ACLU Gay Rights Chapter: "UPGRADING GAY & LESBIAN VETERAN DISCHARGES"
This pamphlet, created by the ACLU of South California Gay Rights Chapter, instructs veterans on how to apply to upgrade their discharge to honorable discharge, if they had been discharged "less than honorably" due to being (or being accused of being) gay or lesbian. The pamphlet explains that in 1976, Congress passed a law allowing all less-than-honorable discharges (or "undesirable discharges"), if "based solely on homosexuality," to be upgraded to honorable discharges, if application is made before January 1, 1980.
This upgrade was important for veterans in part because a dishonorable discharge disqualified them from medical benefits from VA Hospitals. If upgraded, benefits were retroactive to the date of application, according to the pamphlet.
This pamphlet was in Charles Shively's possession likely because his partner, Gordon Copeland, had been dishonorably discharged from the Air Force on April 3, 1953, In Charles' papers are also copies of letters written by Gordon to the Air Force asking for a hearing of his undesirable discharge due to "alleged homosexuality," as well as a letter to the Boston V.A. Regional Office requesting information on his VA benefits, both dated July 3, 1979.
ACLU of Southern California, Gay Rights Chapter
likely between 1976 and January 1, 1980
8"x11" sheet folded in thirds
letter from Allan Searcy in the Navy to Gordon Copeland, May 17, 1973
Allan Searcy was Gordon's boyfriend for a time. Allan wrote to Gordon from various posts in the Navy. This letter is dated May 17, 1973. Allan notes that "It seems every day I mature more. Damn by the time I am 19 I'll be 30," shares praise he received from the C.C., and tells Gordon "You have no idea what a letter means to me."
Allan Searcy
May 17, 1973
letter from Allan Searcy in the Navy to Gordon Copeland, May 4, 1973
Allan Searcy writes from his ship in the Navy to Gordon Copeland, and asks about their mutual friends ("everyone in town") and asks him to say hello to Ricky. Dated May 4, 1973.
Allan Searcy
May 4, 1973
letter from Allan Searcy in the Navy to Gordon Copeland, June 7, 1973
In this letter, Allan writes "it sounds like my *hotline* was right about what was happening downtown," asks about Flo, complains that Ricky didn't write him back, and tells Gordon to say hi to Red (Ricky's friend). Dated June 7, 1973
Allan Searcy
June 7, 1973
Letter from Allan Searcy to Gordon Copeland, November 1, 1973
Allan writes to Gordon from Charleston, SC ("not AWOL"). In this letter Allan refers to a prior decision to "get out of the Navy" - "to get out on you know what," but says that he has now changed his mind: "I figured it wasn't worth it... So I told my executive officer I was lying. So he tore up all the papers on me. So I guess I'll be in for 2 1/2 more years (egad! that sounds long)." Dated November 1, 1973.
Allan Searcy
November 1, 1973
Letter from Allan Searcy to Gordon Copeland, April 11, 1974
In this letter, Allan apologizes for not spending more time with Gordon when he was home ("my mother was sick, what could I do!?") and asks him to say hello to Chuck (Charles Shively?) and again complains about Ricky's lack of correspondence. Dated April 11, 1974.
Allan Searcy
April 11, 1974
Card from Allan Searcy to Gordon Copeland. April 17, 1974.
Greeting card from Allan to Gordon with a conch shell on the front. Allan asks how Gordon's Easter was and says his was "boring. Like every day." Dated April 17, 1974.
Allan Searcy
April 17, 1974.
Birthday card from Allan Searcy to Gordon Copeland, June 20, 1974
Birthday card from Allan to Gordon, apologizing for it being a couple days late, dated June 20, 1974.
Allan Searcy
June 20, 1974
Letter from Allan Searcy to Gordon Copeland in which Allan shares that he is now going steady with someone, dated August 4, 1974
In this letter, Allan writes "I think there is something you should know. I am now going with somebody, and have been for a couple of months now. I think it is only fair that you should know this. I still think of you as a great friend (I always have.) I hope that we can still be friends though. After all, nothing is better than a good friendship. I hope you understand, I really do." He also asks about Gordon's health, who seems to have been ill for some time.
to Gordon Copeland in which Allan shares that he is now going steady with someone, dated August 4, 1974
Allan Searcy
August 4, 1974
Postcard from Allan Searcy to Gordon Copeland, October 18, 1974
Allan writes to Gordon from Spain - he didn't like Morocco, but he loves Spain, and he toured a champagne distillery. Dated October 18, 1974.
Allan Searcy
October 18, 1974
Valentine's Day card from Allan Searcy to Gordon Copeland, not dated
Valentine's Day card from Allan Searcy to Gordon Copeland, not dated. "To Gordon, my sweetest Valentine :) "
Allan Searcy
not dated (likely between 1973-1974 based on dates of other correspondence in archive)
post-breakup Valentine's Day card from Allan Searcy to Gordon Copeland, not dated
In this Valentine's Day card, Allan writes "Gordon, I hope we're still good friends. Let the past be the past, life isn't long enough. Only think of the future. Love, Allan." The greeting card's pre-printed message reads "Valentine, you are... the nicest thing that's ever happened to me."
Allan Searcy
not dated, but likely February of 1975 based on other letters in the archive
Letter, Allan Searcy to Gordon Copeland, June 28 1973
<p>In this letter, Allan gives his condolences about the death of a mutual friend or family member named Michael, and passes on a message to Judy and (another) Gordon ("I really feel bad and ... I wish them the best of luck"). He asks "How is everyone downtown? <span style="text-decoration:underline;">Busy?</span>" and adds "Soon as I come home I'll stop in and see you. I really miss not seeing you [sic]." Dated June 28 1973.</p>
Allan Searcy
June 28 1973
Letter "Dear Skip" about the end of Gordon and Carol's marriage, no date
This letter was filed in Gordon Copeland’s correspondence folder in the Charles Shively archives. Written by hand in cursive, with faded pencil, on yellowed stationary, it is addressed “Dear Skip,” and is not signed or dated. However the stationery is embossed with the line “Out of Carol’s Inkwell” and there is a note on the back that reads “This is part of a letter I wrote you the night before I moved to Miller’s.” Based on other letters in the archive, “Skip” seems to be Gordon Copeland (Charles Shively’s future partner), and Carol is Skip’s wife. The writer explains what sounds like a decision to leave a neglectful husband:
"Dear Skip,
This is a letter about you and me – strange that this should be the first letter I have ever written you.
It’s twelve o’clock midnight now and I have just finished washing my hair – I hear the screen door opening downstairs. If only it would be you but I know it won’t. This has become a set pattern that started a long time again – last Xmas.
We have been married a little over a year now but have never really known each other. We have never told each other what we really want out of life or what is deep down inside us. I so wish that our marriage could have been like your parents’ – no secrets, no doubts, sharing everything with each other, fears, dreams, hopes, and happiness.
I have always been jealous of your friends because they have always come first – first with your time and first with your money. I needed you so much while I was pregnant but you were always too preoccupied with your friends and I was hurt so because you could afford to buy liquor, entertain your friends, and gamble but could never afford to buy me a maternity dress. You often wondered why I loved [Pepper?] so – when I felt bad, hurt, or was just plain lonely, she was always there – she was the only comfort I ever had.
The first few months we were married I thought you were the most thoughtful man I had ever met and I was truly surprised how well we got along with each other. But now you seem so cold and aloof.”
The letter cuts off here, but on the back there is a note that reads “This is part of a letter I wrote you the night before I moved to Miller’s.”
Based on other letters in the archive, this letter seems to be written by Carol, at the time the wife of Gordon Copeland (Charles Shively’s future partner).
unknown to the archivist
Funeral Program for Florence L. Shively, Charles' mother.
This small funeral program has a yellow front page with painted picture of yellow flowers and a white church steeple, and reads "In Loving Memory." The inside contains the Twenty-Third Psalm ("The Lord is my shepherd...") and gives her dates of birth and death (August 25, 1916 and September 16, 1996), as well as the date and location of services (September 21, 1996). The funeral was ministered by Rev. Harville Duncan at Zettler Funeral Home, and Florence was interred at Greenwood Cemetery.
Bright's Aristocrat Line
1996 (between Sept 16 and Sept 21)
3.5 inches wide by 5.25 inches tall
Request from Cambridge Hospital Patient Accounts for Gordon Copeland's income information in order to obtain Free Care.
This packet contains a letter from the Cambridge Hospital Patient Accounts Department, addressed to Charles Shively's partner Gordon Copeland, stating that his Free Care status had been denied due to lack of income verification. The letter encloses an application for Free Care. These materials are dated April 16, 1996 - approximately 5 months after Gordon's death in November 23, 1995. The enclosed application states that Gordon was employed at Drumlins Pub in Cambridge, MA from the 1970s until the date of his passing, and includes a copy of Gordon's W-2 statement from 1995 reporting $2,280 in state wages, tips, etc.
It is not clear if this application was partly filled out by Charles Shively in order to obtain coverage for Gordon's past medical bills, or if it had been partially filled out by someone at the Cambridge Hospital who simply was not aware of his death.
Cambridge Hospital Patient Accounts
April 16, 1996
8.5"x11"
Death Certificate of Timothy Joseph Kelleher
This document is Timothy Kelleher's Medical Examiner's Certificate of Death. The certificate states that Timothy passed away on December 3, 1977, "en route to the Cambridge Hospital" and the causes are listed as "Coronary Heart Disease" and "Sudden Death." It states that he was a white male married at the time of death to Evelyn L. Bergeron, and was retired from his profession of self-employed furniture mover. Timothy's place of burial or cremation is listed as Cambridge Cemetery, on December 7, 1977.
This copy of the certificate was made by a Cambridge City Clerk on January 18, 1996 (according to the stamp).
Cambridge Medical Examiner
certificate filed on December 6, 1977 (three days after death on December 3)
Letter from Carol (Gordon's wife) to her father-in-law, from the Air Force Base in 1954.
This letter, from Carol to “Dad Copeland,” is written in cursive with red ink, on stationery decorated with a hunting dog in the top left corner. It is likely that “Skip” is Gordon, and Carol is Skip’s wife, writing to her father-in-law. It is dated November 1, 1954, sent from an Air Force base in Texas. The letter reads:
“Dear Dad Copeland,
I was so happy to receive your letter. Skip has talked so much about you all it makes me feel as though I already know you.
You asked in your letter when we were coming to see you. I would really love to come. But to be very frank with you, we both cannot make the trip financially at this time. Skip and I have discussed this problem very thoroughly and we have decided that he should go home by Air Force Transportation as soon as he finishes his typing course. This should be about the middle of next month. He has a thirty day leave coming and I would like for him to spend as much of it as he possibly can with you all. Of course Skip doesn’t want to leave me here and I hate for him to, but we have decided that this is the best solution. I know you all must be very anxious to see him and I certainly know how badly he needs and wants to go home.
By the way, Skip got his military driver’s license yesterday; he made “100” on his written test.
As soon as we get a camera we will certainly send some pictures. How about sending us a few?
Your son bought me a lovely box of candy yesterday, but by the time part of the children on the base came around with “trick or treat” I hardly had any left.
You also asked in your letter to tell you something about myself; but I don’t know what you would really like to know. I have a brother, Bobby. I suppose he is about the same age as Bill; he was fifteen in Aug. I went home to see him play on the junior team of football last week. They took a terrific beating. I have one sister who is twenty-three. She lives with her husband at Great Lakes, Ill. where he is an instructor at the Naval Base. They will be home this Xmas. I went to visit them a year ago last summer when they lived in Newport; I thought Rhode Island was so pretty that I didn’t want to leave.
I’ll be hoping to receive a letter from you soon.
Love,
Carol"
Carol, wife of Gordon Copeland
November 1, 1954
Gordon Copeland's Certificate of Death
Gordon Copeland's Certificate of Death records his passing on November 23, 1995. The certificate states that he passed away at age 64, and that the immediate cause of death was "hepato cellular carcinoma" with 3 months between onset and death, and that other significant conditions contributing to his death were chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and hepatic cirrhosis. It states that he was cremated at Duxbury Crematory, in Duxbury MA, on November 27. Gordon's occupation is listed as Florist at Cope's Hope, and that he is divorced ("Last Spouse 'Unknown'"). The informant listed on the certificate is Gordon's sister, Mary Copeland-Wheeler of Providence RI.
City of Cambridge Registry of Vital Records and Statistics
certificate dated November 29, 1995
Postcard from England. Perhaps from Gordon Copeland's mother to her father on a vacation to England in 1932.
This scan is actually of a xeroxed copy of a postcard saved in Charles' files. On the same sheet of xerox paper was also a studio portrait of Charles' partner, Gordon Copeland, at age 18 months, taken in 1932 in England (close to Gordon's father's hometown, Chatham). The postcard features a church and adjacent graveyard, and is captioned "Lindale in Cartmel Church." Cartmel is a village in Cumbria, England (quite far from Chatham). The postcard itself is not dated. If it is from the same people and time as the portrait, the postcard was probably written in 1932, possibly by Gordon's parents on a visit to his father's family in England. The handwritten portion on the back of the postcard seems to read "dad, great, great grand. Father's tomb marked by Iron railing." It's possible that this is Gordon's mother, Marie, born in New York, writing home to her father ("father's tomb" referring to the church's priest). Or, the postcard could be written by Gordon's father to his own father (or neither of these speculations).
F. Frith & Co., Ltd.
unknown (speculation 1932)
5.5"x3.5"
Letter to Charles from his mother, Florence, regarding the marriage of his brother, Mearl Jr ("Butch") to a woman named Marilyn on March 6 (year not recorded).
In this letter, Charles' mother, Florence, breaks the news that his brother "Butch" (Mearl C. Shively, Jr.) has gotten married to "an awfully nice girl" named Marilyn L. Edwards on March 6 (Marilyn's 19th birthday - year not given). Florence also says it is extremely cold for March and that they had barely any snow that winter. She describes the household items that Marilyn and Butch received at their wedding shower and tells Charles that someone called for him to invite him to an alumni dinner at the University of Wisconsin. Florence also included a tiny newspaper clipping announcing the wedding. Both bride and groom lived in Hamilton Ohio.
Florence L. Shively
unknown
8.5 x 11 inches
List of personal property referred to in Gordon Copeland's Last Will and Testament, April 5, 1985.
This 1-page document is a list of personal property referred to in Gordon Copeland's Last Will and Testament, April 5, 1985. The list refers to 6 items (jewelry, a watch, and a pitcher) to be inherited by Gordon's sister, children, grandchildren, and nephew.
Gordon Copeland (Charles Shively's partner)
April 5, 1985
Last Will and Testament (envelope and 4 page document) of Gordon W. Copeland, Jr. (Charles Shively's partner), signed April 5, 1985.
This document, dated April 5, 1985, is the Last Will and Testament (envelope and 4 page document) of Gordon W. Copeland, Jr. (Charles Shively's partner). Gordon left six precious items to his sister and younger descendants (the list is archived here separately). The will specifies that apart from those 6 items, the rest of his property and estate should go to his son Jon Wayne Copeland (if he is deceased, then to Gordon's sister Mary Wheeler). He appoints Charles as Executor of the Will.
Gordon Copeland (Charles Shively's partner)
April 5, 1985
Letter from Gordon Copeland to the Boston Veterans' Affairs office, regarding the benefits that the Air Force had denied him since 1953 due to his "undesirable discharge" (discharge based solely on accusation of homosexuality), dated July 3, 1979.
This type-written letter, from Gordon Copeland (Charles' partner) to the Boston Veterans' Affairs office, requests "to activate a character of service determination to determine my access to VA benefits." The letter is dated July 3, 1979 - during the period of amnesty in which the military allowed undesirable discharges based solely on alleged homosexuality to be upgraded, thus allowing veterans the benefits they had been denied. This period of amnesty ran from 1976-1980, according to a pamphlet from the ACLU contained in this archive. Gordon had been discharged for homosexuality in 1953.
Gordon W. Copeland, Jr.
July 3, 1979
8.5" x 11"
Copy of a letter from Gordon Copeland to the Secretary of the Air Force, Discharge Review Board, dated July 3, 1979.
This document is a type-written draft of a letter from Gordon Copeland, addressed to the Secretary of the Air Force, Discharge Review Board. Gordon writes, "I hope that an upgrade of my undesirable discharge will be possible without a personal hearing. I have been told that such upgrading is routine in cases of alleged homosexuality, where no homosexual acts have ever been charged. ... If this is not possible and a hearing is necessary, I will wish to travel to New York City for a personal hearing." The letter is dated July 3, 1979.
Gordon W. Copeland, Jr. (Charles Shively's partner)
July 3, 1979
8.5"x11"
Portrait photograph of Gordon Copeland at age 18 months, with a woman (possibly his mother).
This is a photocopy of a portrait photograph of Charles' partner, Gordon Copeland, at age 18 months (as noted on the back). He is standing beside a woman in a dress with lace on the shoulders. She may be Gordon's mother (Marie Thompson Copeland), or possibly another female relative of Gordon's father. As Gordon was born on June 17, 1931, this photograph must have been taken around December of 1932. The location of the portrait company, according to its logo, is New Brompton, Kent (England). Gordon's father (also named Gordon) was born in Chatham, England, which is less than 2 miles from Brompton, so it's possible that this portrait was taken on a family visit to Gordon's paternal grandparents or other relatives. On the same xeroxed sheet was also a postcard (also included in this archive) from Cartmel, England (located on the opposite side of England).
Henry Hill (this is the portrait company name printed on the margin of the photograph), in New Brompton, Kent
likely around December 1932
4.25"x6.5"
letter to Charles from an attorney regarding the estate of his brother, Stephen C. Shively
This letter from May 10, 2000 introduces Jack Cornett as the attorney retained to administer the estate of Charles' brother, Stephen C. Shively, and presents a Waiver of Notice of Application to Relieve Estate from Administration. The estate in question is the property at 1333 East Avenue, Hamilton Ohio.
Attached to the letter is another document - the estate appraisal, estimating the property's worth at $23,000.
Jack Cornett, Attorney at Law
May 10, 2000
8.5 inches x 11 inches
Local newspaper article from May 10 1958 reporting on Charles Shively (noted as a Fairfield High School graduate) making Dean's List at Harvard.
This newspaper clipping is most likely from a local newspaper, as it describes Charles as a "Fairfield High School graduate." It briefly notes that Charles (son of Mr and Mrs Mearl Shively at 2117 Tuley Rd) made the undergraduate Dean's List at Harvard (having an average of "B" or better for the semester). On the back of this clipping, the newspaper date is listed as Saturday, May 10, 1958. Charles is described as being of the Class of 1959 so this article was likely published at the end of his Junior year.
local newspaper (Fairfield?)
May 10, 1958
2 in x 4 in
Sympathy card from Lou Costa in Billerica to Gordon Copeland, November 2, 1990
Sympathy card from Lou Costa in Billerica to Gordon Copeland, November 2, 1990
Lou Costa
November 2, 1990
Letter of membership recruitment for the ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union), addressed to Charles Shively, with handwritten notes on the back regarding Gordon Copeland's appeal for upgrade to honorable discharge.
This letter is addressed to Charles Shively, and signed by the executive director of the Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts. The letter states that John Mitzel has recommended Charles for membership, and describes the achievements and value of the ACLU. (John Mitzel was one of Charles' close friends, and a contributor to the Gay Community News and a founding member of Fag Rag, both publications to which Charles was also closely connected. John was also the owner of the gay bookstore in Boston, Calamus.) On the back of the letter are handwritten notes regarding Gordon Copeland's discharge from the Air Force (Gordon was Charles' partner, discharged less than honorably from the Air Force in 1953 due to alleged homosexuality, which Gordon seems to have appealed in 1979, during the 4 year period of amnesty from 1976-1980 when all such discharges were subject to appeal at the order of Congress). The handwritten notes include the date of Gordon's discharge (1953), phone numbers for legal help, and "no force or coercion" (a requirement for appeal of discharges based solely on homosexuality).
These upgrades were important to veterans in part because they allowed veterans to access health and other benefits.
Massachusetts Civil Liberties Union
likely around 1979
"Court Does Not Require the Memorandum" notice sent to Gordon Copeland from Attorney Joseph Johnston on February 23 1985.
This document is a standard form from the Middlesex Probate and Family Court Department that simply states "Court Does Not Require the Memorandum... Happy New Year." It was stored in Charles' files in an envelope addressed to Gordon Copeland (Charles' partner) in Cambridge, mailed from Attorney Joseph Johnston in East Providence RI, and dated February 23 1985.
Middlesex Probate and Family Court Department
envelope dated February 23, 1985. (form itself is not dated)
8.5"x11"
Packet of 3 documents from November 6 1996 regarding Charles' deceased mother's property (transfer of property rights to Charles's brother Stephen, and Charles' receipt of receiving household goods).
This packet contains a letter from a law firm, a document confirming that Charles received one fifth of the household goods from his deceased mother's home, and a Quit Claim Deed in which Charles grants ownership of his portion of his deceased mother's property to his brother Stephen.
Millikin & Fitton Law Firm
The letter presenting the documents is dated November 6, 1996; his signature on them on November 20, 1996.
Two pages are 8.5x11 inches, and one is 8.5x14 inches.
Letter dated September 27 1996, from Kathleen Staarman (paralegal) to Charles Shively presenting a Waiver of Notice of Application to Relieve Estate from Administration.
This letter, dated September 27 1996, presents Charles Shively with a Waiver of Notice of Application to Relieve Estate from Administration, regarding the property at 1333 East Avenue in Hamilton Ohio that had previously belonged to Charles' mother. The letter was written by Kathleen Staarman (paralegal) of Millikin & Fitton Law Firm.
Millikin & Fitton Law Firm
September 27, 1996
8.5 inches wide by 11 inches tall
Love poem for Gordon Copeland, typed and handwritten drafts, dated 9 July 1965 (over 30 years before Gordon's passing).
This item includes 2 pieces of paper: one, a draft of the poem typed on a typewriter with handwritten edits, and the second, a handwritten version of the poem (probably an earlier draft) on lined composition book paper. Both versions are dated 9 July 1965. The poem has five stanzas, each beginning with "I love you Gordon," and also ends with this phrase again. The archivists assume this poem was written by Charles for his partner Gordon Copeland.
most likely Charles Shively
July 9, 1965
8"x11"
Obituary for Florence L. Shively, Charles' mother
This newspaper clipping is an obituary for Florence L. Shively, the mother of Charles Shively. She had died on Monday September 16, 1996, so this clipping is probably not long after that.
It was probably run in a local paper, as the article on the back side of the clipping (not shown) references Charles' hometown (Fairfield) twice.
Most likely, a local Fairfield Ohio newspaper.
most likely, a few days after September 16 1996
2.25 inches wide by 7.5 inches tall
Newspaper clipping, reporting a fire at 135 Commonwealth Ave (Boston MA) that almost killed Gordon Copeland.
This scan is of a xerox of a newspaper clipping that describes "a blaze at on the top floor at 135 Commonwealth Ave" in which "Gordon W. Copeland," (Charles' partner) "34, an occupant... was taken to City Hospital after being overcome by smoke. He was found in bed by firefighters." The front page photos captioned "A Gasp For Life" shows (1) Gordon laying on the ground as firefighters prepare to administer oxygen, and (2) Gordon as he "receives the precious oxygen while being carried to a waiting ambulance."
The date (and name) of the newspaper was not included in the section that was xeroxed, but the archivist speculates it was from 1960*, given the other events reported. This archived scan crops out the other items on the original xeroxed page, that are not directly relevant to the Shively Collection.
*(Patrice Lumumba is missing and was "given the boot" by President Joseph Kasa-Vubu, and speculated to be sheltered at the USSR Embassy; Lumumba was Prime Minister of the Congo from June to September 1960, until he was dismissed by President Kasa-Vubu, and killed on January 17, 1961. John F. Kennedy, a Senator, and Richard Nixon are campaigning against each other, which happened in 1959-1960. And, the Mayor of West Berlin is named as Willy Brandt - he was Mayor from 1957-1966.)
newspaper publisher, unknown
estimated around 1960, definitely prior to January 17 1961 (see description)
8.5"x9"
Charles Shively Age 1
This is a professional portrait photograph of Charles Shively, labeled "Age 1 yr."
Northern Light Studio, Bethel, Ohio
The History Project: Documenting LGBTQ Boston
1938
Contact info@historyproject.org for more information.
Application for use of Old Cambridge Baptist Church, for December 8 1995 memorial service of Gordon Copeland (partner of Charles Shively).
This document is a copy of the form that Charles filled out to reserve the sanctuary of the Old Cambridge Baptist Church (Cambridge MA) for Gordon's memorial service on December 8, 1995. Charles wrote that he anticipated 50-75 people to attend, and paid $150 for the rental.
Old Cambridge Baptist Church
sometime between the date of Gordon's passing (November 23, 1995) and the date of the memorial service (December 8, 1995)
8.5"x11"
Another copy of birth certificate, Charles Shively
Orville Hallrich, Batavia Ohio Judge
August 23, 1965
Draft of Gordon Copeland's Obituary
This typed paragraph appears to be a draft of Gordon's obituary run in the Boston Globe on Thursday, December 7, 1995 (also included in this collection). (Gordon Copeland was Charles Shively's partner.) This draft is not signed or dated.
probably Charles Shively
Sometime between November 23, 1995 (the day of Gordon's passing) and December 7, 1995 (the day the obituary was printed in the Boston Globe).
8"x11x
Handwritten draft of Gordon's obituary and to-do lists for his memorial service.
These handwritten sheets draft out Gordon's obituary and also include scattered notes and lists regarding his memorial service. Gordon was Charles Shively's partner.
probably Charles Shively
between November 23, 1995 (date of Gordon's passing) and December 8, 1995 (date of Gordon's memorial service)
8.5"x11"
Certified Copy of Birth Record, Charles Shively
This Certified Copy of Birth Record is for Charles Shively. It notes his birth date on December 8, 1937, in Stonelick Twp., Clermont County, Ohio, to Florence Lillian Potrafke and Mearl Carlton Shively of Batavia Ohio. The certificate notes Charles’ sex (male) and “color” (white).
Probate Judge Orville Hallrich, Batavia Ohio court
June 6, 1945
Black-and-white portrait photograph of a woman theatrically posing with a sword and a mask in her hands, wearing a strappy, feathered bikini top and sequined satin panties with cut-aways at the hips, and spiral earrings. She has autographed the photograph ("Simone"?) and written an inscription "My Darling, with all the love in the world." (The back has a stamp reading "Ray Barrett Photography, 1919 Pacific Avenue, Dallas" and a sticky note "photo from Gordon Copeland papers.")
Ray Barrett Photography, 1919 Pacific Avenue, Dallas
Birth Certificate of Gordon Copeland (Charles' partner)
This is Gordon's birth certificate. He was born on June 17, 1931 in Providence RI. His father, also named Gordon, was born in Chatham, England, and his mother, Marie Thomas, was born in Syracuse, New York.
State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations
July 1931
8.5" x 11"
Four obituaries for Gordon W. Copeland Jr., Charles Shively's partner, who passed away on November 23, 1995.
This envelope contained four obituaries for Charles Shively's partner of 30 years, Gordon W. Copeland Jr. The obituaries record his passing on November 23, 1995, and note that he was a father, grandfather, brother, uncle. He attended Brown University, served in the U.S. Air Force, worked as a bartender at Brumlins, and ran a florist shop named Cope's Hope. Gordon was born in Providence RI and passed away in Cambridge MA at age 64. None of these 4 obituaries record the cause of his death.
One obituary was published in the Boston Globe on Thursday, December 7, 1995. The other clippings do not have newspaper names on them.
The Boston Globe and three newspapers whose names are not evident on the clippings.
December 7, 1995 for one of the obituaries; the others are not dated but are probably not long after Gordon's death on November 23, 1995.
Newspaper clippings of various sizes between 1.5x4.5 inches and a full page.
Front cover featuring a photo of "The 1954 All Ohio Boys' Band," perhaps including Charles.
This newspaper clipping is from the front page of The Columbus Citizen, August 28 1954, featuring a headline regarding the Ohio State Fair: "Ohio's Finest Young Musicians --- The 1954 All Ohio Boys' Band." The caption says that the band has 320 members, who are all featured in the photograph wearing all white suits and caps. One of the 22 tuba players in the back row is circled with pencil, with an arrow pointing at him - this perhaps is Charles, or a family member or friend. Charles graduated from Fairfield High School in 1955.
The Columbus Citizen newspaper
August 28, 1954
15 in x 8.5 in
Mortgage document - Charles Shively's purchase of a property on Broadway in Cambridge, MA, that became his and his partner Gordon's long-time home.
This legal document is regarding the sale of a property in Cambridge by Timothy and Evelyn Kelleher to Charles Shively, for $16,000 to be paid over 10 years with 9% interest.
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
August 23, 1976
Business card for Michael D. Shively with the Massachusetts' Department of Correction
This is a business card for a Deputy Director at the Massachusetts' Department of Correction, named Michael D. Shively (Ph.D.). The History Project does not currently know what relation Michael has to Charles Shively. The card gives Michael's office address (22nd Floor, Leverett Saltonstall Bldg., 100 Cambridge Street, Boston MA, 02202) and phone numbers (617-727-3312 and 617-727-3313).
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Correction
unknown
2 in x 3.5 in
Local Ohio newspaper announcement of Charles Shively's graduation from Harvard undergrad.
This article is from the Sunday Echo, June 21, 1959. The paper appears to be based in Fairfield Ohio. The article announces Charles' graduation magna cum laude from Harvard University, having majored in American History. The article notes that Charles will enroll at the University of Wisconsin in the fall of 1959, and that he was awarded a Woodward Wilson Scholarship for advanced studies in college teaching.
the Sunday Echo newspaper
June 21, 1959
5.75 in x 2.5 in
Last Will and Testament for Charles' grandfather, Mearl Avery Shively, July 30, 1971
This is the Last Will and Testament of Mearl Avery Shively, Charles' grandfather. This will was signed by Mearl Avery and two witnesses, in Batavia Ohio, on July 30 1971. This date is a year after the death of Charles' father (Mearl Avery's son), Mearl Carlton. In the will, Mearl Avery Shively gives his automobile and real estate to his wife, Lottie Ellen Shively, for the rest of her life. After her death, the real estate should transfer to his one remaining son, David Lee Shively. Lottie is named as the Executrix of the will.
The W.H. Anderson Company, Law Publishers, Cincinnati, Ohio 45201