Lawrence DeCeasar papers, circa 1955-2002

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Scope and content:: The Lawrence DeCeasar papers contain materials related to the life and career of the local ragtime musician. DeCeasar (1931-2002), also known as Larry Langtry and Silver Dollar Larry, worked in saloons from New Orleans to Juneau, Alaska. He was active in San Francisco from the 1970s-1990s and lived for many years at Maria Manor near San Francisco's Union Square, where he entertained his community with his music and tales of his life as a piano player. Self-trained, he had previously worked as a fry cook. DeCeasar was also a certified minister with the Church of God Within and was a spiritualist and metaphysician. The collection includes correspondence (circa 1993-1996); personal and professional photographs; materials related to the Church of God Within and his spiritual life, including his astrological chart; appointment calendars; newspaper clippings; personalia (including materials from his memorial service); sheet music and set lists; and costumes that he wore while playing the piano.
Acquisition information:: Gift of Warner Wilson on November 4, 2002.

Access and use

Restrictions:: Collection is open for research.
Terms of access:: All requests for reproductions and/or permission to publish or quote from material must be submitted in writing to the GLBT Historical Society Archivist. Permission for reproductions and/or permission to publish or quote from material is given on behalf of the GLBT Historical Society as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder. Transmission or reproduction of materials protected by copyright beyond that allowed by fair use requires the written permission of the copyright owners. Responsibility for any use rests exclusively with the user.

Location of this collection:: GLBT Historical Society

989 Market Street, Lower Level

San Francisco, CA 94103, US