Guide to the Ted Sahl Social Justice Collection
SJSU Special Collections & Archives
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library
San José State University
One Washington Square
San José, CA 95192-0028
(408) 808-2062
special.collections@sjsu.edu
© 2011
http://library.sjsu.edu/sjsu-special-collections/sjsu-special-collections-and-archives
Title: Ted Sahl Social Justice Collection
Identifier/Call Number: MSS.2010.10.25
Contributing Institution:
SJSU Special Collections & Archives
Language of Material:
English
Physical Description:
57.29 Linear feet,
56 Boxes
Date (inclusive): 1976-2010
Abstract: The Ted Sahl Social Justice Collection represents the work of local photojournalist Theodore Sahl (Ted). A long term resident
of San José, Sahl, documented social, political, and cultural events in the Bay Area through photography. His early work largely
focused on the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community in San José, but he also documented a range of social
protest movements and political events from the 1970s to the present. This collection represents the culmination of his work
over the last thirty years, and is a companion to the Ted Sahl Collection, which documents the LGTB community from 1976-2001,
and the Black Americana Collection.
Physical Location: Vault 1, Range 26A
Access
The collection is open for research.
Publication Rights
Copyright has been assigned to the San José State University Library Special Collections & Archives. All requests for permission
to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the Director of Special Collections. Permission for publication
is given on behalf of the SJSU Special Collections & Archives 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 by the reader. Copyright restrictions also apply
to digital reproductions of the original materials. Use of digital files is restricted to research and educational purposes.
Preferred Citation
Ted Sahl Social Justice Collection, MSS-2010-10-25, San José State University Library Special Collections & Archives.
Processing Information
Collection processed by Jeannette Eaton. Finding aid EAD encoded by Mary Alexander. Reviewed by Danelle Moon.
Organizational/Biographical History
Theodore Sahl (1927- ) is an award winning photographer in San José, California. Sahl spent the last 30 years as a photojournalist,
documenting social and political events in the Bay Area. Born May 5, 1927 to a poor Jewish family in Roxbury, an Irish suburb
near Boston, he faced discrimination on a daily basis living in the tenements of South Boston. He served in the U.S. Navy
(1947) and was stationed in Charleston, South Carolina where he first witnessed separate facilities and drinking fountains
for African Americans. These early experiences formed his views on social justice and civil rights. He spent his primary career
working as a welder in California, and in the 1970s he became an active photojournalist in the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and
Transgender (LGBT) community. Although best known for his involvement with the LGBT community in San José, he also covered
the anti-nuclear demonstrations at the Lawrence Livermore Radiation Laboratory (1980-1987), the Mt. Diablo Nuclear Plant protests
(1980-1987), the United Farm Workers strikes (1970-1980s), as well as many other social protest movements in the region. Sahl's
long time association with the LGBT community began in 1978 after a bitter dispute took place between the gay community and
members of the Christian right. Local Christian groups were upset over the San José City Council's decision to issue a proclamation
in support of Gay Pride Week. While the Christian groups mobilized against the City Council, the gay community held a rally
in support of Gay Pride Week. Intrigued by the grassroots activism and interested in recording the event, Sahl attended the
protest and thereby launched a long career documenting the LGBT community. Initially, the community distrusted Sahl's motives
as a heterosexual outsider. At that time, many individuals in the gay community were still "closeted" and did not wish to
be photographed. Over the next three decades, however, Sahl gained the trust of the community and today is widely recognized
for his work as a photojournalist and as an outspoken advocate for gay rights. Sahl served as the staff photographer for a
number of local LGBT newspapers including the Lambda News (1978-1983), Our Paper (1984-1988), South Bay Times (1988-1990),
and the Valley Views. His photographs have appeared in a number of works, including a 1999 San José Mercury News documentary
on the city's lesbian and gay community, entitled A Community of One. More recently his work was recognized in another Mercury
News story published March 25, 2011, celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Billy DeFrank center. In 1981, the San Francisco
Cable Car Award Association nominated Sahl for an award in photojournalism. He was also the recipient of an honorable mention
in Advocate magazine's National Photo Contest in the "People" category. He has the distinction of being the only heterosexual
to ever become the President of the Board of the San José Gay Pride Celebration Committee and was inducted into the Santa
Clara Gay Hall of Fame in 1988. He is the author of From Closet to Community: a Quest for Gay and Lesbian Liberation in San
Jose and Santa Clara County (2002).
Scope and Content of Collection
The Ted Sahl Social Justice Collection represents the work of local photojournalist Theodore Sahl (Ted). A long term resident
of San José, Sahl, documented social, political, and cultural events in the Bay Area through photography. His early work largely
focused on the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community in San José, but he also documented a range of social
protest movements and political events from the 1970s to the present. This collection represents the culmination of his work
over the last thirty years, and is a companion to the Ted Sahl Collection, which documents the LGBT community from 1976-2010,
and the Black Americana Collection. This photographic collection similarly depicts the LGBT community in San José, as well
as documenting the anti-nuclear protests against Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in the 1980s. Other protest movements,
farm labor strikes, and rallies, are well represented. Sahl captured numerous action shots of, activists, campaign initiatives,
celebrities, the environment, festivals, local events, politicians, and numerous social justice protests. Series V documents
his life as an artist, photographer, researcher, and writer, and includes the first draft of his book From Closet to Community,
which he self-published in 2002. The bulk of this collection consists of photographic essays he compiled, contact prints,
negatives, printed materials, ephemera, personal memoirs, and a very small collection of non-photographic artwork.
Arrangement
This collection is arranged into five series: Peace Protests & Demonstrations, 1980-2007; Culture, Society, & Politics, 1970-2009;
LGBT Identity Politics, 1970-2010; Recreation, Leisure & the Environment,1970-1989; Ted Sahl - Personal Memoirs, 1976-2010.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Martin, Sheen, Mr., 1940-
AIDS activists
Antinuclear movement -- California -- Livermore
California--Politics and government
Civil Rights--Gay Rights
Demonstrations--United States--1970.
Gay liberation movement -- California -- Santa Clara County
Gays -- California -- San José -- History
Gays--California--San Jose--Political activity--History--20th century.
GLBT studies
LGBT studies
Peace movements -- San Francisco Bay Area -- California
Photojournalists
Political activists--California
Queer studies
San Jose State University (Calif.)
Series I: Peaceful Protests: Anti-Nuclear 1980-2007
1980-2007
Physical Description
6 Boxes
Scope and Content of Collection
This series primarily documents Ted Sahl's photographic essays of the Lawrence Livermore Laboratory anti-nuclear demonstrations
that took place in the 1980s, as well as other blockades, demonstrations, and arrests associated with anti-war protest at
United States Naval Bases, and nuclear power plants. These photographs provide a visual representation of the peace and anti-nuclear
war movements in the Bay Area in the 1980s. Collectively each photographic essay provides a snap-shot view of civil rights
activism and the struggle for freedom of speech in the late 20th century. A notable example is the "Family Day Demonstration"
where protestors dressed up as skeletons to illustrate the fatally detrimental effects of poisonous radiation. Additionally,
there are photographic images of anti-nuke and anti-war demonstration prayer vigils to honor the Japanese victims of the Hiroshima
atomic bombing by the United States military at the end of World War II (See box 4 oversized photographs). Scholars interested
in the history of anti-war and anti-nuclear campaigns will find visual representations of peace activists and organizers of
the Livermore Action Group and other organizations connected to the San José Peace and Justice Center. This series includes
print copies of the San José Peace Times newsletter published by South Bay Mobilization Activists. A unique find within this
series is "Songs to Rock the Nation!" written by protestors from the Vandenberg Air Force Base U.S. strike weapons in 1983.
These protests brought ordinary people together with high profile celebrities such as Martin Sheen and Joan Baez. Sheen participated
in the Vandenberg protest and was eventually arrested. He is well known as an social justice activist. (See box 3)
Arrangement
This series is arranged by format and chronologically by date. Note that the original essays have been removed from the plastic
binders and re-housed in archival boxes and folders. Ted Sahl's original photographic essay, number, title, and number of
photos are generally included in front of each folder, and may include negatives.
Box 1-3: Photographic Essays
File 1: Continue Straight Archives Only: Social Activism
1980-2006
File 2: San Jose Peace Center History
1982-2007
File 3: Diablo Nuclear Plant Essay
1980-1987
File 4: No Wars! No Intervention!
1980-2005
File 5: John Lemnitizer Charged with Blockading Lawrence Livermore Laboratory
1982
File 5: Lawrence Livermore Radiation Laboratory
1982-1996
File 6: Anti-Nuke War Demonstration
1984-1988
File 7: Lawrence Livermore Radiation Laboratory Protest
1982-2003
File 8: Diablo Nuclear Power Plant Protesting to Stop Plant from Operating
1980-1987
File 9: Diablo Nuclear Power Plant
1981-1987
File 10: Tour of Shame Essay, Livermore Action Group (LAG)
circa 1980's
File 11: Vanderberg AirForce Base Protest of U.S.A. Strike Weapons
1982-2001
Boxes 4-5: Oversized Photographs, Anit-Nuclear Protests
1980-2007
Box 6: News clippings (original and photocopies), news releases, articles, pamphlets, legislation and campaign initiatives,
and published works on direction action
1981-2002
File 1: A Book titled "Direct Action" by Luke Hauser
1985
File 2: Binder with Newspaper Clippings, Correspondence, and Printed Matter
File 3: Newsletters, Ted Sahl Notes, poetry, Miscellaneous brochures
File 4: Newspaper Clippings,Miscellaneous Printed Matter
1982-2000
File 5: San Jose Peace Times Newsletter
1982-2004
File 6: Publication titled "Diablo Blockade"
File 7: Publication titles " Listen to our Hearts Song, Women in Jail for Peace"
Series II:Culture, Society and Politics 1970-2009
1970-2009
Physical Description
9 Boxes
Scope and Content of Collection
This series provides a visual representation of culture, society, and politics in the South Bay and beyond, and includes a
significant body of images of Native Americans, Hispanic laborers, and African-American communities. Some of the primary examples
include images of Native American burial grounds, the Watsonville Cannery and Farm workers Strikes, the Freedom Train in San
José, the Klu Klux Klan protest in St. James Park, and images of anonymous homeless people. In addition, local festivals,
social gatherings, university events, organizational rallies, and political protests are well represented. There are also
several images of local and national politicians and celebrities. Some examples include Joan Baez, Tom Bradley, Jerry Brown,
Cesar Chavez, Don Edwards, Jerry Falwell, Geraldine Ferraro, Jane Fonda, Jesse Jackson, Harvey Milk, Norman Mineta, O.J. and
Nicole Simpson, Martin Sheen, and Bishop Tutu.
Arrangement
This series is arranged by format and chronologically by date. Note that the original essays have been removed from the plastic
binders and re-housed in archival boxes and folders. Ted Sahl's original photographic essay, number, title, and number of
photos are generally included in front of each folder, and may include negatives.
Boxes 7-9: Photographic Essays 1980-2007
File 1: Native American Indians, Circa 1980's
circa 1980's
File 2: Eight Homeless and Street People(San jose, Oakland, San Francisco, Santa Cruz)
1985-2002
File 3: Festivals, Social Issues, Protest U.S. Intervention in Central America
1977-1982
File 4: A Watsonville Canning Strike, Western Workers Service Association ( W.W.S.A.)
1985-1986
File 5: San Jose Hispanic Community
1982-2006
File 6: (Negatives Only) San Jose Political Council and Northern Californians Central Democratic Dinner
File 7: Social and Political Photos
File 8: Commercial "Non-Gay" Work
File 9: Annual San Jose New Years Parade, LGBT members of Vietnamese Community Marchin in Parade ( Negatives Enclosed)
File 10: San Jose Hispanic Community
1976-1990
File 11: San Jose Political Council and Northern Californians Central Democratic Dinner
1976-1990
File 12: Anita Duarte, Two Essays: Business Woman, Feminist+Activist/ Political Office/ Aid for a Farm Worker's Plight
1979-1982
File 12: Contra Leader Visits USA to Raise Funds for Reagan Freedom Fighters
Circa 1980's
File 13: California...Poltical Office Holders (Non Gay Inidividuals-Activists Plus)
Circa 1980's
File 14: Celebrities Portraits
File 15: Essays of Celebrity Activists Involved in Social Protests
1977-1985
File 16: Dave Carranza, S.J. City Council Testifying: Favor a Marriage
File 18: Santa Clara City Council Person
File 19: Reverand Cecil Williams
File 20: U.S. Freedom Train Stops in San Jose
Circa 1970's
File 21: Nineteen Major San Jose Events: Social and Political
1977-1989
File 22: KKK Rally and Recruiting in St. James Park; Turned into a Bloody Riot, 22 demonstrators attended
File 23: KKK Rally, Extra Photos
File 24: San Francisco, Weed-in Proponents to Legalize Pot in California
1982
File 25: Apartheid Protests and Blockades at UC Berkeley
1983-1985
File 26: Loaves and Fishes, St. Patrick's Church in San jose, Tradition Feeding of SJ needy during Christmas
1981-1989
File 27: Extra pictures of Loaves and Fishes, St. Patrick's Church in San jose, Tradition Feeding of SJ needy during Christmas
File 28: Miscellaneous Cultue, Society, and Politics
Boxes 10-15: Oversized Photographs
1970s-1980s
Box 16: News clippings (original and photocopies), articles, pamphlets, published works, and other correspondence
1986-2008
File 29: Several Publications, " Many Tickets But No Train" by Dr. Randall C. Jimenez, "Matlovich, The Good Soldier" by Mike
Hippler, and a copy of of San Jose Studies Journal, Volume 20, Number 2- A Special Issue In Memory of Cesar Chavez
File 30: Newspaper titled, " Revolution, voice of the revolutionary communist party, USA" published September 24,2006
2006
File 30: March/Rally for peace flyers
2007
File 31: Newspaper clippings regarding the move to rename a stretch of Story Road in San Jose, California "Little Saigon"
2003-2008
File 32: Folder of printed matter relating to the 2004 Santa Clara County Domestic Violence Conference
2004
File 33: Publication relating to The Annual Human Relations Awards Breakfast titled " Unleashing the power of Peace"
2008
File 34: Special Commemorative Issue of "Washington Sqaure" regarding the 150th anniversary of the founding of San Jose State
University
2007
File 35: Printed matter documenting Ly Tong, a vietnamese activist
1984-2007
File 36: Printed matter relating to the Hispanic community in San jose
2001-2007
Series III: LGBT Identity Politics 1970-2010
1970-2010
Physical Description
26 boxes
Scope and Content of Collection
his series documents the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) community in the South Bay and the larger San Francisco
Bay Area. The photographic content is quite diverse and it provides a long-term view of the South Bay LGBT community, from
the early bar scenes, drag queen culture, to the political activism surrounding gay rights and gay marriage. Some of the most
compelling images document AIDS epidemic victims, and include head shots of the faces of men and women who died from the disease.
The printed materials provide documentation on the Imperial Royal Lion Monarchy (ILRM) of San José Inc., a non-profit organization
committed to fostering equal rights, promoting a positive image of the LGBT community, and providing charitable support to
gay and straight organizations in Santa Clara County. Founded in 1990, the IRLM has distributed over $100,000 to local organizations.
They raise money through gay balls and drag queen coronations, stage shows, and other events. The balls prominently featured
the spirit of the "Drag Queen" culture and they worked closely with the Billy DeFrank LGBT Community Center. This segment
illustrates the connections between LGBT organizations and the importance of networking in the community. Other images document
some of the LGBT political icons in Northern California. There are a number of photographs of Harvey Milk, the first openly
gay candidate to be elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, and of Robert Reformer, author, musician, and LGBT
activist. The printed matter includes brochures, flyers, programs, news clippings, newspapers, pamphlets, and miscellany.
Other unpublished essays and ephemera complement the numerous periodicals including On Out Now, A&U American AIDs, and newspapers
and newsletters made popular among many LGBT organizations. The newsletters, magazines, and photographs represented here reflect
the local grass roots activism and lifestyles, from the counterculture revolution of the 1970s to the impact of the AIDS epidemic
in the South Bay. The Voices of C.A.R.E., People Living with HIV and AIDS, and the Ryan White Comprehensive AIDs Resources
Emergency Act are also documented here.
Arrangement
This series is arranged by format and chronologically by date. Note that the original essays have been removed from the plastic
binders and re-housed in archival boxes and folders. Ted Sahl's original photographic essay, number, title, and number of
photos are generally included in front of each folder, and may include negatives. Please note that some of the photographic
content in this series may contain partial nudity and/or graphic material.
Boxes 17-23: Photographic Essays 1970-2010
1970-2010
File 1: LGBT Photos, Box #1 of 2
1977-2008
File 2: LGBT Photos, Book #2 of 2
1984-2008
File 3: LGBT Herstory Essay
1977-1980
File 4: Ms. Nude San Jose Contest Pageant
Circa 1982
File 5: A Mixture of LGBT Life
2005-2007
File 6: Doantion for Ted Sahl Archives: Peter Hilton Memorabilia, SJ LGBT Community
2007
File 7: Lifetime Essay on Robert Reformer of : Author, Musician,Activist, much loved icon of LGBT Community in Northern California
No Dates
File 8: First LGBT National March on Washington D.C
1979
File 9: LGBT Faces of AIDS
1980-2007
File 10: SJ Holy Union and SJ Kuyprt Family Portrait
1990
File 11: SJ Holy Union and SJ Kupyer Family Portrait and Johnie Staggs
1990
File 12: Lambda News, First LGBT Press Editor: Dan Relic
File 13: LGBT Desperado Owners John Snell loses lease moves to SJ opens Club St. John in SJ
File 14: Mr. Joddy ~Hairstylist( Actor, Activist, Stage Entertainer)
File 15: Master Negatives- LGBT Archives/ Move to 938 The Alameda Building
2001-2006
File 16: Master Negatives- LGBT Archives/ Move to 938 The Alameda Building
2005-2007
File 17: Miscellaneous Negatives
File 18: LGBT Community Book two: "Out in the Community" ,the Second Generation
1999-2007
File 19: Gay Men's Chorous- SJ City Hall Chambers
File 20: SF Hookers Ball / A Photo Essay Erotic Exotic Ball/ Folsom Steet Fair
1978-1981
File 21: Imperial Royal Lion Monarchy Family Court System
1975-2008
File 23: 38th Imperial Royal Lion Monarchy Coronation
2009
File 24: 39th Imperial Royal Lion Monarchy Coronation( No Emperor/ Empress Elected)
2010
File 25: Empress Tanya Luna Shots
File 26: Billy De Frank Family Group for Anniversary~25th Celebration
1970-1980
File 27: Billy De Frank Family Group/ For Anniversary~25th Celebration
File 28: "From Closest to Community" Book One LGBT
File 29: Pearl, a Transgendered Person in U.S/ Allessandra a Transsexual person in SJ
File 30: Jenny , Drag Queen -Mini Essay
File 31: Non Gay Topics
2008-2009
Boxes 24-29: Photo Boxes and Albums
1970-2010
Boxes 30-31: Oversized Photographs
Undated
Box 32: Framed Photographs
1977-2009
Boxes 33-37: News clippings, newsletters, flyers, programs, brochures, pamphlets, and miscellany
1999-2009
Box 38: Magazines
2002-2006
Box 39: Published healthcare resources and personal stories from LGBT community
Box 40-41: VHS,Cassettes, CDs
undated
Box 42-43: Colorful Ephemra (from Gay Pride Week) including other related posters and awards
undated
Series IV: Recreation, Leisure, and the Enviornment
1970-1989
Physical Description
3 Boxes
Scope and Content of Collection
This small series represents Ted Sahl's personal interests and his travel experiences while on vacation. This series is less
political in nature and is focused almost entirely on recreation, leisure, and the environment. Sahl captured a variety of
sports, including martial arts, flag football, flying, sailing, skate boarding, swimming, and wrestling. This series includes
photographic essays, as well as oversized landscape photographs of California, New Mexico, Oregon, Point Lobos, Sante Fe,
Tao Pueblo, Tacoma, and Yosemite. Additionally, it contains a number of images of historical figures and "Wild West" reenactments
at the San José History Museum in Kelly Park, the Santa Cruz Cooper House, views of jazz musicians from the Los Gatos night
clubs, wine festivals, and images taken after the 1989 Loma Prieta Earth Quake.
Arrangement
This series is arranged by format and chronologically by date. Note that the original essays have been removed from the plastic
binders and re-housed in archival boxes and folders. Ted Sahl's original photographic essay, number, title, and number of
photos are generally included in front of each folder, and may include negatives. ***Please note that some of the photographic
content in this series may contain partial nudity and/or graphic material.
Boxes 44-45: Photographic Essays
1970-1989
File 1: Skateboarding, Wrestling, Flag Football, Sail Boats, Airplanes, Swimming,Model Cars, Racing Club, Sports Coverage
including Med Fly Spraying in Santa Clara County
1981
File 2: Loma Prieta Earthquake, A week in the life of Loma Prieta Earthquake-San Jose, Los Gatos, Santa Cruz, Salinas,and
Watsonville
1989
File 3: Vacation: California, Oregon, New Mexico
1975-1986
File 4: Bay Area Photography Show/Annual S.F. North Beach Photo Fair
1978-1980
File 5: Negatives of Series IV
File 6: San Jose History Museum
1970-1984
File 7: San Jose Theater and Stage Plays
1972-1984
File 8: Jazz Musicians Santa Cruz Cooper House, Los Gatos Night Club and Wine Festival
1978-1989
File 9: Blooming FLowers, The Alameda , SJ (Grand Opening)
undated
File 11: Holiday Park
undated
File 12: Miscellaneous Photos
undated
Box 46: Oversized Photos
undated
Series V: Ted Sahl--The Man, 1976-2010
1976-2010
Physical Description
10 Boxes
Scope and Content of Collection
This series documents the personal life of Ted Sahl--artist, photographer, researcher, and writer. The materials in this series
include his personal writings, which include poetry and a draft copy of his book From Closet to Community, memorabilia, business
logs, miscellaneous photographic essays, and art work, including self portraits.
Arrangement
This series is arranged by format and chronologically by date. Note that the original essays have been removed from the plastic
binders and re-housed in archival boxes and folders. Ted Sahl's original photographic essay, number, title, and number of
photos are generally included in front of each folder, and may include negatives.
Box 47: Photographic Essays
File 1: Personal Photos of Ted Sahl including Self-Portraits
1970s-2000
File 2: Ted Sahl: A Memorie
2001
File 3: " Ted Sahl Collects Ted Sahl"
1976-2007
File 4: Ted Sahl 2006 IRLM RE: Investiture
File 5: Ted Sahl Headshots
File 5: Miscellaneous Ted Sahl Photographs
File 6: "One Man Shows" Grand Opening of Ted Sahl Gallery
1970
File 7: Ted Sahl Artworks and Studio
File 8: Miscellaneous Negatives
Boxes 48-49: Oversized Photos
undated
Boxes 50-54: Personal Papers: "My Sources", "Critical Tool's for My Work", awards, journals, poetry, artwork, self-portraits,
and albums containing news articles
1975-2010
Box 55: "From Closet to Community" (first draft, working copy, and editor's copy)
2000
Box 56: Handwritten notes and logs used by Ted Sahl for business purposes
