Ambush records

Finding aid created by GLBT Historical Society staff using RecordEXPRESS
GLBT Historical Society
989 Market Street, Lower Level
San Francisco, California 94103
(415) 777-5455
reference@glbthistory.org
http://www.glbthistory.org/
2023


Descriptive Summary

Title: Ambush records
Dates: 1974-1991
Collection Number: 1998-30
Creator/Collector:
Extent: 20.5 linear feet (16 cartons, 1 manuscript box)
Repository: GLBT Historical Society
San Francisco, California 94103
Abstract: The Ambush was a gay bar and art gallery, located in the South of Market neighborhood, that catered to a leather, bear, biker, and western crowd. The collection contains administrative records, financial documents, receipts, artwork, ephemera, tapes of music played at the Ambush, the personal papers of co-owner Kerry Bowman (including correspondence and drafts of an erotic novel), slides of the Ambush and events such as motorcycle runs, and related materials.
Language of Material: English

Access

Collection is open for research. Personnel materials in cartons 3, 8, 9, and 10 may be restricted; please contact the GLBT Historical Society archives for details.

Preferred Citation

[Identification of item]. Ambush records. Collection Number: 1998-30. GLBT Historical Society

Acquisition Information

Gift of Robert Prager on April 5, 1998 and gift of Mike Caffee on August 3, 1998.

Biography/Administrative History

The collection contains administrative records, financial documents, receipts, artwork, ephemera, tapes of music played at the Ambush, the personal papers of co- owner Kerry Bowman (including correspondence and drafts of an erotic novel), slides of the Ambush and events such as motorcycle runs, and related materials.

Scope and Content of Collection

The Ambush was a gay bar and art gallery, located in the South of Market neighborhood, that catered to a leather, bear, biker, and western crowd. With artwork by Chuck Arnett, it was known as a cruising ground, with sex in the bathrooms and a specially built “meat rack” where men could look for partners. GSSO linked terms: http://purl.obolibrary.org/obo/GSSO_008517; http://purl.obolibrary.org/obo/GSSO_000268

Indexing Terms

Nightlife
Leather

Additional collection guides