Jean Swallow Papers, 1961-1996, bulk 1968-1994

Printable guide [HTML]

Summary

Creators:
Swallow, Jean
Abstract:
The collection contains drafts, background research, and publicity materials for the books, poems and stories written by Jean Swallow. She also amassed material on Alcoholics Anonymous and other groups that assist people in recovery from substance abuse.
Extent:
5 cartons, 1 oversized box (5.0 cubic feet)
Language:
Collection materials are in English.
Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], Jean Swallow Papers (GLC 50), Gay and Lesbian Center, San Francisco Public Library.

Background

Scope and content:

This collection includes the written work of Jean Swallow and materials that she collected as background research on various subjects. There is correspondence with authors and publishers, drafts of books, poems, stories, and talks, and copies of published pieces. The collection includes drafts of Making Love Visible co-authored by Geoff Manasse. Swallow also amassed material on Alcoholics Anonymous and other groups that assist people in recovery from substance abuse.

Biographical / historical:

Jean Swallow was born on September 8, 1953. She was a lesbian writer and editor. Her work included newspaper editing for the Charlotte (North Carolina) Observer, poetry, novels, essays, and grant-writing. Her anthology Out From Under was published in 1983 and was the first book by and about lesbians in recovery from substance abuse. In 1986 her novel Leave a Light on for Me was published; it was reissued in 1991. She continued to write shorter pieces, poems and stories, which she collected in How (Some of) It Works.

The success of Out from Under led to a follow-up volume published as The Next Step in 1993. Both volumes were welcome additions to the literature of lesbians in recovery. Swallow died of an apparent suicide on January 16, 1995 in Seattle, Washington. At the time of her death Swallow had been clean and sober for 14 years.

In 1995 Swallow had just finished a draft of a book of interviews with photographs by Geoff Manasse; the draft was published under the title Making Love Visible: In Celebration of Gay and Lesbian Families. The book A Woman Determined was published in 1998.

Acquisition information:
The Jean Swallow Papers were donated to the San Francisco Public Library in 1998 by Betsy Walker and Marian Michener.
Arrangement:

The collection is arranged in six series: Series 1. Correspondence; Series 2. Writings by Jean Swallow; Series 3. Talks and Workshops; Series 4. Subject Files; Series 5. Photographs; and Series 6. Publications and Scrapbooks. Series 2 is subdivided in four subseries: Series 2a. Poems, stories and interviews; Series 2b. Book Reviews; Series 2c. Books; and Series 2d. Grants.

Physical location:
Open for research. The collection is offsite and advance notice is required for retrieval. Material must be requested at least 4 business days in advance of visit.
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Access and use

Restrictions:

The collection is open for research and available for use during San Francisco History Center hours. Photographs are available during Photo Desk hours. This collection must be requested at least 4 business days in advance of visit.

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. The San Francisco Public Library owns copyright.

Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], Jean Swallow Papers (GLC 50), Gay and Lesbian 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
Website