Norman E. Nagem photographs

Finding aid created by GLBT Historical Society staff using RecordEXPRESS

GLBT Historical Society

989 Market Street, Lower Level

San Francisco, California 94103

(415) 777-5455

reference@glbthistory.org

http://www.glbthistory.org/

2023

Descriptive Summary

Title: Norman E. Nagem photographs

Dates: 1951-1972

Collection Number: 2000-25

Creator/Collector:

Extent: 1 manuscript box

Repository: GLBT Historical Society

San Francisco, California 94103

Abstract: Contains three albums of photographs of Norman Nagem (1918-2000) and his friends in drag. Nagem’s drag name was Norma Jean Crawfish. There are also a few of Nagem’s personal ID cards from the 1980s and 1990s. Nagem was born in New England and lived in Los Angeles before moving to San Francisco in the 1950s. He worked as a handyman in Cloverdale and as a waiter at the Bohemian Club in San Francisco. See also 2013-03, Norman E. Nagem photograph album.

Language of Material: English

Access

Collection is open for research.

Preferred Citation

[Identification of item]. Norman E. Nagem photographs. Collection Number: 2000-25. GLBT Historical Society

Acquisition Information

Gift of Stephen A. Smith on April 15, 2000.

Scope and Content of Collection

Contains three albums of photographs of Norman Nagem (1918-2000) and his friends in drag. Nagem’s drag name was Norma Jean Crawfish. There are also a few of Nagem’s personal ID cards from the 1980s and 1990s. Nagem was born in New England and lived in Los Angeles before moving to San Francisco in the 1950s. According to friends, he worked as a handyman in Cloverdale and as a waiter at the Bohemian Club in San Francisco. He may have served in the Navy in World War II. Nagem had several long-term partners and many lovers. His idol was Joan Crawford. See also 2013-03, Norman E. Nagem photograph album. GSSO linked terms: http://purl.obolibrary.org/obo/GSSO_000374; http://purl.obolibrary.org/obo/GSSO_001443

Indexing Terms

Gay men

Drag