Finocchio's collection, circa 1940-1999

View only results with digital items
Printable guide [HTML]

Online content

Online items

Summary

Creators:
Abstract:
Extent:
65 linear feet (3 boxes, 5 cartons, 19 oversize boxes, 19 artifacts)
Language:
Preferred citation:

Finocchio's collection. GLBT Historical Society

Background

Scope and content:

This collection contains materials relating to Finocchio’s, one of the oldest and best-known female impersonation clubs in the world. The records span from 1940-1999 and are arranged into four series: Production Material and Ephemera, Photographs, Garments, and Artifacts. Production Material and Ephemera includes materials related to the production of shows at Finocchio’s including sheet music, lyrics, receipts, and show schedules. It also includes ephemera including correspondence, notes, business cards, flyers for local events, a food stamp card, and a menu for Enrico’s cafe. Photographs include photographic prints primarily of performers backstage and with patrons. It also includes six large format photographs of Finocchio’s performers. Garments include costumes, wigs, hats, shoes, and accessories worn by performers. It also includes Eve Finocchio’s mink stole and a doorman’s hat. Artifacts include wig heads, furniture, banners, jewelry, musical instruments, and artwork. It also includes Finocchio's projected neon sign, which is currently stored offsite. Photographs of the sign are available for researchers. Contact an archivist for more information. GSSO Linked Terms: http://purl.obolibrary.org/obo/GSSO_008517; http://purl.obolibrary.org/obo/GSSO_001443

Biographical / historical:

Finocchio's was one of the oldest and best-known female impersonation clubs in the world. For over 60 years, performers sang, danced, and bantered with the audience. Finocchio’s opened in the late 1920s or early 1930s in the bohemian neighborhood of North Beach in San Francisco. It was originally owned by Marjorie and Joseph Finocchio. During Prohibition the club began featuring female impersonation shows and became a popular space among both tourists and the queer community. Finocchio’s performances featured some of the country’s most famous female impersonators including Walter Hart, Ray Bourbon, and Lucian Phelps. It also attracted many Hollywood celebrities over the years ranging from Bob Hope to Tallulah Bankhead. The club moved locations several times before opening at 506 Broadway Street, where it remained from 1936-1999. A popular restaurant called Enrico’s, was located below the nightclub and was owned by Enrico Banducci. Although over time Finocchio’s reputation as a queer hangout spot faded, its popularity with tourists did not. The club was an official stop on the Gray Line Nightclub Tour for over 50 years. Marjorie Finocchio died in San Francisco in 1956 and Joseph Finocchio died in 1986. Joseph’s second wife, Eve, operated Finocchio’s until it closed in 1999.

Acquisition information:
The collection was donated to the GLBT Historical Society by Eve Finocchio in 1999.

Access and use

Restrictions:

Collection is open for research. Some oversized artifacts may require advance research notice. Contact the archivist for more information.

Terms of access:

Copyright to material has been transferred to the GLBT Historical Society. All requests for reproductions and/or permission to publish or quote from material must be submitted in writing to the GLBT Historical Society Archivist.

Preferred citation:

Finocchio's collection. GLBT Historical Society

Location of this collection:
989 Market Street, Lower Level
San Francisco, CA 94103, US
Contact:
(415) 777-5455
reference@glbthistory.org
Website