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Finding aid to the Carol Deutch Papers on Carnaval San Francisco
1979-2015
SFH 560
SFH 560
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Table of contents
Title: Carol Deutch Papers on Carnaval San Francisco
Date (inclusive): 1979-2015
Date (bulk): 1979-1989
Identifier/Call Number: SFH 560
Creator:
Deutch, Carol
Physical Description:
1 carton, 2 pamphlet boxes, 1 oversized box.
(3 Cubic Feet)
Contributing Institution:
San Francisco History Center, San Francisco Public Library
100 Larkin Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 557-4567
info@sfpl.org
Abstract: The Carnaval Committee first met in March 1979. There were six original members: Adela Chu (dancer/teacher), Marcus Gordon
(master percussionist/music director), Pam Minor (Costume Bank), Sir Lawrence Washington (conceptual artist), Lou DeMatteis
(photographer) and Carole Deutch. They named the event Carnaval San Francisco, and decided to create a multi-cultural, multi-tradition
event that reflected the diversity of the bay area, with emphasis on artistic quality and community participation.
By 1983, the event had outgrown the grass roots structure and minimally funded organization. After 1983 the original founders
stepped back and left the decision about next steps to Mission Neighborhood Centers. Carnaval continues to be an annual event
drawing large crowds in San Francisco.
Language of Materials: Collection materials are in
English.
The collection is available for use during San Francisco History Center hours, with photographs available during Photo Desk
hours. Collections that are stored offsite should be requested 48 hours in advance.
All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the City Archivist.
Copyright will remain with the individual artist or creator, unless he or she specifically transfers it to SFPL. All materials
may be made available for research and public use, as stated, but commerical uses will be referred to the copyright holder.
All formats included.
[Identification of item], Carol Deutch Papers on Carnaval San Francisco (SFH 560), San Francisco History Center, San Francisco
Public Library.
Donated by Carole Deutch March 15, 2019.
Researchers are encouraged to see also SFH 561 Johnathan Powk Papers on Carnaval San Francisco, and SFH 562 Sir Lawrence Washington
Papers on Carnaval San Francisco.
During processing, the entire collection was re-foldered and re-housed in acid-free folders and boxes. Some metal staples
remain.
Carole Deutch was the Director of Precita Valley Community Center from 1974–1980, located in Bernal Heights, one of three
Mission Neighborhood Centers. Precita Center focused on activities for youth, offering many social and cultural programs.
She moved into the neighborhood in 1968 and still lives there today.
In 1979, Marcus Gordon and Adela Chu requested rehearsal space at the Center for their upcoming Carnaval parade to be held
in Precita Park. Deutch liked the idea, knew many of the participants and offered support.
On February 25th 1979 the parade of approximately one hundred costumed dancers and a fifty-piece "bateria" (percussion ensemble),
marched around Precita Park three times, then entered the park for a finale. Hundreds of supporters and neighbors joined
the celebration.
Based on the enthusiasm generated by the parade, Adela and Marcus asked if Deutch would join them to organize a larger 1980
event. Seeing a unique opportunity to showcase local artists and combine diverse cultures in a new, innovative event, she
enthusiastically agreed.
The Carnaval Committee first met in March 1979. There were six original members: Adela Chu (dancer/teacher), Marcus Gordon
(master percussionist/music director), Pam Minor (Costume Bank), Sir Lawrence Washington (conceptual artist), Lou DeMatteis
(photographer) and Deutch. They named the event Carnaval San Francisco, and decided to create a multi-cultural, multi-tradition
event that reflected the diversity of the bay area, with emphasis on artistic quality and community participation.
Deutch's role as Coordinator included: establishing sponsorship and fiscal agent; representing the Committee with sponsors,
the Mayor's Office, city departments, Board of Supervisors and local organizations; obtaining permits; generating funds, and
overseeing logistics. With Committee members and supporters, she managed outreach efforts to recruit participants, initiated
an educational program and supervised volunteers who coordinated contingents, booth concessions, security and parade monitors.
Many people voluntarily took responsibility for important tasks.
The hard work paid off. The 1980 Grand Parade on Mission Street and Festival in Dolores Park was a huge success. The parade
had grown to include several contingents who displayed dazzling artistry and the Festival included staged entertainment and
several booths. Over fifteen thousand people attended, filling the park and adjacent streets.
In December of 1980, Deutch quit her job as Director of Precita Center and voluntarily dedicated her time to producing Carnaval
- a fulltime job - and began to pursue a career in filmmaking.
Tired of spending endless hours on logistics, Adela Chu, Sir Lawrence, Pam Minor and Lou Dematteis left the Committee to focus
on personal Carnaval and creative projects, but continued to support the event. Gordon and Deutch were joined by Anne Milkie,
who had initiated a Carnaval photographic exhibit at the Galeria de la Raza. Together with many committed volunteers, they
expanded their vision and organization to produce the 1981 event.
Anticipating many thousands of attendees, the city would not allow a festival of that size in the Mission district. So, in
addition to dealing with some disgruntled residents and increasing responsibilities, the organizers were given a new route
and destination to manage, as well as new features and activities to organize.
On Sunday, April 12th 1981, the Grand Parade marched through the Mission and merged into a packed Civic Center Plaza. The
event had grown tenfold, beyond expectations. At least 50,000 people gathered, performed and celebrated.
In just three years, Carnaval San Francisco had become a huge popular event, acknowledged by citywide neighborhoods, institutions
and the press. It had become a keystone for multi-cultural artists, community organizations and public institutions and was
widely celebrated.
In 1982 Deutch began to work as a film producer, but continued to produce the ever-growing production of Carnaval with an
enthusiastic and hard-working team.
Sunday, April 25, 1982 - the Grand Parade and Festival were considered a major citywide event. The Mayor proclaimed Carnaval
day, KQED produced a documentary, twenty-five contingents with elaborate costumes, musicians and floats paraded into a packed
Civic Center Plaza. Over 100 thousand people gathered along the route and in the Plaza. Once again, the growth from one year
to the next was overwhelming. The organization could barely keep up with demands and requirements.
By 1983, the event had outgrown the grass roots structure and minimally funded organization. In spite of their dedication,
enthusiasm and skill, the small group could no longer satisfy growing structural and financial requirements.
After producing another massive event in 1983, Marcus, Anne and Deutch tried to recruit new leadership but, having no success,
retired, leaving the decision about next steps to Mission Neighborhood Centers.
Deutch initially continued to support Carnaval as an Advisor, but did not take on an organizational role. Over the years,
she's been a parade judge or just an observer.
The collection includes event planning materials, flyers, posters, photos, videos and t-shirts.
The collection is arranged in 4 series: Series 1: Records, Series 2: Audio Visual Materials, Series 3: Graphic Materials,
Series 4: Artifacts. Within each series materials are arranged by date and alphabetically.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Carnaval San Francisco
Carnaval -- California -- San Francisco