WAUPaulsonDon5354.xml Guide to the Don Paulson Papers 1939-2006 Paulson (Don) Papers Special Collections, University of Washington Libraries © 2005 (Last modified: 1/31/2020)
Seattle, WA 98195
Finding aid written in English. Finding aid based on DACS (Describing Archives: A Content Standard). University of Washington Libraries, Special Collections (Accession No. 5354) Paulson, Don Don Paulson papers 1939-2006 21.21 cubic feet (31 boxes, 2 oversize folders, 2 vertical files) Collection materials are in English. Papers of an activist, writer, and artist in Seattle's gay community.

Don Paulson, an artist and author in the greater Seattle area, was born in Seattle in 1933. Paulson attended Auburn High School, then served for two years in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He lived in New York and Los Angeles for short periods but returned to Seattle in 1966 and devoted himself to painting. Paulson, a contributor to the Seattle Gay News , formed a friendship with Skippy LaRue, whose photo and clipping collection on female impersonators led Paulson to write about the topic. Specifically interested in female impersonators who performed at the Garden of Allah nightclub in Seattle, he collaborated with University of Washington communications professor Roger Simpson on the book, An Evening at the Garden of Allah: A Gay Cabaret in Seattle (Columbia University Press, 1996), for which they won the Governor's Writers Award in 1997. Paulson used the nickname "Dawn" among his friends, and he used "Whitey Boom" as an alias in connection with painting.

Paulson was a member of Black and White Men Together, a gay interracial organization committed to fostering supportive environments and overcoming racial and cultural barriers. BWMT/Seattle participated in educational, political, cultural, and social activities as a means of addressing racism, sexism, homophobia, ableism, and heterosexism in the community.

Arranged into 5 accessions: Accession no. 5354-001, Don Paulson papers, 1954-2002 Accession no. 5354-002, Don Paulson-Skippy LaRue collection, 1944-2003, undated Accession no. 5354-003, Don Paulson papers, 1950-2003 Accession no. 5354-004, Don Paulson papers, 1939-2006 Accession no. 5354-005, Don Paulson papers, 1970-1999

The Paulson papers are comprised of textual materials, sound recordings, videocassettes, programs, handbills, and sheet music relating to Paulson's life as an artist in the Seattle area, his friendships with other gay men, and his research on female impersonators, notably those who performed at the Seattle cabaret, the Garden of Allah, in the 1950s.

Textual and visual materials are open to all users. Archival recordings cannot be played due to preservation concerns. Contact Special Collections for more information.

Request at UW

 Personal Papers/Corporate Records (University of Washington) Paulson, Don--Archives Strachan, Bruce Pitcairn Salsman, Joel Lee, Harvey DeVoe, Billy Raye, Robin Goodwin, Harvey W Davis, Keith Delano Koenig, John Franklin, 1924- Meurer, Dennis Nolan, Tim S. (Timothy Shawn) Nordyke, Terry Scott, Diane Stipek, Daryl Wight, Elizabeth LaRue, Skippy BWMT/Seattle Garden of Allah (Cabaret : Seattle, Wash.) Seattle (Wash.)--Social life and customs--20th century Gay men--Washington (State)--Seattle--Archives Gay men--Washington (State)--Seattle Female impersonators--Washington (State)--Seattle Female impersonators--Washington (State)--Seattle--Interviews Music-halls (Variety-theaters, cabarets, etc.)--Washington (State)--Seattle Gay clubs--Washington (State)--Seattle Gay bars--Washington (State)--Seattle Interviews Sound recordings Videocassettes Evening at the Garden of Allah: a gay cabaret in Seattle Gays and Lesbians Seattle Sound Recordings Sexuality Performing Arts

 

The following section contains a detailed listing of the materials in the collection.

Accession No. 5354-001: Don Paulson Papers, 1954-2002 7.63 cubic ft. (11 boxes, 1 oversize folder)

Physical/Technical Access: Includes 12-inch, 33 1/3 rpm long-playing (LP) records; compact discs, audio cassettes; and 1/2-inch, VHS videocassettes.

Scope and Content: The Paulson papers are comprised of textual materials, sound recordings, videocassettes, programs, handbills, and sheet music relating to Paulson's life as an artist in the Seattle area, his friendships with other gay men, and his research on female impersonators, notably those who performed at the Seattle cabaret, the Garden of Allah, in the 1950s. The collection is organized into three subgroups. The Evening at the Garden of Allah subgroup contains incoming letters, subject files, clippings, handbills, programs, ephemera, audio interviews with performers and patrons of the theater, miscellaneous audio and video recordings, and other material relating to the research and publicity for the 1996 book, An Evening at the Garden of Allah: A Gay Cabaret in Seattle. Most of the informants that Paulson interviewed are no longer living. Correspondents include Billy DeVoe and Harvey W. Goodwin. Interviewees include Harvey Lee, Billy DeVoe, and Robin Raye.

Materials in the Seattle Black and White Men Together (BWMT) subgroup include notes and minutes from Don Paulson's term as secretary, newsletters and promotional materials for BWMT, and regional/national convention materials. The Personal Papers subgroup includes biographical information, correspondence, posters, drawings, notes, clippings, and ephemera. Skippy LaRue's clipping collection about female impersonators is also included. Correspondents include Bruce Pitcairn Strachan, Joel Salsman, Rev. Keith D. Davis, John Franklin Koenig, Dennis Meurer, Tim S. Nolan, Terry Nordyke, Diane Scott, Daryl Stipek, and Elizabeth Wight.

Restrictions on Access: The collection is open to the public.

Archival copies of the sound recordings are not available for listening.

Includes 12-inch, 33 1/3 rpm long-playing (LP) records; compact discs, audio cassettes; and 1/2-inch, VHS videocassettes.

Restrictions on Use: Paulson's and Skippy LaRue's rights were transferred to the University of Washington Libraries. Interviews for the book, An Evening in the Garden of Allah may be copied and quoted.

Digital Content/Other Formats: Listening copies made from the archival originals are available for reference purposes.

Acquisition Info: Gift of Don Paulson, June 16, 2003.

Processing Info: Processed by Meredith Selfon.

Processing completed in 2004.

Most of the interviews originally recorded on audio cassettes were copied to CD by Michael Monteleone, and preservation CD copies of these were created by the University of Washington Music Library.

Processing Info: The photographs were relocated to the Don Paulson-Skippy LaRue Photograph Collection, PH Coll. 673, in the division in 2004.

 Material Described Separately:

Separated Material: Don Paulson and Skippy LaRue Photograph Collection (PH Coll 67)

An Evening at the Garden of Allah Incoming Letters 1989-2002 1/1 5354-001 Bachelor, Kenneth 1993-1996 1/2-3 5354-001 Columbia University Press 1992-2002 1/4 5354-001 DeVoe, Billy 1993-1997

General Notes: Also known as Dusin, Joseph W.

 1/5 5354-001 Goodwin, Harvey Wy 1990-1992 1/6 5354-001 Nielson, Sister Paula 1990-1994 1/7 5354-001 Strachan, Bruce 1989 1/8-13 5354-001 Miscellaneous, A-Z 1989-2000, undated 1/14 5354-001 Unidentified 1990-1995 1/15 5354-001 Outgoing Letters 1991-1995 Interviews (Listening copies) 1989-1995

Physical/Technical Access: Compact discs.

 10/1 5354-001 Arbicore, Richard 1989 10/2 5354-001 B.B. 1989 10/3 5354-001 Bates, Jim 1993 10/4 5354-001 Bee, Kenny 1993 10/49 5354-001 Begin undated

Scope and Content: Concerning Ray Bourbon.

 10/5 5354-001 Blair, Stephen R. 1993 10/6 5354-001 Brown, Dorothy undated 10/8 5354-001 Brown, Wanda Leslie 1989 10/36 5354-001 Buerge, Ole undated 10/32 5354-001 Calley, Jimmy 1989 10/9 5354-001 Carpervie, John 1990 10/10 5354-001 Carter, Bob 1991 10/11 5354-001 Chew, Jimmy 1989 10/19 5354-001 Dempsy, Mark undated 10/12 5354-001 DeVoe, Billy 1990 10/16 5354-001 Donnelly, Chet 1989 10/17 5354-001 Dorneck, Dee 1993 10/18 5354-001 Drake, Kim 1993 10/20 5354-001 Estelle, Countess 1989

General Notes: Also known as Herb Wolky.

 10/2 5354-001 Freeman, Dri 1993 10/22 5354-001 Gerlach, Jim 1989 10/24 5354-001 Gino 1993 10/7 5354-001 Hanson, Hal undated 10/25 5354-001 Jacomi, Robey 1989 10/26 5354-001 Kelsey, Rita 1989 10/27 5354-001 Kemp, Jose 1995 10/28 5354-001 Kempner, Jim 1993 10/30 5354-001 King, Kitty undated 10/31 5354-001 Knutson, Norman 1990 10/15 5354-001 LaRue, Skippy 1990 10/40 5354-001 Lee, Harvey 1990 10/33 5354-001 Leonard, Lee undated 10/34 5354-001 MacClaine, Bill undated 10/35 5354-001 Maser, Shirley 1990 10/38 5354-001 McFerrson, Bob 1990 10/56 5354-001 Miller, Ann undated 10/39 5354-001 Nass, Carmelita 1990 10/29 5354-001 Parkins, Bill 1993 10/42 5354-001 Plant, Bill 1989 10/13 5354-001 Raye, Robin 1990 10/14 5354-001 Reynolds, Ricky 1990 10/44 5354-001 Ross, Gerry 1990 10/45 5354-001 Star, Kitty 1992 10/37 5354-001 Thomas, Mona undated 10/57 5354-001 Trent, Paula undated 10/46 5354-001 Vilma 1990 10/61 5354-001 Whitehead, Mrs. Anderson undated 10/47 5354-001 Wholey, Denis undated 10/53 5354-001 Yentze, Audrey 1990 Interviews (Listening copies)

Physical/Technical Access: Audio cassettes.

 9/59 5354-001 Cordas, Jack 1989 9/62 5354-001 Spencer, Walt 1990 9/63 5354-001 Wells, Alex undated

General Notes: [Also known as Jackie Star?]

 8-9 5354-001 Interviews (Archival copies)

Physical/Technical Access: Audio cassettes.

Restrictions on Use: Researchers must use listening copies on CD.

 4 5354-001 Interviews (Archival copies)

Physical/Technical Access: Compact discs.

Restrictions on Use: Researchers must use listening copies on CD.

 Sound Recordings (Listening copies)

Physical/Technical Access: Compact discs.

 10/52 5354-001 Andy Warhol Auction 1988 10/51 5354-001 India, etc. undated 10/48 5354-001 PBS Late Night undated 10/50 5354-001 Random TV Music undated 10/55 5354-001 Scandinavian Piece undated Sound Recordings (Listening copies)

Physical/Technical Access: Audio cassettes.

 7/80 5354-001 A Shot of Ray Bourbon 1997 7/65 5354-001 Advertisement for Book Warming 1996 7/77 5354-001 AIDS Test Should Be Outlawed 1996 7/75 5354-001 AMA Conspiracies 1997 7/70 5354-001 Anthony - Fight in Bar undated 7/79 5354-001 Bourbon, Ray, Around the World in 80 Ways ca. 1950 7/78 5354-001 Bourbon, Ray, Let Me Tell You About My Operation ca. 1950 7/69 5354-001 Conversation with Mark Dempsey undated 7/64 5354-001 Dan Savage Radio Show undated 7/74 5354-001 Fascism in Medicine 1994 7/72 5354-001 Flirtations undated 8/58 5354-001 Girl's Night at South End Baths undated 7/68 5354-001 Mature Friends Talk 1998 7/73 5354-001 New Faces of 1956 undated 7/76 5354-001 Pluamorphic Pathologies 1994 8/60 5354-001 South American Music and Star Music undated 7/71 5354-001 Talk of the Nation 2002 4 5354-001 Sound Recordings (Archival copies)

Physical/Technical Access: Compact discs.

Restrictions on Use: Researchers must use the use listening copies on CD.

 9 5354-001 Sound Recordings (Archival copies)

Physical/Technical Access: Audio cassettes.

Restrictions on Use: Researchers must use the use listening copies on CD.

 Long-playing (LP) Record Albums Disc Recordings Box 3 5354-001 Bourbon, Ray, Around the World in 80 Ways ca. 1950 1 sound disc : analog, 33 1/3rpm, stereo. ; 12 in. Disc Recordings Box 3 5354-001 Bourbon, Ray, Don't Call Me Madam ca. 1950 1 sound disc : analog, 33 1/3rpm, stereo. ; 12 in. Disc Recordings Box 3 5354-001 Bourbon, Ray, Let Me Tell You About My Operation ca. 1950 1 sound disc : analog, 33 1/3rpm, stereo. ; 12 in. Videocassette Recordings 7 5354-001 Evening Magazine 1993 1 videocassette (VHS) ; 1/2 in. 7 5354-001 Garden Variations undated 1 videocassette (VHS) ; 1/2 in. 7 5354-001 Reading/Book Party 1996 1 videocassette (VHS) ; 1/2 in. 1/16 5354-001 Interview Releases 1993 5 5354-001 Magazines 1926-1967 1/17 5354-001 Speeches and Writings 1996-2000 1/18 5354-001 Conference on Outing Pacific Northwest History 1998 Publicity 1/19 5354-001 Garden of Allah Stage Play 2000 1/20 5354-001 Pride Foundation 1995 1/21-23 5354-001 General 1990-2000 5 5354-001 General 1994 1/24 5354-001 Script: Garden of Allah Stage Play 1999 1/25 5354-001 Notes undated 1/26 5354-001 Programs 1955-1993 1/27 5354-001 Handbills 1958,1982-1991, undated 1/28 5354-001 Bulletins from the Awareness of Life Church/Theo Light Society, Renton, Wash. 1989-1993 5 5354-001 Sheet Music 1912-1928 1/29 5354-001 Hotcha Hinton Dirty Joke Notebook ca. 1950 Artifacts 6 5354-001 Garden of Allah Building Fragments undated 11 5354-001 Gloves undated 1/30 5354-001 Promotional Button undated Subject Series 1/31 5354-001 Goodwin, Harvey Wy 1990-1992 1/32 5354-001 Governor's Writers Award 1996-1997 1/33 5354-001 Herrero, Billy 1990 Phillips, George 11 5354-001 Gloves 1993 11 5354-001 Clipping 1991 1/34 5354-001 Sing, Au undated 1/35 5354-001 Clippings 1954,1993-2000 Black and White Men Together (BWMT), Seattle, Wash. 1983-1991 1/36 5354-001 Minutes and Agenda 1983-1986 1/37 5354-001 Event Notes 1985-1986 Secretary's Notebook 1/38 5354-001 Steering Committee 1985 1/39 5354-001 Social Activities 1985 1/40 5354-001 Treasury 1985 1/41 5354-001 Calendar 1985 1/42 5354-001 By-Laws 1983 1/43 5354-001 Elections Committee 1985 1/44 5354-001 Public Relations undated 1/45 5354-001 Prison Outreach 1985 1/46 5354-001 Legalities 1985 1/47 5354-001 Membership undated 1/48 5354-001 National Association undated Audio Cassettes 7/66 5354-001 National Association Convention Speeches 1985 7/67 5354-001 Radio Show 1985 1/49 5354-001 Writings of Others 1984-1987 1/50 5354-001 Announcements 1985-1986 1/51 5354-001 Programs 1985-1987 1/52 5354-001 Forms and Surveys undated 1/53 5354-001 Mailing Lists 1986 1/54 5354-001 Invitation 1985 Flyers 1/55 5354-001 Black and White Men Together 1979-1987 1/56 5354-001 Miscellaneous 1986, undated Conventions 1/57 5354-001 Pacific Coast Regional Network (in Seattle) 1984 2/1-2 5354-001 Los Angeles BWMT 1985 2/3 5354-001 Pacific Coast Regional Network 1986 2/4 5354-001 New York City BWMT 1986 2/5 5354-001 Calendars 1984-1986 Newsletters 2/6 5354-001 Seattle BWMT 1984-1988 2/7 5354-001 Other BWMT Chapters 1984-1988 2/8 5354-001 National/International BWMT 1984-1985 2/9 5354-001 Other Organizations 1984-1991 2/10 5354-001 Autographed Leaflet 1986 2/11 5354-001 Business Cards undated 2/12 5354-001 Memorabilia undated 2/13 5354-001 Clippings 1960-1990 Subject Series Patterson, John 2/14 5354-001 Miscellany 1984-1986 Misc. Oversize Box 4 5354-001 Autographed Poster 1986 2/15-16 5354-001 Discrimination Response System (DRS) 1984-1986 Personal Papers 1961-2002 2/17 5354-001 Biographical Features 1988 Incoming Letters 2/18 5354-001 Davis, Keith Delane (Reverend) 1963-1984 2/19 5354-001 Doyle, Philip John (P.J.) 1979-1988 2/20 5354-001 Hagen, Carlos B. 1975-1978 2/21 5354-001 Hanseroth, Fred and Bobbi 1969-1985 2/22 5354-001 Koenig, John Franklin 1961-1981 2/23 5354-001 Mahon, Constance (Connie) 1966 2/24-25 5354-001 Meurer, Dennis 1988-2001 2/26-27 5354-001 Nolan, Tim S. (Timothy Shawn) 1969-1973, undated 2/28 5354-001 Nordyke, Terry (Terence) 1966-1994 2/29 5354-001 Paulson, Mr. and Mrs. Ivan T. 1971-1985 2/30 5354-001 Record, Leroy S. 1978-1986 2/31-36 5354-001 Salsman, Joel 1963-1994, undated 2/37 5354-001 Scott, Diane 1965-1978 2/38 5354-001 Septon, Ronald 1971-1986 2/39-41 5354-001 Stipek, Daryl 1968-1992 2/42-52 5354-001 Strachan, Bruce Pitcarin 1970-1993, undated Misc. Oversize Box 4 5354-001 Strachan, Bruce Pitcarin 1977 2/53 5354-001 Wight, Elizabeth 1975-1980 3/1-27 5354-001 Miscellaneous A-Z undated 3/28-32 5354-001 Invitations 1967-2001, undated 3/33 5354-001 Greeting Cards 1964-1997 3/34 5354-001 Bulk Mail 1966-1974, undated 3/35 5354-001 Unidentified 1964-1994, undated 3/36 5354-001 Outgoing Letters 1964-1980, undated 3/37-39 5354-001 General Correspondence of Others, A-Z undated Misc. Oversize Box 4 5354-001 Posters 1969, undated 3/40 5354-001 Drawing 1960 3/41 5354-001 Notes undated 7/81 5354-001 Carlos Hagan, "Some Thoughts on Why One Becomes a Revolutionary" ca. 1970 1 audio cassette 3/42 5354-001 Ephemera undated 3/43 5354-001 Clippings 1979 Accession No. 5354-002: Don Paulson-Skippy LaRue Collection, 1944-2003, undated 3.85 cubic feet (6 boxes and 1 oversize folder)

General Notes: Minimally processed accession

Scope and Content: Photographs, manuscripts, biographical material and other writings, notes, souvenir programs and other publications, 135 audio recordings on cassette tapes and CD, 5 VHS videocassette tapes, clippings, and ephemera.

Restrictions on Access: Textual and visual materials are open to all users. Archival recordings cannot be played due to preservation concerns. Additionally, material is stored offsite; advance notice is required for use. Contact Special Collections for more information.

Acquisition Info: Donor: Don Paulson, June 30, 2009

 1 5354-002 Textual materials, photographs, audio tapes

Restrictions on Access: The audio tapes cannot be played due to preservation concerns. Contact Special Collections for more information.

 2 5354-002 Textual materials (chiefly) and photographs 3 5354-002 Textual materials, photographs and artwork 4 5354-002 "Skippy LaRue" drag outfit 5 5354-002 Video cassettes (VHS)

Restrictions on Access: The video cassettes cannot be played due to preservation concerns. Contact Special Collections for more information.

 6 5354-002 Audio cassettes and autographed CD of "Why we are here!" Carl Anderson

Restrictions on Access: The audio cassettes cannot be played due to preservation concerns. Contact Special Collections for more information.

 Accession No. 5354-003: Don Paulson papers, circa 1950-2003 6.08 cubic feet (10 boxes)

General Notes: Minimally processed accession

Scope and Content: These materials are primarily comprised of journals, research files on the Brownell Homestead, records and history of the Lux Sit and Dance light show, interviews of Quentin Crisp, binders and scrapbooks on Paulson's art career and research, and correspondence between Paulson and his family, as well as correspondence between Paulson and Anne Gould Hauberg. Ca. 1950-2003.

Restrictions on Access: Textual and visual materials are open to all users. Archival recordings cannot be played due to preservation concerns. Contact Special Collections for more information.

Acquisition Info: Donor: Don Paulson, March 13, 2006

 Accession No. 5354-004: Don Paulson Papers, 1939-2006 3.62 cubic feet (4 boxes plus 1 vertical file)

Arrangement: Arranged into 3 series: Biographical Materials Research Files Miscellaneous

Arrangement and folder titles retained from donor.

Scope and Content: Audio recordings on cassette tapes and LP, DVDs, VHS tapes, clippings, notes, biographical materials, photographic materials, and manuscripts.

Restrictions on Access: Textual and visual materials are open to all users. Archival recordings cannot be played due to preservation concerns. Contact Special Collections for more information.

Acquisition Info: Donor: Fay Bengston, September 26, 2011.

 Biographical Materials 1/1 5354-004 1950 Invader (yearbook) 1950 1/2 5354-004 6th Infantry Division--G Company 1953 1/3 5354-004 Army papers, etc. undated 1/4 5354-004 Buddies from the past undated 1/5 5354-004 Don Paulson on The Factory (DVD) 2006 1/6 5354-004 Interview with Skippy LaRue (VHS) undated 1/7 5354-004 Ongoing Art Career undated 1/8 5354-004 Poetry 2000 1/9-10 5354-004 School stuff 1941-1949 1/11 5354-004 Slides undated 1/12 5354-004 Very early artwork of Don Paulson 1939-1949 1/13 5354-004 Wood carving--book plate 1946 1/14 5354-004 Army photographs 1953-1955 Research Files 2/1 5354-004 Garden of Allah (DVD) undated 2/2 5354-004 Gossip about Seattle society (audio cassette) 2004 2/3-4 5354-004 Keith Milton Rhinehart (Aquarian) Foundation undated 2/5 5354-004 Misc. Zerox photo's of the Garden of Allah undated 2/6 5354-004 The Outlaw undated 2/7 5354-004 Early Seattle gay bars--Pike Street Tavern (two audio LPs) undated 2/8-9 5354-004 Pioneer cabins undated 2/10 5354-004 Porn: 1960 anonymous cartoons 1960 2/11 5354-004 Surveillance tape in office at the South End steam baths Seattle (VHS) 1998 2/12 5354-004 Vintage porno undated 2/13 5354-004 Archeological site undated Archeological site undated 2/14 5354-004 Arlington Hotel-Archeological site undated 2/15-17 5354-004 Early Seattle gay bars undated Early Seattle gay bars undated 3/1-5 5354-004 Early Seattle gay bars undated 4 5354-004 Early Seattle gay bars (audio cassettes) undated 3/6 5354-004 Ideas for Seattle gay history undated 3/7 5354-004 The last burlesque house in Seattle: Rivoli Theater 1951-1958 undated 3/8-11 5354-004 Madame Peabodies undated 3/12 5354-004 The Monastery 1980s 3/13-14 5354-004 Seattle cruising places ca. 1930-1970 undated Miscellaneous 3/15 5354-004 Decoration 1st Ave Peep Show undated 3/16 5354-004 Miscellaneous undated It's a Lon Mabon Christmas Carol, Charlie Brown undated Accession No. 5354-005: Don Paulson papers, circa 1970-1999 1 vertical file

General Notes: Minimally processed accession

Scope and Content: Posters and ephemera relating to AIDS, drag queens, and the general GLBTQ community. Ephemera in vertical file includes programs, show announcements, newsletters from Sister Paula Ministries (Portland, Oregon), clippings, and souvenir booklet from the Imperial Sovereign Court of Seattle.

Restrictions on Access: Open to all users.

Acquisition Info: Donor: Don Paulson, donation date unknown

Processing Info: A large, oversize folder of posters was transferred to Visual Materials, January 2012.