1 25 72 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Carl Rizzi , Mame Dennis, and The Academy of Washington Collection 6 Alternative Title An alternative name for the resource. The distinction between titles and alternative titles is application-specific. Carl Rizzi Papers on the Academy of Washington : Digital Collection Description An account of the resource The year 1961 saw the creation of two of Washington's first organized LGBT groups, the Mattachine Society of Washington and the Oscars. The Academy Awards of Washington, an amalgam of Oscars members and Awards Club (1965) members, incorporated in 1973 in Washington, DC, provides secure venues, mentoring, and a structure for female impersonators in the area. It is one of the oldest and most enduring organizations in the nation to provide support for female impersonators. The Climate for Drag in the Sixties Until 'Liz Taylor' created the Oscars in the autumn of 1961, drag performers and those aspiring to 'do drag' had no organized structure, no venues, and very little safety. In the repressive atmosphere of the 1950s and 1960s, wearing drag was an invitation to scorn and physical danger. Wearing drag was illegal in most southern states, and Washington DC was indeed southern in those days, though drag was never illegal in the district. Still it invited arrest and persecution. Public social spaces didn't allow drag (an ostracism that existed until well into the 1970s). Those who wanted to wear drag did it in the privacy of their homes or at private after hour parties. Indeed, Liz Taylor's house parties at her Hollywood House on Monroe St. NW were legendary in their time. Many clubs would not allow patrons in drag to enter, and few hosted drag shows. The single exception was the Golden Key Club in North Beach, MD. For other clubs, drag and drag shows were an option only during Halloween Week, which Mame Dennis calls "the high holy days of drag". At Halloween, the Brown Derby, the Chicken Hut, Hide-a-way, Georgetown Grill, Johnnie's, and the Rendezvous organized drag contests. Creating a Safe Haven for Female Impersonators Along with the Mattachine Society of Washington, the Oscars and the Awards Club were the very first organized groups for gays in the Washington area. Recalling her vision for the Academies, Liz Taylor said "... I strived to mold an elite group of people whose social life would center around drag. By creating parties and activities I knew that I would always be surrounded by people wanting to attend them... I knew that some form of drag group was necessary. I had thought about it for a long time -- and suddenly I found the answer one evening on television -- the first time I saw an Awards show called the Oscars." The first parties were held in various homes in Washington DC, which took on special names such as Blair House, Butterfield 8, Camelot, Hollywood House, Mintwood Place, Port Valada, Sand Piper, Taylor Lounge, and others. In time, these house names became the names of 'drag houses', associations of female impersonators who participated in the social activities of the Academy Awards. The first board members of the Academy were Lix Taylor (President), Bob Clauze, Prince Karl, Frankie, and 'Lena Horne'. Organization of the Academy The Academy's Houses in 1976 The houses of the Academy over 30 years have included Beekman Place (led by 'Mame Dennis'), Butterfield 8 ('Liz Taylor's house), Maryland House (led by 'Patty Duke'), Henry Street (led by 'Fanny Brice'), Liberty House, Dragonwyck, Phoenix House (led by 'Jean Nate'), and Twelve Oaks (led by 'Mae Bush'). In 1965, Jerry Buskirk and 'Vivien Leigh' led the formation of a second group, the Awards Club of Washington. The Awards Club organized the International Emmy Awards. By 1968, many members of the first Academy were also members of the Awards Club. Bill Oates Jr. &amp; Mame Dennis In May 1973 Bill Oates Jr. ("the Godfather") brokered an agreement creating the Academy Awards of Washington, led by 'Elizabeth Taylor', 'Mame Dennis', 'Patti Duke' and 'Fanny Brice'. Beekman Place and Henry Street Houses rejoined the Academy at this time. 'Mame Dennis' (of Beekman Place), chosen as president in 1973, continues to lead the group. Bill Oates, who became known as "The Godfather", helped put together the structure of the new group. The original houses of the Academy Awards of Washington were Beekman Place, Butterfield 8, Henry Street, and Maryland House. Liberty House (led by 'Edie Gorme') was added in 1974. In 1975, the Academy re-organized following a period of internal dispute. The new organization included the houses of Beekman Place, Dragonwyck (of Hagerstown, MD), Henry Street, Maryland House, Phoenix House, and Twelve Oaks (of Norfolk and Richmond). In the 1960s, most hotels and clubs would not host drag events. In its first years, the Academy held monthly contests at the short-lived Uptown Lounge in Cleveland Park. It was at the Uptown that 'Liz Taylor' first did her long remembered rendition of "Letter to Daddy". 'Fanny Brice's house, Henry Street, formed a drag performance show, Showstoppers, in 1971, which premiered at Georgetown's Trinity Theatre in September 1971. In May 1972, the Showstoppers group participated in DC's first Gay Pride celebration with a show at George Washington University's Marvin Center. Showstoppers appeared at the Marvin Center from 1973 to 1981. Showstoppers endured for many years as a very popular annual production in Washington DC's GLBT community. Until 1968 when the Washington Hilton hosted the Black Pearl Awards, most events were held at the Cairo Hotel, Casino Royale, Dodge House, and the Palm Ballroom. One of the first venues used by the Academy Awards after 1973 was the third floor area above the Hideaway and Louie's clubs at 9th and Pennsylvania NW. This third floor space became the Oscar's Eye Theatre and was used for most of the Academy and house functions. In the 1970s, Academy members became involved in the Waaay Off Broadway theatre at 55 L St. SE. Beekman place opened the theatre with its production of Cabaret. The Academy held events at the Rogue, after the latter's move to 5th and K Streets NW. In 1992, the former Waaay Off Broadway theatre became Club 55, and Academy events were invited to move there. It is still the home of many Academy functions. The Academy Awards holds events every Sunday from September through May at the Club 55, 55 L Street SE (formerly the location of the Waaay Off Broadway theatre). Protocols and Events From the beginning in 1961, the Academy has sponsored Oscars for Best Actress, Best Actor, Best Drag in a Series, President and First Lady, Mr and Miss Academy, Mr and Miss Showbusiness, Vice President and Vice Lady, New York Drama Critics Best Actor and Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor and Best Supporting Actress, and Mr and Miss Oscar. In addition to regularly scheduled drag balls, the Academy's top annual pageants are those for Miss Gaye Universe-DC and Miss Gaye America-DC. Monthly contests at Club 55 present Zodiac awards. Annual special awards, such as the 'Lanie Kazan', recognize outstanding contributions to the community. At pageants, the order of appearance of award winners is strictly controlled by the Protocol. For some titles, the winners make make an entrance on stage. Top awards, such as Miss Gaye America and Miss Gay Universe, are 'walking' awards entitling the winner to take a formal presentation walk on stage before the audience. 'Fanny Brice', speaking to Bruce Pennington in a 1975 interview for Friends Radio talks about her first drag experience. Brice was 'mother' of the Henry Street drag house and founder of the popular Showstoppers revue of the 1970s. Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Rizzi, Carl Still Image A static visual representation. Examples of still images are: paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type "text" to images of textual materials. Original Format If the image is of an object, state the type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data playbill Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Miss America pageant playbill Subject The topic of the resource Female impersonators--Washington (D.C.)--20th century Drag shows--Washington (D.C.)--20th century Awards Club of Washington (Organization : Washington, D.C.) Description An account of the resource Playbill from the 1967 Miss America Pageant held by the Awards Club of Washington. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource <a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=39&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Awards+Club+of+Washington+%28Organization+%3A+Washington%2C+D.C.%29">Awards Club of Washington (Organization : Washington, D.C.)</a> Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Awards Club of Washington (Organization : Washington, D.C.) Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource <a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=40&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=1967">1967</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=47&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=All+rights+reserved+by+the+Awards+Club+of+Washington+%28Organization+%3A+Washington%2C+D.C.%29">All rights reserved by the Awards Club of Washington (Organization : Washington, D.C.)</a> <a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=47&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Reproduction+and+use+of+this+material+requires+permission+from+the+copyright+holder.+Please+contact+the+Rainbow+History+Project+for+more+information.">Reproduction and use of this material requires permission from the copyright holder. Please contact the Rainbow History Project for more information.</a> Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpeg Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Image Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Washington (D.C.) Academy of Washington Drag performances Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Carl Rizzi , Mame Dennis, and The Academy of Washington Collection 6 Alternative Title An alternative name for the resource. The distinction between titles and alternative titles is application-specific. Carl Rizzi Papers on the Academy of Washington : Digital Collection Description An account of the resource The year 1961 saw the creation of two of Washington's first organized LGBT groups, the Mattachine Society of Washington and the Oscars. The Academy Awards of Washington, an amalgam of Oscars members and Awards Club (1965) members, incorporated in 1973 in Washington, DC, provides secure venues, mentoring, and a structure for female impersonators in the area. It is one of the oldest and most enduring organizations in the nation to provide support for female impersonators. The Climate for Drag in the Sixties Until 'Liz Taylor' created the Oscars in the autumn of 1961, drag performers and those aspiring to 'do drag' had no organized structure, no venues, and very little safety. In the repressive atmosphere of the 1950s and 1960s, wearing drag was an invitation to scorn and physical danger. Wearing drag was illegal in most southern states, and Washington DC was indeed southern in those days, though drag was never illegal in the district. Still it invited arrest and persecution. Public social spaces didn't allow drag (an ostracism that existed until well into the 1970s). Those who wanted to wear drag did it in the privacy of their homes or at private after hour parties. Indeed, Liz Taylor's house parties at her Hollywood House on Monroe St. NW were legendary in their time. Many clubs would not allow patrons in drag to enter, and few hosted drag shows. The single exception was the Golden Key Club in North Beach, MD. For other clubs, drag and drag shows were an option only during Halloween Week, which Mame Dennis calls "the high holy days of drag". At Halloween, the Brown Derby, the Chicken Hut, Hide-a-way, Georgetown Grill, Johnnie's, and the Rendezvous organized drag contests. Creating a Safe Haven for Female Impersonators Along with the Mattachine Society of Washington, the Oscars and the Awards Club were the very first organized groups for gays in the Washington area. Recalling her vision for the Academies, Liz Taylor said "... I strived to mold an elite group of people whose social life would center around drag. By creating parties and activities I knew that I would always be surrounded by people wanting to attend them... I knew that some form of drag group was necessary. I had thought about it for a long time -- and suddenly I found the answer one evening on television -- the first time I saw an Awards show called the Oscars." The first parties were held in various homes in Washington DC, which took on special names such as Blair House, Butterfield 8, Camelot, Hollywood House, Mintwood Place, Port Valada, Sand Piper, Taylor Lounge, and others. In time, these house names became the names of 'drag houses', associations of female impersonators who participated in the social activities of the Academy Awards. The first board members of the Academy were Lix Taylor (President), Bob Clauze, Prince Karl, Frankie, and 'Lena Horne'. Organization of the Academy The Academy's Houses in 1976 The houses of the Academy over 30 years have included Beekman Place (led by 'Mame Dennis'), Butterfield 8 ('Liz Taylor's house), Maryland House (led by 'Patty Duke'), Henry Street (led by 'Fanny Brice'), Liberty House, Dragonwyck, Phoenix House (led by 'Jean Nate'), and Twelve Oaks (led by 'Mae Bush'). In 1965, Jerry Buskirk and 'Vivien Leigh' led the formation of a second group, the Awards Club of Washington. The Awards Club organized the International Emmy Awards. By 1968, many members of the first Academy were also members of the Awards Club. Bill Oates Jr. &amp; Mame Dennis In May 1973 Bill Oates Jr. ("the Godfather") brokered an agreement creating the Academy Awards of Washington, led by 'Elizabeth Taylor', 'Mame Dennis', 'Patti Duke' and 'Fanny Brice'. Beekman Place and Henry Street Houses rejoined the Academy at this time. 'Mame Dennis' (of Beekman Place), chosen as president in 1973, continues to lead the group. Bill Oates, who became known as "The Godfather", helped put together the structure of the new group. The original houses of the Academy Awards of Washington were Beekman Place, Butterfield 8, Henry Street, and Maryland House. Liberty House (led by 'Edie Gorme') was added in 1974. In 1975, the Academy re-organized following a period of internal dispute. The new organization included the houses of Beekman Place, Dragonwyck (of Hagerstown, MD), Henry Street, Maryland House, Phoenix House, and Twelve Oaks (of Norfolk and Richmond). In the 1960s, most hotels and clubs would not host drag events. In its first years, the Academy held monthly contests at the short-lived Uptown Lounge in Cleveland Park. It was at the Uptown that 'Liz Taylor' first did her long remembered rendition of "Letter to Daddy". 'Fanny Brice's house, Henry Street, formed a drag performance show, Showstoppers, in 1971, which premiered at Georgetown's Trinity Theatre in September 1971. In May 1972, the Showstoppers group participated in DC's first Gay Pride celebration with a show at George Washington University's Marvin Center. Showstoppers appeared at the Marvin Center from 1973 to 1981. Showstoppers endured for many years as a very popular annual production in Washington DC's GLBT community. Until 1968 when the Washington Hilton hosted the Black Pearl Awards, most events were held at the Cairo Hotel, Casino Royale, Dodge House, and the Palm Ballroom. One of the first venues used by the Academy Awards after 1973 was the third floor area above the Hideaway and Louie's clubs at 9th and Pennsylvania NW. This third floor space became the Oscar's Eye Theatre and was used for most of the Academy and house functions. In the 1970s, Academy members became involved in the Waaay Off Broadway theatre at 55 L St. SE. Beekman place opened the theatre with its production of Cabaret. The Academy held events at the Rogue, after the latter's move to 5th and K Streets NW. In 1992, the former Waaay Off Broadway theatre became Club 55, and Academy events were invited to move there. It is still the home of many Academy functions. The Academy Awards holds events every Sunday from September through May at the Club 55, 55 L Street SE (formerly the location of the Waaay Off Broadway theatre). Protocols and Events From the beginning in 1961, the Academy has sponsored Oscars for Best Actress, Best Actor, Best Drag in a Series, President and First Lady, Mr and Miss Academy, Mr and Miss Showbusiness, Vice President and Vice Lady, New York Drama Critics Best Actor and Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor and Best Supporting Actress, and Mr and Miss Oscar. In addition to regularly scheduled drag balls, the Academy's top annual pageants are those for Miss Gaye Universe-DC and Miss Gaye America-DC. Monthly contests at Club 55 present Zodiac awards. Annual special awards, such as the 'Lanie Kazan', recognize outstanding contributions to the community. At pageants, the order of appearance of award winners is strictly controlled by the Protocol. For some titles, the winners make make an entrance on stage. Top awards, such as Miss Gaye America and Miss Gay Universe, are 'walking' awards entitling the winner to take a formal presentation walk on stage before the audience. 'Fanny Brice', speaking to Bruce Pennington in a 1975 interview for Friends Radio talks about her first drag experience. Brice was 'mother' of the Henry Street drag house and founder of the popular Showstoppers revue of the 1970s. Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Rizzi, Carl Still Image A static visual representation. Examples of still images are: paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type "text" to images of textual materials. Original Format If the image is of an object, state the type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data graphic Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Academy Awards of Washington, Inc. logo Subject The topic of the resource Awards Club of Washington (Organization : Washington, D.C.) Female impersonators--Washington (D.C.)--20th century Drag shows--Washington (D.C.)--20th century Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource <a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=39&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Awards+Club+of+Washington+%28Organization+%3A+Washington%2C+D.C.%29">Awards Club of Washington (Organization : Washington, D.C.)</a> Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Awards Club of Washington (Organization : Washington, D.C.) Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource <a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=40&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=1970%2F1989">1970/1989</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=47&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=All+rights+reserved+by+the+Awards+Club+of+Washington+%28Organization+%3A+Washington%2C+D.C.%29">All rights reserved by the Awards Club of Washington (Organization : Washington, D.C.)</a> <a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=47&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Reproduction+and+use+of+this+material+requires+permission+from+the+copyright+holder.+Please+contact+the+Rainbow+History+Project+for+more+information.">Reproduction and use of this material requires permission from the copyright holder. Please contact the Rainbow History Project for more information.</a> Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpeg Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Image Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Washington (D.C.) Academy of Washington Logos https://archives.rainbowhistory.org/files/original/d93fb2f0cd745033b63166d292c5d188.jpg 746cd971c33f1b76031bd84415d00f0b Omeka Image File The metadata element set that was included in the `files_images` table in previous versions of Omeka. These elements are common to all image files. Width 1057 Height 1167 Bit Depth 8 Channels 1 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Carl Rizzi , Mame Dennis, and The Academy of Washington Collection 6 Alternative Title An alternative name for the resource. The distinction between titles and alternative titles is application-specific. Carl Rizzi Papers on the Academy of Washington : Digital Collection Description An account of the resource The year 1961 saw the creation of two of Washington's first organized LGBT groups, the Mattachine Society of Washington and the Oscars. The Academy Awards of Washington, an amalgam of Oscars members and Awards Club (1965) members, incorporated in 1973 in Washington, DC, provides secure venues, mentoring, and a structure for female impersonators in the area. It is one of the oldest and most enduring organizations in the nation to provide support for female impersonators. The Climate for Drag in the Sixties Until 'Liz Taylor' created the Oscars in the autumn of 1961, drag performers and those aspiring to 'do drag' had no organized structure, no venues, and very little safety. In the repressive atmosphere of the 1950s and 1960s, wearing drag was an invitation to scorn and physical danger. Wearing drag was illegal in most southern states, and Washington DC was indeed southern in those days, though drag was never illegal in the district. Still it invited arrest and persecution. Public social spaces didn't allow drag (an ostracism that existed until well into the 1970s). Those who wanted to wear drag did it in the privacy of their homes or at private after hour parties. Indeed, Liz Taylor's house parties at her Hollywood House on Monroe St. NW were legendary in their time. Many clubs would not allow patrons in drag to enter, and few hosted drag shows. The single exception was the Golden Key Club in North Beach, MD. For other clubs, drag and drag shows were an option only during Halloween Week, which Mame Dennis calls "the high holy days of drag". At Halloween, the Brown Derby, the Chicken Hut, Hide-a-way, Georgetown Grill, Johnnie's, and the Rendezvous organized drag contests. Creating a Safe Haven for Female Impersonators Along with the Mattachine Society of Washington, the Oscars and the Awards Club were the very first organized groups for gays in the Washington area. Recalling her vision for the Academies, Liz Taylor said "... I strived to mold an elite group of people whose social life would center around drag. By creating parties and activities I knew that I would always be surrounded by people wanting to attend them... I knew that some form of drag group was necessary. I had thought about it for a long time -- and suddenly I found the answer one evening on television -- the first time I saw an Awards show called the Oscars." The first parties were held in various homes in Washington DC, which took on special names such as Blair House, Butterfield 8, Camelot, Hollywood House, Mintwood Place, Port Valada, Sand Piper, Taylor Lounge, and others. In time, these house names became the names of 'drag houses', associations of female impersonators who participated in the social activities of the Academy Awards. The first board members of the Academy were Lix Taylor (President), Bob Clauze, Prince Karl, Frankie, and 'Lena Horne'. Organization of the Academy The Academy's Houses in 1976 The houses of the Academy over 30 years have included Beekman Place (led by 'Mame Dennis'), Butterfield 8 ('Liz Taylor's house), Maryland House (led by 'Patty Duke'), Henry Street (led by 'Fanny Brice'), Liberty House, Dragonwyck, Phoenix House (led by 'Jean Nate'), and Twelve Oaks (led by 'Mae Bush'). In 1965, Jerry Buskirk and 'Vivien Leigh' led the formation of a second group, the Awards Club of Washington. The Awards Club organized the International Emmy Awards. By 1968, many members of the first Academy were also members of the Awards Club. Bill Oates Jr. &amp; Mame Dennis In May 1973 Bill Oates Jr. ("the Godfather") brokered an agreement creating the Academy Awards of Washington, led by 'Elizabeth Taylor', 'Mame Dennis', 'Patti Duke' and 'Fanny Brice'. Beekman Place and Henry Street Houses rejoined the Academy at this time. 'Mame Dennis' (of Beekman Place), chosen as president in 1973, continues to lead the group. Bill Oates, who became known as "The Godfather", helped put together the structure of the new group. The original houses of the Academy Awards of Washington were Beekman Place, Butterfield 8, Henry Street, and Maryland House. Liberty House (led by 'Edie Gorme') was added in 1974. In 1975, the Academy re-organized following a period of internal dispute. The new organization included the houses of Beekman Place, Dragonwyck (of Hagerstown, MD), Henry Street, Maryland House, Phoenix House, and Twelve Oaks (of Norfolk and Richmond). In the 1960s, most hotels and clubs would not host drag events. In its first years, the Academy held monthly contests at the short-lived Uptown Lounge in Cleveland Park. It was at the Uptown that 'Liz Taylor' first did her long remembered rendition of "Letter to Daddy". 'Fanny Brice's house, Henry Street, formed a drag performance show, Showstoppers, in 1971, which premiered at Georgetown's Trinity Theatre in September 1971. In May 1972, the Showstoppers group participated in DC's first Gay Pride celebration with a show at George Washington University's Marvin Center. Showstoppers appeared at the Marvin Center from 1973 to 1981. Showstoppers endured for many years as a very popular annual production in Washington DC's GLBT community. Until 1968 when the Washington Hilton hosted the Black Pearl Awards, most events were held at the Cairo Hotel, Casino Royale, Dodge House, and the Palm Ballroom. One of the first venues used by the Academy Awards after 1973 was the third floor area above the Hideaway and Louie's clubs at 9th and Pennsylvania NW. This third floor space became the Oscar's Eye Theatre and was used for most of the Academy and house functions. In the 1970s, Academy members became involved in the Waaay Off Broadway theatre at 55 L St. SE. Beekman place opened the theatre with its production of Cabaret. The Academy held events at the Rogue, after the latter's move to 5th and K Streets NW. In 1992, the former Waaay Off Broadway theatre became Club 55, and Academy events were invited to move there. It is still the home of many Academy functions. The Academy Awards holds events every Sunday from September through May at the Club 55, 55 L Street SE (formerly the location of the Waaay Off Broadway theatre). Protocols and Events From the beginning in 1961, the Academy has sponsored Oscars for Best Actress, Best Actor, Best Drag in a Series, President and First Lady, Mr and Miss Academy, Mr and Miss Showbusiness, Vice President and Vice Lady, New York Drama Critics Best Actor and Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor and Best Supporting Actress, and Mr and Miss Oscar. In addition to regularly scheduled drag balls, the Academy's top annual pageants are those for Miss Gaye Universe-DC and Miss Gaye America-DC. Monthly contests at Club 55 present Zodiac awards. Annual special awards, such as the 'Lanie Kazan', recognize outstanding contributions to the community. At pageants, the order of appearance of award winners is strictly controlled by the Protocol. For some titles, the winners make make an entrance on stage. Top awards, such as Miss Gaye America and Miss Gay Universe, are 'walking' awards entitling the winner to take a formal presentation walk on stage before the audience. 'Fanny Brice', speaking to Bruce Pennington in a 1975 interview for Friends Radio talks about her first drag experience. Brice was 'mother' of the Henry Street drag house and founder of the popular Showstoppers revue of the 1970s. Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Rizzi, Carl Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Text Any textual data included in the document. 12th Annual Academy Awards sponsored by the Washington Academy, April 14, 9-2am. Il Cesars Restaurant, 527 13th St. NW, tickets $15, include dinner, drinks. Reservations taken 'til April 1 only. Original Format If the image is of an object, state the type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data newsprint Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 12th Annual Academy Awards advertisement Subject The topic of the resource Awards Club of Washington (Organization : Washington, D.C.) Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource <a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=39&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Awards+Club+of+Washington+%28Organization+%3A+Washington%2C+D.C.%29">Awards Club of Washington (Organization : Washington, D.C.)</a> Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource <a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=40&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=1970%2F1989">1970/1989</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=47&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Reproduction+and+use+of+this+material+requires+permission+from+the+copyright+holder.+Please+contact+the+Rainbow+History+Project+for+more+information.">Reproduction and use of this material requires permission from the copyright holder. Please contact the Rainbow History Project for more information.</a> <a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=47&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=%26amp%3Bcopy+Awards+Club+of+Washington+%28Organization+%3A+Washington%2C+D.C.%29">&amp;copy Awards Club of Washington (Organization : Washington, D.C.)</a> Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpeg Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Washington (D.C.) Academy of Washington Advertisements Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Carl Rizzi , Mame Dennis, and The Academy of Washington Collection 6 Alternative Title An alternative name for the resource. The distinction between titles and alternative titles is application-specific. Carl Rizzi Papers on the Academy of Washington : Digital Collection Description An account of the resource The year 1961 saw the creation of two of Washington's first organized LGBT groups, the Mattachine Society of Washington and the Oscars. The Academy Awards of Washington, an amalgam of Oscars members and Awards Club (1965) members, incorporated in 1973 in Washington, DC, provides secure venues, mentoring, and a structure for female impersonators in the area. It is one of the oldest and most enduring organizations in the nation to provide support for female impersonators. The Climate for Drag in the Sixties Until 'Liz Taylor' created the Oscars in the autumn of 1961, drag performers and those aspiring to 'do drag' had no organized structure, no venues, and very little safety. In the repressive atmosphere of the 1950s and 1960s, wearing drag was an invitation to scorn and physical danger. Wearing drag was illegal in most southern states, and Washington DC was indeed southern in those days, though drag was never illegal in the district. Still it invited arrest and persecution. Public social spaces didn't allow drag (an ostracism that existed until well into the 1970s). Those who wanted to wear drag did it in the privacy of their homes or at private after hour parties. Indeed, Liz Taylor's house parties at her Hollywood House on Monroe St. NW were legendary in their time. Many clubs would not allow patrons in drag to enter, and few hosted drag shows. The single exception was the Golden Key Club in North Beach, MD. For other clubs, drag and drag shows were an option only during Halloween Week, which Mame Dennis calls "the high holy days of drag". At Halloween, the Brown Derby, the Chicken Hut, Hide-a-way, Georgetown Grill, Johnnie's, and the Rendezvous organized drag contests. Creating a Safe Haven for Female Impersonators Along with the Mattachine Society of Washington, the Oscars and the Awards Club were the very first organized groups for gays in the Washington area. Recalling her vision for the Academies, Liz Taylor said "... I strived to mold an elite group of people whose social life would center around drag. By creating parties and activities I knew that I would always be surrounded by people wanting to attend them... I knew that some form of drag group was necessary. I had thought about it for a long time -- and suddenly I found the answer one evening on television -- the first time I saw an Awards show called the Oscars." The first parties were held in various homes in Washington DC, which took on special names such as Blair House, Butterfield 8, Camelot, Hollywood House, Mintwood Place, Port Valada, Sand Piper, Taylor Lounge, and others. In time, these house names became the names of 'drag houses', associations of female impersonators who participated in the social activities of the Academy Awards. The first board members of the Academy were Lix Taylor (President), Bob Clauze, Prince Karl, Frankie, and 'Lena Horne'. Organization of the Academy The Academy's Houses in 1976 The houses of the Academy over 30 years have included Beekman Place (led by 'Mame Dennis'), Butterfield 8 ('Liz Taylor's house), Maryland House (led by 'Patty Duke'), Henry Street (led by 'Fanny Brice'), Liberty House, Dragonwyck, Phoenix House (led by 'Jean Nate'), and Twelve Oaks (led by 'Mae Bush'). In 1965, Jerry Buskirk and 'Vivien Leigh' led the formation of a second group, the Awards Club of Washington. The Awards Club organized the International Emmy Awards. By 1968, many members of the first Academy were also members of the Awards Club. Bill Oates Jr. &amp; Mame Dennis In May 1973 Bill Oates Jr. ("the Godfather") brokered an agreement creating the Academy Awards of Washington, led by 'Elizabeth Taylor', 'Mame Dennis', 'Patti Duke' and 'Fanny Brice'. Beekman Place and Henry Street Houses rejoined the Academy at this time. 'Mame Dennis' (of Beekman Place), chosen as president in 1973, continues to lead the group. Bill Oates, who became known as "The Godfather", helped put together the structure of the new group. The original houses of the Academy Awards of Washington were Beekman Place, Butterfield 8, Henry Street, and Maryland House. Liberty House (led by 'Edie Gorme') was added in 1974. In 1975, the Academy re-organized following a period of internal dispute. The new organization included the houses of Beekman Place, Dragonwyck (of Hagerstown, MD), Henry Street, Maryland House, Phoenix House, and Twelve Oaks (of Norfolk and Richmond). In the 1960s, most hotels and clubs would not host drag events. In its first years, the Academy held monthly contests at the short-lived Uptown Lounge in Cleveland Park. It was at the Uptown that 'Liz Taylor' first did her long remembered rendition of "Letter to Daddy". 'Fanny Brice's house, Henry Street, formed a drag performance show, Showstoppers, in 1971, which premiered at Georgetown's Trinity Theatre in September 1971. In May 1972, the Showstoppers group participated in DC's first Gay Pride celebration with a show at George Washington University's Marvin Center. Showstoppers appeared at the Marvin Center from 1973 to 1981. Showstoppers endured for many years as a very popular annual production in Washington DC's GLBT community. Until 1968 when the Washington Hilton hosted the Black Pearl Awards, most events were held at the Cairo Hotel, Casino Royale, Dodge House, and the Palm Ballroom. One of the first venues used by the Academy Awards after 1973 was the third floor area above the Hideaway and Louie's clubs at 9th and Pennsylvania NW. This third floor space became the Oscar's Eye Theatre and was used for most of the Academy and house functions. In the 1970s, Academy members became involved in the Waaay Off Broadway theatre at 55 L St. SE. Beekman place opened the theatre with its production of Cabaret. The Academy held events at the Rogue, after the latter's move to 5th and K Streets NW. In 1992, the former Waaay Off Broadway theatre became Club 55, and Academy events were invited to move there. It is still the home of many Academy functions. The Academy Awards holds events every Sunday from September through May at the Club 55, 55 L Street SE (formerly the location of the Waaay Off Broadway theatre). Protocols and Events From the beginning in 1961, the Academy has sponsored Oscars for Best Actress, Best Actor, Best Drag in a Series, President and First Lady, Mr and Miss Academy, Mr and Miss Showbusiness, Vice President and Vice Lady, New York Drama Critics Best Actor and Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor and Best Supporting Actress, and Mr and Miss Oscar. In addition to regularly scheduled drag balls, the Academy's top annual pageants are those for Miss Gaye Universe-DC and Miss Gaye America-DC. Monthly contests at Club 55 present Zodiac awards. Annual special awards, such as the 'Lanie Kazan', recognize outstanding contributions to the community. At pageants, the order of appearance of award winners is strictly controlled by the Protocol. For some titles, the winners make make an entrance on stage. Top awards, such as Miss Gaye America and Miss Gay Universe, are 'walking' awards entitling the winner to take a formal presentation walk on stage before the audience. 'Fanny Brice', speaking to Bruce Pennington in a 1975 interview for Friends Radio talks about her first drag experience. Brice was 'mother' of the Henry Street drag house and founder of the popular Showstoppers revue of the 1970s. Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Rizzi, Carl Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Original Format If the image is of an object, state the type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data brochure Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Beekman Placee 25th Anniversary 1970-1975 brochure Subject The topic of the resource Female impersonators--Washington (D.C.)--20th century Awards Club of Washington (Organization : Washington, D.C.) Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource <a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=39&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Awards+Club+of+Washington+%28Organization+%3A+Washington%2C+D.C.%29">Awards Club of Washington (Organization : Washington, D.C.)</a> Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Awards Club of Washington (Organization : Washington, D.C.) Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource <a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=40&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=1995">1995</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=47&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=All+rights+reserved+by+the+Awards+Club+of+Washington+%28Organization+%3A+Washington%2C+D.C.%29">All rights reserved by the Awards Club of Washington (Organization : Washington, D.C.)</a> <a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=47&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Reproduction+and+use+of+this+material+requires+permission+from+the+copyright+holder.+Please+contact+the+Rainbow+History+Project+for+more+information.">Reproduction and use of this material requires permission from the copyright holder. Please contact the Rainbow History Project for more information.</a> Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpeg Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Washington (D.C.) Academy of Washington Drag performances Ephemera Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Carl Rizzi , Mame Dennis, and The Academy of Washington Collection 6 Alternative Title An alternative name for the resource. The distinction between titles and alternative titles is application-specific. Carl Rizzi Papers on the Academy of Washington : Digital Collection Description An account of the resource The year 1961 saw the creation of two of Washington's first organized LGBT groups, the Mattachine Society of Washington and the Oscars. The Academy Awards of Washington, an amalgam of Oscars members and Awards Club (1965) members, incorporated in 1973 in Washington, DC, provides secure venues, mentoring, and a structure for female impersonators in the area. It is one of the oldest and most enduring organizations in the nation to provide support for female impersonators. The Climate for Drag in the Sixties Until 'Liz Taylor' created the Oscars in the autumn of 1961, drag performers and those aspiring to 'do drag' had no organized structure, no venues, and very little safety. In the repressive atmosphere of the 1950s and 1960s, wearing drag was an invitation to scorn and physical danger. Wearing drag was illegal in most southern states, and Washington DC was indeed southern in those days, though drag was never illegal in the district. Still it invited arrest and persecution. Public social spaces didn't allow drag (an ostracism that existed until well into the 1970s). Those who wanted to wear drag did it in the privacy of their homes or at private after hour parties. Indeed, Liz Taylor's house parties at her Hollywood House on Monroe St. NW were legendary in their time. Many clubs would not allow patrons in drag to enter, and few hosted drag shows. The single exception was the Golden Key Club in North Beach, MD. For other clubs, drag and drag shows were an option only during Halloween Week, which Mame Dennis calls "the high holy days of drag". At Halloween, the Brown Derby, the Chicken Hut, Hide-a-way, Georgetown Grill, Johnnie's, and the Rendezvous organized drag contests. Creating a Safe Haven for Female Impersonators Along with the Mattachine Society of Washington, the Oscars and the Awards Club were the very first organized groups for gays in the Washington area. Recalling her vision for the Academies, Liz Taylor said "... I strived to mold an elite group of people whose social life would center around drag. By creating parties and activities I knew that I would always be surrounded by people wanting to attend them... I knew that some form of drag group was necessary. I had thought about it for a long time -- and suddenly I found the answer one evening on television -- the first time I saw an Awards show called the Oscars." The first parties were held in various homes in Washington DC, which took on special names such as Blair House, Butterfield 8, Camelot, Hollywood House, Mintwood Place, Port Valada, Sand Piper, Taylor Lounge, and others. In time, these house names became the names of 'drag houses', associations of female impersonators who participated in the social activities of the Academy Awards. The first board members of the Academy were Lix Taylor (President), Bob Clauze, Prince Karl, Frankie, and 'Lena Horne'. Organization of the Academy The Academy's Houses in 1976 The houses of the Academy over 30 years have included Beekman Place (led by 'Mame Dennis'), Butterfield 8 ('Liz Taylor's house), Maryland House (led by 'Patty Duke'), Henry Street (led by 'Fanny Brice'), Liberty House, Dragonwyck, Phoenix House (led by 'Jean Nate'), and Twelve Oaks (led by 'Mae Bush'). In 1965, Jerry Buskirk and 'Vivien Leigh' led the formation of a second group, the Awards Club of Washington. The Awards Club organized the International Emmy Awards. By 1968, many members of the first Academy were also members of the Awards Club. Bill Oates Jr. &amp; Mame Dennis In May 1973 Bill Oates Jr. ("the Godfather") brokered an agreement creating the Academy Awards of Washington, led by 'Elizabeth Taylor', 'Mame Dennis', 'Patti Duke' and 'Fanny Brice'. Beekman Place and Henry Street Houses rejoined the Academy at this time. 'Mame Dennis' (of Beekman Place), chosen as president in 1973, continues to lead the group. Bill Oates, who became known as "The Godfather", helped put together the structure of the new group. The original houses of the Academy Awards of Washington were Beekman Place, Butterfield 8, Henry Street, and Maryland House. Liberty House (led by 'Edie Gorme') was added in 1974. In 1975, the Academy re-organized following a period of internal dispute. The new organization included the houses of Beekman Place, Dragonwyck (of Hagerstown, MD), Henry Street, Maryland House, Phoenix House, and Twelve Oaks (of Norfolk and Richmond). In the 1960s, most hotels and clubs would not host drag events. In its first years, the Academy held monthly contests at the short-lived Uptown Lounge in Cleveland Park. It was at the Uptown that 'Liz Taylor' first did her long remembered rendition of "Letter to Daddy". 'Fanny Brice's house, Henry Street, formed a drag performance show, Showstoppers, in 1971, which premiered at Georgetown's Trinity Theatre in September 1971. In May 1972, the Showstoppers group participated in DC's first Gay Pride celebration with a show at George Washington University's Marvin Center. Showstoppers appeared at the Marvin Center from 1973 to 1981. Showstoppers endured for many years as a very popular annual production in Washington DC's GLBT community. Until 1968 when the Washington Hilton hosted the Black Pearl Awards, most events were held at the Cairo Hotel, Casino Royale, Dodge House, and the Palm Ballroom. One of the first venues used by the Academy Awards after 1973 was the third floor area above the Hideaway and Louie's clubs at 9th and Pennsylvania NW. This third floor space became the Oscar's Eye Theatre and was used for most of the Academy and house functions. In the 1970s, Academy members became involved in the Waaay Off Broadway theatre at 55 L St. SE. Beekman place opened the theatre with its production of Cabaret. The Academy held events at the Rogue, after the latter's move to 5th and K Streets NW. In 1992, the former Waaay Off Broadway theatre became Club 55, and Academy events were invited to move there. It is still the home of many Academy functions. The Academy Awards holds events every Sunday from September through May at the Club 55, 55 L Street SE (formerly the location of the Waaay Off Broadway theatre). Protocols and Events From the beginning in 1961, the Academy has sponsored Oscars for Best Actress, Best Actor, Best Drag in a Series, President and First Lady, Mr and Miss Academy, Mr and Miss Showbusiness, Vice President and Vice Lady, New York Drama Critics Best Actor and Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor and Best Supporting Actress, and Mr and Miss Oscar. In addition to regularly scheduled drag balls, the Academy's top annual pageants are those for Miss Gaye Universe-DC and Miss Gaye America-DC. Monthly contests at Club 55 present Zodiac awards. Annual special awards, such as the 'Lanie Kazan', recognize outstanding contributions to the community. At pageants, the order of appearance of award winners is strictly controlled by the Protocol. For some titles, the winners make make an entrance on stage. Top awards, such as Miss Gaye America and Miss Gay Universe, are 'walking' awards entitling the winner to take a formal presentation walk on stage before the audience. 'Fanny Brice', speaking to Bruce Pennington in a 1975 interview for Friends Radio talks about her first drag experience. Brice was 'mother' of the Henry Street drag house and founder of the popular Showstoppers revue of the 1970s. Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Rizzi, Carl Still Image A static visual representation. Examples of still images are: paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type "text" to images of textual materials. Original Format If the image is of an object, state the type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data graphic Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Beekman Place logo Subject The topic of the resource Female impersonators--Washington (D.C.)--20th century Drag shows--Washington (D.C.)--20th century Awards Club of Washington (Organization : Washington, D.C.) Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource <a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=39&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Awards+Club+of+Washington+%28Organization+%3A+Washington%2C+D.C.%29">Awards Club of Washington (Organization : Washington, D.C.)</a> Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource <a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=40&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=1970%2F1989">1970/1989</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=47&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=All+rights+reserved+by+Awards+Club+of+Washington+%28Organization+%3A+Washington%2C+D.C.%29">All rights reserved by Awards Club of Washington (Organization : Washington, D.C.)</a> <a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=47&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Reproduction+and+use+of+this+material+requires+permission+from+the+copyright+holder.+Please+contact+the+Rainbow+History+Project+for+more+information.">Reproduction and use of this material requires permission from the copyright holder. Please contact the Rainbow History Project for more information.</a> Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpeg Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Image Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Washington (D.C.) Academy of Washington Drag performances Logos Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Carl Rizzi , Mame Dennis, and The Academy of Washington Collection 6 Alternative Title An alternative name for the resource. The distinction between titles and alternative titles is application-specific. Carl Rizzi Papers on the Academy of Washington : Digital Collection Description An account of the resource The year 1961 saw the creation of two of Washington's first organized LGBT groups, the Mattachine Society of Washington and the Oscars. The Academy Awards of Washington, an amalgam of Oscars members and Awards Club (1965) members, incorporated in 1973 in Washington, DC, provides secure venues, mentoring, and a structure for female impersonators in the area. It is one of the oldest and most enduring organizations in the nation to provide support for female impersonators. The Climate for Drag in the Sixties Until 'Liz Taylor' created the Oscars in the autumn of 1961, drag performers and those aspiring to 'do drag' had no organized structure, no venues, and very little safety. In the repressive atmosphere of the 1950s and 1960s, wearing drag was an invitation to scorn and physical danger. Wearing drag was illegal in most southern states, and Washington DC was indeed southern in those days, though drag was never illegal in the district. Still it invited arrest and persecution. Public social spaces didn't allow drag (an ostracism that existed until well into the 1970s). Those who wanted to wear drag did it in the privacy of their homes or at private after hour parties. Indeed, Liz Taylor's house parties at her Hollywood House on Monroe St. NW were legendary in their time. Many clubs would not allow patrons in drag to enter, and few hosted drag shows. The single exception was the Golden Key Club in North Beach, MD. For other clubs, drag and drag shows were an option only during Halloween Week, which Mame Dennis calls "the high holy days of drag". At Halloween, the Brown Derby, the Chicken Hut, Hide-a-way, Georgetown Grill, Johnnie's, and the Rendezvous organized drag contests. Creating a Safe Haven for Female Impersonators Along with the Mattachine Society of Washington, the Oscars and the Awards Club were the very first organized groups for gays in the Washington area. Recalling her vision for the Academies, Liz Taylor said "... I strived to mold an elite group of people whose social life would center around drag. By creating parties and activities I knew that I would always be surrounded by people wanting to attend them... I knew that some form of drag group was necessary. I had thought about it for a long time -- and suddenly I found the answer one evening on television -- the first time I saw an Awards show called the Oscars." The first parties were held in various homes in Washington DC, which took on special names such as Blair House, Butterfield 8, Camelot, Hollywood House, Mintwood Place, Port Valada, Sand Piper, Taylor Lounge, and others. In time, these house names became the names of 'drag houses', associations of female impersonators who participated in the social activities of the Academy Awards. The first board members of the Academy were Lix Taylor (President), Bob Clauze, Prince Karl, Frankie, and 'Lena Horne'. Organization of the Academy The Academy's Houses in 1976 The houses of the Academy over 30 years have included Beekman Place (led by 'Mame Dennis'), Butterfield 8 ('Liz Taylor's house), Maryland House (led by 'Patty Duke'), Henry Street (led by 'Fanny Brice'), Liberty House, Dragonwyck, Phoenix House (led by 'Jean Nate'), and Twelve Oaks (led by 'Mae Bush'). In 1965, Jerry Buskirk and 'Vivien Leigh' led the formation of a second group, the Awards Club of Washington. The Awards Club organized the International Emmy Awards. By 1968, many members of the first Academy were also members of the Awards Club. Bill Oates Jr. &amp; Mame Dennis In May 1973 Bill Oates Jr. ("the Godfather") brokered an agreement creating the Academy Awards of Washington, led by 'Elizabeth Taylor', 'Mame Dennis', 'Patti Duke' and 'Fanny Brice'. Beekman Place and Henry Street Houses rejoined the Academy at this time. 'Mame Dennis' (of Beekman Place), chosen as president in 1973, continues to lead the group. Bill Oates, who became known as "The Godfather", helped put together the structure of the new group. The original houses of the Academy Awards of Washington were Beekman Place, Butterfield 8, Henry Street, and Maryland House. Liberty House (led by 'Edie Gorme') was added in 1974. In 1975, the Academy re-organized following a period of internal dispute. The new organization included the houses of Beekman Place, Dragonwyck (of Hagerstown, MD), Henry Street, Maryland House, Phoenix House, and Twelve Oaks (of Norfolk and Richmond). In the 1960s, most hotels and clubs would not host drag events. In its first years, the Academy held monthly contests at the short-lived Uptown Lounge in Cleveland Park. It was at the Uptown that 'Liz Taylor' first did her long remembered rendition of "Letter to Daddy". 'Fanny Brice's house, Henry Street, formed a drag performance show, Showstoppers, in 1971, which premiered at Georgetown's Trinity Theatre in September 1971. In May 1972, the Showstoppers group participated in DC's first Gay Pride celebration with a show at George Washington University's Marvin Center. Showstoppers appeared at the Marvin Center from 1973 to 1981. Showstoppers endured for many years as a very popular annual production in Washington DC's GLBT community. Until 1968 when the Washington Hilton hosted the Black Pearl Awards, most events were held at the Cairo Hotel, Casino Royale, Dodge House, and the Palm Ballroom. One of the first venues used by the Academy Awards after 1973 was the third floor area above the Hideaway and Louie's clubs at 9th and Pennsylvania NW. This third floor space became the Oscar's Eye Theatre and was used for most of the Academy and house functions. In the 1970s, Academy members became involved in the Waaay Off Broadway theatre at 55 L St. SE. Beekman place opened the theatre with its production of Cabaret. The Academy held events at the Rogue, after the latter's move to 5th and K Streets NW. In 1992, the former Waaay Off Broadway theatre became Club 55, and Academy events were invited to move there. It is still the home of many Academy functions. The Academy Awards holds events every Sunday from September through May at the Club 55, 55 L Street SE (formerly the location of the Waaay Off Broadway theatre). Protocols and Events From the beginning in 1961, the Academy has sponsored Oscars for Best Actress, Best Actor, Best Drag in a Series, President and First Lady, Mr and Miss Academy, Mr and Miss Showbusiness, Vice President and Vice Lady, New York Drama Critics Best Actor and Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor and Best Supporting Actress, and Mr and Miss Oscar. In addition to regularly scheduled drag balls, the Academy's top annual pageants are those for Miss Gaye Universe-DC and Miss Gaye America-DC. Monthly contests at Club 55 present Zodiac awards. Annual special awards, such as the 'Lanie Kazan', recognize outstanding contributions to the community. At pageants, the order of appearance of award winners is strictly controlled by the Protocol. For some titles, the winners make make an entrance on stage. Top awards, such as Miss Gaye America and Miss Gay Universe, are 'walking' awards entitling the winner to take a formal presentation walk on stage before the audience. 'Fanny Brice', speaking to Bruce Pennington in a 1975 interview for Friends Radio talks about her first drag experience. Brice was 'mother' of the Henry Street drag house and founder of the popular Showstoppers revue of the 1970s. Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Rizzi, Carl Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Original Format If the image is of an object, state the type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data flyer Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Dragonwyck flyer Subject The topic of the resource Female impersonators--Washington (D.C.)--20th century Drag shows--Washington (D.C.)--20th century Awards Club of Washington (Organization : Washington, D.C.) Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource <a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=39&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Awards+Club+of+Washington+%28Organization+%3A+Washington%2C+D.C.%29">Awards Club of Washington (Organization : Washington, D.C.)</a> Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Awards Club of Washington (Organization : Washington, D.C.) Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource <a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=40&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=1976%2F1980">1976/1980</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=47&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=All+rights+reserved+by+the+Awards+Club+of+Washington+%28Organization+%3A+Washington%2C+D.C.%29">All rights reserved by the Awards Club of Washington (Organization : Washington, D.C.)</a> <a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=47&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Reproduction+and+use+of+this+material+requires+permission+from+the+copyright+holder.+Please+contact+the+Rainbow+History+Project+for+more+information.">Reproduction and use of this material requires permission from the copyright holder. Please contact the Rainbow History Project for more information.</a> Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpeg Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Washington (D.C.) Academy of Washington Drag performances Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Carl Rizzi , Mame Dennis, and The Academy of Washington Collection 6 Alternative Title An alternative name for the resource. The distinction between titles and alternative titles is application-specific. Carl Rizzi Papers on the Academy of Washington : Digital Collection Description An account of the resource The year 1961 saw the creation of two of Washington's first organized LGBT groups, the Mattachine Society of Washington and the Oscars. The Academy Awards of Washington, an amalgam of Oscars members and Awards Club (1965) members, incorporated in 1973 in Washington, DC, provides secure venues, mentoring, and a structure for female impersonators in the area. It is one of the oldest and most enduring organizations in the nation to provide support for female impersonators. The Climate for Drag in the Sixties Until 'Liz Taylor' created the Oscars in the autumn of 1961, drag performers and those aspiring to 'do drag' had no organized structure, no venues, and very little safety. In the repressive atmosphere of the 1950s and 1960s, wearing drag was an invitation to scorn and physical danger. Wearing drag was illegal in most southern states, and Washington DC was indeed southern in those days, though drag was never illegal in the district. Still it invited arrest and persecution. Public social spaces didn't allow drag (an ostracism that existed until well into the 1970s). Those who wanted to wear drag did it in the privacy of their homes or at private after hour parties. Indeed, Liz Taylor's house parties at her Hollywood House on Monroe St. NW were legendary in their time. Many clubs would not allow patrons in drag to enter, and few hosted drag shows. The single exception was the Golden Key Club in North Beach, MD. For other clubs, drag and drag shows were an option only during Halloween Week, which Mame Dennis calls "the high holy days of drag". At Halloween, the Brown Derby, the Chicken Hut, Hide-a-way, Georgetown Grill, Johnnie's, and the Rendezvous organized drag contests. Creating a Safe Haven for Female Impersonators Along with the Mattachine Society of Washington, the Oscars and the Awards Club were the very first organized groups for gays in the Washington area. Recalling her vision for the Academies, Liz Taylor said "... I strived to mold an elite group of people whose social life would center around drag. By creating parties and activities I knew that I would always be surrounded by people wanting to attend them... I knew that some form of drag group was necessary. I had thought about it for a long time -- and suddenly I found the answer one evening on television -- the first time I saw an Awards show called the Oscars." The first parties were held in various homes in Washington DC, which took on special names such as Blair House, Butterfield 8, Camelot, Hollywood House, Mintwood Place, Port Valada, Sand Piper, Taylor Lounge, and others. In time, these house names became the names of 'drag houses', associations of female impersonators who participated in the social activities of the Academy Awards. The first board members of the Academy were Lix Taylor (President), Bob Clauze, Prince Karl, Frankie, and 'Lena Horne'. Organization of the Academy The Academy's Houses in 1976 The houses of the Academy over 30 years have included Beekman Place (led by 'Mame Dennis'), Butterfield 8 ('Liz Taylor's house), Maryland House (led by 'Patty Duke'), Henry Street (led by 'Fanny Brice'), Liberty House, Dragonwyck, Phoenix House (led by 'Jean Nate'), and Twelve Oaks (led by 'Mae Bush'). In 1965, Jerry Buskirk and 'Vivien Leigh' led the formation of a second group, the Awards Club of Washington. The Awards Club organized the International Emmy Awards. By 1968, many members of the first Academy were also members of the Awards Club. Bill Oates Jr. &amp; Mame Dennis In May 1973 Bill Oates Jr. ("the Godfather") brokered an agreement creating the Academy Awards of Washington, led by 'Elizabeth Taylor', 'Mame Dennis', 'Patti Duke' and 'Fanny Brice'. Beekman Place and Henry Street Houses rejoined the Academy at this time. 'Mame Dennis' (of Beekman Place), chosen as president in 1973, continues to lead the group. Bill Oates, who became known as "The Godfather", helped put together the structure of the new group. The original houses of the Academy Awards of Washington were Beekman Place, Butterfield 8, Henry Street, and Maryland House. Liberty House (led by 'Edie Gorme') was added in 1974. In 1975, the Academy re-organized following a period of internal dispute. The new organization included the houses of Beekman Place, Dragonwyck (of Hagerstown, MD), Henry Street, Maryland House, Phoenix House, and Twelve Oaks (of Norfolk and Richmond). In the 1960s, most hotels and clubs would not host drag events. In its first years, the Academy held monthly contests at the short-lived Uptown Lounge in Cleveland Park. It was at the Uptown that 'Liz Taylor' first did her long remembered rendition of "Letter to Daddy". 'Fanny Brice's house, Henry Street, formed a drag performance show, Showstoppers, in 1971, which premiered at Georgetown's Trinity Theatre in September 1971. In May 1972, the Showstoppers group participated in DC's first Gay Pride celebration with a show at George Washington University's Marvin Center. Showstoppers appeared at the Marvin Center from 1973 to 1981. Showstoppers endured for many years as a very popular annual production in Washington DC's GLBT community. Until 1968 when the Washington Hilton hosted the Black Pearl Awards, most events were held at the Cairo Hotel, Casino Royale, Dodge House, and the Palm Ballroom. One of the first venues used by the Academy Awards after 1973 was the third floor area above the Hideaway and Louie's clubs at 9th and Pennsylvania NW. This third floor space became the Oscar's Eye Theatre and was used for most of the Academy and house functions. In the 1970s, Academy members became involved in the Waaay Off Broadway theatre at 55 L St. SE. Beekman place opened the theatre with its production of Cabaret. The Academy held events at the Rogue, after the latter's move to 5th and K Streets NW. In 1992, the former Waaay Off Broadway theatre became Club 55, and Academy events were invited to move there. It is still the home of many Academy functions. The Academy Awards holds events every Sunday from September through May at the Club 55, 55 L Street SE (formerly the location of the Waaay Off Broadway theatre). Protocols and Events From the beginning in 1961, the Academy has sponsored Oscars for Best Actress, Best Actor, Best Drag in a Series, President and First Lady, Mr and Miss Academy, Mr and Miss Showbusiness, Vice President and Vice Lady, New York Drama Critics Best Actor and Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor and Best Supporting Actress, and Mr and Miss Oscar. In addition to regularly scheduled drag balls, the Academy's top annual pageants are those for Miss Gaye Universe-DC and Miss Gaye America-DC. Monthly contests at Club 55 present Zodiac awards. Annual special awards, such as the 'Lanie Kazan', recognize outstanding contributions to the community. At pageants, the order of appearance of award winners is strictly controlled by the Protocol. For some titles, the winners make make an entrance on stage. Top awards, such as Miss Gaye America and Miss Gay Universe, are 'walking' awards entitling the winner to take a formal presentation walk on stage before the audience. 'Fanny Brice', speaking to Bruce Pennington in a 1975 interview for Friends Radio talks about her first drag experience. Brice was 'mother' of the Henry Street drag house and founder of the popular Showstoppers revue of the 1970s. Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Rizzi, Carl Still Image A static visual representation. Examples of still images are: paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type "text" to images of textual materials. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Dragonwyck logo Subject The topic of the resource Female impersonators--Washington (D.C.)--20th century Awards Club of Washington (Organization : Washington, D.C.) Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource <a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=39&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Awards+Club+of+Washington+%28Organization+%3A+Washington%2C+D.C.%29">Awards Club of Washington (Organization : Washington, D.C.)</a> Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Awards Club of Washington (Organization : Washington, D.C.) Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource <a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=40&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=1970%2F1989">1970/1989</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=47&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=All+rights+reserved+by+the+Awards+Club+of+Washington+%28Organization+%3A+Washington%2C+D.C.%29">All rights reserved by the Awards Club of Washington (Organization : Washington, D.C.)</a> <a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=47&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Reproduction+and+use+of+this+material+requires+permission+from+the+copyright+holder.+Please+contact+the+Rainbow+History+Project+for+more+information.">Reproduction and use of this material requires permission from the copyright holder. Please contact the Rainbow History Project for more information.</a> Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpeg Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Image Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Washington (D.C.) Academy of Washington Drag performances Logos Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Carl Rizzi , Mame Dennis, and The Academy of Washington Collection 6 Alternative Title An alternative name for the resource. The distinction between titles and alternative titles is application-specific. Carl Rizzi Papers on the Academy of Washington : Digital Collection Description An account of the resource The year 1961 saw the creation of two of Washington's first organized LGBT groups, the Mattachine Society of Washington and the Oscars. The Academy Awards of Washington, an amalgam of Oscars members and Awards Club (1965) members, incorporated in 1973 in Washington, DC, provides secure venues, mentoring, and a structure for female impersonators in the area. It is one of the oldest and most enduring organizations in the nation to provide support for female impersonators. The Climate for Drag in the Sixties Until 'Liz Taylor' created the Oscars in the autumn of 1961, drag performers and those aspiring to 'do drag' had no organized structure, no venues, and very little safety. In the repressive atmosphere of the 1950s and 1960s, wearing drag was an invitation to scorn and physical danger. Wearing drag was illegal in most southern states, and Washington DC was indeed southern in those days, though drag was never illegal in the district. Still it invited arrest and persecution. Public social spaces didn't allow drag (an ostracism that existed until well into the 1970s). Those who wanted to wear drag did it in the privacy of their homes or at private after hour parties. Indeed, Liz Taylor's house parties at her Hollywood House on Monroe St. NW were legendary in their time. Many clubs would not allow patrons in drag to enter, and few hosted drag shows. The single exception was the Golden Key Club in North Beach, MD. For other clubs, drag and drag shows were an option only during Halloween Week, which Mame Dennis calls "the high holy days of drag". At Halloween, the Brown Derby, the Chicken Hut, Hide-a-way, Georgetown Grill, Johnnie's, and the Rendezvous organized drag contests. Creating a Safe Haven for Female Impersonators Along with the Mattachine Society of Washington, the Oscars and the Awards Club were the very first organized groups for gays in the Washington area. Recalling her vision for the Academies, Liz Taylor said "... I strived to mold an elite group of people whose social life would center around drag. By creating parties and activities I knew that I would always be surrounded by people wanting to attend them... I knew that some form of drag group was necessary. I had thought about it for a long time -- and suddenly I found the answer one evening on television -- the first time I saw an Awards show called the Oscars." The first parties were held in various homes in Washington DC, which took on special names such as Blair House, Butterfield 8, Camelot, Hollywood House, Mintwood Place, Port Valada, Sand Piper, Taylor Lounge, and others. In time, these house names became the names of 'drag houses', associations of female impersonators who participated in the social activities of the Academy Awards. The first board members of the Academy were Lix Taylor (President), Bob Clauze, Prince Karl, Frankie, and 'Lena Horne'. Organization of the Academy The Academy's Houses in 1976 The houses of the Academy over 30 years have included Beekman Place (led by 'Mame Dennis'), Butterfield 8 ('Liz Taylor's house), Maryland House (led by 'Patty Duke'), Henry Street (led by 'Fanny Brice'), Liberty House, Dragonwyck, Phoenix House (led by 'Jean Nate'), and Twelve Oaks (led by 'Mae Bush'). In 1965, Jerry Buskirk and 'Vivien Leigh' led the formation of a second group, the Awards Club of Washington. The Awards Club organized the International Emmy Awards. By 1968, many members of the first Academy were also members of the Awards Club. Bill Oates Jr. &amp; Mame Dennis In May 1973 Bill Oates Jr. ("the Godfather") brokered an agreement creating the Academy Awards of Washington, led by 'Elizabeth Taylor', 'Mame Dennis', 'Patti Duke' and 'Fanny Brice'. Beekman Place and Henry Street Houses rejoined the Academy at this time. 'Mame Dennis' (of Beekman Place), chosen as president in 1973, continues to lead the group. Bill Oates, who became known as "The Godfather", helped put together the structure of the new group. The original houses of the Academy Awards of Washington were Beekman Place, Butterfield 8, Henry Street, and Maryland House. Liberty House (led by 'Edie Gorme') was added in 1974. In 1975, the Academy re-organized following a period of internal dispute. The new organization included the houses of Beekman Place, Dragonwyck (of Hagerstown, MD), Henry Street, Maryland House, Phoenix House, and Twelve Oaks (of Norfolk and Richmond). In the 1960s, most hotels and clubs would not host drag events. In its first years, the Academy held monthly contests at the short-lived Uptown Lounge in Cleveland Park. It was at the Uptown that 'Liz Taylor' first did her long remembered rendition of "Letter to Daddy". 'Fanny Brice's house, Henry Street, formed a drag performance show, Showstoppers, in 1971, which premiered at Georgetown's Trinity Theatre in September 1971. In May 1972, the Showstoppers group participated in DC's first Gay Pride celebration with a show at George Washington University's Marvin Center. Showstoppers appeared at the Marvin Center from 1973 to 1981. Showstoppers endured for many years as a very popular annual production in Washington DC's GLBT community. Until 1968 when the Washington Hilton hosted the Black Pearl Awards, most events were held at the Cairo Hotel, Casino Royale, Dodge House, and the Palm Ballroom. One of the first venues used by the Academy Awards after 1973 was the third floor area above the Hideaway and Louie's clubs at 9th and Pennsylvania NW. This third floor space became the Oscar's Eye Theatre and was used for most of the Academy and house functions. In the 1970s, Academy members became involved in the Waaay Off Broadway theatre at 55 L St. SE. Beekman place opened the theatre with its production of Cabaret. The Academy held events at the Rogue, after the latter's move to 5th and K Streets NW. In 1992, the former Waaay Off Broadway theatre became Club 55, and Academy events were invited to move there. It is still the home of many Academy functions. The Academy Awards holds events every Sunday from September through May at the Club 55, 55 L Street SE (formerly the location of the Waaay Off Broadway theatre). Protocols and Events From the beginning in 1961, the Academy has sponsored Oscars for Best Actress, Best Actor, Best Drag in a Series, President and First Lady, Mr and Miss Academy, Mr and Miss Showbusiness, Vice President and Vice Lady, New York Drama Critics Best Actor and Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor and Best Supporting Actress, and Mr and Miss Oscar. In addition to regularly scheduled drag balls, the Academy's top annual pageants are those for Miss Gaye Universe-DC and Miss Gaye America-DC. Monthly contests at Club 55 present Zodiac awards. Annual special awards, such as the 'Lanie Kazan', recognize outstanding contributions to the community. At pageants, the order of appearance of award winners is strictly controlled by the Protocol. For some titles, the winners make make an entrance on stage. Top awards, such as Miss Gaye America and Miss Gay Universe, are 'walking' awards entitling the winner to take a formal presentation walk on stage before the audience. 'Fanny Brice', speaking to Bruce Pennington in a 1975 interview for Friends Radio talks about her first drag experience. Brice was 'mother' of the Henry Street drag house and founder of the popular Showstoppers revue of the 1970s. Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Rizzi, Carl Still Image A static visual representation. Examples of still images are: paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type "text" to images of textual materials. Original Format If the image is of an object, state the type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data photograph : black and white Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Fanny Brice Subject The topic of the resource Female impersonators--Washington (D.C.)--20th century Drag shows--Washington (D.C.)--20th century Brice, Fanny (character) Awards Club of Washington (Organization : Washington, D.C.) Carlino, Alex Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource <a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=39&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Awards+Club+of+Washington+%28Organization+%3A+Washington%2C+D.C.%29">Awards Club of Washington (Organization : Washington, D.C.)</a> Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Awards Club of Washington (Organization : Washington, D.C.) Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource <a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=40&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=1970%2F1989">1970/1989</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=47&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=All+rights+reserved+by+the+Awards+Club+of+Washington+%28Organization+%3A+Washington%2C+D.C.%29">All rights reserved by the Awards Club of Washington (Organization : Washington, D.C.)</a> <a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=47&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Reproduction+and+use+of+this+material+requires+permission+from+the+copyright+holder.+Please+contact+the+Rainbow+History+Project+for+more+information.">Reproduction and use of this material requires permission from the copyright holder. Please contact the Rainbow History Project for more information.</a> Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpeg Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Image Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Washington (D.C.) Academy of Washington Drag performances Fanny Brice/Alex Carlino https://archives.rainbowhistory.org/files/original/c6f083095cb53cbbb8a6997a08e53dc2.jpg cb5d479cd4c054ac7e17bd25b5318add Omeka Image File The metadata element set that was included in the `files_images` table in previous versions of Omeka. These elements are common to all image files. Width 2552 Height 3240 Bit Depth 8 Channels 1 https://archives.rainbowhistory.org/files/original/17a345ddc5cb3432cb0f664f40cdc586.jpg bb222eb7dad73dc41bd7e536b8847805 Omeka Image File The metadata element set that was included in the `files_images` table in previous versions of Omeka. These elements are common to all image files. Width 2552 Height 3304 Bit Depth 8 Channels 1 https://archives.rainbowhistory.org/files/original/67032286cb49e659c4476b8a0bad81c1.jpg 88e3646ec6bc5cf4710969d44b3d0df7 Omeka Image File The metadata element set that was included in the `files_images` table in previous versions of Omeka. These elements are common to all image files. Width 2552 Height 3244 Bit Depth 8 Channels 1 https://archives.rainbowhistory.org/files/original/863f982222846be795d409c624950e8c.jpg ecc13bd400ac1c62a6c4adb67fce4f5f Omeka Image File The metadata element set that was included in the `files_images` table in previous versions of Omeka. These elements are common to all image files. Width 2548 Height 3260 Bit Depth 8 Channels 1 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Carl Rizzi , Mame Dennis, and The Academy of Washington Collection 6 Alternative Title An alternative name for the resource. The distinction between titles and alternative titles is application-specific. Carl Rizzi Papers on the Academy of Washington : Digital Collection Description An account of the resource The year 1961 saw the creation of two of Washington's first organized LGBT groups, the Mattachine Society of Washington and the Oscars. The Academy Awards of Washington, an amalgam of Oscars members and Awards Club (1965) members, incorporated in 1973 in Washington, DC, provides secure venues, mentoring, and a structure for female impersonators in the area. It is one of the oldest and most enduring organizations in the nation to provide support for female impersonators. The Climate for Drag in the Sixties Until 'Liz Taylor' created the Oscars in the autumn of 1961, drag performers and those aspiring to 'do drag' had no organized structure, no venues, and very little safety. In the repressive atmosphere of the 1950s and 1960s, wearing drag was an invitation to scorn and physical danger. Wearing drag was illegal in most southern states, and Washington DC was indeed southern in those days, though drag was never illegal in the district. Still it invited arrest and persecution. Public social spaces didn't allow drag (an ostracism that existed until well into the 1970s). Those who wanted to wear drag did it in the privacy of their homes or at private after hour parties. Indeed, Liz Taylor's house parties at her Hollywood House on Monroe St. NW were legendary in their time. Many clubs would not allow patrons in drag to enter, and few hosted drag shows. The single exception was the Golden Key Club in North Beach, MD. For other clubs, drag and drag shows were an option only during Halloween Week, which Mame Dennis calls "the high holy days of drag". At Halloween, the Brown Derby, the Chicken Hut, Hide-a-way, Georgetown Grill, Johnnie's, and the Rendezvous organized drag contests. Creating a Safe Haven for Female Impersonators Along with the Mattachine Society of Washington, the Oscars and the Awards Club were the very first organized groups for gays in the Washington area. Recalling her vision for the Academies, Liz Taylor said "... I strived to mold an elite group of people whose social life would center around drag. By creating parties and activities I knew that I would always be surrounded by people wanting to attend them... I knew that some form of drag group was necessary. I had thought about it for a long time -- and suddenly I found the answer one evening on television -- the first time I saw an Awards show called the Oscars." The first parties were held in various homes in Washington DC, which took on special names such as Blair House, Butterfield 8, Camelot, Hollywood House, Mintwood Place, Port Valada, Sand Piper, Taylor Lounge, and others. In time, these house names became the names of 'drag houses', associations of female impersonators who participated in the social activities of the Academy Awards. The first board members of the Academy were Lix Taylor (President), Bob Clauze, Prince Karl, Frankie, and 'Lena Horne'. Organization of the Academy The Academy's Houses in 1976 The houses of the Academy over 30 years have included Beekman Place (led by 'Mame Dennis'), Butterfield 8 ('Liz Taylor's house), Maryland House (led by 'Patty Duke'), Henry Street (led by 'Fanny Brice'), Liberty House, Dragonwyck, Phoenix House (led by 'Jean Nate'), and Twelve Oaks (led by 'Mae Bush'). In 1965, Jerry Buskirk and 'Vivien Leigh' led the formation of a second group, the Awards Club of Washington. The Awards Club organized the International Emmy Awards. By 1968, many members of the first Academy were also members of the Awards Club. Bill Oates Jr. &amp; Mame Dennis In May 1973 Bill Oates Jr. ("the Godfather") brokered an agreement creating the Academy Awards of Washington, led by 'Elizabeth Taylor', 'Mame Dennis', 'Patti Duke' and 'Fanny Brice'. Beekman Place and Henry Street Houses rejoined the Academy at this time. 'Mame Dennis' (of Beekman Place), chosen as president in 1973, continues to lead the group. Bill Oates, who became known as "The Godfather", helped put together the structure of the new group. The original houses of the Academy Awards of Washington were Beekman Place, Butterfield 8, Henry Street, and Maryland House. Liberty House (led by 'Edie Gorme') was added in 1974. In 1975, the Academy re-organized following a period of internal dispute. The new organization included the houses of Beekman Place, Dragonwyck (of Hagerstown, MD), Henry Street, Maryland House, Phoenix House, and Twelve Oaks (of Norfolk and Richmond). In the 1960s, most hotels and clubs would not host drag events. In its first years, the Academy held monthly contests at the short-lived Uptown Lounge in Cleveland Park. It was at the Uptown that 'Liz Taylor' first did her long remembered rendition of "Letter to Daddy". 'Fanny Brice's house, Henry Street, formed a drag performance show, Showstoppers, in 1971, which premiered at Georgetown's Trinity Theatre in September 1971. In May 1972, the Showstoppers group participated in DC's first Gay Pride celebration with a show at George Washington University's Marvin Center. Showstoppers appeared at the Marvin Center from 1973 to 1981. Showstoppers endured for many years as a very popular annual production in Washington DC's GLBT community. Until 1968 when the Washington Hilton hosted the Black Pearl Awards, most events were held at the Cairo Hotel, Casino Royale, Dodge House, and the Palm Ballroom. One of the first venues used by the Academy Awards after 1973 was the third floor area above the Hideaway and Louie's clubs at 9th and Pennsylvania NW. This third floor space became the Oscar's Eye Theatre and was used for most of the Academy and house functions. In the 1970s, Academy members became involved in the Waaay Off Broadway theatre at 55 L St. SE. Beekman place opened the theatre with its production of Cabaret. The Academy held events at the Rogue, after the latter's move to 5th and K Streets NW. In 1992, the former Waaay Off Broadway theatre became Club 55, and Academy events were invited to move there. It is still the home of many Academy functions. The Academy Awards holds events every Sunday from September through May at the Club 55, 55 L Street SE (formerly the location of the Waaay Off Broadway theatre). Protocols and Events From the beginning in 1961, the Academy has sponsored Oscars for Best Actress, Best Actor, Best Drag in a Series, President and First Lady, Mr and Miss Academy, Mr and Miss Showbusiness, Vice President and Vice Lady, New York Drama Critics Best Actor and Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor and Best Supporting Actress, and Mr and Miss Oscar. In addition to regularly scheduled drag balls, the Academy's top annual pageants are those for Miss Gaye Universe-DC and Miss Gaye America-DC. Monthly contests at Club 55 present Zodiac awards. Annual special awards, such as the 'Lanie Kazan', recognize outstanding contributions to the community. At pageants, the order of appearance of award winners is strictly controlled by the Protocol. For some titles, the winners make make an entrance on stage. Top awards, such as Miss Gaye America and Miss Gay Universe, are 'walking' awards entitling the winner to take a formal presentation walk on stage before the audience. 'Fanny Brice', speaking to Bruce Pennington in a 1975 interview for Friends Radio talks about her first drag experience. Brice was 'mother' of the Henry Street drag house and founder of the popular Showstoppers revue of the 1970s. Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Rizzi, Carl Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Original Format If the image is of an object, state the type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data document Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Henry Street information packet Subject The topic of the resource Female impersonators--Washington (D.C.)--20th century Drag shows--Washington (D.C.)--20th century Awards Club of Washington (Organization : Washington, D.C.) Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource <a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=39&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Awards+Club+of+Washington+%28Organization+%3A+Washington%2C+D.C.%29">Awards Club of Washington (Organization : Washington, D.C.)</a> Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Awards Club of Washington (Organization : Washington, D.C.) Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource <a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=40&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=1970%2F1989">1970/1989</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=47&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=All+rights+reserved+by+the+Awards+Club+of+Washington+%28Organization+%3A+Washington%2C+D.C.%29">All rights reserved by the Awards Club of Washington (Organization : Washington, D.C.)</a> <a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=47&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Reproduction+and+use+of+this+material+requires+permission+from+the+copyright+holder.+Please+contact+the+Rainbow+History+Project+for+more+information.">Reproduction and use of this material requires permission from the copyright holder. Please contact the Rainbow History Project for more information.</a> Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpeg Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Washington (D.C.) Academy of Washington Drag performances Henry Street Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Carl Rizzi , Mame Dennis, and The Academy of Washington Collection 6 Alternative Title An alternative name for the resource. The distinction between titles and alternative titles is application-specific. Carl Rizzi Papers on the Academy of Washington : Digital Collection Description An account of the resource The year 1961 saw the creation of two of Washington's first organized LGBT groups, the Mattachine Society of Washington and the Oscars. The Academy Awards of Washington, an amalgam of Oscars members and Awards Club (1965) members, incorporated in 1973 in Washington, DC, provides secure venues, mentoring, and a structure for female impersonators in the area. It is one of the oldest and most enduring organizations in the nation to provide support for female impersonators. The Climate for Drag in the Sixties Until 'Liz Taylor' created the Oscars in the autumn of 1961, drag performers and those aspiring to 'do drag' had no organized structure, no venues, and very little safety. In the repressive atmosphere of the 1950s and 1960s, wearing drag was an invitation to scorn and physical danger. Wearing drag was illegal in most southern states, and Washington DC was indeed southern in those days, though drag was never illegal in the district. Still it invited arrest and persecution. Public social spaces didn't allow drag (an ostracism that existed until well into the 1970s). Those who wanted to wear drag did it in the privacy of their homes or at private after hour parties. Indeed, Liz Taylor's house parties at her Hollywood House on Monroe St. NW were legendary in their time. Many clubs would not allow patrons in drag to enter, and few hosted drag shows. The single exception was the Golden Key Club in North Beach, MD. For other clubs, drag and drag shows were an option only during Halloween Week, which Mame Dennis calls "the high holy days of drag". At Halloween, the Brown Derby, the Chicken Hut, Hide-a-way, Georgetown Grill, Johnnie's, and the Rendezvous organized drag contests. Creating a Safe Haven for Female Impersonators Along with the Mattachine Society of Washington, the Oscars and the Awards Club were the very first organized groups for gays in the Washington area. Recalling her vision for the Academies, Liz Taylor said "... I strived to mold an elite group of people whose social life would center around drag. By creating parties and activities I knew that I would always be surrounded by people wanting to attend them... I knew that some form of drag group was necessary. I had thought about it for a long time -- and suddenly I found the answer one evening on television -- the first time I saw an Awards show called the Oscars." The first parties were held in various homes in Washington DC, which took on special names such as Blair House, Butterfield 8, Camelot, Hollywood House, Mintwood Place, Port Valada, Sand Piper, Taylor Lounge, and others. In time, these house names became the names of 'drag houses', associations of female impersonators who participated in the social activities of the Academy Awards. The first board members of the Academy were Lix Taylor (President), Bob Clauze, Prince Karl, Frankie, and 'Lena Horne'. Organization of the Academy The Academy's Houses in 1976 The houses of the Academy over 30 years have included Beekman Place (led by 'Mame Dennis'), Butterfield 8 ('Liz Taylor's house), Maryland House (led by 'Patty Duke'), Henry Street (led by 'Fanny Brice'), Liberty House, Dragonwyck, Phoenix House (led by 'Jean Nate'), and Twelve Oaks (led by 'Mae Bush'). In 1965, Jerry Buskirk and 'Vivien Leigh' led the formation of a second group, the Awards Club of Washington. The Awards Club organized the International Emmy Awards. By 1968, many members of the first Academy were also members of the Awards Club. Bill Oates Jr. &amp; Mame Dennis In May 1973 Bill Oates Jr. ("the Godfather") brokered an agreement creating the Academy Awards of Washington, led by 'Elizabeth Taylor', 'Mame Dennis', 'Patti Duke' and 'Fanny Brice'. Beekman Place and Henry Street Houses rejoined the Academy at this time. 'Mame Dennis' (of Beekman Place), chosen as president in 1973, continues to lead the group. Bill Oates, who became known as "The Godfather", helped put together the structure of the new group. The original houses of the Academy Awards of Washington were Beekman Place, Butterfield 8, Henry Street, and Maryland House. Liberty House (led by 'Edie Gorme') was added in 1974. In 1975, the Academy re-organized following a period of internal dispute. The new organization included the houses of Beekman Place, Dragonwyck (of Hagerstown, MD), Henry Street, Maryland House, Phoenix House, and Twelve Oaks (of Norfolk and Richmond). In the 1960s, most hotels and clubs would not host drag events. In its first years, the Academy held monthly contests at the short-lived Uptown Lounge in Cleveland Park. It was at the Uptown that 'Liz Taylor' first did her long remembered rendition of "Letter to Daddy". 'Fanny Brice's house, Henry Street, formed a drag performance show, Showstoppers, in 1971, which premiered at Georgetown's Trinity Theatre in September 1971. In May 1972, the Showstoppers group participated in DC's first Gay Pride celebration with a show at George Washington University's Marvin Center. Showstoppers appeared at the Marvin Center from 1973 to 1981. Showstoppers endured for many years as a very popular annual production in Washington DC's GLBT community. Until 1968 when the Washington Hilton hosted the Black Pearl Awards, most events were held at the Cairo Hotel, Casino Royale, Dodge House, and the Palm Ballroom. One of the first venues used by the Academy Awards after 1973 was the third floor area above the Hideaway and Louie's clubs at 9th and Pennsylvania NW. This third floor space became the Oscar's Eye Theatre and was used for most of the Academy and house functions. In the 1970s, Academy members became involved in the Waaay Off Broadway theatre at 55 L St. SE. Beekman place opened the theatre with its production of Cabaret. The Academy held events at the Rogue, after the latter's move to 5th and K Streets NW. In 1992, the former Waaay Off Broadway theatre became Club 55, and Academy events were invited to move there. It is still the home of many Academy functions. The Academy Awards holds events every Sunday from September through May at the Club 55, 55 L Street SE (formerly the location of the Waaay Off Broadway theatre). Protocols and Events From the beginning in 1961, the Academy has sponsored Oscars for Best Actress, Best Actor, Best Drag in a Series, President and First Lady, Mr and Miss Academy, Mr and Miss Showbusiness, Vice President and Vice Lady, New York Drama Critics Best Actor and Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor and Best Supporting Actress, and Mr and Miss Oscar. In addition to regularly scheduled drag balls, the Academy's top annual pageants are those for Miss Gaye Universe-DC and Miss Gaye America-DC. Monthly contests at Club 55 present Zodiac awards. Annual special awards, such as the 'Lanie Kazan', recognize outstanding contributions to the community. At pageants, the order of appearance of award winners is strictly controlled by the Protocol. For some titles, the winners make make an entrance on stage. Top awards, such as Miss Gaye America and Miss Gay Universe, are 'walking' awards entitling the winner to take a formal presentation walk on stage before the audience. 'Fanny Brice', speaking to Bruce Pennington in a 1975 interview for Friends Radio talks about her first drag experience. Brice was 'mother' of the Henry Street drag house and founder of the popular Showstoppers revue of the 1970s. Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Rizzi, Carl Still Image A static visual representation. Examples of still images are: paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type "text" to images of textual materials. Original Format If the image is of an object, state the type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data graphic Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Henry Street logo Subject The topic of the resource Female impersonators--Washington (D.C.)--20th century Drag shows--Washington (D.C.)--20th century Awards Club of Washington (Organization : Washington, D.C.) Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource <a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=39&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Awards+Club+of+Washington+%28Organization+%3A+Washington%2C+D.C.%29">Awards Club of Washington (Organization : Washington, D.C.)</a> Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Awards Club of Washington (Organization : Washington, D.C.) Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource <a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=40&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=1970%2F1989">1970/1989</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=47&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=All+rights+reserved+by+Awards+Club+of+Washington+%28Organization+%3A+Washington%2C+D.C.%29">All rights reserved by Awards Club of Washington (Organization : Washington, D.C.)</a> <a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=47&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Reproduction+and+use+of+this+material+requires+permission+from+the+copyright+holder.+Please+contact+the+Rainbow+History+Project+for+more+information.">Reproduction and use of this material requires permission from the copyright holder. Please contact the Rainbow History Project for more information.</a> Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpeg Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Image Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Washington (D.C.) Academy of Washington Drag performances Henry Street Logos Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Carl Rizzi , Mame Dennis, and The Academy of Washington Collection 6 Alternative Title An alternative name for the resource. The distinction between titles and alternative titles is application-specific. Carl Rizzi Papers on the Academy of Washington : Digital Collection Description An account of the resource The year 1961 saw the creation of two of Washington's first organized LGBT groups, the Mattachine Society of Washington and the Oscars. The Academy Awards of Washington, an amalgam of Oscars members and Awards Club (1965) members, incorporated in 1973 in Washington, DC, provides secure venues, mentoring, and a structure for female impersonators in the area. It is one of the oldest and most enduring organizations in the nation to provide support for female impersonators. The Climate for Drag in the Sixties Until 'Liz Taylor' created the Oscars in the autumn of 1961, drag performers and those aspiring to 'do drag' had no organized structure, no venues, and very little safety. In the repressive atmosphere of the 1950s and 1960s, wearing drag was an invitation to scorn and physical danger. Wearing drag was illegal in most southern states, and Washington DC was indeed southern in those days, though drag was never illegal in the district. Still it invited arrest and persecution. Public social spaces didn't allow drag (an ostracism that existed until well into the 1970s). Those who wanted to wear drag did it in the privacy of their homes or at private after hour parties. Indeed, Liz Taylor's house parties at her Hollywood House on Monroe St. NW were legendary in their time. Many clubs would not allow patrons in drag to enter, and few hosted drag shows. The single exception was the Golden Key Club in North Beach, MD. For other clubs, drag and drag shows were an option only during Halloween Week, which Mame Dennis calls "the high holy days of drag". At Halloween, the Brown Derby, the Chicken Hut, Hide-a-way, Georgetown Grill, Johnnie's, and the Rendezvous organized drag contests. Creating a Safe Haven for Female Impersonators Along with the Mattachine Society of Washington, the Oscars and the Awards Club were the very first organized groups for gays in the Washington area. Recalling her vision for the Academies, Liz Taylor said "... I strived to mold an elite group of people whose social life would center around drag. By creating parties and activities I knew that I would always be surrounded by people wanting to attend them... I knew that some form of drag group was necessary. I had thought about it for a long time -- and suddenly I found the answer one evening on television -- the first time I saw an Awards show called the Oscars." The first parties were held in various homes in Washington DC, which took on special names such as Blair House, Butterfield 8, Camelot, Hollywood House, Mintwood Place, Port Valada, Sand Piper, Taylor Lounge, and others. In time, these house names became the names of 'drag houses', associations of female impersonators who participated in the social activities of the Academy Awards. The first board members of the Academy were Lix Taylor (President), Bob Clauze, Prince Karl, Frankie, and 'Lena Horne'. Organization of the Academy The Academy's Houses in 1976 The houses of the Academy over 30 years have included Beekman Place (led by 'Mame Dennis'), Butterfield 8 ('Liz Taylor's house), Maryland House (led by 'Patty Duke'), Henry Street (led by 'Fanny Brice'), Liberty House, Dragonwyck, Phoenix House (led by 'Jean Nate'), and Twelve Oaks (led by 'Mae Bush'). In 1965, Jerry Buskirk and 'Vivien Leigh' led the formation of a second group, the Awards Club of Washington. The Awards Club organized the International Emmy Awards. By 1968, many members of the first Academy were also members of the Awards Club. Bill Oates Jr. &amp; Mame Dennis In May 1973 Bill Oates Jr. ("the Godfather") brokered an agreement creating the Academy Awards of Washington, led by 'Elizabeth Taylor', 'Mame Dennis', 'Patti Duke' and 'Fanny Brice'. Beekman Place and Henry Street Houses rejoined the Academy at this time. 'Mame Dennis' (of Beekman Place), chosen as president in 1973, continues to lead the group. Bill Oates, who became known as "The Godfather", helped put together the structure of the new group. The original houses of the Academy Awards of Washington were Beekman Place, Butterfield 8, Henry Street, and Maryland House. Liberty House (led by 'Edie Gorme') was added in 1974. In 1975, the Academy re-organized following a period of internal dispute. The new organization included the houses of Beekman Place, Dragonwyck (of Hagerstown, MD), Henry Street, Maryland House, Phoenix House, and Twelve Oaks (of Norfolk and Richmond). In the 1960s, most hotels and clubs would not host drag events. In its first years, the Academy held monthly contests at the short-lived Uptown Lounge in Cleveland Park. It was at the Uptown that 'Liz Taylor' first did her long remembered rendition of "Letter to Daddy". 'Fanny Brice's house, Henry Street, formed a drag performance show, Showstoppers, in 1971, which premiered at Georgetown's Trinity Theatre in September 1971. In May 1972, the Showstoppers group participated in DC's first Gay Pride celebration with a show at George Washington University's Marvin Center. Showstoppers appeared at the Marvin Center from 1973 to 1981. Showstoppers endured for many years as a very popular annual production in Washington DC's GLBT community. Until 1968 when the Washington Hilton hosted the Black Pearl Awards, most events were held at the Cairo Hotel, Casino Royale, Dodge House, and the Palm Ballroom. One of the first venues used by the Academy Awards after 1973 was the third floor area above the Hideaway and Louie's clubs at 9th and Pennsylvania NW. This third floor space became the Oscar's Eye Theatre and was used for most of the Academy and house functions. In the 1970s, Academy members became involved in the Waaay Off Broadway theatre at 55 L St. SE. Beekman place opened the theatre with its production of Cabaret. The Academy held events at the Rogue, after the latter's move to 5th and K Streets NW. In 1992, the former Waaay Off Broadway theatre became Club 55, and Academy events were invited to move there. It is still the home of many Academy functions. The Academy Awards holds events every Sunday from September through May at the Club 55, 55 L Street SE (formerly the location of the Waaay Off Broadway theatre). Protocols and Events From the beginning in 1961, the Academy has sponsored Oscars for Best Actress, Best Actor, Best Drag in a Series, President and First Lady, Mr and Miss Academy, Mr and Miss Showbusiness, Vice President and Vice Lady, New York Drama Critics Best Actor and Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor and Best Supporting Actress, and Mr and Miss Oscar. In addition to regularly scheduled drag balls, the Academy's top annual pageants are those for Miss Gaye Universe-DC and Miss Gaye America-DC. Monthly contests at Club 55 present Zodiac awards. Annual special awards, such as the 'Lanie Kazan', recognize outstanding contributions to the community. At pageants, the order of appearance of award winners is strictly controlled by the Protocol. For some titles, the winners make make an entrance on stage. Top awards, such as Miss Gaye America and Miss Gay Universe, are 'walking' awards entitling the winner to take a formal presentation walk on stage before the audience. 'Fanny Brice', speaking to Bruce Pennington in a 1975 interview for Friends Radio talks about her first drag experience. Brice was 'mother' of the Henry Street drag house and founder of the popular Showstoppers revue of the 1970s. Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Rizzi, Carl Still Image A static visual representation. Examples of still images are: paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type "text" to images of textual materials. Physical Dimensions The actual physical size of the original image. photograph : black and white Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Jean Nate headshot Subject The topic of the resource Female impersonators--Washington (D.C.)--20th century Nate, Jean (character) Awards Club of Washington (Organization : Washington, D.C.) Drag shows--Washington (D.C.)--20th century Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource <a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=39&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Awards+Club+of+Washington+%28Organization+%3A+Washington%2C+D.C.%29">Awards Club of Washington (Organization : Washington, D.C.)</a> Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Awards Club of Washington (Organization : Washington, D.C.) Reproduction and use of this material requires permission from the copyright holder. Please contact the Rainbow History Project for more information. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource <a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=40&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=1970%2F1989">1970/1989</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=47&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=All+rights+reserved+by+the+Awards+Club+of+Washington+%28Organization+%3A+Washington%2C+D.C.%29">All rights reserved by the Awards Club of Washington (Organization : Washington, D.C.)</a> Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpeg Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Image Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Washington (D.C.) Academy of Washington Drag performances Jean Nate https://archives.rainbowhistory.org/files/original/cba8afb57971ca4fcec2e5f2d219baec.jpg 89b18e505798431f6f85e50c19ebe30a Omeka Image File The metadata element set that was included in the `files_images` table in previous versions of Omeka. These elements are common to all image files. Width 1276 Height 1686 Bit Depth 8 Channels 1 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Carl Rizzi , Mame Dennis, and The Academy of Washington Collection 6 Alternative Title An alternative name for the resource. The distinction between titles and alternative titles is application-specific. Carl Rizzi Papers on the Academy of Washington : Digital Collection Description An account of the resource The year 1961 saw the creation of two of Washington's first organized LGBT groups, the Mattachine Society of Washington and the Oscars. The Academy Awards of Washington, an amalgam of Oscars members and Awards Club (1965) members, incorporated in 1973 in Washington, DC, provides secure venues, mentoring, and a structure for female impersonators in the area. It is one of the oldest and most enduring organizations in the nation to provide support for female impersonators. The Climate for Drag in the Sixties Until 'Liz Taylor' created the Oscars in the autumn of 1961, drag performers and those aspiring to 'do drag' had no organized structure, no venues, and very little safety. In the repressive atmosphere of the 1950s and 1960s, wearing drag was an invitation to scorn and physical danger. Wearing drag was illegal in most southern states, and Washington DC was indeed southern in those days, though drag was never illegal in the district. Still it invited arrest and persecution. Public social spaces didn't allow drag (an ostracism that existed until well into the 1970s). Those who wanted to wear drag did it in the privacy of their homes or at private after hour parties. Indeed, Liz Taylor's house parties at her Hollywood House on Monroe St. NW were legendary in their time. Many clubs would not allow patrons in drag to enter, and few hosted drag shows. The single exception was the Golden Key Club in North Beach, MD. For other clubs, drag and drag shows were an option only during Halloween Week, which Mame Dennis calls "the high holy days of drag". At Halloween, the Brown Derby, the Chicken Hut, Hide-a-way, Georgetown Grill, Johnnie's, and the Rendezvous organized drag contests. Creating a Safe Haven for Female Impersonators Along with the Mattachine Society of Washington, the Oscars and the Awards Club were the very first organized groups for gays in the Washington area. Recalling her vision for the Academies, Liz Taylor said "... I strived to mold an elite group of people whose social life would center around drag. By creating parties and activities I knew that I would always be surrounded by people wanting to attend them... I knew that some form of drag group was necessary. I had thought about it for a long time -- and suddenly I found the answer one evening on television -- the first time I saw an Awards show called the Oscars." The first parties were held in various homes in Washington DC, which took on special names such as Blair House, Butterfield 8, Camelot, Hollywood House, Mintwood Place, Port Valada, Sand Piper, Taylor Lounge, and others. In time, these house names became the names of 'drag houses', associations of female impersonators who participated in the social activities of the Academy Awards. The first board members of the Academy were Lix Taylor (President), Bob Clauze, Prince Karl, Frankie, and 'Lena Horne'. Organization of the Academy The Academy's Houses in 1976 The houses of the Academy over 30 years have included Beekman Place (led by 'Mame Dennis'), Butterfield 8 ('Liz Taylor's house), Maryland House (led by 'Patty Duke'), Henry Street (led by 'Fanny Brice'), Liberty House, Dragonwyck, Phoenix House (led by 'Jean Nate'), and Twelve Oaks (led by 'Mae Bush'). In 1965, Jerry Buskirk and 'Vivien Leigh' led the formation of a second group, the Awards Club of Washington. The Awards Club organized the International Emmy Awards. By 1968, many members of the first Academy were also members of the Awards Club. Bill Oates Jr. &amp; Mame Dennis In May 1973 Bill Oates Jr. ("the Godfather") brokered an agreement creating the Academy Awards of Washington, led by 'Elizabeth Taylor', 'Mame Dennis', 'Patti Duke' and 'Fanny Brice'. Beekman Place and Henry Street Houses rejoined the Academy at this time. 'Mame Dennis' (of Beekman Place), chosen as president in 1973, continues to lead the group. Bill Oates, who became known as "The Godfather", helped put together the structure of the new group. The original houses of the Academy Awards of Washington were Beekman Place, Butterfield 8, Henry Street, and Maryland House. Liberty House (led by 'Edie Gorme') was added in 1974. In 1975, the Academy re-organized following a period of internal dispute. The new organization included the houses of Beekman Place, Dragonwyck (of Hagerstown, MD), Henry Street, Maryland House, Phoenix House, and Twelve Oaks (of Norfolk and Richmond). In the 1960s, most hotels and clubs would not host drag events. In its first years, the Academy held monthly contests at the short-lived Uptown Lounge in Cleveland Park. It was at the Uptown that 'Liz Taylor' first did her long remembered rendition of "Letter to Daddy". 'Fanny Brice's house, Henry Street, formed a drag performance show, Showstoppers, in 1971, which premiered at Georgetown's Trinity Theatre in September 1971. In May 1972, the Showstoppers group participated in DC's first Gay Pride celebration with a show at George Washington University's Marvin Center. Showstoppers appeared at the Marvin Center from 1973 to 1981. Showstoppers endured for many years as a very popular annual production in Washington DC's GLBT community. Until 1968 when the Washington Hilton hosted the Black Pearl Awards, most events were held at the Cairo Hotel, Casino Royale, Dodge House, and the Palm Ballroom. One of the first venues used by the Academy Awards after 1973 was the third floor area above the Hideaway and Louie's clubs at 9th and Pennsylvania NW. This third floor space became the Oscar's Eye Theatre and was used for most of the Academy and house functions. In the 1970s, Academy members became involved in the Waaay Off Broadway theatre at 55 L St. SE. Beekman place opened the theatre with its production of Cabaret. The Academy held events at the Rogue, after the latter's move to 5th and K Streets NW. In 1992, the former Waaay Off Broadway theatre became Club 55, and Academy events were invited to move there. It is still the home of many Academy functions. The Academy Awards holds events every Sunday from September through May at the Club 55, 55 L Street SE (formerly the location of the Waaay Off Broadway theatre). Protocols and Events From the beginning in 1961, the Academy has sponsored Oscars for Best Actress, Best Actor, Best Drag in a Series, President and First Lady, Mr and Miss Academy, Mr and Miss Showbusiness, Vice President and Vice Lady, New York Drama Critics Best Actor and Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor and Best Supporting Actress, and Mr and Miss Oscar. In addition to regularly scheduled drag balls, the Academy's top annual pageants are those for Miss Gaye Universe-DC and Miss Gaye America-DC. Monthly contests at Club 55 present Zodiac awards. Annual special awards, such as the 'Lanie Kazan', recognize outstanding contributions to the community. At pageants, the order of appearance of award winners is strictly controlled by the Protocol. For some titles, the winners make make an entrance on stage. Top awards, such as Miss Gaye America and Miss Gay Universe, are 'walking' awards entitling the winner to take a formal presentation walk on stage before the audience. 'Fanny Brice', speaking to Bruce Pennington in a 1975 interview for Friends Radio talks about her first drag experience. Brice was 'mother' of the Henry Street drag house and founder of the popular Showstoppers revue of the 1970s. Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Rizzi, Carl Still Image A static visual representation. Examples of still images are: paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type "text" to images of textual materials. Physical Dimensions The actual physical size of the original image. photograph : black and white Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 'Lainie Kazan' headshot Subject The topic of the resource Female impersonators--Washington (D.C.)--20th century Drag shows--Washington (D.C.)--20th century Kazan, Lainie (character) Awards Club of Washington (Organization : Washington, D.C.) Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource <a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=39&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Awards+Club+of+Washington+%28Organization+%3A+Washington%2C+D.C.%29">Awards Club of Washington (Organization : Washington, D.C.)</a> Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Awards Club of Washington (Organization : Washington, D.C.) Reproduction and use of this material requires permission from the copyright holder. Please contact the Rainbow History Project for more information. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource <a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=40&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=1970%2F1989">1970/1989</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=47&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=All+rights+reserved+by+the+Awards+Club+of+Washington+%28Organization+%3A+Washington%2C+D.C.%29">All rights reserved by the Awards Club of Washington (Organization : Washington, D.C.)</a> Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpeg Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Image Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Washington (D.C.) Academy of Washington Drag performances Photographs Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Carl Rizzi , Mame Dennis, and The Academy of Washington Collection 6 Alternative Title An alternative name for the resource. The distinction between titles and alternative titles is application-specific. Carl Rizzi Papers on the Academy of Washington : Digital Collection Description An account of the resource The year 1961 saw the creation of two of Washington's first organized LGBT groups, the Mattachine Society of Washington and the Oscars. The Academy Awards of Washington, an amalgam of Oscars members and Awards Club (1965) members, incorporated in 1973 in Washington, DC, provides secure venues, mentoring, and a structure for female impersonators in the area. It is one of the oldest and most enduring organizations in the nation to provide support for female impersonators. The Climate for Drag in the Sixties Until 'Liz Taylor' created the Oscars in the autumn of 1961, drag performers and those aspiring to 'do drag' had no organized structure, no venues, and very little safety. In the repressive atmosphere of the 1950s and 1960s, wearing drag was an invitation to scorn and physical danger. Wearing drag was illegal in most southern states, and Washington DC was indeed southern in those days, though drag was never illegal in the district. Still it invited arrest and persecution. Public social spaces didn't allow drag (an ostracism that existed until well into the 1970s). Those who wanted to wear drag did it in the privacy of their homes or at private after hour parties. Indeed, Liz Taylor's house parties at her Hollywood House on Monroe St. NW were legendary in their time. Many clubs would not allow patrons in drag to enter, and few hosted drag shows. The single exception was the Golden Key Club in North Beach, MD. For other clubs, drag and drag shows were an option only during Halloween Week, which Mame Dennis calls "the high holy days of drag". At Halloween, the Brown Derby, the Chicken Hut, Hide-a-way, Georgetown Grill, Johnnie's, and the Rendezvous organized drag contests. Creating a Safe Haven for Female Impersonators Along with the Mattachine Society of Washington, the Oscars and the Awards Club were the very first organized groups for gays in the Washington area. Recalling her vision for the Academies, Liz Taylor said "... I strived to mold an elite group of people whose social life would center around drag. By creating parties and activities I knew that I would always be surrounded by people wanting to attend them... I knew that some form of drag group was necessary. I had thought about it for a long time -- and suddenly I found the answer one evening on television -- the first time I saw an Awards show called the Oscars." The first parties were held in various homes in Washington DC, which took on special names such as Blair House, Butterfield 8, Camelot, Hollywood House, Mintwood Place, Port Valada, Sand Piper, Taylor Lounge, and others. In time, these house names became the names of 'drag houses', associations of female impersonators who participated in the social activities of the Academy Awards. The first board members of the Academy were Lix Taylor (President), Bob Clauze, Prince Karl, Frankie, and 'Lena Horne'. Organization of the Academy The Academy's Houses in 1976 The houses of the Academy over 30 years have included Beekman Place (led by 'Mame Dennis'), Butterfield 8 ('Liz Taylor's house), Maryland House (led by 'Patty Duke'), Henry Street (led by 'Fanny Brice'), Liberty House, Dragonwyck, Phoenix House (led by 'Jean Nate'), and Twelve Oaks (led by 'Mae Bush'). In 1965, Jerry Buskirk and 'Vivien Leigh' led the formation of a second group, the Awards Club of Washington. The Awards Club organized the International Emmy Awards. By 1968, many members of the first Academy were also members of the Awards Club. Bill Oates Jr. &amp; Mame Dennis In May 1973 Bill Oates Jr. ("the Godfather") brokered an agreement creating the Academy Awards of Washington, led by 'Elizabeth Taylor', 'Mame Dennis', 'Patti Duke' and 'Fanny Brice'. Beekman Place and Henry Street Houses rejoined the Academy at this time. 'Mame Dennis' (of Beekman Place), chosen as president in 1973, continues to lead the group. Bill Oates, who became known as "The Godfather", helped put together the structure of the new group. The original houses of the Academy Awards of Washington were Beekman Place, Butterfield 8, Henry Street, and Maryland House. Liberty House (led by 'Edie Gorme') was added in 1974. In 1975, the Academy re-organized following a period of internal dispute. The new organization included the houses of Beekman Place, Dragonwyck (of Hagerstown, MD), Henry Street, Maryland House, Phoenix House, and Twelve Oaks (of Norfolk and Richmond). In the 1960s, most hotels and clubs would not host drag events. In its first years, the Academy held monthly contests at the short-lived Uptown Lounge in Cleveland Park. It was at the Uptown that 'Liz Taylor' first did her long remembered rendition of "Letter to Daddy". 'Fanny Brice's house, Henry Street, formed a drag performance show, Showstoppers, in 1971, which premiered at Georgetown's Trinity Theatre in September 1971. In May 1972, the Showstoppers group participated in DC's first Gay Pride celebration with a show at George Washington University's Marvin Center. Showstoppers appeared at the Marvin Center from 1973 to 1981. Showstoppers endured for many years as a very popular annual production in Washington DC's GLBT community. Until 1968 when the Washington Hilton hosted the Black Pearl Awards, most events were held at the Cairo Hotel, Casino Royale, Dodge House, and the Palm Ballroom. One of the first venues used by the Academy Awards after 1973 was the third floor area above the Hideaway and Louie's clubs at 9th and Pennsylvania NW. This third floor space became the Oscar's Eye Theatre and was used for most of the Academy and house functions. In the 1970s, Academy members became involved in the Waaay Off Broadway theatre at 55 L St. SE. Beekman place opened the theatre with its production of Cabaret. The Academy held events at the Rogue, after the latter's move to 5th and K Streets NW. In 1992, the former Waaay Off Broadway theatre became Club 55, and Academy events were invited to move there. It is still the home of many Academy functions. The Academy Awards holds events every Sunday from September through May at the Club 55, 55 L Street SE (formerly the location of the Waaay Off Broadway theatre). Protocols and Events From the beginning in 1961, the Academy has sponsored Oscars for Best Actress, Best Actor, Best Drag in a Series, President and First Lady, Mr and Miss Academy, Mr and Miss Showbusiness, Vice President and Vice Lady, New York Drama Critics Best Actor and Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor and Best Supporting Actress, and Mr and Miss Oscar. In addition to regularly scheduled drag balls, the Academy's top annual pageants are those for Miss Gaye Universe-DC and Miss Gaye America-DC. Monthly contests at Club 55 present Zodiac awards. Annual special awards, such as the 'Lanie Kazan', recognize outstanding contributions to the community. At pageants, the order of appearance of award winners is strictly controlled by the Protocol. For some titles, the winners make make an entrance on stage. Top awards, such as Miss Gaye America and Miss Gay Universe, are 'walking' awards entitling the winner to take a formal presentation walk on stage before the audience. 'Fanny Brice', speaking to Bruce Pennington in a 1975 interview for Friends Radio talks about her first drag experience. Brice was 'mother' of the Henry Street drag house and founder of the popular Showstoppers revue of the 1970s. Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Rizzi, Carl Still Image A static visual representation. Examples of still images are: paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type "text" to images of textual materials. Original Format If the image is of an object, state the type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data photograph : black and white Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Liz Taylor, Mame Dennis, and Fanny Brice Subject The topic of the resource Female impersonators--Washington (D.C.)--20th century Mame Dennis (character) Taylor, Liz (character) Brice, Fanny (character) Awards Club of Washington (Organization : Washington, D.C.) Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource <a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=39&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Awards+Club+of+Washington+%28Organization+%3A+Washington%2C+D.C.%29">Awards Club of Washington (Organization : Washington, D.C.)</a> Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Awards Club of Washington (Organization : Washington, D.C.) Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource <a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=40&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=1976">1976</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=47&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=All+rights+reserved+by+the+Awards+Club+of+Washington+%28Organization+%3A+Washington%2C+D.C.%29">All rights reserved by the Awards Club of Washington (Organization : Washington, D.C.)</a> <a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=47&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Reproduction+and+use+of+this+material+requires+permission+from+the+copyright+holder.+Please+contact+the+Rainbow+History+Project+for+more+information.">Reproduction and use of this material requires permission from the copyright holder. Please contact the Rainbow History Project for more information.</a> Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpeg Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Image Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Washington (D.C.) Academy of Washington Drag performances Fanny Brice/Alex Carlino Liz Taylor/Alan Kress Mame Dennis/Carl Rizzi Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Carl Rizzi , Mame Dennis, and The Academy of Washington Collection 6 Alternative Title An alternative name for the resource. The distinction between titles and alternative titles is application-specific. Carl Rizzi Papers on the Academy of Washington : Digital Collection Description An account of the resource The year 1961 saw the creation of two of Washington's first organized LGBT groups, the Mattachine Society of Washington and the Oscars. The Academy Awards of Washington, an amalgam of Oscars members and Awards Club (1965) members, incorporated in 1973 in Washington, DC, provides secure venues, mentoring, and a structure for female impersonators in the area. It is one of the oldest and most enduring organizations in the nation to provide support for female impersonators. The Climate for Drag in the Sixties Until 'Liz Taylor' created the Oscars in the autumn of 1961, drag performers and those aspiring to 'do drag' had no organized structure, no venues, and very little safety. In the repressive atmosphere of the 1950s and 1960s, wearing drag was an invitation to scorn and physical danger. Wearing drag was illegal in most southern states, and Washington DC was indeed southern in those days, though drag was never illegal in the district. Still it invited arrest and persecution. Public social spaces didn't allow drag (an ostracism that existed until well into the 1970s). Those who wanted to wear drag did it in the privacy of their homes or at private after hour parties. Indeed, Liz Taylor's house parties at her Hollywood House on Monroe St. NW were legendary in their time. Many clubs would not allow patrons in drag to enter, and few hosted drag shows. The single exception was the Golden Key Club in North Beach, MD. For other clubs, drag and drag shows were an option only during Halloween Week, which Mame Dennis calls "the high holy days of drag". At Halloween, the Brown Derby, the Chicken Hut, Hide-a-way, Georgetown Grill, Johnnie's, and the Rendezvous organized drag contests. Creating a Safe Haven for Female Impersonators Along with the Mattachine Society of Washington, the Oscars and the Awards Club were the very first organized groups for gays in the Washington area. Recalling her vision for the Academies, Liz Taylor said "... I strived to mold an elite group of people whose social life would center around drag. By creating parties and activities I knew that I would always be surrounded by people wanting to attend them... I knew that some form of drag group was necessary. I had thought about it for a long time -- and suddenly I found the answer one evening on television -- the first time I saw an Awards show called the Oscars." The first parties were held in various homes in Washington DC, which took on special names such as Blair House, Butterfield 8, Camelot, Hollywood House, Mintwood Place, Port Valada, Sand Piper, Taylor Lounge, and others. In time, these house names became the names of 'drag houses', associations of female impersonators who participated in the social activities of the Academy Awards. The first board members of the Academy were Lix Taylor (President), Bob Clauze, Prince Karl, Frankie, and 'Lena Horne'. Organization of the Academy The Academy's Houses in 1976 The houses of the Academy over 30 years have included Beekman Place (led by 'Mame Dennis'), Butterfield 8 ('Liz Taylor's house), Maryland House (led by 'Patty Duke'), Henry Street (led by 'Fanny Brice'), Liberty House, Dragonwyck, Phoenix House (led by 'Jean Nate'), and Twelve Oaks (led by 'Mae Bush'). In 1965, Jerry Buskirk and 'Vivien Leigh' led the formation of a second group, the Awards Club of Washington. The Awards Club organized the International Emmy Awards. By 1968, many members of the first Academy were also members of the Awards Club. Bill Oates Jr. &amp; Mame Dennis In May 1973 Bill Oates Jr. ("the Godfather") brokered an agreement creating the Academy Awards of Washington, led by 'Elizabeth Taylor', 'Mame Dennis', 'Patti Duke' and 'Fanny Brice'. Beekman Place and Henry Street Houses rejoined the Academy at this time. 'Mame Dennis' (of Beekman Place), chosen as president in 1973, continues to lead the group. Bill Oates, who became known as "The Godfather", helped put together the structure of the new group. The original houses of the Academy Awards of Washington were Beekman Place, Butterfield 8, Henry Street, and Maryland House. Liberty House (led by 'Edie Gorme') was added in 1974. In 1975, the Academy re-organized following a period of internal dispute. The new organization included the houses of Beekman Place, Dragonwyck (of Hagerstown, MD), Henry Street, Maryland House, Phoenix House, and Twelve Oaks (of Norfolk and Richmond). In the 1960s, most hotels and clubs would not host drag events. In its first years, the Academy held monthly contests at the short-lived Uptown Lounge in Cleveland Park. It was at the Uptown that 'Liz Taylor' first did her long remembered rendition of "Letter to Daddy". 'Fanny Brice's house, Henry Street, formed a drag performance show, Showstoppers, in 1971, which premiered at Georgetown's Trinity Theatre in September 1971. In May 1972, the Showstoppers group participated in DC's first Gay Pride celebration with a show at George Washington University's Marvin Center. Showstoppers appeared at the Marvin Center from 1973 to 1981. Showstoppers endured for many years as a very popular annual production in Washington DC's GLBT community. Until 1968 when the Washington Hilton hosted the Black Pearl Awards, most events were held at the Cairo Hotel, Casino Royale, Dodge House, and the Palm Ballroom. One of the first venues used by the Academy Awards after 1973 was the third floor area above the Hideaway and Louie's clubs at 9th and Pennsylvania NW. This third floor space became the Oscar's Eye Theatre and was used for most of the Academy and house functions. In the 1970s, Academy members became involved in the Waaay Off Broadway theatre at 55 L St. SE. Beekman place opened the theatre with its production of Cabaret. The Academy held events at the Rogue, after the latter's move to 5th and K Streets NW. In 1992, the former Waaay Off Broadway theatre became Club 55, and Academy events were invited to move there. It is still the home of many Academy functions. The Academy Awards holds events every Sunday from September through May at the Club 55, 55 L Street SE (formerly the location of the Waaay Off Broadway theatre). Protocols and Events From the beginning in 1961, the Academy has sponsored Oscars for Best Actress, Best Actor, Best Drag in a Series, President and First Lady, Mr and Miss Academy, Mr and Miss Showbusiness, Vice President and Vice Lady, New York Drama Critics Best Actor and Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor and Best Supporting Actress, and Mr and Miss Oscar. In addition to regularly scheduled drag balls, the Academy's top annual pageants are those for Miss Gaye Universe-DC and Miss Gaye America-DC. Monthly contests at Club 55 present Zodiac awards. Annual special awards, such as the 'Lanie Kazan', recognize outstanding contributions to the community. At pageants, the order of appearance of award winners is strictly controlled by the Protocol. For some titles, the winners make make an entrance on stage. Top awards, such as Miss Gaye America and Miss Gay Universe, are 'walking' awards entitling the winner to take a formal presentation walk on stage before the audience. 'Fanny Brice', speaking to Bruce Pennington in a 1975 interview for Friends Radio talks about her first drag experience. Brice was 'mother' of the Henry Street drag house and founder of the popular Showstoppers revue of the 1970s. Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Rizzi, Carl Still Image A static visual representation. Examples of still images are: paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type "text" to images of textual materials. Original Format If the image is of an object, state the type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data photograph : black and white Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Liz Taylor headshot Subject The topic of the resource Female impersonators--Washington (D.C.)--20th century Taylor, Liz (character) Kress, Alan Awards Club of Washington (Organization : Washington, D.C.) Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource <a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=39&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Awards+Club+of+Washington+%28Organization+%3A+Washington%2C+D.C.%29">Awards Club of Washington (Organization : Washington, D.C.)</a> Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Awards Club of Washington (Organization : Washington, D.C.) Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource <a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=40&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=1970%2F1989">1970/1989</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=47&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=All+rights+reserved+by+the+Awards+Club+of+Washington+%28Organization+%3A+Washington%2C+D.C.%29">All rights reserved by the Awards Club of Washington (Organization : Washington, D.C.)</a> <a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=47&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Reproduction+and+use+of+this+material+requires+permission+from+the+copyright+holder.+Please+contact+the+Rainbow+History+Project+for+more+information.">Reproduction and use of this material requires permission from the copyright holder. Please contact the Rainbow History Project for more information.</a> Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpeg Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Image Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Washington (D.C.) Academy of Washington Drag performances Liz Taylor/Alan Kress https://archives.rainbowhistory.org/files/original/94866118aac27266c34e6149b32bf2d4.jpg 16bfe9f5675df14f8e97590c284780d6 Omeka Image File The metadata element set that was included in the `files_images` table in previous versions of Omeka. These elements are common to all image files. Width 1331 Height 1850 Bit Depth 8 Channels 1 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Carl Rizzi , Mame Dennis, and The Academy of Washington Collection 6 Alternative Title An alternative name for the resource. The distinction between titles and alternative titles is application-specific. Carl Rizzi Papers on the Academy of Washington : Digital Collection Description An account of the resource The year 1961 saw the creation of two of Washington's first organized LGBT groups, the Mattachine Society of Washington and the Oscars. The Academy Awards of Washington, an amalgam of Oscars members and Awards Club (1965) members, incorporated in 1973 in Washington, DC, provides secure venues, mentoring, and a structure for female impersonators in the area. It is one of the oldest and most enduring organizations in the nation to provide support for female impersonators. The Climate for Drag in the Sixties Until 'Liz Taylor' created the Oscars in the autumn of 1961, drag performers and those aspiring to 'do drag' had no organized structure, no venues, and very little safety. In the repressive atmosphere of the 1950s and 1960s, wearing drag was an invitation to scorn and physical danger. Wearing drag was illegal in most southern states, and Washington DC was indeed southern in those days, though drag was never illegal in the district. Still it invited arrest and persecution. Public social spaces didn't allow drag (an ostracism that existed until well into the 1970s). Those who wanted to wear drag did it in the privacy of their homes or at private after hour parties. Indeed, Liz Taylor's house parties at her Hollywood House on Monroe St. NW were legendary in their time. Many clubs would not allow patrons in drag to enter, and few hosted drag shows. The single exception was the Golden Key Club in North Beach, MD. For other clubs, drag and drag shows were an option only during Halloween Week, which Mame Dennis calls "the high holy days of drag". At Halloween, the Brown Derby, the Chicken Hut, Hide-a-way, Georgetown Grill, Johnnie's, and the Rendezvous organized drag contests. Creating a Safe Haven for Female Impersonators Along with the Mattachine Society of Washington, the Oscars and the Awards Club were the very first organized groups for gays in the Washington area. Recalling her vision for the Academies, Liz Taylor said "... I strived to mold an elite group of people whose social life would center around drag. By creating parties and activities I knew that I would always be surrounded by people wanting to attend them... I knew that some form of drag group was necessary. I had thought about it for a long time -- and suddenly I found the answer one evening on television -- the first time I saw an Awards show called the Oscars." The first parties were held in various homes in Washington DC, which took on special names such as Blair House, Butterfield 8, Camelot, Hollywood House, Mintwood Place, Port Valada, Sand Piper, Taylor Lounge, and others. In time, these house names became the names of 'drag houses', associations of female impersonators who participated in the social activities of the Academy Awards. The first board members of the Academy were Lix Taylor (President), Bob Clauze, Prince Karl, Frankie, and 'Lena Horne'. Organization of the Academy The Academy's Houses in 1976 The houses of the Academy over 30 years have included Beekman Place (led by 'Mame Dennis'), Butterfield 8 ('Liz Taylor's house), Maryland House (led by 'Patty Duke'), Henry Street (led by 'Fanny Brice'), Liberty House, Dragonwyck, Phoenix House (led by 'Jean Nate'), and Twelve Oaks (led by 'Mae Bush'). In 1965, Jerry Buskirk and 'Vivien Leigh' led the formation of a second group, the Awards Club of Washington. The Awards Club organized the International Emmy Awards. By 1968, many members of the first Academy were also members of the Awards Club. Bill Oates Jr. &amp; Mame Dennis In May 1973 Bill Oates Jr. ("the Godfather") brokered an agreement creating the Academy Awards of Washington, led by 'Elizabeth Taylor', 'Mame Dennis', 'Patti Duke' and 'Fanny Brice'. Beekman Place and Henry Street Houses rejoined the Academy at this time. 'Mame Dennis' (of Beekman Place), chosen as president in 1973, continues to lead the group. Bill Oates, who became known as "The Godfather", helped put together the structure of the new group. The original houses of the Academy Awards of Washington were Beekman Place, Butterfield 8, Henry Street, and Maryland House. Liberty House (led by 'Edie Gorme') was added in 1974. In 1975, the Academy re-organized following a period of internal dispute. The new organization included the houses of Beekman Place, Dragonwyck (of Hagerstown, MD), Henry Street, Maryland House, Phoenix House, and Twelve Oaks (of Norfolk and Richmond). In the 1960s, most hotels and clubs would not host drag events. In its first years, the Academy held monthly contests at the short-lived Uptown Lounge in Cleveland Park. It was at the Uptown that 'Liz Taylor' first did her long remembered rendition of "Letter to Daddy". 'Fanny Brice's house, Henry Street, formed a drag performance show, Showstoppers, in 1971, which premiered at Georgetown's Trinity Theatre in September 1971. In May 1972, the Showstoppers group participated in DC's first Gay Pride celebration with a show at George Washington University's Marvin Center. Showstoppers appeared at the Marvin Center from 1973 to 1981. Showstoppers endured for many years as a very popular annual production in Washington DC's GLBT community. Until 1968 when the Washington Hilton hosted the Black Pearl Awards, most events were held at the Cairo Hotel, Casino Royale, Dodge House, and the Palm Ballroom. One of the first venues used by the Academy Awards after 1973 was the third floor area above the Hideaway and Louie's clubs at 9th and Pennsylvania NW. This third floor space became the Oscar's Eye Theatre and was used for most of the Academy and house functions. In the 1970s, Academy members became involved in the Waaay Off Broadway theatre at 55 L St. SE. Beekman place opened the theatre with its production of Cabaret. The Academy held events at the Rogue, after the latter's move to 5th and K Streets NW. In 1992, the former Waaay Off Broadway theatre became Club 55, and Academy events were invited to move there. It is still the home of many Academy functions. The Academy Awards holds events every Sunday from September through May at the Club 55, 55 L Street SE (formerly the location of the Waaay Off Broadway theatre). Protocols and Events From the beginning in 1961, the Academy has sponsored Oscars for Best Actress, Best Actor, Best Drag in a Series, President and First Lady, Mr and Miss Academy, Mr and Miss Showbusiness, Vice President and Vice Lady, New York Drama Critics Best Actor and Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor and Best Supporting Actress, and Mr and Miss Oscar. In addition to regularly scheduled drag balls, the Academy's top annual pageants are those for Miss Gaye Universe-DC and Miss Gaye America-DC. Monthly contests at Club 55 present Zodiac awards. Annual special awards, such as the 'Lanie Kazan', recognize outstanding contributions to the community. At pageants, the order of appearance of award winners is strictly controlled by the Protocol. For some titles, the winners make make an entrance on stage. Top awards, such as Miss Gaye America and Miss Gay Universe, are 'walking' awards entitling the winner to take a formal presentation walk on stage before the audience. 'Fanny Brice', speaking to Bruce Pennington in a 1975 interview for Friends Radio talks about her first drag experience. Brice was 'mother' of the Henry Street drag house and founder of the popular Showstoppers revue of the 1970s. Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Rizzi, Carl Still Image A static visual representation. Examples of still images are: paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type "text" to images of textual materials. Original Format If the image is of an object, state the type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data photograph : black and white Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 'Lucille Ball' Subject The topic of the resource Female impersonators--Washington (D.C.)--20th century Awards Club of Washington (Organization : Washington, D.C.) Ball, Lucille (character) Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource <a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=39&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Awards+Club+of+Washington+%28Organization+%3A+Washington%2C+D.C.%29">Awards Club of Washington (Organization : Washington, D.C.)</a> Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Awards Club of Washington (Organization : Washington, D.C.) Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource <a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=40&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=1970%2F1989">1970/1989</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=47&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=All+rights+reserved+by+the+Awards+Club+of+Washington+%28Organization+%3A+Washington%2C+D.C.%29">All rights reserved by the Awards Club of Washington (Organization : Washington, D.C.)</a> <a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=47&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Reproduction+and+use+of+this+material+requires+permission+from+the+copyright+holder.+Please+contact+the+Rainbow+History+Project+for+more+information.">Reproduction and use of this material requires permission from the copyright holder. Please contact the Rainbow History Project for more information.</a> Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpeg Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Image Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Washington (D.C.) Academy of Washington Drag performances Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Carl Rizzi , Mame Dennis, and The Academy of Washington Collection 6 Alternative Title An alternative name for the resource. The distinction between titles and alternative titles is application-specific. Carl Rizzi Papers on the Academy of Washington : Digital Collection Description An account of the resource The year 1961 saw the creation of two of Washington's first organized LGBT groups, the Mattachine Society of Washington and the Oscars. The Academy Awards of Washington, an amalgam of Oscars members and Awards Club (1965) members, incorporated in 1973 in Washington, DC, provides secure venues, mentoring, and a structure for female impersonators in the area. It is one of the oldest and most enduring organizations in the nation to provide support for female impersonators. The Climate for Drag in the Sixties Until 'Liz Taylor' created the Oscars in the autumn of 1961, drag performers and those aspiring to 'do drag' had no organized structure, no venues, and very little safety. In the repressive atmosphere of the 1950s and 1960s, wearing drag was an invitation to scorn and physical danger. Wearing drag was illegal in most southern states, and Washington DC was indeed southern in those days, though drag was never illegal in the district. Still it invited arrest and persecution. Public social spaces didn't allow drag (an ostracism that existed until well into the 1970s). Those who wanted to wear drag did it in the privacy of their homes or at private after hour parties. Indeed, Liz Taylor's house parties at her Hollywood House on Monroe St. NW were legendary in their time. Many clubs would not allow patrons in drag to enter, and few hosted drag shows. The single exception was the Golden Key Club in North Beach, MD. For other clubs, drag and drag shows were an option only during Halloween Week, which Mame Dennis calls "the high holy days of drag". At Halloween, the Brown Derby, the Chicken Hut, Hide-a-way, Georgetown Grill, Johnnie's, and the Rendezvous organized drag contests. Creating a Safe Haven for Female Impersonators Along with the Mattachine Society of Washington, the Oscars and the Awards Club were the very first organized groups for gays in the Washington area. Recalling her vision for the Academies, Liz Taylor said "... I strived to mold an elite group of people whose social life would center around drag. By creating parties and activities I knew that I would always be surrounded by people wanting to attend them... I knew that some form of drag group was necessary. I had thought about it for a long time -- and suddenly I found the answer one evening on television -- the first time I saw an Awards show called the Oscars." The first parties were held in various homes in Washington DC, which took on special names such as Blair House, Butterfield 8, Camelot, Hollywood House, Mintwood Place, Port Valada, Sand Piper, Taylor Lounge, and others. In time, these house names became the names of 'drag houses', associations of female impersonators who participated in the social activities of the Academy Awards. The first board members of the Academy were Lix Taylor (President), Bob Clauze, Prince Karl, Frankie, and 'Lena Horne'. Organization of the Academy The Academy's Houses in 1976 The houses of the Academy over 30 years have included Beekman Place (led by 'Mame Dennis'), Butterfield 8 ('Liz Taylor's house), Maryland House (led by 'Patty Duke'), Henry Street (led by 'Fanny Brice'), Liberty House, Dragonwyck, Phoenix House (led by 'Jean Nate'), and Twelve Oaks (led by 'Mae Bush'). In 1965, Jerry Buskirk and 'Vivien Leigh' led the formation of a second group, the Awards Club of Washington. The Awards Club organized the International Emmy Awards. By 1968, many members of the first Academy were also members of the Awards Club. Bill Oates Jr. &amp; Mame Dennis In May 1973 Bill Oates Jr. ("the Godfather") brokered an agreement creating the Academy Awards of Washington, led by 'Elizabeth Taylor', 'Mame Dennis', 'Patti Duke' and 'Fanny Brice'. Beekman Place and Henry Street Houses rejoined the Academy at this time. 'Mame Dennis' (of Beekman Place), chosen as president in 1973, continues to lead the group. Bill Oates, who became known as "The Godfather", helped put together the structure of the new group. The original houses of the Academy Awards of Washington were Beekman Place, Butterfield 8, Henry Street, and Maryland House. Liberty House (led by 'Edie Gorme') was added in 1974. In 1975, the Academy re-organized following a period of internal dispute. The new organization included the houses of Beekman Place, Dragonwyck (of Hagerstown, MD), Henry Street, Maryland House, Phoenix House, and Twelve Oaks (of Norfolk and Richmond). In the 1960s, most hotels and clubs would not host drag events. In its first years, the Academy held monthly contests at the short-lived Uptown Lounge in Cleveland Park. It was at the Uptown that 'Liz Taylor' first did her long remembered rendition of "Letter to Daddy". 'Fanny Brice's house, Henry Street, formed a drag performance show, Showstoppers, in 1971, which premiered at Georgetown's Trinity Theatre in September 1971. In May 1972, the Showstoppers group participated in DC's first Gay Pride celebration with a show at George Washington University's Marvin Center. Showstoppers appeared at the Marvin Center from 1973 to 1981. Showstoppers endured for many years as a very popular annual production in Washington DC's GLBT community. Until 1968 when the Washington Hilton hosted the Black Pearl Awards, most events were held at the Cairo Hotel, Casino Royale, Dodge House, and the Palm Ballroom. One of the first venues used by the Academy Awards after 1973 was the third floor area above the Hideaway and Louie's clubs at 9th and Pennsylvania NW. This third floor space became the Oscar's Eye Theatre and was used for most of the Academy and house functions. In the 1970s, Academy members became involved in the Waaay Off Broadway theatre at 55 L St. SE. Beekman place opened the theatre with its production of Cabaret. The Academy held events at the Rogue, after the latter's move to 5th and K Streets NW. In 1992, the former Waaay Off Broadway theatre became Club 55, and Academy events were invited to move there. It is still the home of many Academy functions. The Academy Awards holds events every Sunday from September through May at the Club 55, 55 L Street SE (formerly the location of the Waaay Off Broadway theatre). Protocols and Events From the beginning in 1961, the Academy has sponsored Oscars for Best Actress, Best Actor, Best Drag in a Series, President and First Lady, Mr and Miss Academy, Mr and Miss Showbusiness, Vice President and Vice Lady, New York Drama Critics Best Actor and Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor and Best Supporting Actress, and Mr and Miss Oscar. In addition to regularly scheduled drag balls, the Academy's top annual pageants are those for Miss Gaye Universe-DC and Miss Gaye America-DC. Monthly contests at Club 55 present Zodiac awards. Annual special awards, such as the 'Lanie Kazan', recognize outstanding contributions to the community. At pageants, the order of appearance of award winners is strictly controlled by the Protocol. For some titles, the winners make make an entrance on stage. Top awards, such as Miss Gaye America and Miss Gay Universe, are 'walking' awards entitling the winner to take a formal presentation walk on stage before the audience. 'Fanny Brice', speaking to Bruce Pennington in a 1975 interview for Friends Radio talks about her first drag experience. Brice was 'mother' of the Henry Street drag house and founder of the popular Showstoppers revue of the 1970s. Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Rizzi, Carl Still Image A static visual representation. Examples of still images are: paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type "text" to images of textual materials. Original Format If the image is of an object, state the type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data photograph : black and white Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Mae Bush, mother of Twelve Oaks Family Subject The topic of the resource Female impersonators--Washington (D.C.)--20th century Bush, Mae (character) Awards Club of Washington (Organization : Washington, D.C.) Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource <a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=39&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Awards+Club+of+Washington+%28Organization+%3A+Washington%2C+D.C.%29">Awards Club of Washington (Organization : Washington, D.C.)</a> Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Awards Club of Washington (Organization : Washington, D.C.) Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource <a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=40&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=1970%2F1989">1970/1989</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=47&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=All+rights+reserved+by+the+Awards+Club+of+Washington+%28Organization+%3A+Washington%2C+D.C.%29">All rights reserved by the Awards Club of Washington (Organization : Washington, D.C.)</a> <a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=47&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Reproduction+and+use+of+this+material+requires+permission+from+the+copyright+holder.+Please+contact+the+Rainbow+History+Project+for+more+information.">Reproduction and use of this material requires permission from the copyright holder. Please contact the Rainbow History Project for more information.</a> Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpeg Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Image Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Washington (D.C.) 1970s 1980s Academy of Washington Drag performances Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Carl Rizzi , Mame Dennis, and The Academy of Washington Collection 6 Alternative Title An alternative name for the resource. The distinction between titles and alternative titles is application-specific. Carl Rizzi Papers on the Academy of Washington : Digital Collection Description An account of the resource The year 1961 saw the creation of two of Washington's first organized LGBT groups, the Mattachine Society of Washington and the Oscars. The Academy Awards of Washington, an amalgam of Oscars members and Awards Club (1965) members, incorporated in 1973 in Washington, DC, provides secure venues, mentoring, and a structure for female impersonators in the area. It is one of the oldest and most enduring organizations in the nation to provide support for female impersonators. The Climate for Drag in the Sixties Until 'Liz Taylor' created the Oscars in the autumn of 1961, drag performers and those aspiring to 'do drag' had no organized structure, no venues, and very little safety. In the repressive atmosphere of the 1950s and 1960s, wearing drag was an invitation to scorn and physical danger. Wearing drag was illegal in most southern states, and Washington DC was indeed southern in those days, though drag was never illegal in the district. Still it invited arrest and persecution. Public social spaces didn't allow drag (an ostracism that existed until well into the 1970s). Those who wanted to wear drag did it in the privacy of their homes or at private after hour parties. Indeed, Liz Taylor's house parties at her Hollywood House on Monroe St. NW were legendary in their time. Many clubs would not allow patrons in drag to enter, and few hosted drag shows. The single exception was the Golden Key Club in North Beach, MD. For other clubs, drag and drag shows were an option only during Halloween Week, which Mame Dennis calls "the high holy days of drag". At Halloween, the Brown Derby, the Chicken Hut, Hide-a-way, Georgetown Grill, Johnnie's, and the Rendezvous organized drag contests. Creating a Safe Haven for Female Impersonators Along with the Mattachine Society of Washington, the Oscars and the Awards Club were the very first organized groups for gays in the Washington area. Recalling her vision for the Academies, Liz Taylor said "... I strived to mold an elite group of people whose social life would center around drag. By creating parties and activities I knew that I would always be surrounded by people wanting to attend them... I knew that some form of drag group was necessary. I had thought about it for a long time -- and suddenly I found the answer one evening on television -- the first time I saw an Awards show called the Oscars." The first parties were held in various homes in Washington DC, which took on special names such as Blair House, Butterfield 8, Camelot, Hollywood House, Mintwood Place, Port Valada, Sand Piper, Taylor Lounge, and others. In time, these house names became the names of 'drag houses', associations of female impersonators who participated in the social activities of the Academy Awards. The first board members of the Academy were Lix Taylor (President), Bob Clauze, Prince Karl, Frankie, and 'Lena Horne'. Organization of the Academy The Academy's Houses in 1976 The houses of the Academy over 30 years have included Beekman Place (led by 'Mame Dennis'), Butterfield 8 ('Liz Taylor's house), Maryland House (led by 'Patty Duke'), Henry Street (led by 'Fanny Brice'), Liberty House, Dragonwyck, Phoenix House (led by 'Jean Nate'), and Twelve Oaks (led by 'Mae Bush'). In 1965, Jerry Buskirk and 'Vivien Leigh' led the formation of a second group, the Awards Club of Washington. The Awards Club organized the International Emmy Awards. By 1968, many members of the first Academy were also members of the Awards Club. Bill Oates Jr. &amp; Mame Dennis In May 1973 Bill Oates Jr. ("the Godfather") brokered an agreement creating the Academy Awards of Washington, led by 'Elizabeth Taylor', 'Mame Dennis', 'Patti Duke' and 'Fanny Brice'. Beekman Place and Henry Street Houses rejoined the Academy at this time. 'Mame Dennis' (of Beekman Place), chosen as president in 1973, continues to lead the group. Bill Oates, who became known as "The Godfather", helped put together the structure of the new group. The original houses of the Academy Awards of Washington were Beekman Place, Butterfield 8, Henry Street, and Maryland House. Liberty House (led by 'Edie Gorme') was added in 1974. In 1975, the Academy re-organized following a period of internal dispute. The new organization included the houses of Beekman Place, Dragonwyck (of Hagerstown, MD), Henry Street, Maryland House, Phoenix House, and Twelve Oaks (of Norfolk and Richmond). In the 1960s, most hotels and clubs would not host drag events. In its first years, the Academy held monthly contests at the short-lived Uptown Lounge in Cleveland Park. It was at the Uptown that 'Liz Taylor' first did her long remembered rendition of "Letter to Daddy". 'Fanny Brice's house, Henry Street, formed a drag performance show, Showstoppers, in 1971, which premiered at Georgetown's Trinity Theatre in September 1971. In May 1972, the Showstoppers group participated in DC's first Gay Pride celebration with a show at George Washington University's Marvin Center. Showstoppers appeared at the Marvin Center from 1973 to 1981. Showstoppers endured for many years as a very popular annual production in Washington DC's GLBT community. Until 1968 when the Washington Hilton hosted the Black Pearl Awards, most events were held at the Cairo Hotel, Casino Royale, Dodge House, and the Palm Ballroom. One of the first venues used by the Academy Awards after 1973 was the third floor area above the Hideaway and Louie's clubs at 9th and Pennsylvania NW. This third floor space became the Oscar's Eye Theatre and was used for most of the Academy and house functions. In the 1970s, Academy members became involved in the Waaay Off Broadway theatre at 55 L St. SE. Beekman place opened the theatre with its production of Cabaret. The Academy held events at the Rogue, after the latter's move to 5th and K Streets NW. In 1992, the former Waaay Off Broadway theatre became Club 55, and Academy events were invited to move there. It is still the home of many Academy functions. The Academy Awards holds events every Sunday from September through May at the Club 55, 55 L Street SE (formerly the location of the Waaay Off Broadway theatre). Protocols and Events From the beginning in 1961, the Academy has sponsored Oscars for Best Actress, Best Actor, Best Drag in a Series, President and First Lady, Mr and Miss Academy, Mr and Miss Showbusiness, Vice President and Vice Lady, New York Drama Critics Best Actor and Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor and Best Supporting Actress, and Mr and Miss Oscar. In addition to regularly scheduled drag balls, the Academy's top annual pageants are those for Miss Gaye Universe-DC and Miss Gaye America-DC. Monthly contests at Club 55 present Zodiac awards. Annual special awards, such as the 'Lanie Kazan', recognize outstanding contributions to the community. At pageants, the order of appearance of award winners is strictly controlled by the Protocol. For some titles, the winners make make an entrance on stage. Top awards, such as Miss Gaye America and Miss Gay Universe, are 'walking' awards entitling the winner to take a formal presentation walk on stage before the audience. 'Fanny Brice', speaking to Bruce Pennington in a 1975 interview for Friends Radio talks about her first drag experience. Brice was 'mother' of the Henry Street drag house and founder of the popular Showstoppers revue of the 1970s. Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Rizzi, Carl Still Image A static visual representation. Examples of still images are: paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type "text" to images of textual materials. Original Format If the image is of an object, state the type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data photograph : black and white Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Miss Mame Dennis Subject The topic of the resource Female impersonators--Washington (D.C.)--20th century Mame Dennis (character) Rizzi, Carl Awards Club of Washington (Organization : Washington, D.C.) Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource <a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=39&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Awards+Club+of+Washington+%28Organization+%3A+Washington%2C+D.C.%29">Awards Club of Washington (Organization : Washington, D.C.)</a> Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Awards Club of Washington (Organization : Washington, D.C.) Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource <a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=40&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=1970%2F1979">1970/1979</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=47&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=All+rights+reserved+by+the+Awards+Club+of+Washington+%28Organization+%3A+Washington%2C+D.C.%29">All rights reserved by the Awards Club of Washington (Organization : Washington, D.C.)</a> <a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=47&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=+Reproduction+and+use+of+this+material+requires+permission+from+the+copyright+holder.+Please+contact+the+Rainbow+History+Project+for+more+information."> Reproduction and use of this material requires permission from the copyright holder. Please contact the Rainbow History Project for more information.</a> Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpeg Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Image Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Washington (D.C.) Academy of Washington Drag performances Mame Dennis/Carl Rizzi https://archives.rainbowhistory.org/files/original/46b56dce29034dd330f3cea4a2a8bf99.jpg e2bfb6552a0811d9028929f8e0b3f616 Omeka Image File The metadata element set that was included in the `files_images` table in previous versions of Omeka. These elements are common to all image files. Width 2263 Height 3068 Bit Depth 8 Channels 1 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Carl Rizzi , Mame Dennis, and The Academy of Washington Collection 6 Alternative Title An alternative name for the resource. The distinction between titles and alternative titles is application-specific. Carl Rizzi Papers on the Academy of Washington : Digital Collection Description An account of the resource The year 1961 saw the creation of two of Washington's first organized LGBT groups, the Mattachine Society of Washington and the Oscars. The Academy Awards of Washington, an amalgam of Oscars members and Awards Club (1965) members, incorporated in 1973 in Washington, DC, provides secure venues, mentoring, and a structure for female impersonators in the area. It is one of the oldest and most enduring organizations in the nation to provide support for female impersonators. The Climate for Drag in the Sixties Until 'Liz Taylor' created the Oscars in the autumn of 1961, drag performers and those aspiring to 'do drag' had no organized structure, no venues, and very little safety. In the repressive atmosphere of the 1950s and 1960s, wearing drag was an invitation to scorn and physical danger. Wearing drag was illegal in most southern states, and Washington DC was indeed southern in those days, though drag was never illegal in the district. Still it invited arrest and persecution. Public social spaces didn't allow drag (an ostracism that existed until well into the 1970s). Those who wanted to wear drag did it in the privacy of their homes or at private after hour parties. Indeed, Liz Taylor's house parties at her Hollywood House on Monroe St. NW were legendary in their time. Many clubs would not allow patrons in drag to enter, and few hosted drag shows. The single exception was the Golden Key Club in North Beach, MD. For other clubs, drag and drag shows were an option only during Halloween Week, which Mame Dennis calls "the high holy days of drag". At Halloween, the Brown Derby, the Chicken Hut, Hide-a-way, Georgetown Grill, Johnnie's, and the Rendezvous organized drag contests. Creating a Safe Haven for Female Impersonators Along with the Mattachine Society of Washington, the Oscars and the Awards Club were the very first organized groups for gays in the Washington area. Recalling her vision for the Academies, Liz Taylor said "... I strived to mold an elite group of people whose social life would center around drag. By creating parties and activities I knew that I would always be surrounded by people wanting to attend them... I knew that some form of drag group was necessary. I had thought about it for a long time -- and suddenly I found the answer one evening on television -- the first time I saw an Awards show called the Oscars." The first parties were held in various homes in Washington DC, which took on special names such as Blair House, Butterfield 8, Camelot, Hollywood House, Mintwood Place, Port Valada, Sand Piper, Taylor Lounge, and others. In time, these house names became the names of 'drag houses', associations of female impersonators who participated in the social activities of the Academy Awards. The first board members of the Academy were Lix Taylor (President), Bob Clauze, Prince Karl, Frankie, and 'Lena Horne'. Organization of the Academy The Academy's Houses in 1976 The houses of the Academy over 30 years have included Beekman Place (led by 'Mame Dennis'), Butterfield 8 ('Liz Taylor's house), Maryland House (led by 'Patty Duke'), Henry Street (led by 'Fanny Brice'), Liberty House, Dragonwyck, Phoenix House (led by 'Jean Nate'), and Twelve Oaks (led by 'Mae Bush'). In 1965, Jerry Buskirk and 'Vivien Leigh' led the formation of a second group, the Awards Club of Washington. The Awards Club organized the International Emmy Awards. By 1968, many members of the first Academy were also members of the Awards Club. Bill Oates Jr. &amp; Mame Dennis In May 1973 Bill Oates Jr. ("the Godfather") brokered an agreement creating the Academy Awards of Washington, led by 'Elizabeth Taylor', 'Mame Dennis', 'Patti Duke' and 'Fanny Brice'. Beekman Place and Henry Street Houses rejoined the Academy at this time. 'Mame Dennis' (of Beekman Place), chosen as president in 1973, continues to lead the group. Bill Oates, who became known as "The Godfather", helped put together the structure of the new group. The original houses of the Academy Awards of Washington were Beekman Place, Butterfield 8, Henry Street, and Maryland House. Liberty House (led by 'Edie Gorme') was added in 1974. In 1975, the Academy re-organized following a period of internal dispute. The new organization included the houses of Beekman Place, Dragonwyck (of Hagerstown, MD), Henry Street, Maryland House, Phoenix House, and Twelve Oaks (of Norfolk and Richmond). In the 1960s, most hotels and clubs would not host drag events. In its first years, the Academy held monthly contests at the short-lived Uptown Lounge in Cleveland Park. It was at the Uptown that 'Liz Taylor' first did her long remembered rendition of "Letter to Daddy". 'Fanny Brice's house, Henry Street, formed a drag performance show, Showstoppers, in 1971, which premiered at Georgetown's Trinity Theatre in September 1971. In May 1972, the Showstoppers group participated in DC's first Gay Pride celebration with a show at George Washington University's Marvin Center. Showstoppers appeared at the Marvin Center from 1973 to 1981. Showstoppers endured for many years as a very popular annual production in Washington DC's GLBT community. Until 1968 when the Washington Hilton hosted the Black Pearl Awards, most events were held at the Cairo Hotel, Casino Royale, Dodge House, and the Palm Ballroom. One of the first venues used by the Academy Awards after 1973 was the third floor area above the Hideaway and Louie's clubs at 9th and Pennsylvania NW. This third floor space became the Oscar's Eye Theatre and was used for most of the Academy and house functions. In the 1970s, Academy members became involved in the Waaay Off Broadway theatre at 55 L St. SE. Beekman place opened the theatre with its production of Cabaret. The Academy held events at the Rogue, after the latter's move to 5th and K Streets NW. In 1992, the former Waaay Off Broadway theatre became Club 55, and Academy events were invited to move there. It is still the home of many Academy functions. The Academy Awards holds events every Sunday from September through May at the Club 55, 55 L Street SE (formerly the location of the Waaay Off Broadway theatre). Protocols and Events From the beginning in 1961, the Academy has sponsored Oscars for Best Actress, Best Actor, Best Drag in a Series, President and First Lady, Mr and Miss Academy, Mr and Miss Showbusiness, Vice President and Vice Lady, New York Drama Critics Best Actor and Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor and Best Supporting Actress, and Mr and Miss Oscar. In addition to regularly scheduled drag balls, the Academy's top annual pageants are those for Miss Gaye Universe-DC and Miss Gaye America-DC. Monthly contests at Club 55 present Zodiac awards. Annual special awards, such as the 'Lanie Kazan', recognize outstanding contributions to the community. At pageants, the order of appearance of award winners is strictly controlled by the Protocol. For some titles, the winners make make an entrance on stage. Top awards, such as Miss Gaye America and Miss Gay Universe, are 'walking' awards entitling the winner to take a formal presentation walk on stage before the audience. 'Fanny Brice', speaking to Bruce Pennington in a 1975 interview for Friends Radio talks about her first drag experience. Brice was 'mother' of the Henry Street drag house and founder of the popular Showstoppers revue of the 1970s. Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Rizzi, Carl Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Original Format If the image is of an object, state the type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data flyer Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Maryland House informational flyer Subject The topic of the resource Female impersonators--Washington (D.C.)--20th century Awards Club of Washington (Organization : Washington, D.C.) Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource <a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=39&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Awards+Club+of+Washington+%28Organization+%3A+Washington%2C+D.C.%29">Awards Club of Washington (Organization : Washington, D.C.)</a> Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Awards Club of Washington (Organization : Washington, D.C.) Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource <a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=40&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=1970%2F1989">1970/1989</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=47&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=All+rights+reserved+by+the+Awards+Club+of+Washington+%28Organization+%3A+Washington%2C+D.C.%29">All rights reserved by the Awards Club of Washington (Organization : Washington, D.C.)</a> <a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=47&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Reproduction+and+use+of+this+material+requires+permission+from+the+copyright+holder.+Please+contact+the+Rainbow+History+Project+for+more+information.">Reproduction and use of this material requires permission from the copyright holder. Please contact the Rainbow History Project for more information.</a> Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpeg Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Washington (D.C.) Academy of Washington Drag performances Maryland House Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Carl Rizzi , Mame Dennis, and The Academy of Washington Collection 6 Alternative Title An alternative name for the resource. The distinction between titles and alternative titles is application-specific. Carl Rizzi Papers on the Academy of Washington : Digital Collection Description An account of the resource The year 1961 saw the creation of two of Washington's first organized LGBT groups, the Mattachine Society of Washington and the Oscars. The Academy Awards of Washington, an amalgam of Oscars members and Awards Club (1965) members, incorporated in 1973 in Washington, DC, provides secure venues, mentoring, and a structure for female impersonators in the area. It is one of the oldest and most enduring organizations in the nation to provide support for female impersonators. The Climate for Drag in the Sixties Until 'Liz Taylor' created the Oscars in the autumn of 1961, drag performers and those aspiring to 'do drag' had no organized structure, no venues, and very little safety. In the repressive atmosphere of the 1950s and 1960s, wearing drag was an invitation to scorn and physical danger. Wearing drag was illegal in most southern states, and Washington DC was indeed southern in those days, though drag was never illegal in the district. Still it invited arrest and persecution. Public social spaces didn't allow drag (an ostracism that existed until well into the 1970s). Those who wanted to wear drag did it in the privacy of their homes or at private after hour parties. Indeed, Liz Taylor's house parties at her Hollywood House on Monroe St. NW were legendary in their time. Many clubs would not allow patrons in drag to enter, and few hosted drag shows. The single exception was the Golden Key Club in North Beach, MD. For other clubs, drag and drag shows were an option only during Halloween Week, which Mame Dennis calls "the high holy days of drag". At Halloween, the Brown Derby, the Chicken Hut, Hide-a-way, Georgetown Grill, Johnnie's, and the Rendezvous organized drag contests. Creating a Safe Haven for Female Impersonators Along with the Mattachine Society of Washington, the Oscars and the Awards Club were the very first organized groups for gays in the Washington area. Recalling her vision for the Academies, Liz Taylor said "... I strived to mold an elite group of people whose social life would center around drag. By creating parties and activities I knew that I would always be surrounded by people wanting to attend them... I knew that some form of drag group was necessary. I had thought about it for a long time -- and suddenly I found the answer one evening on television -- the first time I saw an Awards show called the Oscars." The first parties were held in various homes in Washington DC, which took on special names such as Blair House, Butterfield 8, Camelot, Hollywood House, Mintwood Place, Port Valada, Sand Piper, Taylor Lounge, and others. In time, these house names became the names of 'drag houses', associations of female impersonators who participated in the social activities of the Academy Awards. The first board members of the Academy were Lix Taylor (President), Bob Clauze, Prince Karl, Frankie, and 'Lena Horne'. Organization of the Academy The Academy's Houses in 1976 The houses of the Academy over 30 years have included Beekman Place (led by 'Mame Dennis'), Butterfield 8 ('Liz Taylor's house), Maryland House (led by 'Patty Duke'), Henry Street (led by 'Fanny Brice'), Liberty House, Dragonwyck, Phoenix House (led by 'Jean Nate'), and Twelve Oaks (led by 'Mae Bush'). In 1965, Jerry Buskirk and 'Vivien Leigh' led the formation of a second group, the Awards Club of Washington. The Awards Club organized the International Emmy Awards. By 1968, many members of the first Academy were also members of the Awards Club. Bill Oates Jr. &amp; Mame Dennis In May 1973 Bill Oates Jr. ("the Godfather") brokered an agreement creating the Academy Awards of Washington, led by 'Elizabeth Taylor', 'Mame Dennis', 'Patti Duke' and 'Fanny Brice'. Beekman Place and Henry Street Houses rejoined the Academy at this time. 'Mame Dennis' (of Beekman Place), chosen as president in 1973, continues to lead the group. Bill Oates, who became known as "The Godfather", helped put together the structure of the new group. The original houses of the Academy Awards of Washington were Beekman Place, Butterfield 8, Henry Street, and Maryland House. Liberty House (led by 'Edie Gorme') was added in 1974. In 1975, the Academy re-organized following a period of internal dispute. The new organization included the houses of Beekman Place, Dragonwyck (of Hagerstown, MD), Henry Street, Maryland House, Phoenix House, and Twelve Oaks (of Norfolk and Richmond). In the 1960s, most hotels and clubs would not host drag events. In its first years, the Academy held monthly contests at the short-lived Uptown Lounge in Cleveland Park. It was at the Uptown that 'Liz Taylor' first did her long remembered rendition of "Letter to Daddy". 'Fanny Brice's house, Henry Street, formed a drag performance show, Showstoppers, in 1971, which premiered at Georgetown's Trinity Theatre in September 1971. In May 1972, the Showstoppers group participated in DC's first Gay Pride celebration with a show at George Washington University's Marvin Center. Showstoppers appeared at the Marvin Center from 1973 to 1981. Showstoppers endured for many years as a very popular annual production in Washington DC's GLBT community. Until 1968 when the Washington Hilton hosted the Black Pearl Awards, most events were held at the Cairo Hotel, Casino Royale, Dodge House, and the Palm Ballroom. One of the first venues used by the Academy Awards after 1973 was the third floor area above the Hideaway and Louie's clubs at 9th and Pennsylvania NW. This third floor space became the Oscar's Eye Theatre and was used for most of the Academy and house functions. In the 1970s, Academy members became involved in the Waaay Off Broadway theatre at 55 L St. SE. Beekman place opened the theatre with its production of Cabaret. The Academy held events at the Rogue, after the latter's move to 5th and K Streets NW. In 1992, the former Waaay Off Broadway theatre became Club 55, and Academy events were invited to move there. It is still the home of many Academy functions. The Academy Awards holds events every Sunday from September through May at the Club 55, 55 L Street SE (formerly the location of the Waaay Off Broadway theatre). Protocols and Events From the beginning in 1961, the Academy has sponsored Oscars for Best Actress, Best Actor, Best Drag in a Series, President and First Lady, Mr and Miss Academy, Mr and Miss Showbusiness, Vice President and Vice Lady, New York Drama Critics Best Actor and Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor and Best Supporting Actress, and Mr and Miss Oscar. In addition to regularly scheduled drag balls, the Academy's top annual pageants are those for Miss Gaye Universe-DC and Miss Gaye America-DC. Monthly contests at Club 55 present Zodiac awards. Annual special awards, such as the 'Lanie Kazan', recognize outstanding contributions to the community. At pageants, the order of appearance of award winners is strictly controlled by the Protocol. For some titles, the winners make make an entrance on stage. Top awards, such as Miss Gaye America and Miss Gay Universe, are 'walking' awards entitling the winner to take a formal presentation walk on stage before the audience. 'Fanny Brice', speaking to Bruce Pennington in a 1975 interview for Friends Radio talks about her first drag experience. Brice was 'mother' of the Henry Street drag house and founder of the popular Showstoppers revue of the 1970s. Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Rizzi, Carl Still Image A static visual representation. Examples of still images are: paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type "text" to images of textual materials. Original Format If the image is of an object, state the type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data graphic Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Maryland House logo Subject The topic of the resource Female impersonators--Washington (D.C.)--20th century Awards Club of Washington (Organization : Washington, D.C.) Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource <a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=39&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Awards+Club+of+Washington+%28Organization+%3A+Washington%2C+D.C.%29">Awards Club of Washington (Organization : Washington, D.C.)</a> Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Awards Club of Washington (Organization : Washington, D.C.) Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource <a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=40&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=1970%2F1989">1970/1989</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=47&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=All+rights+reserved+by+the+Awards+Club+of+Washington+%28Organization+%3A+Washington%2C+D.C.%29">All rights reserved by the Awards Club of Washington (Organization : Washington, D.C.)</a> <a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=47&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Reproduction+and+use+of+this+material+requires+permission+from+the+copyright+holder.+Please+contact+the+Rainbow+History+Project+for+more+information.">Reproduction and use of this material requires permission from the copyright holder. Please contact the Rainbow History Project for more information.</a> Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpeg Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Image Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Washington (D.C.) Maryland Academy of Washington Drag performances Logos Maryland House Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Carl Rizzi , Mame Dennis, and The Academy of Washington Collection 6 Alternative Title An alternative name for the resource. The distinction between titles and alternative titles is application-specific. Carl Rizzi Papers on the Academy of Washington : Digital Collection Description An account of the resource The year 1961 saw the creation of two of Washington's first organized LGBT groups, the Mattachine Society of Washington and the Oscars. The Academy Awards of Washington, an amalgam of Oscars members and Awards Club (1965) members, incorporated in 1973 in Washington, DC, provides secure venues, mentoring, and a structure for female impersonators in the area. It is one of the oldest and most enduring organizations in the nation to provide support for female impersonators. The Climate for Drag in the Sixties Until 'Liz Taylor' created the Oscars in the autumn of 1961, drag performers and those aspiring to 'do drag' had no organized structure, no venues, and very little safety. In the repressive atmosphere of the 1950s and 1960s, wearing drag was an invitation to scorn and physical danger. Wearing drag was illegal in most southern states, and Washington DC was indeed southern in those days, though drag was never illegal in the district. Still it invited arrest and persecution. Public social spaces didn't allow drag (an ostracism that existed until well into the 1970s). Those who wanted to wear drag did it in the privacy of their homes or at private after hour parties. Indeed, Liz Taylor's house parties at her Hollywood House on Monroe St. NW were legendary in their time. Many clubs would not allow patrons in drag to enter, and few hosted drag shows. The single exception was the Golden Key Club in North Beach, MD. For other clubs, drag and drag shows were an option only during Halloween Week, which Mame Dennis calls "the high holy days of drag". At Halloween, the Brown Derby, the Chicken Hut, Hide-a-way, Georgetown Grill, Johnnie's, and the Rendezvous organized drag contests. Creating a Safe Haven for Female Impersonators Along with the Mattachine Society of Washington, the Oscars and the Awards Club were the very first organized groups for gays in the Washington area. Recalling her vision for the Academies, Liz Taylor said "... I strived to mold an elite group of people whose social life would center around drag. By creating parties and activities I knew that I would always be surrounded by people wanting to attend them... I knew that some form of drag group was necessary. I had thought about it for a long time -- and suddenly I found the answer one evening on television -- the first time I saw an Awards show called the Oscars." The first parties were held in various homes in Washington DC, which took on special names such as Blair House, Butterfield 8, Camelot, Hollywood House, Mintwood Place, Port Valada, Sand Piper, Taylor Lounge, and others. In time, these house names became the names of 'drag houses', associations of female impersonators who participated in the social activities of the Academy Awards. The first board members of the Academy were Lix Taylor (President), Bob Clauze, Prince Karl, Frankie, and 'Lena Horne'. Organization of the Academy The Academy's Houses in 1976 The houses of the Academy over 30 years have included Beekman Place (led by 'Mame Dennis'), Butterfield 8 ('Liz Taylor's house), Maryland House (led by 'Patty Duke'), Henry Street (led by 'Fanny Brice'), Liberty House, Dragonwyck, Phoenix House (led by 'Jean Nate'), and Twelve Oaks (led by 'Mae Bush'). In 1965, Jerry Buskirk and 'Vivien Leigh' led the formation of a second group, the Awards Club of Washington. The Awards Club organized the International Emmy Awards. By 1968, many members of the first Academy were also members of the Awards Club. Bill Oates Jr. &amp; Mame Dennis In May 1973 Bill Oates Jr. ("the Godfather") brokered an agreement creating the Academy Awards of Washington, led by 'Elizabeth Taylor', 'Mame Dennis', 'Patti Duke' and 'Fanny Brice'. Beekman Place and Henry Street Houses rejoined the Academy at this time. 'Mame Dennis' (of Beekman Place), chosen as president in 1973, continues to lead the group. Bill Oates, who became known as "The Godfather", helped put together the structure of the new group. The original houses of the Academy Awards of Washington were Beekman Place, Butterfield 8, Henry Street, and Maryland House. Liberty House (led by 'Edie Gorme') was added in 1974. In 1975, the Academy re-organized following a period of internal dispute. The new organization included the houses of Beekman Place, Dragonwyck (of Hagerstown, MD), Henry Street, Maryland House, Phoenix House, and Twelve Oaks (of Norfolk and Richmond). In the 1960s, most hotels and clubs would not host drag events. In its first years, the Academy held monthly contests at the short-lived Uptown Lounge in Cleveland Park. It was at the Uptown that 'Liz Taylor' first did her long remembered rendition of "Letter to Daddy". 'Fanny Brice's house, Henry Street, formed a drag performance show, Showstoppers, in 1971, which premiered at Georgetown's Trinity Theatre in September 1971. In May 1972, the Showstoppers group participated in DC's first Gay Pride celebration with a show at George Washington University's Marvin Center. Showstoppers appeared at the Marvin Center from 1973 to 1981. Showstoppers endured for many years as a very popular annual production in Washington DC's GLBT community. Until 1968 when the Washington Hilton hosted the Black Pearl Awards, most events were held at the Cairo Hotel, Casino Royale, Dodge House, and the Palm Ballroom. One of the first venues used by the Academy Awards after 1973 was the third floor area above the Hideaway and Louie's clubs at 9th and Pennsylvania NW. This third floor space became the Oscar's Eye Theatre and was used for most of the Academy and house functions. In the 1970s, Academy members became involved in the Waaay Off Broadway theatre at 55 L St. SE. Beekman place opened the theatre with its production of Cabaret. The Academy held events at the Rogue, after the latter's move to 5th and K Streets NW. In 1992, the former Waaay Off Broadway theatre became Club 55, and Academy events were invited to move there. It is still the home of many Academy functions. The Academy Awards holds events every Sunday from September through May at the Club 55, 55 L Street SE (formerly the location of the Waaay Off Broadway theatre). Protocols and Events From the beginning in 1961, the Academy has sponsored Oscars for Best Actress, Best Actor, Best Drag in a Series, President and First Lady, Mr and Miss Academy, Mr and Miss Showbusiness, Vice President and Vice Lady, New York Drama Critics Best Actor and Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor and Best Supporting Actress, and Mr and Miss Oscar. In addition to regularly scheduled drag balls, the Academy's top annual pageants are those for Miss Gaye Universe-DC and Miss Gaye America-DC. Monthly contests at Club 55 present Zodiac awards. Annual special awards, such as the 'Lanie Kazan', recognize outstanding contributions to the community. At pageants, the order of appearance of award winners is strictly controlled by the Protocol. For some titles, the winners make make an entrance on stage. Top awards, such as Miss Gaye America and Miss Gay Universe, are 'walking' awards entitling the winner to take a formal presentation walk on stage before the audience. 'Fanny Brice', speaking to Bruce Pennington in a 1975 interview for Friends Radio talks about her first drag experience. Brice was 'mother' of the Henry Street drag house and founder of the popular Showstoppers revue of the 1970s. Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Rizzi, Carl Still Image A static visual representation. Examples of still images are: paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type "text" to images of textual materials. Original Format If the image is of an object, state the type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data photograph : black and white Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 'Patti Duke', mother of Maryland House Subject The topic of the resource Female impersonators--Washington (D.C.)--20th century Awards Club of Washington (Organization : Washington, D.C.) Duke, Patti (character) Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource <a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=39&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Awards+Club+of+Washington+%28Organization+%3A+Washington%2C+D.C.%29">Awards Club of Washington (Organization : Washington, D.C.)</a> Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Awards Club of Washington (Organization : Washington, D.C.) Reproduction and use of this material requires permission from the copyright holder. Please contact the Rainbow History Project for more information. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource <a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=40&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=1970%2F1989">1970/1989</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=47&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=All+rights+reserved+by+the+Awards+Club+of+Washington+%28Organization+%3A+Washington%2C+D.C.%29">All rights reserved by the Awards Club of Washington (Organization : Washington, D.C.)</a> Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpeg Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Image Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Washington (D.C.) Maryland Academy of Washington Drag performances Maryland House https://archives.rainbowhistory.org/files/original/0016bb453eaf177d4c23c6ca9472618b.jpg 3554d7b4dbe63f5290536d0169c9a16d Omeka Image File The metadata element set that was included in the `files_images` table in previous versions of Omeka. These elements are common to all image files. Width 2232 Height 3076 Bit Depth 8 Channels 1 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Carl Rizzi , Mame Dennis, and The Academy of Washington Collection 6 Alternative Title An alternative name for the resource. The distinction between titles and alternative titles is application-specific. Carl Rizzi Papers on the Academy of Washington : Digital Collection Description An account of the resource The year 1961 saw the creation of two of Washington's first organized LGBT groups, the Mattachine Society of Washington and the Oscars. The Academy Awards of Washington, an amalgam of Oscars members and Awards Club (1965) members, incorporated in 1973 in Washington, DC, provides secure venues, mentoring, and a structure for female impersonators in the area. It is one of the oldest and most enduring organizations in the nation to provide support for female impersonators. The Climate for Drag in the Sixties Until 'Liz Taylor' created the Oscars in the autumn of 1961, drag performers and those aspiring to 'do drag' had no organized structure, no venues, and very little safety. In the repressive atmosphere of the 1950s and 1960s, wearing drag was an invitation to scorn and physical danger. Wearing drag was illegal in most southern states, and Washington DC was indeed southern in those days, though drag was never illegal in the district. Still it invited arrest and persecution. Public social spaces didn't allow drag (an ostracism that existed until well into the 1970s). Those who wanted to wear drag did it in the privacy of their homes or at private after hour parties. Indeed, Liz Taylor's house parties at her Hollywood House on Monroe St. NW were legendary in their time. Many clubs would not allow patrons in drag to enter, and few hosted drag shows. The single exception was the Golden Key Club in North Beach, MD. For other clubs, drag and drag shows were an option only during Halloween Week, which Mame Dennis calls "the high holy days of drag". At Halloween, the Brown Derby, the Chicken Hut, Hide-a-way, Georgetown Grill, Johnnie's, and the Rendezvous organized drag contests. Creating a Safe Haven for Female Impersonators Along with the Mattachine Society of Washington, the Oscars and the Awards Club were the very first organized groups for gays in the Washington area. Recalling her vision for the Academies, Liz Taylor said "... I strived to mold an elite group of people whose social life would center around drag. By creating parties and activities I knew that I would always be surrounded by people wanting to attend them... I knew that some form of drag group was necessary. I had thought about it for a long time -- and suddenly I found the answer one evening on television -- the first time I saw an Awards show called the Oscars." The first parties were held in various homes in Washington DC, which took on special names such as Blair House, Butterfield 8, Camelot, Hollywood House, Mintwood Place, Port Valada, Sand Piper, Taylor Lounge, and others. In time, these house names became the names of 'drag houses', associations of female impersonators who participated in the social activities of the Academy Awards. The first board members of the Academy were Lix Taylor (President), Bob Clauze, Prince Karl, Frankie, and 'Lena Horne'. Organization of the Academy The Academy's Houses in 1976 The houses of the Academy over 30 years have included Beekman Place (led by 'Mame Dennis'), Butterfield 8 ('Liz Taylor's house), Maryland House (led by 'Patty Duke'), Henry Street (led by 'Fanny Brice'), Liberty House, Dragonwyck, Phoenix House (led by 'Jean Nate'), and Twelve Oaks (led by 'Mae Bush'). In 1965, Jerry Buskirk and 'Vivien Leigh' led the formation of a second group, the Awards Club of Washington. The Awards Club organized the International Emmy Awards. By 1968, many members of the first Academy were also members of the Awards Club. Bill Oates Jr. &amp; Mame Dennis In May 1973 Bill Oates Jr. ("the Godfather") brokered an agreement creating the Academy Awards of Washington, led by 'Elizabeth Taylor', 'Mame Dennis', 'Patti Duke' and 'Fanny Brice'. Beekman Place and Henry Street Houses rejoined the Academy at this time. 'Mame Dennis' (of Beekman Place), chosen as president in 1973, continues to lead the group. Bill Oates, who became known as "The Godfather", helped put together the structure of the new group. The original houses of the Academy Awards of Washington were Beekman Place, Butterfield 8, Henry Street, and Maryland House. Liberty House (led by 'Edie Gorme') was added in 1974. In 1975, the Academy re-organized following a period of internal dispute. The new organization included the houses of Beekman Place, Dragonwyck (of Hagerstown, MD), Henry Street, Maryland House, Phoenix House, and Twelve Oaks (of Norfolk and Richmond). In the 1960s, most hotels and clubs would not host drag events. In its first years, the Academy held monthly contests at the short-lived Uptown Lounge in Cleveland Park. It was at the Uptown that 'Liz Taylor' first did her long remembered rendition of "Letter to Daddy". 'Fanny Brice's house, Henry Street, formed a drag performance show, Showstoppers, in 1971, which premiered at Georgetown's Trinity Theatre in September 1971. In May 1972, the Showstoppers group participated in DC's first Gay Pride celebration with a show at George Washington University's Marvin Center. Showstoppers appeared at the Marvin Center from 1973 to 1981. Showstoppers endured for many years as a very popular annual production in Washington DC's GLBT community. Until 1968 when the Washington Hilton hosted the Black Pearl Awards, most events were held at the Cairo Hotel, Casino Royale, Dodge House, and the Palm Ballroom. One of the first venues used by the Academy Awards after 1973 was the third floor area above the Hideaway and Louie's clubs at 9th and Pennsylvania NW. This third floor space became the Oscar's Eye Theatre and was used for most of the Academy and house functions. In the 1970s, Academy members became involved in the Waaay Off Broadway theatre at 55 L St. SE. Beekman place opened the theatre with its production of Cabaret. The Academy held events at the Rogue, after the latter's move to 5th and K Streets NW. In 1992, the former Waaay Off Broadway theatre became Club 55, and Academy events were invited to move there. It is still the home of many Academy functions. The Academy Awards holds events every Sunday from September through May at the Club 55, 55 L Street SE (formerly the location of the Waaay Off Broadway theatre). Protocols and Events From the beginning in 1961, the Academy has sponsored Oscars for Best Actress, Best Actor, Best Drag in a Series, President and First Lady, Mr and Miss Academy, Mr and Miss Showbusiness, Vice President and Vice Lady, New York Drama Critics Best Actor and Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor and Best Supporting Actress, and Mr and Miss Oscar. In addition to regularly scheduled drag balls, the Academy's top annual pageants are those for Miss Gaye Universe-DC and Miss Gaye America-DC. Monthly contests at Club 55 present Zodiac awards. Annual special awards, such as the 'Lanie Kazan', recognize outstanding contributions to the community. At pageants, the order of appearance of award winners is strictly controlled by the Protocol. For some titles, the winners make make an entrance on stage. Top awards, such as Miss Gaye America and Miss Gay Universe, are 'walking' awards entitling the winner to take a formal presentation walk on stage before the audience. 'Fanny Brice', speaking to Bruce Pennington in a 1975 interview for Friends Radio talks about her first drag experience. Brice was 'mother' of the Henry Street drag house and founder of the popular Showstoppers revue of the 1970s. Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Rizzi, Carl Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Original Format If the image is of an object, state the type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data flyer Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Phoenix House informational flyer Subject The topic of the resource Female impersonators--Washington (D.C.)--20th century Awards Club of Washington (Organization : Washington, D.C.) Nate, Jean (character) Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource <a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=39&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Awards+Club+of+Washington+%28Organization+%3A+Washington%2C+D.C.%29">Awards Club of Washington (Organization : Washington, D.C.)</a> Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Awards Club of Washington (Organization : Washington, D.C.) Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource <a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=40&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=1975%2F1989">1975/1989</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=47&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=All+rights+reserved+by+the+Awards+Club+of+Washington+%28Organization+%3A+Washington%2C+D.C.%29">All rights reserved by the Awards Club of Washington (Organization : Washington, D.C.)</a> <a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=47&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Reproduction+and+use+of+this+material+requires+permission+from+the+copyright+holder.+Please+contact+the+Rainbow+History+Project+for+more+information.">Reproduction and use of this material requires permission from the copyright holder. Please contact the Rainbow History Project for more information.</a> Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpeg Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Washington (D.C.) Academy of Washington Drag performances Jean Nate Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Carl Rizzi , Mame Dennis, and The Academy of Washington Collection 6 Alternative Title An alternative name for the resource. The distinction between titles and alternative titles is application-specific. Carl Rizzi Papers on the Academy of Washington : Digital Collection Description An account of the resource The year 1961 saw the creation of two of Washington's first organized LGBT groups, the Mattachine Society of Washington and the Oscars. The Academy Awards of Washington, an amalgam of Oscars members and Awards Club (1965) members, incorporated in 1973 in Washington, DC, provides secure venues, mentoring, and a structure for female impersonators in the area. It is one of the oldest and most enduring organizations in the nation to provide support for female impersonators. The Climate for Drag in the Sixties Until 'Liz Taylor' created the Oscars in the autumn of 1961, drag performers and those aspiring to 'do drag' had no organized structure, no venues, and very little safety. In the repressive atmosphere of the 1950s and 1960s, wearing drag was an invitation to scorn and physical danger. Wearing drag was illegal in most southern states, and Washington DC was indeed southern in those days, though drag was never illegal in the district. Still it invited arrest and persecution. Public social spaces didn't allow drag (an ostracism that existed until well into the 1970s). Those who wanted to wear drag did it in the privacy of their homes or at private after hour parties. Indeed, Liz Taylor's house parties at her Hollywood House on Monroe St. NW were legendary in their time. Many clubs would not allow patrons in drag to enter, and few hosted drag shows. The single exception was the Golden Key Club in North Beach, MD. For other clubs, drag and drag shows were an option only during Halloween Week, which Mame Dennis calls "the high holy days of drag". At Halloween, the Brown Derby, the Chicken Hut, Hide-a-way, Georgetown Grill, Johnnie's, and the Rendezvous organized drag contests. Creating a Safe Haven for Female Impersonators Along with the Mattachine Society of Washington, the Oscars and the Awards Club were the very first organized groups for gays in the Washington area. Recalling her vision for the Academies, Liz Taylor said "... I strived to mold an elite group of people whose social life would center around drag. By creating parties and activities I knew that I would always be surrounded by people wanting to attend them... I knew that some form of drag group was necessary. I had thought about it for a long time -- and suddenly I found the answer one evening on television -- the first time I saw an Awards show called the Oscars." The first parties were held in various homes in Washington DC, which took on special names such as Blair House, Butterfield 8, Camelot, Hollywood House, Mintwood Place, Port Valada, Sand Piper, Taylor Lounge, and others. In time, these house names became the names of 'drag houses', associations of female impersonators who participated in the social activities of the Academy Awards. The first board members of the Academy were Lix Taylor (President), Bob Clauze, Prince Karl, Frankie, and 'Lena Horne'. Organization of the Academy The Academy's Houses in 1976 The houses of the Academy over 30 years have included Beekman Place (led by 'Mame Dennis'), Butterfield 8 ('Liz Taylor's house), Maryland House (led by 'Patty Duke'), Henry Street (led by 'Fanny Brice'), Liberty House, Dragonwyck, Phoenix House (led by 'Jean Nate'), and Twelve Oaks (led by 'Mae Bush'). In 1965, Jerry Buskirk and 'Vivien Leigh' led the formation of a second group, the Awards Club of Washington. The Awards Club organized the International Emmy Awards. By 1968, many members of the first Academy were also members of the Awards Club. Bill Oates Jr. &amp; Mame Dennis In May 1973 Bill Oates Jr. ("the Godfather") brokered an agreement creating the Academy Awards of Washington, led by 'Elizabeth Taylor', 'Mame Dennis', 'Patti Duke' and 'Fanny Brice'. Beekman Place and Henry Street Houses rejoined the Academy at this time. 'Mame Dennis' (of Beekman Place), chosen as president in 1973, continues to lead the group. Bill Oates, who became known as "The Godfather", helped put together the structure of the new group. The original houses of the Academy Awards of Washington were Beekman Place, Butterfield 8, Henry Street, and Maryland House. Liberty House (led by 'Edie Gorme') was added in 1974. In 1975, the Academy re-organized following a period of internal dispute. The new organization included the houses of Beekman Place, Dragonwyck (of Hagerstown, MD), Henry Street, Maryland House, Phoenix House, and Twelve Oaks (of Norfolk and Richmond). In the 1960s, most hotels and clubs would not host drag events. In its first years, the Academy held monthly contests at the short-lived Uptown Lounge in Cleveland Park. It was at the Uptown that 'Liz Taylor' first did her long remembered rendition of "Letter to Daddy". 'Fanny Brice's house, Henry Street, formed a drag performance show, Showstoppers, in 1971, which premiered at Georgetown's Trinity Theatre in September 1971. In May 1972, the Showstoppers group participated in DC's first Gay Pride celebration with a show at George Washington University's Marvin Center. Showstoppers appeared at the Marvin Center from 1973 to 1981. Showstoppers endured for many years as a very popular annual production in Washington DC's GLBT community. Until 1968 when the Washington Hilton hosted the Black Pearl Awards, most events were held at the Cairo Hotel, Casino Royale, Dodge House, and the Palm Ballroom. One of the first venues used by the Academy Awards after 1973 was the third floor area above the Hideaway and Louie's clubs at 9th and Pennsylvania NW. This third floor space became the Oscar's Eye Theatre and was used for most of the Academy and house functions. In the 1970s, Academy members became involved in the Waaay Off Broadway theatre at 55 L St. SE. Beekman place opened the theatre with its production of Cabaret. The Academy held events at the Rogue, after the latter's move to 5th and K Streets NW. In 1992, the former Waaay Off Broadway theatre became Club 55, and Academy events were invited to move there. It is still the home of many Academy functions. The Academy Awards holds events every Sunday from September through May at the Club 55, 55 L Street SE (formerly the location of the Waaay Off Broadway theatre). Protocols and Events From the beginning in 1961, the Academy has sponsored Oscars for Best Actress, Best Actor, Best Drag in a Series, President and First Lady, Mr and Miss Academy, Mr and Miss Showbusiness, Vice President and Vice Lady, New York Drama Critics Best Actor and Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor and Best Supporting Actress, and Mr and Miss Oscar. In addition to regularly scheduled drag balls, the Academy's top annual pageants are those for Miss Gaye Universe-DC and Miss Gaye America-DC. Monthly contests at Club 55 present Zodiac awards. Annual special awards, such as the 'Lanie Kazan', recognize outstanding contributions to the community. At pageants, the order of appearance of award winners is strictly controlled by the Protocol. For some titles, the winners make make an entrance on stage. Top awards, such as Miss Gaye America and Miss Gay Universe, are 'walking' awards entitling the winner to take a formal presentation walk on stage before the audience. 'Fanny Brice', speaking to Bruce Pennington in a 1975 interview for Friends Radio talks about her first drag experience. Brice was 'mother' of the Henry Street drag house and founder of the popular Showstoppers revue of the 1970s. Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Rizzi, Carl Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Text Any textual data included in the document. Fanny Brice presents Show Stoppers III coming to G.W.U.'s Marvin Center Theater .... Original Format If the image is of an object, state the type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data newsprint Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Fanny Brice present Showstoppers III advertisement Subject The topic of the resource Female impersonators--Washington (D.C.)--20th century Drag shows--Washington (D.C.)--20th century George Washington University Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource <a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=39&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Awards+Club+of+Washington+%28Organization+%3A+Washington%2C+D.C.%29">Awards Club of Washington (Organization : Washington, D.C.)</a> Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Awards Club of Washington (Organization : Washington, D.C.) Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource <a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=40&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=1970%2F1979">1970/1979</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=47&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=All+rights+reserved+by+the+Awards+Club+of+Washington+%28Organization+%3A+Washington%2C+D.C.%29">All rights reserved by the Awards Club of Washington (Organization : Washington, D.C.)</a> <a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=47&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Reproduction+and+use+of+this+material+requires+permission+from+the+copyright+holder.+Please+contact+the+Rainbow+History+Project+for+more+information.">Reproduction and use of this material requires permission from the copyright holder. Please contact the Rainbow History Project for more information.</a> Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpeg Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Washington (D.C.) Advertisements Drag performances Fanny Brice/Alex Carlino Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Carl Rizzi , Mame Dennis, and The Academy of Washington Collection 6 Alternative Title An alternative name for the resource. The distinction between titles and alternative titles is application-specific. Carl Rizzi Papers on the Academy of Washington : Digital Collection Description An account of the resource The year 1961 saw the creation of two of Washington's first organized LGBT groups, the Mattachine Society of Washington and the Oscars. The Academy Awards of Washington, an amalgam of Oscars members and Awards Club (1965) members, incorporated in 1973 in Washington, DC, provides secure venues, mentoring, and a structure for female impersonators in the area. It is one of the oldest and most enduring organizations in the nation to provide support for female impersonators. The Climate for Drag in the Sixties Until 'Liz Taylor' created the Oscars in the autumn of 1961, drag performers and those aspiring to 'do drag' had no organized structure, no venues, and very little safety. In the repressive atmosphere of the 1950s and 1960s, wearing drag was an invitation to scorn and physical danger. Wearing drag was illegal in most southern states, and Washington DC was indeed southern in those days, though drag was never illegal in the district. Still it invited arrest and persecution. Public social spaces didn't allow drag (an ostracism that existed until well into the 1970s). Those who wanted to wear drag did it in the privacy of their homes or at private after hour parties. Indeed, Liz Taylor's house parties at her Hollywood House on Monroe St. NW were legendary in their time. Many clubs would not allow patrons in drag to enter, and few hosted drag shows. The single exception was the Golden Key Club in North Beach, MD. For other clubs, drag and drag shows were an option only during Halloween Week, which Mame Dennis calls "the high holy days of drag". At Halloween, the Brown Derby, the Chicken Hut, Hide-a-way, Georgetown Grill, Johnnie's, and the Rendezvous organized drag contests. Creating a Safe Haven for Female Impersonators Along with the Mattachine Society of Washington, the Oscars and the Awards Club were the very first organized groups for gays in the Washington area. Recalling her vision for the Academies, Liz Taylor said "... I strived to mold an elite group of people whose social life would center around drag. By creating parties and activities I knew that I would always be surrounded by people wanting to attend them... I knew that some form of drag group was necessary. I had thought about it for a long time -- and suddenly I found the answer one evening on television -- the first time I saw an Awards show called the Oscars." The first parties were held in various homes in Washington DC, which took on special names such as Blair House, Butterfield 8, Camelot, Hollywood House, Mintwood Place, Port Valada, Sand Piper, Taylor Lounge, and others. In time, these house names became the names of 'drag houses', associations of female impersonators who participated in the social activities of the Academy Awards. The first board members of the Academy were Lix Taylor (President), Bob Clauze, Prince Karl, Frankie, and 'Lena Horne'. Organization of the Academy The Academy's Houses in 1976 The houses of the Academy over 30 years have included Beekman Place (led by 'Mame Dennis'), Butterfield 8 ('Liz Taylor's house), Maryland House (led by 'Patty Duke'), Henry Street (led by 'Fanny Brice'), Liberty House, Dragonwyck, Phoenix House (led by 'Jean Nate'), and Twelve Oaks (led by 'Mae Bush'). In 1965, Jerry Buskirk and 'Vivien Leigh' led the formation of a second group, the Awards Club of Washington. The Awards Club organized the International Emmy Awards. By 1968, many members of the first Academy were also members of the Awards Club. Bill Oates Jr. &amp; Mame Dennis In May 1973 Bill Oates Jr. ("the Godfather") brokered an agreement creating the Academy Awards of Washington, led by 'Elizabeth Taylor', 'Mame Dennis', 'Patti Duke' and 'Fanny Brice'. Beekman Place and Henry Street Houses rejoined the Academy at this time. 'Mame Dennis' (of Beekman Place), chosen as president in 1973, continues to lead the group. Bill Oates, who became known as "The Godfather", helped put together the structure of the new group. The original houses of the Academy Awards of Washington were Beekman Place, Butterfield 8, Henry Street, and Maryland House. Liberty House (led by 'Edie Gorme') was added in 1974. In 1975, the Academy re-organized following a period of internal dispute. The new organization included the houses of Beekman Place, Dragonwyck (of Hagerstown, MD), Henry Street, Maryland House, Phoenix House, and Twelve Oaks (of Norfolk and Richmond). In the 1960s, most hotels and clubs would not host drag events. In its first years, the Academy held monthly contests at the short-lived Uptown Lounge in Cleveland Park. It was at the Uptown that 'Liz Taylor' first did her long remembered rendition of "Letter to Daddy". 'Fanny Brice's house, Henry Street, formed a drag performance show, Showstoppers, in 1971, which premiered at Georgetown's Trinity Theatre in September 1971. In May 1972, the Showstoppers group participated in DC's first Gay Pride celebration with a show at George Washington University's Marvin Center. Showstoppers appeared at the Marvin Center from 1973 to 1981. Showstoppers endured for many years as a very popular annual production in Washington DC's GLBT community. Until 1968 when the Washington Hilton hosted the Black Pearl Awards, most events were held at the Cairo Hotel, Casino Royale, Dodge House, and the Palm Ballroom. One of the first venues used by the Academy Awards after 1973 was the third floor area above the Hideaway and Louie's clubs at 9th and Pennsylvania NW. This third floor space became the Oscar's Eye Theatre and was used for most of the Academy and house functions. In the 1970s, Academy members became involved in the Waaay Off Broadway theatre at 55 L St. SE. Beekman place opened the theatre with its production of Cabaret. The Academy held events at the Rogue, after the latter's move to 5th and K Streets NW. In 1992, the former Waaay Off Broadway theatre became Club 55, and Academy events were invited to move there. It is still the home of many Academy functions. The Academy Awards holds events every Sunday from September through May at the Club 55, 55 L Street SE (formerly the location of the Waaay Off Broadway theatre). Protocols and Events From the beginning in 1961, the Academy has sponsored Oscars for Best Actress, Best Actor, Best Drag in a Series, President and First Lady, Mr and Miss Academy, Mr and Miss Showbusiness, Vice President and Vice Lady, New York Drama Critics Best Actor and Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor and Best Supporting Actress, and Mr and Miss Oscar. In addition to regularly scheduled drag balls, the Academy's top annual pageants are those for Miss Gaye Universe-DC and Miss Gaye America-DC. Monthly contests at Club 55 present Zodiac awards. Annual special awards, such as the 'Lanie Kazan', recognize outstanding contributions to the community. At pageants, the order of appearance of award winners is strictly controlled by the Protocol. For some titles, the winners make make an entrance on stage. Top awards, such as Miss Gaye America and Miss Gay Universe, are 'walking' awards entitling the winner to take a formal presentation walk on stage before the audience. 'Fanny Brice', speaking to Bruce Pennington in a 1975 interview for Friends Radio talks about her first drag experience. Brice was 'mother' of the Henry Street drag house and founder of the popular Showstoppers revue of the 1970s. Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Rizzi, Carl Still Image A static visual representation. Examples of still images are: paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type "text" to images of textual materials. Original Format If the image is of an object, state the type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data 2 photographs : color Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Sparkle Subject The topic of the resource Female impersonators--Washington (D.C.)--20th century Drag shows--Washington (D.C.)--20th century Awards Club of Washington (Organization : Washington, D.C.) Sparkle (character) Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource <a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=39&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Awards+Club+of+Washington+%28Organization+%3A+Washington%2C+D.C.%29">Awards Club of Washington (Organization : Washington, D.C.)</a> Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Awards Club of Washington (Organization : Washington, D.C.) Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource <a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=40&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=1970%2F1989">1970/1989</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=47&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=All+rights+reserved+by+the+Awards+Club+of+Washington+%28Organization+%3A+Washington%2C+D.C.%29">All rights reserved by the Awards Club of Washington (Organization : Washington, D.C.)</a> <a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=47&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Reproduction+and+use+of+this+material+requires+permission+from+the+copyright+holder.+Please+contact+the+Rainbow+History+Project+for+more+information.">Reproduction and use of this material requires permission from the copyright holder. Please contact the Rainbow History Project for more information.</a> Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpeg Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Image Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Washington (D.C.) Academy of Washington Drag performances Photographs https://archives.rainbowhistory.org/files/original/fe0212060f2db263fe6e0c0848704420.jpg d297cc6299c5bfa941aa9d3174af1ee1 Omeka Image File The metadata element set that was included in the `files_images` table in previous versions of Omeka. These elements are common to all image files. Width 2032 Height 2656 Bit Depth 8 Channels 1 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Carl Rizzi , Mame Dennis, and The Academy of Washington Collection 6 Alternative Title An alternative name for the resource. The distinction between titles and alternative titles is application-specific. Carl Rizzi Papers on the Academy of Washington : Digital Collection Description An account of the resource The year 1961 saw the creation of two of Washington's first organized LGBT groups, the Mattachine Society of Washington and the Oscars. The Academy Awards of Washington, an amalgam of Oscars members and Awards Club (1965) members, incorporated in 1973 in Washington, DC, provides secure venues, mentoring, and a structure for female impersonators in the area. It is one of the oldest and most enduring organizations in the nation to provide support for female impersonators. The Climate for Drag in the Sixties Until 'Liz Taylor' created the Oscars in the autumn of 1961, drag performers and those aspiring to 'do drag' had no organized structure, no venues, and very little safety. In the repressive atmosphere of the 1950s and 1960s, wearing drag was an invitation to scorn and physical danger. Wearing drag was illegal in most southern states, and Washington DC was indeed southern in those days, though drag was never illegal in the district. Still it invited arrest and persecution. Public social spaces didn't allow drag (an ostracism that existed until well into the 1970s). Those who wanted to wear drag did it in the privacy of their homes or at private after hour parties. Indeed, Liz Taylor's house parties at her Hollywood House on Monroe St. NW were legendary in their time. Many clubs would not allow patrons in drag to enter, and few hosted drag shows. The single exception was the Golden Key Club in North Beach, MD. For other clubs, drag and drag shows were an option only during Halloween Week, which Mame Dennis calls "the high holy days of drag". At Halloween, the Brown Derby, the Chicken Hut, Hide-a-way, Georgetown Grill, Johnnie's, and the Rendezvous organized drag contests. Creating a Safe Haven for Female Impersonators Along with the Mattachine Society of Washington, the Oscars and the Awards Club were the very first organized groups for gays in the Washington area. Recalling her vision for the Academies, Liz Taylor said "... I strived to mold an elite group of people whose social life would center around drag. By creating parties and activities I knew that I would always be surrounded by people wanting to attend them... I knew that some form of drag group was necessary. I had thought about it for a long time -- and suddenly I found the answer one evening on television -- the first time I saw an Awards show called the Oscars." The first parties were held in various homes in Washington DC, which took on special names such as Blair House, Butterfield 8, Camelot, Hollywood House, Mintwood Place, Port Valada, Sand Piper, Taylor Lounge, and others. In time, these house names became the names of 'drag houses', associations of female impersonators who participated in the social activities of the Academy Awards. The first board members of the Academy were Lix Taylor (President), Bob Clauze, Prince Karl, Frankie, and 'Lena Horne'. Organization of the Academy The Academy's Houses in 1976 The houses of the Academy over 30 years have included Beekman Place (led by 'Mame Dennis'), Butterfield 8 ('Liz Taylor's house), Maryland House (led by 'Patty Duke'), Henry Street (led by 'Fanny Brice'), Liberty House, Dragonwyck, Phoenix House (led by 'Jean Nate'), and Twelve Oaks (led by 'Mae Bush'). In 1965, Jerry Buskirk and 'Vivien Leigh' led the formation of a second group, the Awards Club of Washington. The Awards Club organized the International Emmy Awards. By 1968, many members of the first Academy were also members of the Awards Club. Bill Oates Jr. &amp; Mame Dennis In May 1973 Bill Oates Jr. ("the Godfather") brokered an agreement creating the Academy Awards of Washington, led by 'Elizabeth Taylor', 'Mame Dennis', 'Patti Duke' and 'Fanny Brice'. Beekman Place and Henry Street Houses rejoined the Academy at this time. 'Mame Dennis' (of Beekman Place), chosen as president in 1973, continues to lead the group. Bill Oates, who became known as "The Godfather", helped put together the structure of the new group. The original houses of the Academy Awards of Washington were Beekman Place, Butterfield 8, Henry Street, and Maryland House. Liberty House (led by 'Edie Gorme') was added in 1974. In 1975, the Academy re-organized following a period of internal dispute. The new organization included the houses of Beekman Place, Dragonwyck (of Hagerstown, MD), Henry Street, Maryland House, Phoenix House, and Twelve Oaks (of Norfolk and Richmond). In the 1960s, most hotels and clubs would not host drag events. In its first years, the Academy held monthly contests at the short-lived Uptown Lounge in Cleveland Park. It was at the Uptown that 'Liz Taylor' first did her long remembered rendition of "Letter to Daddy". 'Fanny Brice's house, Henry Street, formed a drag performance show, Showstoppers, in 1971, which premiered at Georgetown's Trinity Theatre in September 1971. In May 1972, the Showstoppers group participated in DC's first Gay Pride celebration with a show at George Washington University's Marvin Center. Showstoppers appeared at the Marvin Center from 1973 to 1981. Showstoppers endured for many years as a very popular annual production in Washington DC's GLBT community. Until 1968 when the Washington Hilton hosted the Black Pearl Awards, most events were held at the Cairo Hotel, Casino Royale, Dodge House, and the Palm Ballroom. One of the first venues used by the Academy Awards after 1973 was the third floor area above the Hideaway and Louie's clubs at 9th and Pennsylvania NW. This third floor space became the Oscar's Eye Theatre and was used for most of the Academy and house functions. In the 1970s, Academy members became involved in the Waaay Off Broadway theatre at 55 L St. SE. Beekman place opened the theatre with its production of Cabaret. The Academy held events at the Rogue, after the latter's move to 5th and K Streets NW. In 1992, the former Waaay Off Broadway theatre became Club 55, and Academy events were invited to move there. It is still the home of many Academy functions. The Academy Awards holds events every Sunday from September through May at the Club 55, 55 L Street SE (formerly the location of the Waaay Off Broadway theatre). Protocols and Events From the beginning in 1961, the Academy has sponsored Oscars for Best Actress, Best Actor, Best Drag in a Series, President and First Lady, Mr and Miss Academy, Mr and Miss Showbusiness, Vice President and Vice Lady, New York Drama Critics Best Actor and Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor and Best Supporting Actress, and Mr and Miss Oscar. In addition to regularly scheduled drag balls, the Academy's top annual pageants are those for Miss Gaye Universe-DC and Miss Gaye America-DC. Monthly contests at Club 55 present Zodiac awards. Annual special awards, such as the 'Lanie Kazan', recognize outstanding contributions to the community. At pageants, the order of appearance of award winners is strictly controlled by the Protocol. For some titles, the winners make make an entrance on stage. Top awards, such as Miss Gaye America and Miss Gay Universe, are 'walking' awards entitling the winner to take a formal presentation walk on stage before the audience. 'Fanny Brice', speaking to Bruce Pennington in a 1975 interview for Friends Radio talks about her first drag experience. Brice was 'mother' of the Henry Street drag house and founder of the popular Showstoppers revue of the 1970s. Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Rizzi, Carl Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Original Format If the image is of an object, state the type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data flyer Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Twelve Oaks Family informational flyer Subject The topic of the resource Female impersonators--Washington (D.C.)--20th century Drag shows--Washington (D.C.)--20th century Awards Club of Washington (Organization : Washington, D.C.) Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource <a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=39&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Awards+Club+of+Washington+%28Organization+%3A+Washington%2C+D.C.%29">Awards Club of Washington (Organization : Washington, D.C.)</a> <a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=39&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Reproduction+and+use+of+this+material+requires+permission+from+the+copyright+holder.+Please+contact+the+Rainbow+History+Project+for+more+information.">Reproduction and use of this material requires permission from the copyright holder. Please contact the Rainbow History Project for more information.</a> Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Awards Club of Washington (Organization : Washington, D.C.) Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource <a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=40&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=1974%2F1979">1974/1979</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=47&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=All+rights+reserved+by+the+Awards+Club+of+Washington+%28Organization+%3A+Washington%2C+D.C.%29">All rights reserved by the Awards Club of Washington (Organization : Washington, D.C.)</a> Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpeg Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Washington (D.C.) 1970s Academy of Washington Drag performances Ephemera https://archives.rainbowhistory.org/files/original/212009021e2c204b660e45226b9b361c.pdf 45672a9915f912e161ca3264045d2180 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Carl Rizzi , Mame Dennis, and The Academy of Washington Collection 6 Alternative Title An alternative name for the resource. The distinction between titles and alternative titles is application-specific. Carl Rizzi Papers on the Academy of Washington : Digital Collection Description An account of the resource The year 1961 saw the creation of two of Washington's first organized LGBT groups, the Mattachine Society of Washington and the Oscars. The Academy Awards of Washington, an amalgam of Oscars members and Awards Club (1965) members, incorporated in 1973 in Washington, DC, provides secure venues, mentoring, and a structure for female impersonators in the area. It is one of the oldest and most enduring organizations in the nation to provide support for female impersonators. The Climate for Drag in the Sixties Until 'Liz Taylor' created the Oscars in the autumn of 1961, drag performers and those aspiring to 'do drag' had no organized structure, no venues, and very little safety. In the repressive atmosphere of the 1950s and 1960s, wearing drag was an invitation to scorn and physical danger. Wearing drag was illegal in most southern states, and Washington DC was indeed southern in those days, though drag was never illegal in the district. Still it invited arrest and persecution. Public social spaces didn't allow drag (an ostracism that existed until well into the 1970s). Those who wanted to wear drag did it in the privacy of their homes or at private after hour parties. Indeed, Liz Taylor's house parties at her Hollywood House on Monroe St. NW were legendary in their time. Many clubs would not allow patrons in drag to enter, and few hosted drag shows. The single exception was the Golden Key Club in North Beach, MD. For other clubs, drag and drag shows were an option only during Halloween Week, which Mame Dennis calls "the high holy days of drag". At Halloween, the Brown Derby, the Chicken Hut, Hide-a-way, Georgetown Grill, Johnnie's, and the Rendezvous organized drag contests. Creating a Safe Haven for Female Impersonators Along with the Mattachine Society of Washington, the Oscars and the Awards Club were the very first organized groups for gays in the Washington area. Recalling her vision for the Academies, Liz Taylor said "... I strived to mold an elite group of people whose social life would center around drag. By creating parties and activities I knew that I would always be surrounded by people wanting to attend them... I knew that some form of drag group was necessary. I had thought about it for a long time -- and suddenly I found the answer one evening on television -- the first time I saw an Awards show called the Oscars." The first parties were held in various homes in Washington DC, which took on special names such as Blair House, Butterfield 8, Camelot, Hollywood House, Mintwood Place, Port Valada, Sand Piper, Taylor Lounge, and others. In time, these house names became the names of 'drag houses', associations of female impersonators who participated in the social activities of the Academy Awards. The first board members of the Academy were Lix Taylor (President), Bob Clauze, Prince Karl, Frankie, and 'Lena Horne'. Organization of the Academy The Academy's Houses in 1976 The houses of the Academy over 30 years have included Beekman Place (led by 'Mame Dennis'), Butterfield 8 ('Liz Taylor's house), Maryland House (led by 'Patty Duke'), Henry Street (led by 'Fanny Brice'), Liberty House, Dragonwyck, Phoenix House (led by 'Jean Nate'), and Twelve Oaks (led by 'Mae Bush'). In 1965, Jerry Buskirk and 'Vivien Leigh' led the formation of a second group, the Awards Club of Washington. The Awards Club organized the International Emmy Awards. By 1968, many members of the first Academy were also members of the Awards Club. Bill Oates Jr. &amp; Mame Dennis In May 1973 Bill Oates Jr. ("the Godfather") brokered an agreement creating the Academy Awards of Washington, led by 'Elizabeth Taylor', 'Mame Dennis', 'Patti Duke' and 'Fanny Brice'. Beekman Place and Henry Street Houses rejoined the Academy at this time. 'Mame Dennis' (of Beekman Place), chosen as president in 1973, continues to lead the group. Bill Oates, who became known as "The Godfather", helped put together the structure of the new group. The original houses of the Academy Awards of Washington were Beekman Place, Butterfield 8, Henry Street, and Maryland House. Liberty House (led by 'Edie Gorme') was added in 1974. In 1975, the Academy re-organized following a period of internal dispute. The new organization included the houses of Beekman Place, Dragonwyck (of Hagerstown, MD), Henry Street, Maryland House, Phoenix House, and Twelve Oaks (of Norfolk and Richmond). In the 1960s, most hotels and clubs would not host drag events. In its first years, the Academy held monthly contests at the short-lived Uptown Lounge in Cleveland Park. It was at the Uptown that 'Liz Taylor' first did her long remembered rendition of "Letter to Daddy". 'Fanny Brice's house, Henry Street, formed a drag performance show, Showstoppers, in 1971, which premiered at Georgetown's Trinity Theatre in September 1971. In May 1972, the Showstoppers group participated in DC's first Gay Pride celebration with a show at George Washington University's Marvin Center. Showstoppers appeared at the Marvin Center from 1973 to 1981. Showstoppers endured for many years as a very popular annual production in Washington DC's GLBT community. Until 1968 when the Washington Hilton hosted the Black Pearl Awards, most events were held at the Cairo Hotel, Casino Royale, Dodge House, and the Palm Ballroom. One of the first venues used by the Academy Awards after 1973 was the third floor area above the Hideaway and Louie's clubs at 9th and Pennsylvania NW. This third floor space became the Oscar's Eye Theatre and was used for most of the Academy and house functions. In the 1970s, Academy members became involved in the Waaay Off Broadway theatre at 55 L St. SE. Beekman place opened the theatre with its production of Cabaret. The Academy held events at the Rogue, after the latter's move to 5th and K Streets NW. In 1992, the former Waaay Off Broadway theatre became Club 55, and Academy events were invited to move there. It is still the home of many Academy functions. The Academy Awards holds events every Sunday from September through May at the Club 55, 55 L Street SE (formerly the location of the Waaay Off Broadway theatre). Protocols and Events From the beginning in 1961, the Academy has sponsored Oscars for Best Actress, Best Actor, Best Drag in a Series, President and First Lady, Mr and Miss Academy, Mr and Miss Showbusiness, Vice President and Vice Lady, New York Drama Critics Best Actor and Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor and Best Supporting Actress, and Mr and Miss Oscar. In addition to regularly scheduled drag balls, the Academy's top annual pageants are those for Miss Gaye Universe-DC and Miss Gaye America-DC. Monthly contests at Club 55 present Zodiac awards. Annual special awards, such as the 'Lanie Kazan', recognize outstanding contributions to the community. At pageants, the order of appearance of award winners is strictly controlled by the Protocol. For some titles, the winners make make an entrance on stage. Top awards, such as Miss Gaye America and Miss Gay Universe, are 'walking' awards entitling the winner to take a formal presentation walk on stage before the audience. 'Fanny Brice', speaking to Bruce Pennington in a 1975 interview for Friends Radio talks about her first drag experience. Brice was 'mother' of the Henry Street drag house and founder of the popular Showstoppers revue of the 1970s. Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Rizzi, Carl Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Text Any textual data included in the document. WEATHER Mostly cloudy, gloomy ouliklc. high near 69. Low tonight? Always «inny inside L LOST AND FOUND Classifieds Sening the Fedrnt City. Virginia, Maryland, and the NO CHARGE FIFTY-SIX L STREET, S.E.-WASHINGTON, D.C. 20003. A MESSAGE TO OUR PATRONS Oh Well. You Can't Please Every One! I! During the past four weekends you have witnessed an effort by certain groups within the'community'to change the admission policies of Lost and Found. Without consulting the Management, they embarked on a campaign of picketing and harassment aimed, not just at Lost and Found, but at our patrons. The Management, knowing that our admission rules are A. Non-discriminatory, B. Very liberal, and C. Equally enforced according to District of Columbia laws, chose to ignore these pickets. After four weeks we were finally contacted by a representative of one of the moderate factions engaged in the picketing. After a very frank discussion, it was agreed there had been a lack of communication, thus causing the misconceptions about our policies. This group and the other moderates have subsequently withdrawn their support, leaving a handful of radicals to walk the line (excuse the pun) alone. We apologize for the inconvenience, as well as the verbal garbage you were forced to hear spewed from the mouths of the pickets as you tried to exercise your right of freedom of choice. Thank you for your support and consequent rebuttal of this small band of radicals who claimed to be the "representatives and moral guardians for the 'community'." When it came to making a choice between a fair policy and a flagrant case of BIASED picketing and harassment, you voted the only way you could, WITH YOUR FEET, AS YOU CROSSED THE PICKET LINE AND ENTERED THE LOST AND FOUND. THANK YOU —See Our Policy Next Page "OUR POLICY" The Management of the "Lost and Found," after two weeks of attempted harrassment, takes this opportunity to make the following statement to the public: For admission, the management requires two valid identifications. A valid identification is any document or card legally issued by the government or an employer, which provides the name, date of birth, and signature of the holder. Photographs will be required only if there is a question of validity of the identification presented. Draft cards are not acceptable as they are too easily obtained and forged. The above identification requirement is no way intended to discriminate against any person. District of Columbia Law makes the Management responsible and it must be the arbiter when there is ANY question involving identification. In addition, management has set the tone governing the dress of any individual entering its restaurant. These House Regulations on dress are posted in the foyer, are liberal, equally applied and should not offend anyone. Lost and Found has been designed in hopes of providing and improving me social activities within the community and it welcomes any suggestions that may be helpful in improving the quality of its services. One of the services, the Lost and Pound's bulletin, "The Classified," is available for free announcements for ANY group within the community. This service was available prior to opening and not as a result of picket demands The management will continue to enforce its House Regulations on dress and to require two (2) identifications from all patrons and persons 18 to 20 years old will not be admitted. The reason for the 18 to 20 regulation is that there is always an adult willing to buy a juvenille a drink and it is impossible to check each individual drink served. * * * * * * S H 0 W S T 0 P P E R S * * * * * * On the evenings of November 29th and 30th, Lost and Found, in conjunction with Henry Street, Inc., will present excerpts from "Fanny Brice's Showstoppers." The production features hit songs from Broadway Shows including such notable showstoppers as "Those Beautiful Girls," from Follies, "Let Me Entertain You," from Gypsy, "It's A Typical Day," from Little Abner and the "Tea For Two" number (with a cast of thousands), from No No Nannette. Because of the length of the show, it will be presented in two acts. The first act will be performed on Monday the 29th and the second act on Tuesday, the 30th. The show will start at 10:00 o'clock. Tickets for both nights will be sold on a first come first served basis and no seats will be reserved. The sale price of the tickets is $3.00 for a single performance (one night) or $5.00 if you wish to attend both evenings. Please remember, that each night will be a different show. Tickets are on sale at the Lost and Found and may be purchased from John LaMothe. For those customers who wish to have dinner, it will be served from 6:00 to 9:00 with reservations taken no later than 7:30. Dinner guests who wish to see the performances will be required to purchase tickets. Because of the publicity and rave reviews that greeted the original performance of Showstoppers, last September at Trinity Theatre, we know there will be a stampede for tickets. So don't be disappointed, get your ticket or tickets early and come enjoy two of the most delightful nights of entertainment you will ever experience. *************** GAY CRAPHIES COOP . . . offers fast duplicating graphies, and photographic services. We'll get in touch with you. Randy and Dick (Owners). . . for information contact Bill Parry. * * * * * * Original Format If the image is of an object, state the type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data printed newsletter Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource A message to our patrons from the Lost and Found Subject The topic of the resource Discrimination against African Americans--Washington (D.C.)--20th century Gay bars--Washington (D.C.)--20th century Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource <a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=39&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Lost+and+Found+Bar">Lost and Found Bar</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=47&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Reproduction+and+use+of+this+material+requires+permission+from+the+copyright+holder.+Please+contact+the+Rainbow+History+Project+for+more+information.">Reproduction and use of this material requires permission from the copyright holder. Please contact the Rainbow History Project for more information.</a> Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource application/pdf Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Washington (D.C.) African Americans Bars and clubs Discrimination Gay bars and clubs Gay men Lost and Found Nightlife