Jump to Content

Collection Guide
Collection Title:
Collection Number:
Get Items:
Harvey Milk Letters to Susan Davis Alch 1956-1962
GLC 19  
View entire collection guide What's This?
Search this collection
Collection Overview
 
Table of contents What's This?
Description
The letters document Harvey Milk's activities in Miami, Dallas, and New York and his relationships with Joe Campbell and John Harvey. Milk was the first openly gay candidate elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors; Susan Davis Alch was a friend he met in San Diego, Calif.
Background
Milk was the first openly gay candidate elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. Susan Davis Alch was a friend he met in San Diego, Calif.After completing his stint in the Navy, Harvey Milk spent the fall and winter of 1955 in Los Angeles. Mike Sather, a mutual friend, introduced Milk to Susan Davis during that time. It is also during this period that Milk met and fell in love with John Harvey, a friend of Sue's. In spring 1956, Milk moved to Miami with John Harvey and Don [Donna?]. Once there, Milk and Harvey parted company. In a few letters, Milk notes that he had a "blind" love for Harvey which was not returned. Although Milk intended to settle in Miami, he returned to New York in May because of family problems.
Extent
31.0 folders
Restrictions
All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the City Archivist. Permission for publication is given on behalf of the San Francisco Public Library as the owner of the physical items.
Availability
The collection is open for research.