5
25
1983
-
Dublin Core
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Title
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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. & 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
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Rizzi, Carl
Still Image
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Original Format
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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
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Mae Bush, mother of Twelve Oaks Family
Subject
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Female impersonators--Washington (D.C.)--20th century
Bush, Mae (character)
Awards Club of Washington (Organization : Washington, D.C.)
Creator
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<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=39&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&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>
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Awards Club of Washington (Organization : Washington, D.C.)
Date
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<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=40&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=1970%2F1989">1970/1989</a>
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<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=47&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&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&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&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>
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image/jpeg
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English
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Image
Coverage
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Washington (D.C.)
1970s
1980s
Academy of Washington
Drag performances
-
https://archives.rainbowhistory.org/files/original/bdda18a8758adbc340a1177813a6af2b.pdf
1276bf3c757cf984b869157bd8af0cb9
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. & 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
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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
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Mame Dennis ... Capital Host : article
Subject
The topic of the resource
Female impersonators--Washington (D.C.)--20th century
Drag shows--Washington (D.C.)--20th century
Dennis, Mame (character)
Rizzi, Carl
Creator
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<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=39&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=St.+John%2C+Martin">St. John, Martin</a>
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=39&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=West%2C+Lane">West, Lane</a>
Date
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<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=40&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=1970%2F1989">1970/1989</a>
Contributor
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East, Phyllis
Rights
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<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=47&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=All+rights+reserved+by+the+Rainbow+History+Project.">All rights reserved by the Rainbow History Project.</a>
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=47&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&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
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application/pdf
Language
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English
Type
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Text
Coverage
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Washington (D.C.)
Academy of Washington
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. & 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
photographs : 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
Mame Dennis acting as master of ceremonies for the Lost and Found's Star Spangled Salute
Subject
The topic of the resource
Female impersonators--Washington (D.C.)--20th century
Drag shows--Washington (D.C.)--20th century
Mame Dennis (character)
Rizzi, Carl
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&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=1972-06-28">1972-06-28</a>
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=47&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&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&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&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
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image/jpeg
Language
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English
Type
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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
Bars and clubs
Drag performances
Lost and Found
Mame Dennis/Carl Rizzi
Nightlife
-
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. & 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.
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Rizzi, Carl
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photograph : color
Dublin Core
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Title
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Mame Dennis at the 38th Academy Awards of Washington
Subject
The topic of the resource
Female impersonators--Washington (D.C.)--20th century
Awards Club of Washington (Organization : Washington, D.C.)
Mame Dennis (character)
Rizzi, Carl
Publisher
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Awards Club of Washington (Organization : Washington, D.C.)
Date
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<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=40&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=1980%2F1999">1980/1999</a>
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<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=47&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&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&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&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>
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image/jpeg
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English
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Washington (D.C.)
Academy of Washington
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
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Carl Rizzi , Mame Dennis, and The Academy of Washington Collection 6
Alternative Title
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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. & 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
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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
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<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=39&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&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
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Awards Club of Washington (Organization : Washington, D.C.)
Date
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<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=40&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=1970%2F1979">1970/1979</a>
Rights
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<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=47&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&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&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&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>
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image/jpeg
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English
Type
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Image
Coverage
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Washington (D.C.)
Academy of Washington
Drag performances
Mame Dennis/Carl Rizzi
-
https://archives.rainbowhistory.org/files/original/07c9505abb7d336335b9606a25c00411.jpg
04a686bddf8a8f39f44b5edc3c1006b1
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
3926
Height
2722
Bit Depth
8
Channels
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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. & 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
Mame Dennis and Tab Hunter
Subject
The topic of the resource
Female impersonators--Washington (D.C.)--20th century
Mame Dennis (character)
Rizzi, Carl
Hunter, Tab, 1931-
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&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=1960%2F1979">1960/1979</a>
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=47&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=All+rights+reserved+by+the+Academy+Awards+of+Washington%2C+Inc.">All rights reserved by the Academy Awards of Washington, Inc.</a>
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=47&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&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
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image/jpeg
Language
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English
Type
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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
Photographs
-
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. & 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.
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Rizzi, Carl
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flyer
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Maryland House informational flyer
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Female impersonators--Washington (D.C.)--20th century
Awards Club of Washington (Organization : Washington, D.C.)
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<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=39&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&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>
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Awards Club of Washington (Organization : Washington, D.C.)
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<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=40&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=1970%2F1989">1970/1989</a>
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<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=47&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&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>
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English
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Washington (D.C.)
Academy of Washington
Drag performances
Maryland House
-
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Carl Rizzi , Mame Dennis, and The Academy of Washington Collection 6
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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. & 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
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Rizzi, Carl
Still Image
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Original Format
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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
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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
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<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=39&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&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>
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Awards Club of Washington (Organization : Washington, D.C.)
Date
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<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=40&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=1970%2F1989">1970/1989</a>
Rights
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<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=47&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&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&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&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>
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image/jpeg
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English
Type
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Image
Coverage
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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. & 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
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'Patti Duke', mother of Maryland House
Subject
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Female impersonators--Washington (D.C.)--20th century
Awards Club of Washington (Organization : Washington, D.C.)
Duke, Patti (character)
Creator
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<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=39&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&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
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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
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<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=40&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=1970%2F1989">1970/1989</a>
Rights
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<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=47&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&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
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image/jpeg
Language
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English
Type
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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
-
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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.
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2409
Height
3132
Bit Depth
8
Channels
3
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. & 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.
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Rizzi, Carl
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5 photographs : color + 1 invitation card
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Title
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2nd Annual Black Pearl Awards and Dance photograph album page
Subject
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Female impersonators--Washington (D.C.)--20th century
Drag shows--Washington (D.C.)--20th century
Mame Dennis, stage name
Rizzi, Carl
Brice, Fanny (character)
Description
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Photograph album page containing five color photographs and an invitation card for the 2nd Annual Black Pearl Awards and Dance hosted by Kenneth E. White on February 3, 1968. The photographs include images of Mame Dennis and Fanny Brice.
Date
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<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=40&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=1968-02-03">1968-02-03</a>
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<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=47&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&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&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&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>
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image/jpeg
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English
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Washington (D.C.)
Academy of Washington
Awards
Black Pearl
Drag performances
Ephemera
Fanny Brice/Alex Carlino
Mame Dennis/Carl Rizzi
Photographs
-
https://archives.rainbowhistory.org/files/original/0016bb453eaf177d4c23c6ca9472618b.jpg
3554d7b4dbe63f5290536d0169c9a16d
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Width
2232
Height
3076
Bit Depth
8
Channels
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Dublin Core
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Title
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Carl Rizzi , Mame Dennis, and The Academy of Washington Collection 6
Alternative Title
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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. & 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
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Rizzi, Carl
Document
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Original Format
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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
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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
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<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=39&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&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
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Awards Club of Washington (Organization : Washington, D.C.)
Date
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<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=40&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=1975%2F1989">1975/1989</a>
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<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=47&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&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&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&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>
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image/jpeg
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English
Type
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Text
Coverage
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Washington (D.C.)
Academy of Washington
Drag performances
Jean Nate
-
https://archives.rainbowhistory.org/files/original/ed88ed06164ce04f20de2a0d844a97bf.jpg
66d6abd60758939f01c5d5c140c62a3a
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.
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1276
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1750
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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. & 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
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'Phyllis Diller'
Subject
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Female impersonators--Washington (D.C.)--20th century
Diller, Phyllis (character)
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&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&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&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&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
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image/jpeg
Language
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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. & 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.
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Fanny Brice presents Show Stoppers III coming to G.W.U.'s Marvin Center Theater ....
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newsprint
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Fanny Brice present Showstoppers III advertisement
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Female impersonators--Washington (D.C.)--20th century
Drag shows--Washington (D.C.)--20th century
George Washington University
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<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=39&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&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>
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Awards Club of Washington (Organization : Washington, D.C.)
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<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=47&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&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>
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Washington (D.C.)
Advertisements
Drag performances
Fanny Brice/Alex Carlino
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Carl Rizzi , Mame Dennis, and The Academy of Washington Collection 6
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Carl Rizzi Papers on the Academy of Washington : Digital Collection
Description
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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. & 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.
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Rizzi, Carl
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2 photographs : color
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Sparkle
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Female impersonators--Washington (D.C.)--20th century
Drag shows--Washington (D.C.)--20th century
Awards Club of Washington (Organization : Washington, D.C.)
Sparkle (character)
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<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=39&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&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>
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Awards Club of Washington (Organization : Washington, D.C.)
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<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=47&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&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>
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Washington (D.C.)
Academy of Washington
Drag performances
Photographs
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Title
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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. & 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.
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Rizzi, Carl
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flyer
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Twelve Oaks Family informational flyer
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Female impersonators--Washington (D.C.)--20th century
Drag shows--Washington (D.C.)--20th century
Awards Club of Washington (Organization : Washington, D.C.)
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<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=39&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&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&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&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>
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Awards Club of Washington (Organization : Washington, D.C.)
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<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=40&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=1974%2F1979">1974/1979</a>
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<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=47&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&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>
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English
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Washington (D.C.)
1970s
Academy of Washington
Drag performances
Ephemera
-
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d419c59dcd5f4ac2f4d70506b7f319d2
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Carl Rizzi , Mame Dennis, and The Academy of Washington Collection 6
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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. & 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.
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Rizzi, Carl
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Title
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Twelve Oaks Family logo
Subject
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Female impersonators--Washington (D.C.)--20th century
Awards Club of Washington (Organization : Washington, D.C.)
Drag shows--Washington (D.C.)--20th century
Creator
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Awards Club of Washington (Organization : Washington, D.C.)
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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
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1974/1979
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All rights reserved by the Awards Club of Washington (Organization : Washington, D.C.)
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image/jpeg
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English
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Image
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Washington (D.C.)
1970s
Academy of Washington
Drag performances
Logos
-
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Jack Nichols Photographs and Papers : Digital Collection, 1955-2005
Description
An account of the resource
The Jack Nichols Digital Collection includes photographs and documents created by, about, or collected by Jack Nichols. The collection includes an unedited draft of his memoirs, which were never completed.
Jack Nichols is a native of Chevy Chase, MD. Until he moved to New York City with his partner Lige Clarke in the late 1960s, Nichols was extensively involved in gay activism and gay life in Washington, DC. He was a founding member of the Mattachine Society of Washington (MSW), participated in MSW’s picketing at the White House, the Pentagon, Civil Service, and at Independence Hall in Philadelphia. Nichols was an active participant in annual meetings of the East Coast Homophile Organizations (ECHO) and spoke from the podium on several occasions.
In New York City, Nichols and Clarke founded, wrote for, and edited the early national newspaper Gay. Today he edits and writes for the online newspaper Gay Today (www.gaytoday.com) which is published by the Badpuppy website.
He has generously contributed a wonderful album of photographs of his life in DC and elsewhere from which the following photographs are drawn. The Rainbow History Project (RHP) greatly appreciates Jack Nichols’ generosity in sharing these photographs and more with RHP.
The photographs displayed here are the property and copyright of either Jack Nichols or the credited creators of the photos. They may not be used without permission.
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Nichols, Jack
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photograph : black and white
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Title
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Jack Nichols & Ron Balin, Secretary of the Mattachine Society of Washington
Subject
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Nichols, Jack
Balin, Ron
Mattachine Society of Washington
Description
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Photograph of Jack Nichols & Ron Balin, Secretary of the Mattachine Society of Washington, taken in a commercial photo booth, 1963.
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<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=39&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Nichols%2C+Jack">Nichols, Jack</a>
Source
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Jack Nichols Photographs and Papers, 1955-2005
Date
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<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=40&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=1963">1963</a>
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<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=47&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=All+rights+held+by+Jack+Nichols.">All rights held by Jack Nichols.</a>
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=47&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&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>
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image/jpeg
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English
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Image
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Washington (D.C.)
Community Pioneers
Jack Nichols
Mattachine Society
Photographs
-
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Jack Nichols Photographs and Papers : Digital Collection, 1955-2005
Description
An account of the resource
The Jack Nichols Digital Collection includes photographs and documents created by, about, or collected by Jack Nichols. The collection includes an unedited draft of his memoirs, which were never completed.
Jack Nichols is a native of Chevy Chase, MD. Until he moved to New York City with his partner Lige Clarke in the late 1960s, Nichols was extensively involved in gay activism and gay life in Washington, DC. He was a founding member of the Mattachine Society of Washington (MSW), participated in MSW’s picketing at the White House, the Pentagon, Civil Service, and at Independence Hall in Philadelphia. Nichols was an active participant in annual meetings of the East Coast Homophile Organizations (ECHO) and spoke from the podium on several occasions.
In New York City, Nichols and Clarke founded, wrote for, and edited the early national newspaper Gay. Today he edits and writes for the online newspaper Gay Today (www.gaytoday.com) which is published by the Badpuppy website.
He has generously contributed a wonderful album of photographs of his life in DC and elsewhere from which the following photographs are drawn. The Rainbow History Project (RHP) greatly appreciates Jack Nichols’ generosity in sharing these photographs and more with RHP.
The photographs displayed here are the property and copyright of either Jack Nichols or the credited creators of the photos. They may not be used without permission.
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Nichols, Jack
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photograph : black and white
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Title
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Washington area gay party
Subject
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Nichols, Jack
Source
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Jack Nichols Photographs and Papers, 1955-2005
Date
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<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=40&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=1956">1956</a>
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<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=47&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&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>
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image/jpeg
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English
Type
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Image
Coverage
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Washington (D.C.)
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Title
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Jack Nichols Photographs and Papers : Digital Collection, 1955-2005
Description
An account of the resource
The Jack Nichols Digital Collection includes photographs and documents created by, about, or collected by Jack Nichols. The collection includes an unedited draft of his memoirs, which were never completed.
Jack Nichols is a native of Chevy Chase, MD. Until he moved to New York City with his partner Lige Clarke in the late 1960s, Nichols was extensively involved in gay activism and gay life in Washington, DC. He was a founding member of the Mattachine Society of Washington (MSW), participated in MSW’s picketing at the White House, the Pentagon, Civil Service, and at Independence Hall in Philadelphia. Nichols was an active participant in annual meetings of the East Coast Homophile Organizations (ECHO) and spoke from the podium on several occasions.
In New York City, Nichols and Clarke founded, wrote for, and edited the early national newspaper Gay. Today he edits and writes for the online newspaper Gay Today (www.gaytoday.com) which is published by the Badpuppy website.
He has generously contributed a wonderful album of photographs of his life in DC and elsewhere from which the following photographs are drawn. The Rainbow History Project (RHP) greatly appreciates Jack Nichols’ generosity in sharing these photographs and more with RHP.
The photographs displayed here are the property and copyright of either Jack Nichols or the credited creators of the photos. They may not be used without permission.
Contributor
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Nichols, Jack
Document
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16 computer files : rich text format
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Title
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Memoirs of Jack Nichols : unfinished and unedited
Subject
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Nichols, Jack
Mattachine Society of Washington
Creator
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<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=39&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Nichols%2C+Jack">Nichols, Jack</a>
Source
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Jack Nichols Photographs and Papers, 1955-2005
Date
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<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=40&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=2000%2F2005">2000/2005</a>
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<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=47&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&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>
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application/rtf
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English
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Text
Coverage
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Washington (D.C.)
Jack Nichols
Mattachine Society
-
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
Jack Nichols Photographs and Papers : Digital Collection, 1955-2005
Description
An account of the resource
The Jack Nichols Digital Collection includes photographs and documents created by, about, or collected by Jack Nichols. The collection includes an unedited draft of his memoirs, which were never completed.
Jack Nichols is a native of Chevy Chase, MD. Until he moved to New York City with his partner Lige Clarke in the late 1960s, Nichols was extensively involved in gay activism and gay life in Washington, DC. He was a founding member of the Mattachine Society of Washington (MSW), participated in MSW’s picketing at the White House, the Pentagon, Civil Service, and at Independence Hall in Philadelphia. Nichols was an active participant in annual meetings of the East Coast Homophile Organizations (ECHO) and spoke from the podium on several occasions.
In New York City, Nichols and Clarke founded, wrote for, and edited the early national newspaper Gay. Today he edits and writes for the online newspaper Gay Today (www.gaytoday.com) which is published by the Badpuppy website.
He has generously contributed a wonderful album of photographs of his life in DC and elsewhere from which the following photographs are drawn. The Rainbow History Project (RHP) greatly appreciates Jack Nichols’ generosity in sharing these photographs and more with RHP.
The photographs displayed here are the property and copyright of either Jack Nichols or the credited creators of the photos. They may not be used without permission.
Contributor
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Nichols, Jack
Document
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Text
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February 22nd
1975
Today is Edge's thirty-third birthday. ¥ou may not have
seen him today as closely as I have, and since there are rumors, I'll
tell you what I know about what he's been up to and' how he's
been.
Some think that Lige was mowed down on a dark Mexican road
near Veracruz; that crazed bandits emptied an automatic round
into his ^oody as he travelled the open road. Weil, that's true.
That happened.
Lige left hare {"here" being an oceanfront condominium we'd
shared since early November) on February 7th in Charlie's car-With
both Juan and Charlie. Juan had just returned from a two-year
stint in South America and was trying to orient himself to the
U.S. with a visit with Lige and me before he headed north. Charlie
lived on the same floor of our condominium complex. We'd known
him jointly since January, and he'd just finished working a
taxing job end was anxious to travel, it-seemed, and to learn. He
knew that Lige had a fierce urge to travel. He had a car, he
offered his friendship to both of us, and Lige jumped at the chance
to take a jaunt to Mexico. Charles did not die in the hail of
bullets. He was injured, both in feeling and bodily, but hot
permanently I hope/
Lige didn't have much cash, but he was always eager to see new
places, cash or no. He took only a few clothes, the materials
for the book he'd been working on here, and an extra type^A'riter.
He'd, always wanted to see the east coast of Mexico and he must
have driven very fast to get from Cocoa Beach, Florida to the
Verajjruz region in so short a time. Juan decided not to accompany
Liee and Charlie to Mexico and boarded a plane for Washington, D.C.
in Houston, evidently feeling more oriented after a rapid transit
ride ana" ready to face his adopted country once more.
My last months with Lige had been "V.'hare Peaceful Waters Flow"
as Gladys Knight might have sung it. (The most recent record album
Lige listened to intently was Imagination by Gladys Knight and
the ?ips.-) - - oh - - - he was also humming and singing Honeybee
and Reach Out recorded by Gloria Gaynor. ) He decided suddenly,
as he often decided things, to take the Mexican trip. But he was
^aiming to expand and so I was happy for him. "I'll' go down the
coast of Mexico and'find us an inexpensive place to live during
the economic, collapse," he joked,"! may be back in a week. Will
*you send me' busfare if I get stranded?15 "Sure," I smiled back.
Our last moments^were perfect moments. Happy. Undemanding.
Concerned only fojr each other's well being. He'd done quite a
bit of nursing. I had the flu in December. His aunt Monte had
gone into a Miami hospital at the end of January. But while he
was here in Cocoa Beach, he'd run on the beach, work on his book,
swim, cook, and catch those rays — sweet mother sun. He'd
stopped smoking for the second extended time. I was working on a
book too. We fed each other ideas. He told me about his travels.
Since Lige had always dreamed of world travel, he worked his way
around the globe Mftvilfi'&fj bQ countries in Asia, Africa, Europe,
and South/North America aboard a Norweigan cceanliner. He'd
brought home little gifts or sent cards and letters to his loved
ones everywhere. "The seas of the world," he said, "are like
many colored jewels: turquoises, emeralds." During the time he
travelled (January to August, 19?^) I was ir. Cocoa Beach writing
my first major philpsoohical work which I had dedicated to Llge add
which he had read carefully and. helped proof and collate upon
his return. It xvill be published in May and is full of lessons I
learned from Lige which is what the dedication says, in effect..
The book is called "MSN'S LIBERATION: A New Definition of
Masculinity." Its 31c uages will tell you what many of our conversations
were about in recent years.
Llge has been a very wise man. lie has been a guide whose own
cuo was overflowing, a man who save to others. To each man or woman
who loved him I am sure he is say ins: today, his birthday, what
Walt Whitman (whose eyes were similar to Lite's) did:
Whoever you are, now I place my hand unon you, that
you be my poem.
I whisper with my lips close to your ear,
I have loved many women and men, but I love none better
than you.
Many strange things happened before Lige left, but I will tell
you just two. We had two large towels between us, both of which Lige
had bought on his world trio. One was a plain brown. The other
was a towel of many colors, which I am sure that he left not only
for me, but for each of those whom he loved. The word "Love" was
v.rinted all over the towel and he said, "Here, take this. I'm
taking the brown one." It was his way of saying, "You may have
the oretty one." Lis-e left here that Friday afternoon his face
wreathed in smiles. He seemed almost ecstatic. The Open Road was
before him, and there was not « troubled line in his face, \-ihen
he left there were no regrets, no serious concerns. We would see
eech other soon and he knew, as he always seemed, to know
InCtlvely somehow, that there is a fit balance in the universe
;.:;'.; defies apoearances.
One of r.ipre's recent gifts to me (here in Cocoa Beach) was the
soundtrack of :Jinnochio (from the film.) Often, when we've been
out at ni.crht, Li^e (since we met) always first stooped and scanned
the heavens looking: for the earliest star, and he would close his
eyes to make a wish. "What are ycuV* wishing?" I'd ask. "I can't
you," he.'d smile, "because if I did, the wish might nob come
true." finnochio's theme scner is "When You Wish Upon a Star." Do
• know the words to that son:-r? If not, listen bo them carefully.
They will tell you (in part) what Li-re believes and how he lives
his life even now, I should think. I have never seen him
hesitate to make his dreams come true (never, certainly because of
financial considerations or because of security.) He taught me
that I must trust my first instincts more fully and yet neither of
us, certainly, always took the jrood advice we dispensed on
avery occasion. But we tried. Lise tried. Kis heart was in his
dreams, as the Pinnochio theme suggests. I am sure that Lise save
nothing to me that he did not "give carefully to others." "When
You Wish Upon a Star" is a preser." for you too, I am sure.
3-
February 23rd
1975
I promised yesterday to mention only two of the strange things
that have happened recently. But today something else hapoened..
Ten years ago, when Lite's mother died in the hills of Kentucky,
I took him to see "The Sound of Music" the night the word had come.
He liked the film, he said, because the principal character treated
children much as his^o^her had treated him and her other children.
Lige's extraordinary. Snelbianna, had. seen the film and thought
likewise.
Today, a week after another funeral took place in the hills of
Kentucky, two wonderful friends who have kept me close company,
fortunately, during the past two weeks) took me to a film. (I speak
of films because Lige was fascinated by films as an art form.) One
of my comrades suggested that we go and the other paid for the
three of us. The film was an adaptation of a book by Antoine
de Saint-Exupery: The Little Prince. Look for yourself in the film,
if you are fortunate enough to see it. You will wonder about
"The Little Prince". Who was he? You will see yourself in the film
and those near you. I am sure that if Lige were to see the film
or read the book with you himself he would, say, "You__are the
Little Prince." One becomes what one absorbs. Lige was absorbing
constantly. Ons that fateful night in Mexico he was carying, as
he usually d.id^ three books: Leaves of Grass, The Prophet, and The
Voice of the Silence. He loved, each of these books simply because
they expressed a nature akin to his own, a nature which is like
yours. That is a secret which he knew about you, even if icsxai you
did not knew it. But I am sure that if Lige showed in some way that
be cared, for you, that he didn't keen it a secret either.
Hare, before I tell you about the real life experience I enjoyed.
at a funeral in Kentucky last week, let me quote some words from
"The Little Prince." (You know how I am about quoting good things
don't you?): It could be Lige speaking to his loved, ones:
"And when your sorrow is comforted (time soothes all sorrows) you
will be content that you have known me. You will always be my
friend. You will want to laugh with me. And you will sometimes
ooen your window, so, for that pleasure."
Now, about this funeral in the hills of Kentucky.- It was the
supreme expereicne of my life thus far. It was hard, yes, but
all of us scot done what needed to be done, and it didn't seem very
hard. Lige's hometown is a magic spot (isn't everyplace?) with a
copulation under 1,000. Old friends were able to attend from several
far away cities (Lige's hometown is isolated in those southeastern
Kentucky hills). The reason that the spot seemed magical to us
was that its inhabitants sholred us that those who reach out and love
are loved in return. Lige's funeral was the most profound exchange
in ecstatic communication that I have ever experienced, far surpassing,
even, our "Rocky Mountain High" when we spoke together at the 26th
Annual Conference 0$ World Affairs (University of Colorado, Boulder,
1973) and met young peoole who enchanted us with the good we sav; in
them. But the beautiful oeople of that mountainous Kentucky region
taught your stand-ins at Lige's funeral about the
k\
natural goodness of men, particularly if they are left alone to grow by
themselves.
Prudy, a beautiful country woman, one of the most beautiful 1 have
ever seen, told of how Lige had given her a copy of The Prophet. But first":
she sang about "an uncldudy day'1 and I am certain you can remember at
least one day when Lige touched you on such a day, can't you?
i
a Pm&j was preceded by two parsons, both of whom were very brief. She !
^Jsaid only a very few words, but they captured an essence. She said:
o A"I remember Lige as my Third Son. He was the friend who shared in i
£ X3° the many "little boy" adventures of my son, Jimmy, and later in the
V6 teen age escapades of drag-racing, girl chasing, and just plain j
3 ^v* having fun. I
^ r c-j Lige was the extra family member for the holiday meals. It was not I
~>> comolete without his impish grin and his small love offering for me —.
-~N^r which could be anything from a duck to cook to a bag of candy from I
i ; V tiis daddy's store. (
^J He was truly a dreamer; artistic, sensitive, curious, and a chaser *
^ N S after rainbows. He was always searching for what lay just over the
"T/K horizon. He was ever in search of new adventures and new places.
?y •~": Lige1 s faith in a Supreme Being was very firm. We have discussed this !
i many times. His gqjd was a loving God ~- one who met his children
0 with a smile, not an angry, fearful God.
As a small boy Lige put his Bible in the corner stone of this very
H church. If he were here, I feel he would say, "No sad faces; I am
not dead. I have jast started on the most wonderful adventure of them
ail. SXraile - for 1 am just away."
i
-> .
^ At the graveside i found myself translating the scripture into my own
jidiom, and I'll pass on to you what 1 thought; "Be not afraid.. In
jmy father's house are many mansions. I go to prepare a place for you."
2It was raining as the mountain folk climbed with us to the hilltop graveside
<Lige would have worried that some of them, not quite strong enough, were
bothering to make the climb. But they did climb. They seemed determined.
"Someone at the graveside asked me if I wanted a rose. A thoughtful
>gesture. But no. Not this time.
Now, I thought, the "Whispers of Heavenly Death" have never sounded so
loud before, and yet neither had life with its precious, fragile beauty
^caused such new amazement. I hear new whisperings, and while Lige's
ispirit was unique it tells me that he is also everywhere where there are
'sentient creatures who are willing to climb, where there is good counsel,
lifting: us to new heights. Can you hear his oft-expressed thoughts? I
can. He's saying%"Breathe deeply, ten times perhaps, and then be
continually conscious of your breaths. If you're hyper, breath-consciousnes
will help you set a new pace." Next he'd say, "Don't waste useless time
in fruitless speculation. There are unanswerable questions. I raise them
myself. But do what you can do now to make the best of a situation. "There
Is nothing that haopens but that it can be turned to beautiful results."
Those of us who loved Lige while he occupied his bod.y know that1 we can
still love him in everyone we meet, no matter the face, the age, the sex,
•or the station in life. "I will have no one slighted or kept away," he might
|have said. We know he couldn't have been stooped by a mere spray of
bullets fired automatically by poor unfortunates on a dark Mexican road. The
"latest word Is that the unfortunates have been apprehended and that Charlie
is returning wounded to ^.^.»3335SH£^1sS5S# North Carolina to recuperate. ^ f Bj
*&86t Lige was reading the writings of Peter Kropotkin (18^2-1921) and was
expressing strong disapproval of the treatment of prisoners. I am making
no judgements myself. Others, who feel cheated, may. *•*•!•••••••••*
Original Format
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Typed letter signed : 4 p.
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Jack Nichols' letter upon death of his partner Lige Clarke
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Nichols, Jack
Clarke, Lige
Gay couples--United States
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An account of the resource
Typed letter signed : 4 p.
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Jack Nichols Photographs and Papers, 1955-2005
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<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=40&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=1975-02-22">1975-02-22</a>
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Washington (D.C.)
New York (N.Y.)
Jack Nichols
Lige Clarke
-
https://archives.rainbowhistory.org/files/original/9238b45ee9881f1bd88cb8ade235aa83.doc
c1ddc8d62bb66c5b7793572d7f7b39cc
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Jack Nichols Photographs and Papers : Digital Collection, 1955-2005
Description
An account of the resource
The Jack Nichols Digital Collection includes photographs and documents created by, about, or collected by Jack Nichols. The collection includes an unedited draft of his memoirs, which were never completed.
Jack Nichols is a native of Chevy Chase, MD. Until he moved to New York City with his partner Lige Clarke in the late 1960s, Nichols was extensively involved in gay activism and gay life in Washington, DC. He was a founding member of the Mattachine Society of Washington (MSW), participated in MSW’s picketing at the White House, the Pentagon, Civil Service, and at Independence Hall in Philadelphia. Nichols was an active participant in annual meetings of the East Coast Homophile Organizations (ECHO) and spoke from the podium on several occasions.
In New York City, Nichols and Clarke founded, wrote for, and edited the early national newspaper Gay. Today he edits and writes for the online newspaper Gay Today (www.gaytoday.com) which is published by the Badpuppy website.
He has generously contributed a wonderful album of photographs of his life in DC and elsewhere from which the following photographs are drawn. The Rainbow History Project (RHP) greatly appreciates Jack Nichols’ generosity in sharing these photographs and more with RHP.
The photographs displayed here are the property and copyright of either Jack Nichols or the credited creators of the photos. They may not be used without permission.
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Nichols, Jack
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Title
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Jack Nichols obituary
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Nichols, Jack
Source
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Jack Nichols Photographs and Papers, 1955-2005
Date
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<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=40&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=2005-05">2005-05</a>
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English
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Text
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Washington (D.C.)
Jack Nichols
-
Dublin Core
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Title
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Jack Nichols Photographs and Papers : Digital Collection, 1955-2005
Description
An account of the resource
The Jack Nichols Digital Collection includes photographs and documents created by, about, or collected by Jack Nichols. The collection includes an unedited draft of his memoirs, which were never completed.
Jack Nichols is a native of Chevy Chase, MD. Until he moved to New York City with his partner Lige Clarke in the late 1960s, Nichols was extensively involved in gay activism and gay life in Washington, DC. He was a founding member of the Mattachine Society of Washington (MSW), participated in MSW’s picketing at the White House, the Pentagon, Civil Service, and at Independence Hall in Philadelphia. Nichols was an active participant in annual meetings of the East Coast Homophile Organizations (ECHO) and spoke from the podium on several occasions.
In New York City, Nichols and Clarke founded, wrote for, and edited the early national newspaper Gay. Today he edits and writes for the online newspaper Gay Today (www.gaytoday.com) which is published by the Badpuppy website.
He has generously contributed a wonderful album of photographs of his life in DC and elsewhere from which the following photographs are drawn. The Rainbow History Project (RHP) greatly appreciates Jack Nichols’ generosity in sharing these photographs and more with RHP.
The photographs displayed here are the property and copyright of either Jack Nichols or the credited creators of the photos. They may not be used without permission.
Contributor
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Nichols, Jack
Still Image
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photograph : black and white
Dublin Core
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Title
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Jack Nichols and Lige Clarke
Subject
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Nichols, Jack
Clarke, Lige
Gay couples--United States
Source
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Jack Nichols Photographs and Papers, 1955-2005
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&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=1965">1965</a>
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Washington (D.C.)
Lige Clarke
-
https://archives.rainbowhistory.org/files/original/8d0006bfd02402927e4030b645404fa3.jpg
e61c183e9470afbbd964802610010dbf
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1078
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Title
A name given to the resource
Jack Nichols Photographs and Papers : Digital Collection, 1955-2005
Description
An account of the resource
The Jack Nichols Digital Collection includes photographs and documents created by, about, or collected by Jack Nichols. The collection includes an unedited draft of his memoirs, which were never completed.
Jack Nichols is a native of Chevy Chase, MD. Until he moved to New York City with his partner Lige Clarke in the late 1960s, Nichols was extensively involved in gay activism and gay life in Washington, DC. He was a founding member of the Mattachine Society of Washington (MSW), participated in MSW’s picketing at the White House, the Pentagon, Civil Service, and at Independence Hall in Philadelphia. Nichols was an active participant in annual meetings of the East Coast Homophile Organizations (ECHO) and spoke from the podium on several occasions.
In New York City, Nichols and Clarke founded, wrote for, and edited the early national newspaper Gay. Today he edits and writes for the online newspaper Gay Today (www.gaytoday.com) which is published by the Badpuppy website.
He has generously contributed a wonderful album of photographs of his life in DC and elsewhere from which the following photographs are drawn. The Rainbow History Project (RHP) greatly appreciates Jack Nichols’ generosity in sharing these photographs and more with RHP.
The photographs displayed here are the property and copyright of either Jack Nichols or the credited creators of the photos. They may not be used without permission.
Contributor
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Nichols, Jack
Still Image
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photograph : black and white
Dublin Core
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Title
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Jack Nichols addresses NYC ECHO conference
Subject
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Nichols, Jack
East Coast Homophile Organizations--1965
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Jack Nichols Photographs and Papers, 1955-2005
Date
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<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=40&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=1965">1965</a>
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New York (N.Y.)
Conference papers and proceedings
East Coast Homophile Organizations (ECHO)
Gay rights
Jack Nichols
Photographs
-
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Title
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Jack Nichols Photographs and Papers : Digital Collection, 1955-2005
Description
An account of the resource
The Jack Nichols Digital Collection includes photographs and documents created by, about, or collected by Jack Nichols. The collection includes an unedited draft of his memoirs, which were never completed.
Jack Nichols is a native of Chevy Chase, MD. Until he moved to New York City with his partner Lige Clarke in the late 1960s, Nichols was extensively involved in gay activism and gay life in Washington, DC. He was a founding member of the Mattachine Society of Washington (MSW), participated in MSW’s picketing at the White House, the Pentagon, Civil Service, and at Independence Hall in Philadelphia. Nichols was an active participant in annual meetings of the East Coast Homophile Organizations (ECHO) and spoke from the podium on several occasions.
In New York City, Nichols and Clarke founded, wrote for, and edited the early national newspaper Gay. Today he edits and writes for the online newspaper Gay Today (www.gaytoday.com) which is published by the Badpuppy website.
He has generously contributed a wonderful album of photographs of his life in DC and elsewhere from which the following photographs are drawn. The Rainbow History Project (RHP) greatly appreciates Jack Nichols’ generosity in sharing these photographs and more with RHP.
The photographs displayed here are the property and copyright of either Jack Nichols or the credited creators of the photos. They may not be used without permission.
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Nichols, Jack
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Jack Nichols
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Jack Nichols signature
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Nichols, Jack
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Image of the signature of Jack Nichols.
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<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=39&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Nichols%2C+Jack">Nichols, Jack</a>
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Jack Nichols Photographs and Papers, 1955-2005
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<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=47&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&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>
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Washington (D.C.)
Jack Nichols
-
Dublin Core
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Title
A name given to the resource
Jack Nichols Photographs and Papers : Digital Collection, 1955-2005
Description
An account of the resource
The Jack Nichols Digital Collection includes photographs and documents created by, about, or collected by Jack Nichols. The collection includes an unedited draft of his memoirs, which were never completed.
Jack Nichols is a native of Chevy Chase, MD. Until he moved to New York City with his partner Lige Clarke in the late 1960s, Nichols was extensively involved in gay activism and gay life in Washington, DC. He was a founding member of the Mattachine Society of Washington (MSW), participated in MSW’s picketing at the White House, the Pentagon, Civil Service, and at Independence Hall in Philadelphia. Nichols was an active participant in annual meetings of the East Coast Homophile Organizations (ECHO) and spoke from the podium on several occasions.
In New York City, Nichols and Clarke founded, wrote for, and edited the early national newspaper Gay. Today he edits and writes for the online newspaper Gay Today (www.gaytoday.com) which is published by the Badpuppy website.
He has generously contributed a wonderful album of photographs of his life in DC and elsewhere from which the following photographs are drawn. The Rainbow History Project (RHP) greatly appreciates Jack Nichols’ generosity in sharing these photographs and more with RHP.
The photographs displayed here are the property and copyright of either Jack Nichols or the credited creators of the photos. They may not be used without permission.
Contributor
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Nichols, Jack
Document
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Jack Nichols, 1938-2005
My Best
You are my best
Reflection
And I am yours;
You see:
My deepest
Introspection
Brings me joy
To be
Just standing here
Before you.
Your smile so tenderly
Expressing clear
Conviction:
Your own best self
Is me.
by Jack Nichols
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memorial card
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Title
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Jack Nichols, 1938-2005
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Nichols, Jack
Description
An account of the resource
Memorial card issued upon the death of Jack Nichols in 2005.
Source
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Jack Nichols Photographs and Papers, 1955-2005
Date
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<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=40&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=2005">2005</a>
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=47&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&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.)
Jack Nichols