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Finding aid to the John Callahan papers, 1930-2013 Coll2022-008

Beth McDonald
ONE Archives at the USC Libraries, University of Southern California
© 2022
909 West Adams Boulevard
Los Angeles, California 90007
Telephone: (213) 821-2771
askone@usc.edu
Contributing Institution: ONE Archives at the USC Libraries, University of Southern California
Title: John Callahan papers
Creator: Callahan, John F.
Identifier/Call Number: Coll2022-008
Physical Description: 8.67 Linear Feet 7 boxes.
Date (inclusive): 1930-2013
Abstract: John Callahan was an activist, educator, actor, producer, director, and co-founder of the gay and bisexual rap group Age of Consent. His collection, 1930-2013, consists of personal papers, theatrical production materials, teaching materials, photographs, and audio recordings for Age of Consent.
Language of Material: English .

Biographical Note

John Callahan was an activist, educator, actor, producer, and director. He was born in Massachusetts on February 2, 1945 to Aurelia Jeanne Sousa Callahan while his father, John F. Callahan, was stationed in Burma during World War II. Callahan grew up in Chelmsford, Massachusetts and attended Chelmsford High School, State College at Lowell, and the University of Denver. After graduating college, he taught theatre at Alice Lloyd College and Foxborough High School.
Callahan married Donna Sprague after college, the couple had a daughter, Lisa. They divorced several years later.
Callahan moved to Los Angeles in 1980, where he took a job in the legal department of Getty Oil Company. In 1981, Callahan, along with collaborator David Hughes, founded Age of Consent, "the world's first gay and bisexual rap group". Callahan was a member of Age of Consent for three years before deciding to move on and become more involved in the Los Angeles theatre community. He became the artistic director for Celebration Theatre and also worked with several other theatrical and performing arts associations in Los Angeles.
Callahan met and married Bradley Rader in 1987, the two were together for 27 years before Callahan's passing in 2013 from prostate cancer.
References: https://ageofconsentrap.com/, https://www.facebook.com/john.f.callahan/

Conditions Governing Access

The collection is open to researchers. There are no access restrictions.

Conditions Governing Use

All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the ONE Archivist. Permission for publication is given on behalf of ONE National Gay and Lesbian Archives at USC Libraries as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Gift of Brad Rader, 2013.

Preferred Citation

[Box/folder #, or item name] John Callahan Papers, Coll2022-008, ONE National Gay and Lesbian Archives, USC Libraries, University of Southern California.

Processing Information

Collection processed by Beth McDonald, 2022. Processing this collection has been funded by a generous grant from the California State Library.

Scope and Contents

The collection, 1930-2013, is primarily comprised of records and materials related to Callahan's work in theatre as an actor, producer, and teacher. It includes production materials for plays, including scripts, programs, publicity, cast lists, and photographs. The collection also contains personal records and materials belonging to both of his parents, yearbooks, photographs, ephemera, and audio recordings from Callahan's rap group Age of Consent.

Arrangement

The collection is arranged into four series: 1) Records and Documents; 2) Photographs; 3) Media; 4) Realia and Ephemera

Related Materials

Age of Consent Collection, Coll2014-024; Celebration Theatre Collection, Coll2007-017

Subjects and Indexing Terms

Bands (Music) -- Gays
Experimental theater -- California -- Los Angeles -- 20th century -- Archival resources
Gay theater
Homosexuality and theater
Homosexuality in the theater
Performing Arts
Plays (performed works)
Rap (Music) -- Homosexuality
Age of Consent
Celebration Theatre (Los Angeles, CA.)
 

Records and Documents 1930-2013

Box 2, Folder 1

Acting Class Materials undated

Physical Description: 1 folder
Language of Material: English.
Box 1, Folder 1-2

Age of Consent 1981-1983

Physical Description: 2 folder
Language of Material: English.
Box 7, Folder 2

Age of Consent - Clippings 1982

Physical Description: 1 folder
Language of Material: English.
Box 1, Folder 3

Anti-Club calendars 1985-1986

Physical Description: 1 folder
Language of Material: English.
Box 2, Folder 2

Arroyo Repo undated

Physical Description: 1 folder
Language of Material: English.
Box 2, Folder 3

Art Exhibits and Galleries undated

Physical Description: 1 folder
Language of Material: English.
Box 2, Folder 4

Brad Rader and John Callahan Recommitment Ceremony 1997

Physical Description: 1 folderIncludes photographs of ceremony
Language of Material: English.
Box 2, Folder 5

Brad Rader's Eulogy for John Callahan 2013

Physical Description: 1 folder
Language of Material: English.
Box 2, Folder 6

Buttons (removed to ONE Button Collection) undated

Physical Description: 1 folder
Language of Material: English.
Box 1, Folder 4-7

Celebration Theatre 1987-1991

Physical Description: 4 folderIncludes photographs of theatrical productions
Language of Material: English.
Box 2, Folder 7

Celebrity Yearbook magazine 1977

Physical Description: 1 folder
Language of Material: English.
Box 2, Folder 8

Chelmsford High School Alumni Directory 2002

Physical Description: 1 folder
Language of Material: English.
Box 2, Folder 9

Chelmsford High School Class of '62 10-Year Reunion 1972

Physical Description: 1 folder
Language of Material: English.
Box 2, Folder 10

COLAGE 1987 September

Physical Description: 1 folder
Language of Material: English.
Box 2, Folder 11

Confidential Magazine 1956 July

Physical Description: 1 folder
Language of Material: English.
Box 2, Folder 12

Correspondence 1960-2008

Physical Description: 1 folder
Language of Material: English.
Box 2, Folder 13

Delegation to Cuba 1994

Physical Description: 1 folder
Language of Material: English.
Box 7, Folder 1

1988 Democratic National Convention 1988

Physical Description: 1 folder
Language of Material: English.
Box 2, Folder 14

Diary 1983

Physical Description: 1 folder
Language of Material: English.
Box 2, Folder 15

Donna Sprague undated

Physical Description: 1 folder
Language of Material: English.
Box 7, Folder 3

Edge Magazine 1990

Physical Description: 1 folder
Language of Material: English.
Box 2, Folder 16

Fag Rag #42/43 1986

Physical Description: 1 folder
Language of Material: English.
Box 2, Folder 17-18

"Fever of Unknown Origin" 1984-1988

Physical Description: 2 folder
Language of Material: English.
Box 2, Folder 19-20

Foxborough High School 1968-1973

Physical Description: 2 folderIncludes photographs of high school theatrical productions and some high school staff
Language of Material: English.
Box 2, Folder 21

Foxborough Public Schools Writing Curriculum 1977

Physical Description: 1 folder
Language of Material: English.
Box 7, Folder 4

Frontiers magazine 1982-1983

Physical Description: 1 folder
Language of Material: English.
Box 1, Folder 8

Gay History undated

Physical Description: 1 folder
Language of Material: English.
Box 1, Folder 9-11

Getty Oil Company 1982-1984

Physical Description: 3 folder
Language of Material: English.
Box 2, Folder 22

Hollywood Kids 1985, 1988

Physical Description: 1 folder
Language of Material: English.
Box 2, Folder 23

Hollywood rated x undated

Physical Description: 1 folder
Language of Material: English.
Box 2, Folder 24

In the Spirit of Stonewall 1979

Physical Description: 1 folder
Language of Material: English.
Box 2, Folder 25

In Touch magazine 1984-1985

Physical Description: 1 folder
Language of Material: English.
Box 2, Folder 26

Jeanne (Sousa) Callahan 1964-1967

Physical Description: 1 folder
Language of Material: English.
Box 2, Folder 27

Jeanne (Sousa) Callahan Correspondence - Albert Sousa 1943

Physical Description: 1 folder
Language of Material: English.
Box 2, Folder 28

Jeanne (Sousa) Callahan Correspondence - Anthony Sousa 1943-1944

Physical Description: 1 folder
Language of Material: English.
Box 2, Folder 29

Jeanne (Sousa) Callahan Correspondence - John Callahan 1953-1967

Physical Description: 1 folder
Language of Material: English.
Box 2, Folder 30-31

Jeanne (Sousa) Callahan Correspondence - John F. Callahan 1943-1946

Physical Description: 2 folder
Language of Material: English.
Box 2, Folder 32

Jeanne (Sousa) Callahan Correspondence - Manuel Sousa 1942-1943

Physical Description: 1 folder
Language of Material: English.
Box 2, Folder 33

Jeanne (Sousa) Callahan Correspondence - Michael Sousa 1957

Physical Description: 1 folder
Language of Material: English.
Box 3, Folder 1

Jesse Jackson's campaigns 1984-1988

Physical Description: 1 folder
Language of Material: English.
Box 3, Folder 2

Jim Kepner's Song and Dance 1995 July

Physical Description: 1 folder
Language of Material: English.
Box 3, Folder 3

John Callahan Interviews and Clippings 1979-1989

Physical Description: 1 folder
Language of Material: English.
Box 3, Folder 4

John F. Callahan World War II records - Army photos and documents circa 1942-1945

Physical Description: 1 folderincludes photographs of John F. Callahan and others during his time stationed overseas during WWII
Language of Material: English.
Box 3, Folder 5

John F. Callahan World War II records - Chinese friends and contacts 1945

Physical Description: 1 folderIncludes photographs of John F. Callahan with a number of Chinese nationals he became friends with while stationed overseas, some of whom belong to the same family
Language of Material: English.
Box 3, Folder 6

John F. Callahan World War II records - Jeanne Sousa Callahan and Baby Johnnie 1944-1945

Physical Description: 1 folderIncludes photographs sent by Jeanne Sousa to John F. Callahan of Jeanne Sousa, her infant son with John F. Callahan, "Baby Johnnie", and other Sousa family members.
Language of Material: English.
Box 3, Folder 7

Literary Purchase Agreement 1992

Physical Description: 1 folder
Language of Material: English.
Box 3, Folder 8

Long and Levin Multicultural Task Force 1992-1994

Physical Description: 1 folder
Language of Material: English.
Box 3, Folder 9

"Long Goodbye" Prompt Book 1966 November

Physical Description: 1 folder
Language of Material: English.
Box 1, Folder 12-13

Los Angeles Progressive Unity Council 1991-1993

Physical Description: 2 folder
Language of Material: English.
Box 3, Folder 10

Lowell State College 1962-1966

Physical Description: 1 folder
Language of Material: English.
Box 3, Folder 11

MCs (Master of Ceremonies) undated

Physical Description: 1 folder
Language of Material: English.
Box 3, Folder 12

Memorials and Obituaries 1989-2006

Physical Description: 1 folder
Language of Material: English.
Box 3, Folder 13

Muscle Power magazine 1947-1955

Physical Description: 1 folder
Language of Material: English.
Box 3, Folder 14

Mutant Men 1984

Physical Description: 1 folder
Language of Material: English.
Box 3, Folder 15

National Coming Out Day 1989 October

Physical Description: 1 folder
Language of Material: English.
Box 3, Folder 16

Newspaper Clippings 1983-1994

Physical Description: 1 folder
Language of Material: English.
Box 7, Folder 5

NOMAG 1982

Physical Description: 1 folder
Language of Material: English.
Box 3, Folder 17

Notebooks 1983-1986

Physical Description: 1 folder
Language of Material: English.
Box 3, Folder 18

ONE magazine 1955 November

Physical Description: 1 folder
Language of Material: English.
Box 3, Folder 19

People and the Pursuit of Truth 1973-1976

Physical Description: 1 folder
Language of Material: English.
Box 3, Folder 20

Poetry 1972-1979

Physical Description: 1 folder
Language of Material: English.
Box 3, Folder 21

Postcards undated

Physical Description: 1 folder
Language of Material: English.
Box 3, Folder 22

Productions - Pre LA 1967-1980

Physical Description: 1 folderIncludes photographs of theatrical productions
Language of Material: English.
Box 3, Folder 23

Programs and Flyers 1984-1999

Physical Description: 1 folder
Language of Material: English.
Box 3, Folder 24

"Pursuit of Happiness" 1987

Physical Description: 1 folder
Language of Material: English.
Box 3, Folder 25

"Pursuit of Happiness" scripts 1987

Physical Description: 1 folder
Language of Material: English.
Box 3, Folder 26

Radical Faeries undated

Physical Description: 1 folder
Language of Material: English.
Box 3, Folder 27

Radical People's Theatre 1983

Physical Description: 1 folder
Language of Material: English.
Box 1, Folder 14

Radio 1985-1986

Physical Description: 1 folder
Language of Material: English.
Box 3, Folder 28-29

Rainbow Coalition 1986-1988

Physical Description: 2 folder
Language of Material: English.
Box 4, Folder 1-2

Rainbow/Lavender 1984-1988

Physical Description: 2 folder
Language of Material: English.
Box 4, Folder 3

RAVE magazine 1955 January

Physical Description: 1 folder
Language of Material: English.
Box 1, Folder 15

Renegade Theatre Ensemble 1990-1993

Physical Description: 1 folder
Language of Material: English.
Box 4, Folder 4

Resumes 1980, undated

Physical Description: 1 folder
Language of Material: English.
Box 4, Folder 5

School Records 1930, 1966

Physical Description: 1 folder
Language of Material: English.
Box 4, Folder 6

Script for musical about Judy Garland undated

Physical Description: 1 folder
Language of Material: English.
Box 4, Folder 7

"Small Town Confidential" 1990

Physical Description: 1 folder
Language of Material: English.
Box 4, Folder 8

"Steel Kiss" 1988-1989

Physical Description: 1 folder
Language of Material: English.
Box 4, Folder 9

Stonewall 25 1994

Physical Description: 1 folder
Language of Material: English.
Box 1, Folder 16

Sunset Junction 1985-1986

Physical Description: 1 folder
Language of Material: English.
Box 4, Folder 10

Sunset Junction Street Fair 1981

Physical Description: 1 folder
Language of Material: English.
Box 4, Folder 11

The Teenager and the Writer undated

Physical Description: 1 folder
Language of Material: English.
Box 1, Folder 17

Theatrical Reviews 1986-1990

Physical Description: 1 folder
Language of Material: English.
Box 4, Folder 12

This Week in Texas 1988

Physical Description: 1 folder
Language of Material: English.
Box 4, Folder 13

Transcripts and References 1980-1990

Physical Description: 1 folder
Language of Material: English.
Box 7, Folder 6

The Voice 1982 April

Physical Description: 1 folder
Language of Material: English.
Box 7, Folder 7

Vortex 1981

Physical Description: 1 folder
Language of Material: English.
Box 4, Folder 14

Wheaton College 1970

Physical Description: 1 folder
Language of Material: English.
Box 4, Folder 15

Writings undated

Physical Description: 1 folder
Language of Material: English.
Box 5

"The Lion" Chelmsford High School Yearbooks 1960-1962

Physical Description: 3 Books
Language of Material: English.
Box 5

"The Knoll" State College at Lowell Yearbooks 1963-1966

Physical Description: 4 Books
Language of Material: English.
Box 5

"The Torch" Alice Lloyd College Yearbook 1968

Physical Description: 1 Books
Language of Material: English.
Box 5

Foxborough High School Yearbooks 1970-1981

Physical Description: 12 Books
Language of Material: English.
 

Photographs 1940-2006

Box 4, Folder 17

Aurelia Jeanne Sousa Callahan circa 1940s-2006

Physical Description: 1 folderPhotographs of Callahan's mother, both alone and with others, at various places and events
Language of Material: English.
Box 4, Folder 18

Brad Rader 1990-2003

Physical Description: 1 folderPhotographs of Callahan's husband, both alone and with Callahan
Language of Material: English.
Box 4, Folder 19

Dad Stuff 1954-1980

Physical Description: 1 folderCollection of photographs with Callahan's father and others. Most are unlabeled and other people are unidentified.
Language of Material: English.
Box 4, Folder 20

Democratic National Convention 1988

Physical Description: 1 folderPhotographs from 1988 Democratic National Convention
Language of Material: English.
Box 4, Folder 21

Headshots undated

Physical Description: 1 folderHeadshot photographs of Callahan
Language of Material: English.
Box 4, Folder 22

Jeanne Sousa's family undated

Physical Description: 1 folderPhotographs of the Sousa family, including Jeanne's parents and siblings.
Language of Material: English.
Box 4, Folder 23

John Callahan portraits undated

Physical Description: 1 folderPortrait photographs of Callahan
Language of Material: English.
Box 4, Folder 24

John Callahan and Brad Rader's Wedding 1987

Physical Description: 1 folderPhotographs of Callahan and Rader's wedding
Language of Material: English.
Box 4, Folder 25

Lisa Callahan 1970-1993

Physical Description: 1 folderPhotographs of Callahan's daughter, Lisa, from early childhood until her early 20s. Some photos are with Callahan or his mother Jeanne Sousa, others are class photographs.
Language of Material: English.
Box 4, Folder 26

Photographs 1970s-1980s

Physical Description: 1 folderMixed unlabeled photographs. Some feature Callahan, others show unidentified people.
Language of Material: English.
Box 4, Folder 27

Photographs 1990s

Physical Description: 1 folderMixed unlabeled photographs. Some feature Callahan, others show unidentified people.
Language of Material: English.
Box 4, Folder 28

Photographs 2000s

Physical Description: 1 folderMixed unlabeled photographs. Some feature Callahan, others show unidentified people.
Language of Material: English.
Box 4, Folder 29

Productions/Plays undated

Physical Description: 1 folderPhotographs from unidentified theatrical productions and plays
Language of Material: English.
Box 4, Folder 30

Sousa Family portraits undated

Physical Description: 1 folderTwo portraits of the Sousa family. One black and white of Callahan's grandparents, mother, aunts and uncles, and cousins, taken before Callahan's birth. The second is of Jeanne Sousa and all of her siblings, estimated to have been taken sometime in the 1990s.
Language of Material: English.
 

Media 1981-1985

Box 6

Age of Consent 1981-1985 1981-1985

Physical Description: 1 discs
Language of Material: English.
Box 6

Age of Consent undated

Physical Description: 1 audiocassette.
Language of Material: English.
Box 6

Age of Consent - Ashgrove undated

Physical Description: 1 audiocassette.
Language of Material: English.
Box 6

Age of Consent Band Rehearsal undated

Physical Description: 1 audiocassette.
Language of Material: English.
Box 6

Age of Consent - IMRU 1982 June

Physical Description: 1 audiocassette.
Language of Material: English.
Box 6

Age of Consent - Jolene undated

Physical Description: 1 audiocassette.
Language of Material: English.
Box 6

Age of Consent - KPFK 1982 June

Physical Description: 1 audiocassette.
Language of Material: English.
Box 6

Age of Consent - KPFK 1983 June

Physical Description: 1 audiocassette.
Language of Material: English.
Box 6

Age of Consent - Live at Fiesta House undated

Physical Description: 1 audiocassette.
Language of Material: English.
Box 6

Age of Consent - Missionary Position undated

Physical Description: 1 audiocassette.
Language of Material: English.
Box 6

Age of Consent - ONE, pt. 2 of 2 undated

Physical Description: 1 audiocassette.
Language of Material: English.
Box 6

Age of Consent - Slow Soul undated

Physical Description: 1 audiocassette.
Language of Material: English.
Box 6

Age of Consent - Spell Problem undated

Physical Description: 1 audiocassette.
Language of Material: English.
Box 6

Age of Consent - Winterfaire 1984

Physical Description: 1 audiocassette.
Language of Material: English.
Box 6

Bachelors Anonymous undated

Physical Description: 1 audiocassette.
Language of Material: English.
Box 6

Buddies Reading undated

Physical Description: 1 audiocassette.
Language of Material: English.
Box 6

Diddle Rap undated

Physical Description: 1 audiocassette.
Language of Material: English.
Box 6

DMZ-Up from the Ashgrove 1985 September

Physical Description: 1 audiocassette.
Language of Material: English.
Box 6

Fight Back undated

Physical Description: 1 audiocassette.
Language of Material: English.
Box 6

The Function - Curtain Call undated

Physical Description: 1 audiocassette.
Language of Material: English.
Box 6

The Function - Pre-show undated

Physical Description: 1 audiocassette.
Language of Material: English.
Box 6

Gay and Lesbian IMRU Concert 1983

Physical Description: 1 audiocassette.
Language of Material: English.
Box 6

God Says undated

Physical Description: 1 audiocassette.
Language of Material: English.
Box 6

History Rap First undated

Physical Description: 1 audiocassette.
Language of Material: English.
Box 6

Missionary Position undated

Physical Description: 1 audiocassette.
Language of Material: English.
Box 6

Performance Pressure undated

Physical Description: 1 audiocassette.
Language of Material: English.
Box 6

Pursuit of Happiness Music undated

Physical Description: 2 audiocassette.
Language of Material: English.
Box 6

Reunited undated

Physical Description: 1 audiocassette.
Language of Material: English.
Box 6

Savage Music undated

Physical Description: 1 audiocassette.
Language of Material: English.
Box 6

Schizo Rap undated

Physical Description: 2 audiocassette.
Language of Material: English.
Box 6

Small Town Confidential undated

Physical Description: 1 audiocassette.
Language of Material: English.
Box 6

Twist and Shout undated

Physical Description: 1 audiocassette.
Language of Material: English.
 

Realia and Ephemera circa 1940-1945

Physical Description: 1 Box
Box 7

Engraved metal box from Burma undated

Physical Description: 1 itemfrom John F. Callahan WWII case
Box 7

Goldtone bracelet with heart undated

Physical Description: 1 itemfrom John F. Callahan WWII case
Box 7

Ivory Tile jewelry undated

Physical Description: 1 itemfrom John F. Callahan WWII case
Box 7

Locket with pictures of John F Callahan and Aurelia Jeanne Sousa circa 1943

Physical Description: 1 itemfrom John F. Callahan WWII case
Box 7

Medallions undated

Physical Description: 5 itemfrom John F. Callahan WWII case
Box 7

Military patches undated

Physical Description: 1 itemfrom John F. Callahan WWII case
Box 7

Our Lady of Mt. Carmel medallion undated

Physical Description: 1 itemfrom John F. Callahan WWII case
Box 7

Plastic pin - heart with crossed swords undated

Physical Description: 1 itemfrom John F. Callahan WWII case
Box 7

Silver chain bracelet with dragon head clasp undated

Physical Description: 1 itemfrom John F. Callahan WWII case
Box 7

Silver compact shaped like a book undated

Physical Description: 1 itemfrom John F. Callahan WWII case
Box 7

Silver lapel pin undated

Physical Description: 1 itemfrom John F. Callahan WWII case
Box 7

US Army bar medals undated

Physical Description: 3 itemfrom John F. Callahan WWII case
Box 7

US Army toiletry box undated

Physical Description: 1 itemfrom John F. Callahan WWII case
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