"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"
"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"
"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"
“The SCHNEBELE family in America” – Shively geneology
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
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
Another copy of birth certificate, Charles Shively
Orville Hallrich, Batavia Ohio Judge
August 23, 1965
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"
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"
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
Black and white photograph of a living space with a painted portrait of Gordon Copeland.
This small, square, black and white Kodak Velox with scalloped edges appears to be of a living space (lamp, table, candles, vase, record player and vinyl records) with a painted portrait of a man posed in a chair, looking back over his shoulder at the viewer. The subject of the portrait is most likely Gordon Copeland.
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
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.
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
Charles Shively (young)
This is a small black and white studio portrait photograph of Charles Shively, possibly from the time of his enrollment at Harvard. He is wearing a coat and tie, glasses with heavy rims, and a serious expression.
Charles Shively at the Boston Psychic Center
Mitzel, John
Shively, Charles
Gay Community News
Boston Psychic Center
Charles Shively in overalls standing next to a sign reading "Boston Psychic Center and Friendly Tea-Room Reading 4th Floor," from Mike Riegle collection.
John Mitzel
Gay Community News (publication and photographs), 1973-1999
The History Project
1985
Mike Riegle
Copyright John Mitzel.
Digital content made available by The History Project on DOCUMENTED is intended for personal research and educational purposes. Commercial use or distribution of this content is not permitted without prior permission of the copyright holder. The History Project holds copyright to select content made available in DOCUMENTED. Copyright to other content may be held by authors, artists, or their heirs, or may be in the public domain. Requests to reproduce, distribute, or publish content in The History Project should be sent to info@historyproject.org.
Black-and-White Photograph
5 x 7 inches
English
Still Image
GCN.STF.059
Boston, MA
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
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"
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)
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
Drawing of a Gymnast
Drawing of a man
form - Voluntary Executor of Gordon Copeland's will, signed by Charles Shively on December 28 1995
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, The Trial Court, Probate and Family Court Department
December 28, 1995
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
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
Gordon and his dog.
Polaroid photograph of Gordon Copeland (Charles' partner) and his dog.
4"x3.25"
Gordon bartending
photograph of Gordon bartending
Gordon bartending, July 1968.
3.5"x3.5" black and white photograph of Gordon Copeland (Charles' partner) bartending, dated July 1968. Gordon's obituary stated that he bartended at Brumlin's.
unknown
July 1968
3.5"x3.5"
Gordon bartending, July 1968.
July 1968
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 autographed studio portrait of Robert Russell (writer for plays, musicals, and documentaries)
Signed studio portrait of a playwright, belonging to Gordon.
This black and white glossy studio portrait has the inscription "To Gordon, A kind & sincere friend, Fondly, Bob. 'Take Me Along!'" Robert W. Russell was an American playwright who co-wrote the book (aka libretto) for the 1959 musical "Take Me Along" (based on the 1933 play "Ah, Wilderness" by Eugene O'Neill), among other pieces for stage and screen.
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
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"
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
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
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
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
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 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 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
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
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 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
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"
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
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 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
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