San Francisco Punk Collection, 1973-2011, bulk (1977-1986)

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Summary

Abstract:
This collection contains material documenting punk music and culture in the San Francisco Bay Area through zines, fliers, photographs, and other ephemera with the bulk of material dating from the late 1970s to mid-1980s. This is a growing collection comprised of small donations to the San Francisco Punk Archive.
Extent:
3 cartons, 1 oversized flat box, 5 map folders, 12 letter-sized folders (Photo room) (5 Cubic Feet)
Language:
Collection materials are in English .
Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], San Francisco Punk Collection (SFH 675), San Francisco History Center, San Francisco Public Library.

Background

Scope and content:

This collection documents punk music and culture in the San Francisco Bay Area, but also includes Los Angeles, New York, and other locations. Materials date from 1973-2011, with the bulk from 1977-mid-1980s. The collection includes show fliers, ephemera, zines and periodicals, photographs, and other ephemera such as buttons, and original paste-ups. Genres of music represented are largely punk, new wave, hardcore, and post-punk, but also include are metal, glam, reggae, and ska. In addition to the hundreds of show fliers in this collection, of note are black & white photographs by Mindaugis Bagdon (Louder faster shorter) of Snuky Tate, V. Vale, and others circa 1978, and a complete run of the Ivey music calendar (1978-1980).

Biographical / historical:

San Francisco's punk scene emerged in 1977, influenced by the punk movements in New York and the UK, and bands like the Ramones and the Flamin' Groovies. It also reflected the social and political unrest and the experimental art scenes of the city. Magazines and zines such as Search & Destroy, Punk Globe, Cometbus, and Absolutely Zippo, and photographers like Ruby Ray and James Stark documented the scene. The punk scene in the Bay Area was diverse and vibrant. Bands such as the Sleepers, Crime, Avengers, Romeo Void, Dead Kennedys, Minimal Man, Tuxedo Moon, and Flipper played at venues like Mabuhay Gardens, Deaf Club, Sound of Music, On Broadway, and The Farm.

Acquisition information:
This growing collection is made up of small donations. Donors include Alastair Johnston, Irene Dogmatic, Mindaugis Bagdon, Jean Caffeine, Jeff Maser, Irene Barnard, Jeff Marmazs, David Bach, Michael Capaldo, Dave Davis, Damon Votour, Kevin McKereghan, John Woodbridge, Paul Cartier, Tim (Chi Chi Dumpster) Marshall, Roger Carrington, Charlie Hagan, Elliott (Erik) Forsman, Emi Takahara, and Cindy Hanrahan.
Processing information:

During processing, the collection was foldered and housed in acid-free folders and boxes. Some metal staples remain.

Arrangement:

The collection is arranged in 3 series: Series 1: Fliers and ephemera, Series 2: Zines and periodicals, and Series 3: Photographs.

Series 1: Fliers and ephemera is arranged by name of donor and further arranged by type and date. Series 2: Zines and periodicals is arranged in alphabetical order by title. Series 3: Photographs is arranged name of donor and further arranged by format and date.

Physical location:
The collection is stored on site.
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.

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], San Francisco Punk Collection (SFH 675), San Francisco History 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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