Thomas (Peter) Papers, 1987-2003

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Summary

Title:
Peter Thomas papers
Dates:
1987-2003
Creators:
Thomas, Peter and Bradford, Fred (Frederick Pomeroy)
Abstract:
Personal correspondence, photographs, and chainmail clothing designs of Los Angeles resident Peter Thomas, 1961-2003. The photographs include images of friends, family, and gay leather and motorcycle events. Thomas relocated to Los Angeles after being disowned by his father; he worked at the Pacific Design Center and as a professional escort. He died of complications related to AIDS on March 4, 2003.
Extent:
2.1 Linear Feet 1 archives carton, 2 archives boxes
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

[Box/folder #, or item name] Peter Thomas Papers, Coll2015-009, ONE National Gay & Lesbian Archives, USC Libraries, University of Southern California.

Background

Scope and content:

Personal correspondence, photographs, and chainmail designs of Los Angeles resident Peter Thomas, 1961-2003. The collection includes photographs of friends, family, and gay leather and motorcycle events such as the Satyrs Motorcycle Club’s Badger Flats Run, Mr. LA Leather Competition, Folsom Street Fair, and New York City Pride. Photographs also include visits to Hermit Falls, Arcadia, California, Kirkham Hot Springs, Boise National Forest, Idaho; Pittsburg Landing, Idaho; and San Francisco. The photographs also include gay personalities, including Mr. LA Leather Competition winner Kevin Craft, Michael Pereyra, and Carl Hardwick. The collection also includes photographs and examples of Thomas’ chainmail pieces and his personal leather goods. He died of complications from AIDS on March 4, 2003.

Biographical / historical:

Peter Thomas Pomonis was born December 12, 1961, in Mt. Clemens, Michigan. He was one of three children. After his parents' divorce and his mother's remarriage, they relocated to their stepfather's ranch near Spokane, Washington. During this period Thomas was repeatedly sexually abused. For his freshman and sophmore years of high school his biological father paid to send his son to military school. Thomas was also sexually abused at the military school. After his biological father learned that his son was gay, Thomas was disowned. At that time Thomas dropped his last name and was known as Peter Thomas.

He supported himself by working at the Arizona Biltmore Hotel in Phoenix. He later moved to Los Angeles, California, and worked at the Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood.

Thomas developed a drug habit, and in order to support his habit, he offered his services as a "high class escort." Aware of his HIV positive status, he practiced safer sex, and was known by his clients for his cautious and safer techniques. He traveled with clients to San Francisco, New York City, Fire Island, Europe, and Africa.

Thomas died of complications related to AIDS at his home on March 4, 2003. His family and friends held a memorial service at the Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden in Long Beach.

Acquisition information:
Deed of gift dated, March 08, 2015.
Processing information:

Collection processed by Joseph Klice, March 2015.

Arrangement:

Folders are arranged alphabetically by title.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

About this collection guide

Collection Guide Author:
Joseph Klice
Date Encoded:
This finding aid was produced using ArchivesSpace on 2015-04-07 14:01:25 -0700 .

Access and use

Restrictions:

The collection is open to researchers. There are no access restrictions.

Terms of access:

All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the ONE Archivist. Permission for publication is given on behalf of ONE National Gay and Lesbian Archives at USC Libraries as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained.

Preferred citation:

[Box/folder #, or item name] Peter Thomas Papers, Coll2015-009, ONE National Gay & Lesbian Archives, USC Libraries, University of Southern California.

Location of this collection:
909 West Adams Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90007, US
Contact:
(213) 821-2771
askone@usc.edu
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