Finding aid to the J. J. Belanger papers Coll2011-035

Kyle Morgan
ONE National Gay & Lesbian Archives, USC Libraries, University of Southern California
909 West Adams Boulevard
Los Angeles, California 90007
(213) 821-2771
askone@usc.edu


Language of Material: English
Contributing Institution: ONE National Gay & Lesbian Archives, USC Libraries, University of Southern California
Title: J. J. Belanger papers
creator: Belanger, J. J. (Joseph John Bertrund)
Identifier/Call Number: Coll2011-035
Physical Description: 6 Linear Feet 4 archive boxes, 2 clamshell boxes
Date (inclusive): 1937-1994
Abstract: The papers comprise the subject files; audiotapes and photography; and correspondence, notes and other personal records of Joseph John Bertrund Belanger, known as J. J. Belanger, 1937-1994. Belanger was a military serviceman in the 1940s and 1950s, member and officer in the Mattachine Society in the 1950s and 1960s, a volunteer in numerous causes in the 1970s and 1980s, and a collector of LGBT history, especially of AIDS-related materials of the mid-to-late 1980s.

Arrangement

The files are arranged in the following series:
Series 1. Personal papers, 1937-1992
Series 2. Subject files, 1952-1994
Series 3. Audiotapes and photographs, 1942-1990

Scope and Contents

The collection comprises the personal papers, subject files, audiotapes, and photography of J. J. Belanger, 1937-1994. The personal papers consists of correspondence, notes, military records, reference material, and other personal material covering Belanger's life from 1937-1990.
The subject files contain clippings, promotional materials, research articles, pamphlets and flyers, legal records, meeting minutes, newsletters, and other like materials documenting non-AIDS-related institutions which Belanger was involved with as well as AIDS-related material collected by Belanger. Of special note in these files is the Mattachine Society address book maintained by Belanger in 1958 as the society's Director of Public Relations.
The open-reel audiotapes and photographic prints were created and/or collected by J. J. Belanger, 1942-1990. Of special note are the military era photographs from 1942-1960, documenting Belanger, his friends, and fellow service men.

Biography

Joseph John Bertrund Belanger was born February 19, 1925, in Edmonton, Canada. He served in the Royal Canadian Air Force from 1942 to 1944 where he was awarded a Defense Medal, Canadian Voluntary Service Medal, and War Medal for his World War II service. He worked odd jobs in Vancouver and Calgary until 1954 when he joined the United States Air Force. He served for five years, earning the Aviation Badge, Good Conduct Medal, Outstanding Airman of the 26th Air Refueling Squadron, numerous other commendations, and a promotion.
Belanger became a member of the Mattachine Society in the early 1950s, but resigned in 1953 after an incident with police threatened to bring negative publicity to the organization. However, Belanger maintained contact with Hal Call and in 1958 became the Mattachine Society's Director of Public Relations. In 1959 he was voted out of the post, but still remained a member of the society.
Since the 1950s Belanger has lived in either San Francisco and Los Angeles, although the particulars of his life are documented only sporadically. He was the Los Angeles coordinator of the Eulenspiegel Society in the 1970s. In the 1980s he was politically involved with the San Francisco chapter of the Stonewall Gay Democratic Club, where he ran and lost a bid for treasurer in 1988. Also in the 1980s he volunteered for Project Inform and was a member of the Quarantine Fighter’s Group. Belanger was also a devoted collector of LGBT history, especially of AIDS-related materials of the mid-to-late 1980s.
(The Mattachine years were referenced from James T. Sears' Behind the Mask of the Mattachine, Harrington Park Press, 2006.)

Processing Information

Processing this collection has been funded by a generous grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities.
The collection has been culled from boxes A248, 103-12, 103-17, 103-59, 103-81, 103-119, 103-127, 103-135, 103-193, 103-254, 103-283, 103-293, 103-294, 103-334, 104-35, 104-96, 104-130.
Because the subject file materials of this collection overlap the content of the ONE Subject Files collection, only a sample of these materials have been retained in this collection. Because the AIDS-related files comprised the largest volume of the single-topic material, these materials as well as materials from organizations in which Belanger was actively involved were retained. These materials will provide a consolidated resource of these topics as well as an example of the distinctive annotation style of J. J. Belanger. See the Separated Materials note for a list of the subject files that were separated for integration into the ONE Subject Files collection.
Collection processed by Amanda Meyncke and Kyle Morgan, September 2011.

Access

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

Publication Rights

Researchers wishing to publish material must obtain permission in writing from ONE National Gay & Lesbian Archives as the physical owner of the material. Note that permission to publish does not constitute copyright clearance. ONE National Gay & Lesbian Archives can grant copyright clearance only for those materials for which we hold copyright. It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain copyright clearance for all other materials from the copyright holder(s).

Separated Materials

The following records have been deaccessioned: 1) personal files unrelated to any LGBT activism or history; 2) personal files other than J. J. Belanger's; 3) non-LGBT-related subject files; 4) non-LGBT-related mass mailings; and 5) duplicate material. Most LGBT-related clippings, mass mailings, and promotional material have been integrated into the ONE Subject Files.
Deaccessioned publications include:
Ellis, Dr. Albert, and Dr. Albert Abarbanel. The Encyclopedia of Sexual Behavior. Jason Aronson, Inc.: New York, 1973.
Wolman, Benjamin B. (ed.) . Handbook of General Psychology. Prentice-Hall: Englewood Cliffs, NJ, 1973.
San Francisco Lesbian/Gay Freedom Day Parade and Celebration program, June 26, 1988.
Periodicals integrated into the ONE periodical collection include unannotated issues of:
Dialogue, volume 1, number 1 (1964).
Frontier Athletic Club Bulletin/Newsletter and the Frontier Athletic Club's The Mighty, c1959-1968 (assorted issues).
Gay, volume 1, numbers 11, 12; volume 2, number 1.
Horseshit: The Offensive Review, number 3 (1968).
PRIDE, Personal Rights through Defense and Education, volume 1, number 1 (May 1956).
San Francisco Bay Guardian, volume 21, number 26 (1987).
Assorted unannotated AIDS-related newsletters, 1986-1989, including Minnesota AIDS Project, PWA Voice, Stonewall News, D.A.I.R. Update, ACT UP San Francisco, NAPWA News, Healing AIDS, PI Perspective, ATIN, BETA, and the Exchange.

Preferred Citation

Box #, folder #, J. J. Belanger papers, Coll2011.035, ONE National Gay & Lesbian Archives, Los Angeles, California

Subjects and Indexing Terms

Gays in the military
AIDS (Disease)
Belanger, J. J. (Joseph John Bertrund)

 

Personal papers Series 1. 1937-1992

Physical Description: 0.7 Linear Feet

Scope and Contents

The papers comprise the calendars, correspondence, notes, clippings, bulk mailings, leases, court records, erotic short stories, receipts, and samples of assorted reference material of J. J. Belanger, 1937-1992. The papers include content related to his military service, friends and relatives, activities and interests, and notable aspects of his housing history. The papers also provide examples of his unique annotation and writing style.

Arrangement

The papers are arranged in alphabetical order.
Box 1, Folder 1

Calendars 1971-1992

Scope and Contents

Comprises annotated calendars and date planners for 1971, 1986-1988, and 1991-1992.
Box 1, Folder 29

Card catalog, personal undated

Box 1, Folder 2-5

Correspondence and notes 1937-1992

Physical Description: [4 folders]

Scope and Contents

Includes correspondence from Michael Hughes and "MHH" as well as three letters of an unknown language (1939-1941). Note that not all letters were written to J.J. Belanger.
Box 1, Folder 6-7

Erotography undated

Physical Description: [2 folders]

Scope and Contents

Contains unattributed erotic fiction stories.
Box 1, Folder 8

Involvements and interests 1978-1983

Scope and Contents

Includes records of subscriptions, memberships, donations, events and entertainment attended, travel groups, purchases, and insurance.
Box 1, Folder 9-10

Rich McKirkeby correspondence and submissions 1986-1990

Physical Description: [2 folders]

Scope and Contents

Contains correspondence, notes and submissions from Rich McKirkeby to J.J. Belanger. Includes 6 photographs.
Box 1, Folder 11-14

Military service records 1944-1959

Physical Description: [4 folders]

Scope and Contents

Includes documentation of service history, awards, commendations, and personal actions.
Box 1, Folder 15

Property: Edna Roma, William Christopher, and Don Slater 1965-1973, undated

Scope and Contents

Contains records regarding financial and ownership issues of concerning 3358 Hamilton Way, Los Angeles CA, 90026. Includes 9 photographs.
Box 1, Folder 16

Personal records, notes, receipts, etc. 1940-1983

Scope and Contents

Includes intermediate school diploma, passport and certificate of birth.
Box 1, Folder 17-18

Reference material and notes, sample 1949-1992

Physical Description: [2 folders]

Scope and Contents

Contains a sample of personal notes as well as annotated articles, clippings, mass mailings, legal summaries, contacts, receipts, reports, correspondence, local services fliers, basic calendars, a San Francisco map, a psychiatric article from 1949, and an Otis employment test.
Box 1, Folder 19

Rental records 1986-1992

Scope and Contents

Comprises records of a program to house those with AIDS at the Ambassador Hotel. Includes 6 photographs of unknown objects.
Box 4, Folder 31

Scrapbook 1943-1981

Scope and Contents

Primarily materials regarding Belanger's military service from 1956-1960, including 5 black-and-white photographs. Also includes his 1943 identity card for the Royal Air Force.
 

Subject files Series 2. 1952-1994

Physical Description: 3.2 Linear Feet

Scope and Contents

The records consist of a sample of subject files maintained by J. J. Belanger, 1952-1994. The records include clippings, correspondence, press releases and other promotional materials, research articles, pamphlets and flyers, legal records, meeting minutes, newsletters, and other like materials.
The LGBT organizations files document institutions which Belanger was involved with: The Eulenspiegel Society, Gay Caucus, Mattachine Society, and Stonewall Democratic Club. Of special note in this section is the Mattachine address book maintained by Belanger in 1958 as the Director of Public Relations.
The AIDS-related subject files include people, organization, event, research, treatment, pharmaceutical, general topic and reference documents collected by Belanger, the bulk from 1985-1992. Those institutions which Belanger was directly involved, such as Project Inform and Mankind Research Foundation, contain the most in-depth coverage.

Arrangement

The records are arranged in the following order: 1) General: LGBT organizations; 2) AIDS: people, organizations, and events; 3) AIDS: research, treatment, and pharmaceuticals; and 4) AIDS: topics and general reference. Each section's files are arranged in alphabetical order.
 

General: LGBT organizations Subseries 2.1. 1952-1992

Box 1, Folder 20

Eulenspiegel Society 1971-1978

Box 1, Folder 21-22

Gay Caucus 1975-1977

Physical Description: [2 folders]
Box 1, Folder 23-25

Mattachine Society 1952-1965, 1979, undated

Physical Description: [3 folders]

Scope and Contents

Includes foundational documents, notes, reports, articles, and other materials including an interview outline for sexual inversion by Elver Barker and an address book maintained by Belanger in 1958 as the Director of Public Relations.
Box 1, Folder 26-28

Stonewall Democratic Club 1978-1992

Physical Description: [3 folders]
Box 2, Folder 1-2

Stonewall Democratic Club, newsletters and Gerry F. Parker records 1975-1989

Physical Description: [2 folders]
 

AIDS: people, organizations, and events Subseries 2.2. 1979-1993

Box 2, Folder 3-4

AIDS Foundation, directories 1985-1988

Physical Description: [2 folders]
Box 2, Folder 5

AIDS Initiative Campaign 1987-1988

Box 2, Folder 6

AIDS Treatment News 1987-1988

Box 2, Folder 7

American Foundation for AIDS Research (AmFAR) 1987

Box 2, Folder 8

California local health officers, papers 1987

Box 2, Folder 9

Centers for Disease Control 1986-1987

Box 2, Folder 10

Citizen Committee Opposing Quarantine 1986-1987

Box 2, Folder 11-12

Community Research Alliance 1985-1991

Physical Description: [2 folders]
Box 2, Folder 13

Community Research Initiative 1986-1990

Scope and Contents

Includes People with AIDS materials.
Box 2, Folder 14-16

Conferences and meetings, general 1985-1990

Physical Description: [3 folders]
Box 2, Folder 17

Crofoot, John 1988

Box 2, Folder 18

Demonstrations and protests, general 1987-1992

Box 2, Folder 19

Documentation of AIDS Issues and Research (DAIR) 1985-1987

Box 2, Folder 20

Edelman, Ed 1987, 1993

Box 2, Folder 21

FYI: AIDS 1988-1989

Box 2, Folder 22

Ham, Hotline for Homophiles 1985-1988

Box 2, Folder 23

Healing AIDS 1987-1988

Box 2, Folder 24

International Gay Association 1985-1991

Box 2, Folder 25

Lobby for Individuals Freedom and Equality (LIFE) 1987

Box 2, Folder 26-27

Mankind Research Foundation 1979, 1988

Physical Description: [2 folders]
Box 2, Folder 28

March on Washington 1987-1992

Box 2, Folder 29

Mobilization against AIDS 1985-1987

Box 2, Folder 30

Names Project 1987-1991

Box 2, Folder 31

National Lawyers Guild (NLG) 1984-1987

Box 2, Folder 32

Organizations, general 1984-1987

Box 2, Folder 33-36

People with AIDS (PWA) 1985-1989

Physical Description: [4 folders]

Scope and Contents

Includes Committee Research Initiative, New York City materials.
Box 2, Folder 37

Positive Action 1987-1992

Box 2, Folder 38

Profit Strategy Letter 1987

Box 3, Folder 1-2

Project Inform 1985-1991

Physical Description: [2 folders]
Box 3, Folder 3

Stop AIDS Foundation 1988-1990

Box 3, Folder 4

Stop AIDS Project 1985-1987

Box 3, Folder 5

Surgeon General C. Everett Koop 1987-1988

 

AIDS: research, treatment, and pharmaceuticals Subseries 2.3. 1981-1992

Box 3, Folder 6

AIDS and other manifestations of HIV infection, manuscript undated

Box 3, Folder 7

AL-721 (active lipid) 1987-1988

Box 3, Folder 8-10

Alternative therapies 1984-1989

Physical Description: [3 folders]
Box 3, Folder 11

AZT 1987-1991

Box 3, Folder 12

Dextran Sulphate 1987-1989

Box 3, Folder 13

Drug buyers club and physician lists 1988

Box 3, Folder 14-15

General pharmaceuticals 1981-1992

Physical Description: [2 folders]
Box 3, Folder 16

Genetic sciences 1986-1991

Box 3, Folder 17

Immune system boosters 1987

Box 3, Folder 18

Medical records 1986-1989

Box 3, Folder 19

Proteins 1986-1991

Box 3, Folder 20-21

Psychological issues 1987-1988

Physical Description: [2 folders]
Box 3, Folder 22

Psychosomatic and holistic therapies 1987

Box 3, Folder 23-24

Research and treatment 1987-1992

Physical Description: [2 folders]
Box 3, Folder 25

Reticulose 1987

Box 3, Folder 26

Ribavirin 1985-1987

Box 3, Folder 27-32

Treatment 1986-1991

Physical Description: [6 folders]
Box 3, Folder 33

Trimetexate 1987

Box 3, Folder 34

Viruses 1985-1987

 

AIDS: topics and general reference Subseries 2.4. 1967, 1979-1994

Box 3, Folder 35

Conspiracy theories 1987-1992

Box 3, Folder 36-38

Education 1979-1991

Physical Description: [3 folders]
Box 4, Folder 1

Costs 1986-1988

Box 4, Folder 2

Foreign countries 1987

Box 4, Folder 3-4

Fundraising 1985-1990

Physical Description: [2 folders]
Box 4, Folder 5-6

General reference, photocopies 1986-1990

Physical Description: [2 folders]
Box 4, Folder 7

Government reports 1986-1987

Box 4, Folder 8

Insurance 1986-1988

Box 4, Folder 9

Latinos 1986-1987

Box 4, Folder 10

Legal, Living with AIDS, manuscript 1988

Box 4, Folder 11

Legal, ninth amendment 1990

Box 4, Folder 12-13

Legislation 1986-1990

Physical Description: [2 folders]
Box 4, Folder 14

Medicare and medical 1986-1987

Box 4, Folder 15

Miscellaneous 1987-1989

Box 4, Folder 16-17

News and opinion pieces 1984-1994

Physical Description: [2 folders]
Box 4, Folder 18-19

Politics 1984-1990

Physical Description: [2 folders]
Box 4, Folder 20

Quarantine 1986-1987

Box 4, Folder 21

Safe sex 1987-1990

Box 4, Folder 22

Sexually transmitted diseases (STD) 1985-1989

Box 4, Folder 23

Social issues 1967, 1988

Box 4, Folder 24-28

Social services 1985-1992

Physical Description: [5 folders]
Box 4, Folder 29

Statistics 1986-1987

Box 4, Folder 30

Women, babies, IV drug users and bisexuals 1987

 

Audiotapes and photographs Series 3. 1942-1990

Belanger (J.J) photographs, sample

Physical Description: 2.1 Linear Feet

Scope and Contents

The series consists of audiotapes and photographs created and/or collected by J. J. Belanger, 1942-1990. The photographs issue primarily from two photograph albums and document Belanger's life from 1942-1990. Of special note are the military era photographs from 1942-1960, documenting Belanger, his friends, and fellow servicemen. Five of the six audiotapes were created in 1972 primarily regarding the Metropolitan Community Church and "CIC"; the sixth discusses LSD. The audiotape descriptions have been transcribed as written on the audiotape sleeves with semicolons used to indicate line breaks.

Separated Materials

Open-reel tapes have been separated to the ONE audiovisual collection.
Item ARR0193

5/1/72 9:15am - Side #1, Side #2; Steve P vs Troy CIC; and Larry et al.; 9:55am Lynn Snyder; v depressed (10 or more mg Thorazine); [?] Thain - Pac. Phone; Bernstein/Fallett vs Phone Co. Thain; Kwan // PUC - Mrs. Brockett Mr. Wiseman; To: Mrs. Boris Jacoby; Al Thain - (Mr.; Karen Stevens/ Lynn - 5/3/0030 to 0055 1972

Physical Description: [Scotch recording open-reel audiotape, tartan series 144, .5 ml polyester]
Item ARR0194

5-14-72 - 10:30am; Tom Ritt - FM - KPFK - 90.7; Gwen Adams - 10:50am 10:47am; Re: CRA Termination; 5/14/72 11am 11:30am MCC; 11:40 to 1pm; Gwen Adams /CRA 1972

Physical Description: [Scotch recording open-reel audiotape, tartan series 144, .5 ml polyester]
Item ARR0195

Track 1 (4/29/72, 1/2 hr; file subject: MCC/CIC): MCC/CIC 0 Roland - John; Re: Apr. 27/8 - Taped; Apr. 29, 1972 - 1:15/30; Later - Steve Potter; vs John; Steve vs. Jerry L MCC; Long Beach - Phoenix Track 2 (5/12-13/72, 1 1/2 hr): Lennon-Yoko vs immigration; Cavett Show; Slater 1972

Physical Description: [Sound open-reel audiotape, .5 ml polyester]
Item ARR0196

Track 1 (4-25-72; file subject: part "conf.", daily (gen.) info): Lynn Snyder - Counselee ; TV - potential trsx; Info: from Dr. Richard Green; Bill Lambert - "ONE" Re:TV; trnsx counseling - 15 yrs; Chase / Rays - 1 referrals - 3 people available; CIC - Ann of Westlake down comm. Jim Chase - Re: Mark Dorian; Leslie Abbott - Dave Wilcox - CRA - Dir. of Planning - bkgrnd data; Phillip Peters//8pm Ken Mrs. Miller - St. Vincents - Yvonne; Jon Reuschel - 8:30pm 10pm Jim Chase/Jay Stanly vs SAG actors equity 1972

Physical Description: [Sound open-reel audiotape, .5 ml polyester]
Item ARR0197

Index #: MCC #1; file subject: homosexuality; MCC Rev Troy D. Perry pre-recorded (30 min; 3-5-72); MCC Perry - KFAL (25 min; 3-19-72) 1972

Physical Description: [Sound open-reel audiotape]
Item ARR0198

ON L.S.D. July 28, 1968, TV 5 - KTLA 1968

Physical Description: [unidentified open-reel audiotape, .5 ml polyester]
Item ARR0329

John Speaks - Hilary Hughes August 21, 1960

Box 5

Photographic prints 1942-1959

Scope and Contents

The photographs primarily issue from an album documenting J.J. Belanger's life from age 17 to 34, 1942-1959. A few photographs from this same era have been included at the beginning of the box, with the photographs from the album following. The bulk of the photographs issue from 1952-1960, covering pre-enlistment (1952-1954), enlistment with the United States Air Force (1954-1959), and post-enlistment (1959-1960). The photographs primarily consist of images of J.J. Belanger and his male friends both in military service and out.

Processing Information

The photographs have been preserved in archival sleeves, while the album's context has been preserved both through photocopies of the original album pages and retention of the now empty album pages.
Box 6

Photographic prints 1982-1990

Scope and Contents

The photographs document J.J. Belanger's life from 1982-1990. The first section contains photographs from a 1982 album, mostly showing Belanger's interaction with an unknown family. The second section contains pictures of Belanger and his friends from 1984-1990, including a series of him with Harry Hay. The second section also contains six photographs of an AIDS-vigil in San Francisco.