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Title: Finocchio's collection
Dates: circa 1940-1999
Collection Number: 1999-79
Creator/Collector:
Extent: 65 linear feet (3 boxes, 5 cartons, 19 oversize boxes, 19 artifacts)
Online items available
Repository:
GLBT Historical Society
San Francisco, California 94103
Abstract: This collection contains materials relating to Finocchio’s, one of the oldest and best-known female impersonation clubs in
the world. The collection is arranged into four series: Production Material and Ephemera, Photographs, Garments, and Artifacts.
Language of Material: English
Collection is open for research. Some oversized artifacts may require advance research notice. Contact the archivist for more
information.
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.
[Identification of item]. Finocchio's collection. Collection Number: 1999-79. GLBT Historical Society
The collection was donated to the GLBT Historical Society by Eve Finocchio in 1999.
Biography/Administrative History
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.
Scope and Content of Collection
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
Nightlife
Drag
LGBTQ
San Francisco Bay Area (Calif.)