Gordon (Jim) Papers, 1938-2002

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Summary

Title:
Jim Gordon papers
Dates:
1938-2002
Creators:
Gordon, James E.
Abstract:
This collection documents the everyday life and political work of San Francisco gay activist James (Jim) Gordon (1938-2025). The collection contains chronological files that record his activities and his association with a myriad of organizations—including but not limited to—the Harvey Milk Archives, various LGBT Democratic clubs, the San Francisco Hiking Club, SKIN (San Francisco Kindred Nudists), spirituality and travel. The chronological files contain a wide range of materials, including correspondence, e-mails and memos; ephemera; newsletters; organizational records; periodicals; personalia; and subject materials. The collection also contains hundreds of slides documenting Gay Freedom Day and Pride parades, marches and rallies, street fairs and protests; almost 40 years of correspondence to his parents; nearly 30 years of diaries, journals of spiritual experiences and dream logs; subject files; personalia; and a few t-shirts and artifacts. Gordon kept meticulous records of his everyday life; as he noted in an e-mail, “I may be the only person whose life GLBTHS has records of on four levels of consciousness: waking, dreaming, psychedelic and meditative!”
Extent:
8.4 linear feet
Language:
Preferred citation:

Jim Gordon papers. GLBT Historical Society

Background

Scope and content:

This collection documents the everyday life and political work of San Francisco gay activist James (Jim) Gordon (1938-2025). The collection contains chronological files that record his activities and his association with a myriad of organizations—including but not limited to—the Harvey Milk Archives, various LGBT Democratic clubs, the San Francisco Hiking Club, SKIN (San Francisco Kindred Nudists), spirituality and travel. The chronological files contain a wide range of materials, including correspondence, e-mails and memos; ephemera; newsletters; organizational records; periodicals; personalia; and subject materials. The collection also contains hundreds of slides documenting Gay Freedom Day and Pride parades, marches and rallies, street fairs and protests; almost 40 years of correspondence to his parents; nearly 30 years of diaries, journals of spiritual experiences and dream logs; subject files; personalia; and a few t-shirts and artifacts. Gordon kept meticulous records of his everyday life; as he noted in an e-mail, “I may be the only person whose life GLBTHS has records of on four levels of consciousness: waking, dreaming, psychedelic and meditative!” GSSO Linked Terms: http://purl.obolibrary.org/obo/GSSO_003201; http://purl.obolibrary.org/obo/GSSO_001021

Acquisition information:
Gift of James E. Gordon, 2002-2003.

About this collection guide

Collection Guide Author:
Finding aid created by GLBT Historical Society staff.
Date Prepared:
1938-2002
Date Encoded:
This finding aid was produced using Record Express for OAC5 on July 14, 2025, 2:54 p.m.

Access and use

Restrictions:

Collection is open for research. Mailing lists and other records holding the names, addresses, and/or phone numbers of individuals will be restricted for 20 years.

Preferred citation:

Jim Gordon papers. GLBT Historical Society

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