Finding aid to Celso Ruperto Photographs of Nightclub Dance Performers (1966-1969) SFP
109
Finding aid composed by Christina Moretta
San Francisco History Center, San Francisco Public Library
2022
100 Larkin Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
sfhistory@sfpl.org
Title: Celso Ruperto Photographs of Nightclub Dance Performers
Date (inclusive): 1966-1969
Identifier/Call Number: SFP 109
Creator:
Ruperto, Celso, 1925-1990
Creator:
Century Photo Research
Physical Description:
1 pamphlet box(.5 Cubic Feet)
Contributing Institution:
San Francisco History Center, San Francisco Public Library
100 Larkin Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 557-4567
sfhistory@sfpl.org
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.
Physical Location: The collection is stored on
site.
Languages Represented: Collection materials are in English.
Conditions Governing Access
The collection is available for use during Photo Desk hours. Collections that are stored
offsite should be requested 48 hours in advance.
Publication Rights
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.
Provenance
Gift
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.
Scope and Contents
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).
Arrangement
The collection is arranged alphabetically by dancer's name and then nightclub.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Nightclubs -- California -- San Francisco -- Photographs
Stripteasers -- California -- San Francisco
North Beach (San Francisco, Calif.)
black-and-white photographs
Photographic prints -- 1960-1970
Box 1
Dancer: Lane, Don
Scope and Contents
Includes Big Al's nightclub.
Box 1
Dancer: Leigh, Shannon
circa 1967
Scope and Contents
Includes Moulin Rouge nightclub.
Box 1
Dancer: Nancy
Scope and Contents
Includes Pierre's nightclub.
Box 1
Dancer: Parker, Bonnie
Scope and Contents
Includes Condor Club nightclub.
Box 1
Dancer: Stevens, Jamie
Scope and Contents
Includes Peppermint Tree nightclub.
Box 1
Dancer: Starr, Vicki
Scope and Contents
Transgender Latinx performer with the alternate name Victor Fernandez.
Box 1
Dancer: Valentina, Gina (Bat Girl)
Scope and Contents
Includes Big Al's nightclub.
Box 1
Performance: Fireside Love Dance
Box 1
Nightclub: Peppermint Tree
