Rare 1980 Pride Photo Donated
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August 20, 2013: Last week, the Project received a rare photograph taken by noted photographer Wilbur Wegener at St. Louis' first Pride event in 1980. Here it is. The image is of Pat Murrell and she is holding a balloon. Not only is the image great, but so is the story of the balloon. Janet Utley was in charge of procuring the balloons and she tells a great story about going to a local carnival supply company and that at first they were hesitant to print balloons with a gay message, saying they "could not do such a thing," and Janet simply said," well, sure you can." Special thanks to Jim Andris for hosting an event at his house last week where Pat and Janet were joined by Judith Hunter and Jim Pfaff.
These women were plugged in to the greater women's community that was associated with the activism surrounding the 1977 Anita Bryant fear campaign and before, and right on up to the 1980 Pride event and after. Their memories are invaluable. At Jim's house Jim Pfaff showed his color slides from the 1980 and 1981 St. Louis Pride events. The ladies did a great job of helping identify many people in the photos. The Project will be partnering with Jim Pfaff to showcase his rare images. More news on that to come. For now enjoy this great historic memory from 1980. Photo by Wilbur Wegener, April 1980. Donor Pat Murrell.
Project's 2013 Pride Exhibit
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July 1, 2013: The Project was proud to provide an educational display at this year's historic 2013 St. Louis Pride - held in downtown St. Louis for the very first time. This year's exhibit featured some never seen before artifacts - including a black gown once worn by a popular 1970's St. Louis area female impersonator (Lady Charles/Charlie Davis). Thanks to the several hundred people who stopped by the exhibit. Many of you had new stories to tell and some artifacts to donate. The Project was also honored by Pride St. Louis, Inc., this year with the Jim Hoefer award. Thanks to Pride St. Louis, Inc., and everyone else who has been so support of the Project. Keep those historic stories and treasures coming our way.
Project Honored by Pride St. Louis
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June 5, 2013: The Project was honored by Pride St. Louis on June 4 at a special Pride month kick-off party held at Strauss Park in Grand Center. The Project is the recipient of this year's Jim Hoefer Award annually bestowed by Pride St. Louis. The award is presented to an organization that best exemplifies what it means to serve St. Louis' LGBT Community. A special thank you from Project team members Colin Murphy, Ian Darnell, and Steven Brawley to everyone who has supported our work! Don't miss our special history exhibit at this year's Pride being held downtown on June 29 and 30.
Gypsy Lee Donation
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May 24, 2013: The Project thanks Gypsy Lee for the donation of her vintage 1970's Cher Indian costume and headdress worn at a Mandrake Ball and some early pageants. The Project hopes to display the outfit at our St. Louis Pride display in June. Thanks Gypsy Lee!
