Two people and dog in front of Cope's Hope Florist - the shop run by Charles' partner, Gordon Copeland
This photograph shows two people and a dog standing outside a shop, which appears to be Cope's Hope Florist (Charles' partner's florist shop in Cambridge MA).
The History Project: Documenting LGBTQ Boston
Contact info@historyproject.org for more information.
THP-0074-1-3-1
Photograph, of Gordon Copeland (Charles Shively's partner), standing outside Cope's Hope Florist. The flower shop was owned by Gordon Copeland.
In this photograph, Charles Shivley's partner, Gordon Copeland is standing outside his florist shop, Cope's Hope Florist.
The History Project: Documenting LGBTQ Boston
Contact info@historyproject.org for more information.
THP-0074-1-3-2
Gordon Copeland along with an elderly woman and two dogs outside Gordon's florist shop Cope's Hope, in Cambridge MA
An elderly woman with white hair and glasses sits in a chair on the sidewalk in front of Gordon Copeland's florist shop ("Cope's Hope"). She is petting a German Shepard dog. Behind her stands Gordon Copeland with dark curly hair and sunglasses, petting another dog (possibly a black lab).
The History Project: Documenting LGBTQ Boston
Contact info@historyproject.org for more information.
THP-0074-1-3-3
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.
Charles Shively, siblings, and parents in front of car.
Probably Charles Shively as a child with his mother (Florence), father (Mearl Carlton Shively), and three other children - one brother (Stephen or Mearl Jr.), and sister (possibly Ilene or Jean) posing in a field in front of a car, in which another child is hiding and peeking out at the camera.
The History Project: Documenting LGBTQ Boston
Contact info@historyproject.org for more information.
THP-0074-1-3-5
Possibly Charles Shively's father and uncle each holding a baby.
In this photograph, two men stand side by side against the outside of a building, each holding a baby. The two men are possibly Charles Shively's father (Mearl Carleton Shively) and Charles' uncle (Roy J. Shively).
The History Project: Documenting LGBTQ Boston
perhaps 1937 (if one of the babies is Charles, who was born that year)
Contact info@historyproject.org for more information.
THP-0074-3-1-6
Pvt. Roy J. Shively, Co # 207-64-1st, Camp Blanding, Fl, October 22 1944
A young man stands facing the camera in an empty field with trees at the edge, in front of a sign that states "NO VEHICLES ALLOWED." The back of the photograph is labeled in handwriting "Pvt. Roy J. Shively, Co # 207-64-1st, Camp Blanding, Fl, October 22 1944." Roy was Charles' uncle.
The History Project: Documenting LGBTQ Boston
1944-10-22
Contact info@historyproject.org for more information.
THP-0074-3-1-7
Charles Shively, circa 1953-54 (age 16 or 17)
This appears to be a school portrait photo: a photograph of Charles as a teenager, only head and shoulders in the frame, wearing a white collar shirt. It was stored in a red pocket-sized cardboard booklet, with the handwritten date 1953-1954 on the inside cover.
1953-1954
6 copies of headshot/portrait, Charles Shively as a teen
This appears to be 6 copies of the same photo on one strip (perhaps a school portrait), wallet-sized, at various levels of contrast. Charles Shively as a teen.
probably very early 1960s
Portrait photograph of Charles Shively as a boy
In this portrait photo, Charles Shively as a child is wearing a white button-up shirt. The photograph may have been black and white with color added. It features his head and shoulders.
probably late 1940s
Portrait photograph of Charles Shively as an adolescent.
In this portrait photograph, Charles seems to be in his early teens. His shirt has a pale collar, back, and chest, with dark shoulders. He has a slight smile. The photograph may have been in black and white with color added.
late 1940s or early 1950s
Portrait of Charles Shively as a boy
In this sepia-tone portrait photograph, Charles Shively in his childhood or adolescence and is wearing a button-up collar shirt with an irregular geometric pattern.
late 1940s or early 1950s
Portrait of Charles Shively as an adolescent.
This sepia-tone portrait photograph (headshot) is signed "Charles Allen Shively" with the date "[illegible] 1950." If this photograph is from 1950, Charles is 12 or 13 years old. He is wearing a white collar shirt. Blue ink from his signature has dripped onto the photograph as well.
1950?
Shively Coat of Arms
A small Kodak photograph of what seems to be the Shively coat of arms.
unknown
Memorial Announcement for Charles Shively's father, Mearl Carlton Shively, by the U.A.W. (likely his union) 1970
This is what appears to be a memorial announcement for Charles Shively's father, Mearl Shively, The text gives the dates of birth and death (December 15 1915-January 28 1970), as well as his occupation and union membership (3rd Shift Welder, Dept. 10, Local 233, U.A.W.). Their is a small stamp that reads "Union Label," suggesting that this announcement was put out by the U.A.W. (possibly an acronym for United Association of Welders).
U.A.W.
probably shortly after January 28, 1970
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Letter to Charles regarding his grandfather's will (Mearl A. Shively) dated April 5, 1977.
This letter is from a law firm that was representing Charles' mother and presents a copy of his father's will and requests that Charles sign and return a waiver of notice and consent to probate.
Walker & Bradford Law Offices
April 6, 1977
8.5 x 11 inches
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
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.
Memorial Service Program for Gordon William Copeland, Jr., Charles Shively's partner, on December 8, 1995
This is the Memorial Service Program for Gordon William Copeland, Jr., Charles Shively's partner, on December 8, 1995, at the Old Cambridge Baptist Church. The front has a small black and white photograph of Gordon along with the dates of his birth and death (June 17, 1931 and November 23, 1995). The program for the service is recorded as follows:
-"Someone to Watch Over Me" by Barbara Streisand
-Opening sentences
-reading: Jon Copeland, "To everything there is a season," Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
-Meditation, led by Margaret Hougen. Celebration and Mourning
-Tributes, Stories, Memories (all mourners invited to participate)
-The Blessing
-"Somewhere Over the Rainbow" by Judy Garland
The back of the program has a xerox of Gordon's Boston Globe obituary.
printed not long before Gordon's Memorial Service on December 8, 1995
5.5x8.5 inches paper
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"
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)
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
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
Gordon's discharge from the Air Force, April 3, 1953
This discharge paper records the character of Gordon's separation from the U.S. Air Force as "Undesirable." He had enlisted on July 20, 1950 in Providence RI. He had completed 2 years, 8 months, and 13 days, and had been assigned to the Biggs Air Force Base in Texas. He was paid $13.64 upon separation. At this point, Gordon was listed as married and had completed 1 year of college.
According to the New York Times, undesirable discharge was often used to get rid of gay service members, and "Such designations could make it difficult for the men and women who had served to get employment, loans or access to veterans benefits."*
*https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/10/nyregion/gay-veteran-air-force-undesirable-honorable-discharge.html?_r=0
U.S. Air Force
April 3, 1953
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
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"
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"
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"
"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"
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
Schedule of personal estate in detail, schedule of real estate in detail
This undated document is a handwritten tally of someone's personal estate ($146,188.78) and real estate ($45,000). There is no name on the document. It was filed in a folder of Gordon Copeland's documents.
unknown to the archivists
unknown to the archivists
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"
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 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
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"
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"
"Airman's Clearance Certificate" - paperwork part of Gordon Copeland's discharge from the Air Force on April 3, 1953. (Gordon was Charles Shively's partner.)
This document three-page document begins with a form titled "AIRMAN'S CLEARANCE CERTIFICATE," which states that Gordon had finished his work on the activities that he was responsible for at the Biggs Air Force Base in Texas, prior to being discharged. Gordon had been discharged "less than honorably" due to accusations of homosexuality. This certificate states that Gordon's "Character Rating" was "Satisfactory," and that his "Efficiency Rating" was "Excellent." The portion at which the Squadron Commander was to indicate whether Gordon was "favorably considered for the Good Conduct Medal" was left blank. The document is dated April 3 1953.
The second and third pages are a letter from Robert White, Air Force Major, to Biggs Air Force Base Headquarters, listing a number of Airmen who were being discharged at that time, including Gordon Copeland (#7), with a short paragraph in military shorthand.
US Air Force Major Robert G. White
April 3, 1953
8.5" x 14"
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"
"NINETY-FIVE: ANNUS SEMIHORRIBILILIS"
This printed letter appears to be a summary of the author's academic and personal affairs of the year 1995 - it may have been sent out to a number of recipients, as it is not addressed to anyone, and is printed from a computer with a handwritten signature and personalized postscript. The signature appears to be "Wayne" or "Wayle" and the post script reads "I hope that your own troubles are receding."
The letter complains of being pushed out of academic publishing by "a cabal of gay-male leftists and feminazis" due to the author having used pseudonyms to the point of damaged credibility, and regrets that his "humongous manuscript The History of Art History" has not yet found a publisher. The author reports a change of role "vis-a-vis gay and lesbian studies" due to "a postmodern pseudofield that is obscuring, if not obliterating the possibilities for genuine scholarship." On a personal note, the author describes travel to Costa Rica and London, with a companion named Neal.
unknown to the archivists
apparently at the end of 1995
8.5"x11"