Grace Miller Papers, 1926-1979, bulk 1941-1965

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Summary

Creators:
Miller, Grace
Abstract:
The collection documents the life of Grace Miller through correspondence, subject files, photographs and negatives, and a scrapbook. Miller was a co-owner and bartender at two lesbian bars in San Francisco. As a result of serving underage patrons, she was convicted of contributing to the delinquency of a minor in 1955. The scrapbook contains the newspaper coverage of her arrest and trial.
Extent:
2 document cases + 1 flat box (1.5 Cubic Feet)
Language:
Collection materials are in English.
Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], Grace Miller Papers (GLC 69), LGBTQIA Center, San Francisco Public Library.

Background

Scope and content:

The collection documents the life of Grace Miller through correspondence, subject files, photographs and negatives, and a scrapbook. Miller was a co-owner and bartender at two lesbian bars in San Francisco, Tommy's Place and 12 Adler Place. Of particular note are lesbian club announcements from the 1950s-1960s, and a scrapbook of newspaper clippings (1954-1955) that document a police raid on Tommy's Place and Miller's arrest and trial for contributing to the delinquency of a minor. The photographs span the years from Miller's childhood through middle age. Some of the images from the 1950s are of bars where Grace Miller worked, possibly Tommy's Place, and a club with singers and accompanists. There are many house party photos from the late 1950s and 1960s; they include images of butch and femme lesbians, some men (presumably gay), and many cats.

Biographical / historical:

Grace Marie Miller was born in Billings, Yellowstone County, Montana on November 1, 1918. She was the first child of Anthony Iven [Ivan] Miller (9/28/1892-9/15/1959) and Norma Portman. The family moved to San Francisco in the early 1920s. Grace worked several jobs but was best known as a co-owner and bartender at 12 Adler Place and Tommy's Place, both lesbian bars.

Acquisition information:
Acquired December 29, 2011.
Arrangement:

The material is arranged in four series: Series 1. Correspondence; Series 2. Subject Files; Series 3. Photographs and Negatives; and Series 4. Scrapbook.

Physical location:
The collection is stored onsite.
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Access and use

Restrictions:

The collection is open for research. Please call the San Francisco History Center for hours and information at 415-557-4567. Photographs have been transferred to the San Francisco Historical Photograph Collection. They are available for research during the San Francisco Historical Photograph Collection hours.

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], Grace Miller Papers (GLC 69), LGBTQIA 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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