Description
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.
Background
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.
Extent
1 pamphlet box(.5 Cubic Feet)
Restrictions
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.
Availability
The collection is available for use during Photo Desk hours. Collections that are stored
offsite should be requested 48 hours in advance.