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Finding aid to the Peter Mintun Cockettes Collection, 1970-2009
GLC 78
GLC 78
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Table of contents
Title: Peter Mintun Cockettes Collection,
Date (inclusive): 1970-2009
Date (bulk): 1970-1972
Collection Identifier: GLC 78
Creator:
Mintun, Peter
Physical Description:
2 document cases + 1 oversized box
(1.0 cubic feet)
Contributing Institution:
James C. Hormel LGBTQIA Center, San Francisco Public Library
100 Larkin Street
San Francisco, CA, 94102
(415) 557-4400
info@sfpl.org
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.
Language of Materials: Collection materials are in English.
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.
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.
[Identification of item], Peter Mintun Cockettes Collection (GLC 78), LGBTQIA Center, San Francisco Public Library.
Donated by Peter Mintun, September 1, 2012.
Researchers are encouraged to see also GLC 79 Kreemah Ritz Papers.
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.
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.
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.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Cockettes (Theatrical troupe).
Rothermel, John
Sylvester, 1947-1988
Experimental theater--California--San Francisco.
Hippies--California--San Francisco.