, for a total of $25,000.00 over five years, to the Dallas Gay Monument known as "the Legacy of Love" situated at the corner of Oaklawn and Cedar Springs.
In total, the charitable contributions made by Harvey, on behalf of the Tony Barbaro Charitable Trust, exceed $2.65 million. Harvey has always been a man who prioritizes others and the community above himself. This dedication is evident in his relationships with the Hidden Door employees, his beloved patrons, and the community he ensures is always cared for.