Materials documenting Martin F. Block's activities as a writer, founder and first editor of ONE Magazine, and as a board member of the Celebration Theatre, Hollywood, in the 1980s. The collection includes unpublished poetry and prose 1938-1953 and 1982-1984, by Block, Howard Griffin, and Ramon Mendez, as well as correspondence, clippings, ephemera, and a transcript of an interview relating to Block's career, personal life, and to the founding of ONE Incorporated.

Martin Fiddler Block was born on July 27, 1919. As a teenager he delivered merchandise for a bookstore in New York City. After graduating from high school he found employment as a buttonhole maker. He later worked for Doubleday, Doran Book Shops becoming, upon completion of military service, night manager for the firm's shop in Grand Central Terminal. He then obtained employment in the publishing business. He moved to Los Angeles in the late 1940s, and in the early 1950s became one of the owners of the Studio Book Store, Hollywood, California. In late 1950 or early 1951, Block was invited by Rudi Gernreich to join the nascent Mattachine Society. By late 1952, an increasing number of members believed the Mattachine should consider a more public role. On October 15, 1952, at a regular meeting chaired by Block, the publishing of a periodical for homosexuals was first proposed. The concept was developed in a succession of weekly meetings, and on November 15, Block, Dale Jennings, and Antonio Sanchez under the pseudonym Anthony Ryceman signed the articles of incorporation for ONE. On November 29, at the first meeting of the new organization, held in his Hollywood bookstore, Block was elected Chairman of ONE, Incorporated. Block also served as the first editor of ONE Magazine, the inaugural issue of which was published in January 1953. However, the demands of his bookstore and family matters compelled him to resign from his position as editor in June 1953. Block remained active in the organization, although with increasing infrequency, through the 1950s. Throughout his professional life Block reviewed books for the Los Angeles Daily News, the Saturday Review, and the New York Times Book Review. In the late 1950s, after his own store closed, he managed the book department of Robinson's Department Store, in Pasadena. He also served as chairman of the Celebration Theater during the early 1980s. He died in West Hollywood, California, on March 4, 1995.

0.2 Linear Feet 1 archive carton

Researchers wishing to publish materials must obtain permission in writing from ONE National Gay & Lesbian Archives as the physical owner. Researchers must also obtain clearance from the holder(s) of any copyrights in the materials. Note that ONE National Gay & Lesbian Archives can grant copyright clearance only for those materials for which we hold the copyright. It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain copyright clearance for all other materials directly from the copyright holder(s).

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