Celso Ruperto Photographs of Nightclub Dance Performers, 1966-1969

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Summary

Creators:
Ruperto, Celso, 1925-1990 and Century Photo Research
Abstract:
Collection of 126 black and white photographic prints of dance performers in San Francisco's North Beach topless nightclubs by Filipino-American photographer Celso Ruperto of Century Photo Research from 1966-1969. Includes nightclubs Big Al's, Condor Club, Chi Chi Club, Moulin Rouge and Peppermint Tree (660 Broadway). Mostly interior shots of the clubs' dance performers with a few exteriors of the marquees.
Extent:
1 pamphlet box (.5 Cubic Feet)
Language:
Collection materials are in English.
Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], Celso Ruperto Photographs of Nightclub Dance Performers (SFP 109), San Francisco History Center, San Francisco Public Library.

Background

Scope and content:

Collection of 126 black and white photographic prints of dance performers in San Francisco's North Beach topless nightclubs by Filipino-American photographer Celso Ruperto of Century Photo Research from 1966-1969. Includes nightclubs Big Al's, Condor Club, Chi Chi Club, Moulin Rouge and Peppermint Tree (660 Broadway). Mostly interior shots of the clubs' dance performers with a few exteriors of the marquees. Dance performers include Brandy Carroll (Brandy Carol), Dori Lane, Shannon Leigh, Bonnie Parker, Lee Pe Caire, Jamie Stevens, Vicki Starr (transgender Latinx performer) and Gina Valentina (Bat Girl).

Biographical / historical:

Celso Aquino Ruperto was born on April 6, 1925 to Venacia and Cornelio Ruperto in Pagsanjan, Laguna of the Philippines. Ruperto was living in the United States by 1953 and in Washington in 1955. While living in San Francisco, Ruperto petitioned for citizenship in 1958 and was naturalized by 1963. In the 1950s worked in a lab as a bacteriologist until 1962. From 1963 - 1975, Ruperto worked as a professional photographer under the photography business name Century Photo Research located at 1456 Ninth Avenue in the Sunset District. In 1976, Ruperto owned Rupert Rooming House at 343 Divisadero Street. Ruperto purchased and owned Helen Hotel at 166 Turk Street by 1978. From 1980 to 1987, Ruperto was the owner of the punk club Sound of Music Theatre at 162 Turk Street. Celso Aquino Ruperto died on December 24, 1990 in Daly City, California.

Acquisition information:
Gift
Arrangement:

The collection is arranged alphabetically by dancer's name and then nightclub.

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

Access and use

Restrictions:

The collection is available for use during Photo Desk hours. Collections that are stored offsite should be requested 48 hours in advance.

Terms of access:

All requests for permission to publish from photographs must be submitted in writing to the Photo Curator. 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], Celso Ruperto Photographs of Nightclub Dance Performers (SFP 109), San Francisco History 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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