Archive from First American Drag Nightclub in San Francisco, Finocchio's by Transgender, Finocchio's

[LGBTQ] Archive of Original Finocchio's Drag Club Memorabilia, San Francisco, CA. Founded in 1936, Finocchio's is credited as the birthplace of American drag--even predating the term 'drag' itself. Initially a gay speakeasy, Finocchio's flourished into a cultural hotspot and tourist destination once the Prohibition was lifted. Regular performers (or "female impersonators," as they are called here) included LGBTQ icons such as Walter Hart, Aleshia Brevard, and Lucian Phelps (known colloquially as "the male Sophie Tucker"). "The most interesting women are not women at all," was the club's primary slogan. The attraction drew people of all kinds, and it was not uncommon to spot a major star like Frank Sinatra or Judy Garland in the audience on any given night. By booking performers of color, Finocchio's maintained its reputation as a hub of the "glamorous and unusual." Chinese performer Li-Kar worked as the costume designer, art director, and late-night headliner. Among the pamphlets included here, Li-Kar is spotlighted as the artist and designer on two of them. The crowds at Finocchio's were reflectively diverse, a rarity in era of segregation. After a 63 year reign, the club closed its doors in 1999, leaving behind a vibrant legacy as the longest-running female impersonations show in the world. Included in this lot are two "Fabulous Finocchio's" 4" x 7" brochure "menus", showcasing marvel photographs of the female impersonators, and one folder containing a souvenir photo of four audience members sharing a drink. There are also two 8.5" x 11" booklets of photos, biographies, and artist renderings of featured impersonators. The covers and photographs are colorful and bright. This archive is in very good condition. Stunning, scarce artifacts of LGBTQ subculture in the United States.