Collection context
Summary
- Creator:
- Herbert Bushelman, May 18, 1907-February 15, 1994
- Abstract:
- The Bushelman correspondence describes early to mid-twentieth century gay life in the United States. Letters contain information about cruising culture, gay sex and relationships, the Great Depression, World War II service members, and popular culture.
- Extent:
- 2 Boxes
- Language:
- English .
Background
- Biographical / Historical:
Charles Herbert (Herb) Bushelman (May 18, 1907-February 15, 1994) was a librarian from Cincinnati, Ohio. His letters often discuss his experiences cruising in Cincinnati and Cleveland, Ohio and his acceptance of his gay identity. Letters addressed to him discuss gay sexual encounters including cruising, long-term partnerships, and World War II service members sexual experiences in the military between soldiers as well as sex with civilians. Topics also include librarianship, family, music, movies, personal reflections and experiences of wartime in the United States, the experiences of gay men marrying women, and perceptions of gay and bisexual men's identities. Herb never married.
- Scope and Content:
The collection includes letters dated between 1921 and 1944 from friends, family, and sexual and romantic partners of Herb Bushelman. Primarily paper with some photographs.
- Custodial history:
Unknown donor, presumably Herb Bushelman.
- Arrangement:
This collection is arranged beginning with letters authored by Herb Bushelman and subsequently alphabetically by letter writer names. Letters of reference and cards for birthdays and holidays are placed at the end. Some writers go by a pseudonym, or their last name is excluded from the record.
This collection is arranged beginning with letters authored by Herb Bushelman and subsequently alphabetically by letter writer names. Letters of reference and cards for birthdays and holidays are placed at the end. Some writers go by a pseudonym, or their last name is excluded from the record.
- Dimensions:
- 16"x12"x10" and 12 ¼"x10 ¼"x5".
Access
- RESTRICTIONS:
-
Access on-site by appointment only. Access restrictions may apply. Contact The Kinsey Institute, libknsy@indiana.edu, for further information.
- TERMS OF ACCESS:
-
All users must sign a confidentiality agreement before accessing the materials. Please consult the Kinsey Institute photocopying policy.
- CAMPUS:
- Indiana University Bloomington
- LOCATION OF THIS COLLECTION:
-
The Library and Special Collections1165 East Third StreetBloomington, Indiana 47405, United States
- CAMPUS:
- Indiana University Bloomington
- CONTACT:
-
812-855-7686libknsy@iu.edu