Alfie Kulzick Chatterbox Bar Collection, 1979-2005, bulk 1986-1990

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Summary

Creators:
Kulzick, Alfie
Abstract:
The Chatterbox was a neighborhood bar and hard rock/punk venue located in San Francisco's Mission District at 853 Valencia Street from 1986 to 1990. The club hosted many local bands such as White Trash Debutantes, the Jackson Saints, Motorcycle Boy, Osgood Slaughter, Spot 1019, Stone Fox, and the Dwarves.
Extent:
1 manuscript box, 2 oversized flat boxes (3 Cubic Feet)
Language:
Collection materials are in English.
Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], Alfie Kulzick Chatterbox Bar Collection (SFH 663), San Francisco History Center, San Francisco Public Library.

Background

Scope and content:

This small collection contains material documenting the Chatterbox from 1986-1990. Included are a small amount of administrative records including show calendars, lease, and permits; book proofs for Chatterbox: biography of a bar, band fliers for the Chatterbox and other Bay Area venues, band stickers, and magazines. Of note are band fliers for nearly all the shows held at the Chatterbox and a few fliers from the late 70's and early 80's documenting the early San Francisco punk scene.

Biographical / historical:

The Chatterbox, named for a song by the New York Dolls' Johnny Thunders, was a neighborhood bar and hard rock/punk venue located in San Francisco's Mission District at 853 Valencia Street. The location has been a drinking establishment for many years, including the first lesbian bar in the Mission District, the Ebb Tide (circa 1966). Other bars at this location were Luke & Larry's (1940's), Graffiti (1980's), the Chameleon (1990's), and Amnesia (2000-2020).

It was opened by Alfie Kulzick, a Wisconsin transplant, in 1986. The club hosted bands such as White Trash Debutantes, the Jackson Saints, Motorcycle Boy, Stevie Stiletto, Osgood Slaughter, Haunted Garage, Spot 1019, Stone Fox, and the Dwarves. The Chatterbox closed in 1990. References: Citywide historic context statement for LGBTQ history In San Francisco, Donna J. Graves and Shayne E. Watson, 2015.

Acquisition information:
Donated by Alfie Kulzick in 2018.
Processing information:

During processing, the entire collection was re-foldered and re-housed in acid-free folders and boxes.

Arrangement:

Arranged into 4 series: Series 1: Administrative, Series 2: Writings, Series 3: Events, and Series 4: Publications.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Access and use

Restrictions:

The collection is available for use during San Francisco History Center hours. Collections that are stored offsite should be requested 48 hours in advance.

Terms of access:

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.

Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], Alfie Kulzick Chatterbox Bar Collection (SFH 663), San Francisco History Center, San Francisco Public Library.

Location of this collection:
San Francisco Public Library
100 Larkin Street
San Francisco, CA 94102, US
Contact:
(415) 557-4567
sfhistory@sfpl.org
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