Rolfsen (Tom) and Chal Cochran Photograph Albums, 1937-1999

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Summary

Title:
Tom Rolfsen and Chal Cochran photograph albums
Dates:
1937-1999
Creators:
Abstract:
Extent:
2.1 linear feet
Language:
Preferred citation:

Tom Rolfsen and Chal Cochran photograph albums. GLBT Historical Society

Background

Scope and content:

This collection contains 17 photograph albums that document the life of Thomas Franklin Rolfsen and his partner of 52 years, Chalmer "Chal" Clemons Cochran. Rolfsen and Cochran were among the founders of the Gay Atheists League of America (GALA). Cochran was a typesetter for the Bay Area Reporter and he and Rolfsen owned several businesses together, including a restaurant and printing company. They died less than two weeks apart in 2000. The albums contain photographs of their homes together (“Our Homes”), their family and friends, their travels in the U.S. and abroad (“Ohio to California!") and their activism in GALA. There is also a drawing, a few personal paper documents, Rolfsen’s military papers, materials related to the homes they owned together, a few letters, materials related to their deaths and some ephemera. GSSO linked terms: http://purl.obolibrary.org/obo/GSSO_000374; http://purl.obolibrary.org/obo/GSSO_008194; http://purl.obolibrary.org/obo/GSSO_000823

About this collection guide

Collection Guide Author:
Finding aid created by GLBT Historical Society staff.
Date Prepared:
1937-1999
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.

Preferred citation:

Tom Rolfsen and Chal Cochran photograph albums. GLBT Historical Society

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