A. (Gladys) papers, 1944-06-09-1979

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Summary

Title:
Gladys A. papers
Dates:
1944-06-09-1979
Creators:
A., Gladys
Abstract:
The Gladys A. papers contain diaries of Gladys A., a young woman who participated in sex work in and around Downtown Los Angeles. The diaries span from the day she arrived in LA in January of 1949 through 1953, detailing the daily experiences of her first five years in the city. The collection also includes photographs of Gladys with unidentified individuals, correspondence from her family in Michigan, memorabilia from her Catholic high school, and other miscellaneous personal items.
Extent:
1.31 Linear Feet (3 containers)
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

[Box/folder no. or item name], Gladys A. papers, Collection no. 7062, Special Collections, USC Libraries, University of Southern California

Background

Scope and content:

The Gladys A. papers consist principally of diaries detailing Gladys's daily activities and life as a prostitute in Los Angeles from January 1949, when she arrived from Michigan, through April 1952. The collection also contains photographs of Gladys and others in her life, correspondence, and personal items including high school graduation memorabilia, receipts, and other notes. These materials trace Gladys' initial experience of moving to and living in Los Angeles as an independent woman in her early twenties. They reveal characteristics of the day-to-day places, activities, and troubles that she navigated and detail the numerous personal and intimate relationships Gladys cultivated as a casual sex worker. Her documented life gives insight into the complex realities of race, gender, and socioeconomic relationships of Los Angeles in the early 1950s.

Biographical / historical:

Gladys A. came to Los Angeles in 1949 from Saginaw, Michigan with very little money. To support herself she immediately began engaging in sexual relationships with men she met in exchange for money, meals, gifts, and amusements. Gladys A. also occasionally worked in diners and bars in and around downtown. She kept a diary of her daily activities detailing her experiences as a young woman and a sex worker in Los Angeles in the 1950s.

Acquisition information:
Puchased from The Bookshop, December 11, 2017.
Arrangement:

The Gladys A. papers are organized into three series: 1. Writings, 2. Photographs, and 3. Personal Items.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

About this collection guide

Collection Guide Author:
Emma Arroyo
Date Encoded:
This finding aid was produced using ArchivesSpace on 2018-09-04 13:03:15 -0700 .

Access and use

Restrictions:

Advance notice required for access.

Preferred citation:

[Box/folder no. or item name], Gladys A. papers, Collection no. 7062, Special Collections, USC Libraries, University of Southern California

Location of this collection:
Special Collections
Doheny Memorial Library, Room 209
Los Angeles, CA 90089-0182, US
Contact:
(213) 740-5900
specol@usc.edu
Website