Collection Contents

Journals 1970-1992

Physical Description: 1 manuscript box

Journal 1 (“National Diary for 1970”) 1970-1979

Scope and Content Note

The first journal (“National Diary for 1970”) begins on January 7, 1970 and concludes on March 2, 1979. The entries begin with Brew in New York and follow him to San Francisco in 1975. The bulk of this journal, as with most of them, is taken up with entries of thoughts, activities, introspection, and sexual encounters. There are also many reflections on the 1960s and a longing for the hippie aesthetic. Of particular interest is the fact that most of his sexual encounters are marked by an eroticism of men’s feet. Subsequent journals don’t outline this interest nearly as much.

Journal 2 (red and black cover) 1978-1989

Scope and Content Note

The second journal (red and black cover) begins on July 29, 1978 and concludes December 26, 1989. Living in San Francisco, Brew seems to make entries mostly when upset or when there is something of significance to report. There are interesting reflections on the 1970s and observations of events of the 1980s Brew was very articulate and there appears to be a growing analysis of himself and his emotional state. Brew was diagnosed with HIV at some point in the 1980s, but there does not appear to be any specific entry around this event. There is some AIDS commentary beginning around 1984.

Journal 3 (“Diary 1985”) 1985-1986

Scope and Content Note

The third journal (“Diary 1985”) seems to fall randomly in the mid 1980s, beginning on January 1, 1985 and ending sometime in 1986. It’s hard to tell exactly when things are occurring as Brew begins entries with the day of the week and year. These entries are mostly random and describe his daily life and emotional state.

Journal 4 (dinosaurs on the cover) 1988-1991

Scope and Content Note

The fourth journal (with dinosaurs on the cover) begins on February 10, 1988 and concludes on May 12, 1991. This book contains more descriptions of daily activities and happenings. This journal is also different from the others as it is decorated with lots of stickers and cuttings from books, magazines, etc. There are more details of a growing HIV and AIDS culture. Brew also continues to outline problems with his friends, family, and the gay community.

Journal 5 (plaid cover) 1985-1988

Scope and Content Note

The fifth journal (plaid cover) begins in January 28, 1985 and is exclusively descriptive of Brew’s therapy experience. He includes quotes from his therapist and included his thoughts on his therapy process.

Journal 6 (floral cover) 1989-1991

Scope and Content Note

The sixth journal (floral cover) begins in February 2, 1989 and is exclusively descriptive of Brew’s therapy experience. He includes quotes from his therapist and included his thoughts on his therapy process. The journal is only a quarter filled.

Loose Journal Pages 1982-1992

Scope and Content Note

The papers in the folder were removed from larger journals that were not completed. The first group begins on November 30, 1982 and ends December 3, 1984. The second group begins on October 28, 1991 and ends on February 17, 1992. They seem to mostly follow the style of Brew’s other journals.

Collection Contents

Journals

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