Peter Mintun Cockettes Collection, 1970-2009, bulk 1970-1972

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Summary

Creators:
Mintun, Peter
Abstract:
The collection contains photographs of the Cockettes, especially Sylvester and John Rothermel, flyers, show sequence sheets and some scripts for Cockettes performances, correspondence and contracts, newspaper clippings and published articles about the Cockettes, and some audiorecordings.
Extent:
2 document cases + 1 oversized box (1.0 cubic feet)
Language:
Collection materials are in English.
Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], Peter Mintun Cockettes Collection (GLC 78), LGBTQIA Center, San Francisco Public Library.

Background

Scope and content:

The collection contains photographs of the Cockettes, especially Sylvester and John Rothermel, flyers, show sequence sheets and some scripts for Cockettes performances, correspondence and contracts, newspaper clippings and published articles about the Cockettes, and some audiorecordings.

Biographical / historical:

Peter Mintun is a pianist. Due to his talent playing 1920s and 1930s songs, Mintun was recruited by John Rothermel to become the piano accompanist for the Cockettes, an experimental theater troupe. Mintun has performed with many singers and groups including The Cockettes, John Rothermel, and Sylvester. He is credited as Peter Arden in some productions.

Mintun served as accompanist for the Cockettes for many of their early 1970s performances. He also accompanied Sylvester for his early solo concerts. In May 1971 Mintun played piano (and had Jackie Floyd Jones on drums) for Sylvester, Frank Bourquin and John Rothermel for a performance art piece called "Club Mandarin," which was a recreation of a 1930s nightclub held at the Upper Market Street Gallery. When the Cockettes went to New York in 1971, Mintun remained in San Francisco. Mintun's last performance with the troupe was Vice Palace in October 1972, when he accompanied only Rothermel.

Acquisition information:
Donated by Peter Mintun, September 1, 2012.
Arrangement:

The collection is arranged into 6 series: Series 1. Correspondence; Series 2. Shows; Series 3. Subject Files; Series 4. Audiorecordings; Series 5. Publications; and Series 6. Photographs. Within each series, all folders are arranged alphabetically.

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

Access and use

Restrictions:

The collection is available for use during San Francisco History Center hours, with photographs available 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 or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the City Archivist. 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], Peter Mintun Cockettes Collection (GLC 78), LGBTQIA 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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