Call Number:

Coll.33

Repository:

John J. Wilcox, Jr. LGBT Archives, William Way LGBT Community Center

Extent:

1.5 linear feet ((4 boxes))

Language:

English

Date:

1984-1987 (inclusive)

Creator:

Girlfriends Motorcycle Club.

Abstract:

The Girlfriends Motorcycle Club was a philanthropic group founded in Philadelphia in 1983 which held charity events to raise funds for HIV/AIDS-related organizations. The Girlfriends Motorcycle Club scrapbooks, 1984-1987, is comprised of four scrapbooks, 1984-1987, containing photographs from various events of the Girlfriends Motorcycle Club, flyers advertising the events, correspondence, clippings, and articles.

The Girlfriends Motorcycle Club (GFMC) was formed in the fall of 1983 by thirty charter members for the purpose of raising funds for charity. Their club was founded on the principle that there were "no rules, no dues, no meetings..and no officers." Their home bar was the Post Bar, which was located at 1705 Chancellor Street, and this was where many of their events were organized and often held. The founder of the club was Gene (Ginger) Hershour, and the media contact was Larry Jarrett (Lady J). To become a member, one simply needed to go to The Post, "ask Ginger, and choose a skirt name." By 1985, chapters of the GFMC existed across the United States, in the UK, and Singapore, boasting 300+ members internationally. Their largest event was known as The Prom, which was held annually and raised money for a different charity each year. The Prom was an event that offered a buffet, live band, contests, raffle, and "class awards" to its attendants, who paid a fee to attend. Their first annual senior prom was held in 1984 at Ulana's Lounge & Disco. That year, they also hosted a benefit after a showing of the film Torch Song Trilogy in which they raised $340 for the AIDS Task Force. Additionally, they held a Valentine's Day social that raised $905 for Children's Heart Hospital of Philadelphia. In 1985, they held a Chinese New Year Party that raised money for the Philadelphia AIDS Task Force Hepatitis B Project. The Prom in 1985 was held at the Warwick Hotel Ballroom and was a benefit for the restoration of the Statue of Liberty that raised $1000. The Prom in 1986, also held at the Warwick Hotel Ballroom, was a fundraiser for the Philadelphia AIDS Task Force housing project. This event raised $6500 for the charity. In 1987, The Prom raised money for the John Locke fund, which offered financial support for non-medical expenses to persons living with AIDS. The GFMC also hosted various rummage sales to raise money for their events, and typically asked their members to supply the rummage.

This collection consists of four scrapbooks, 1984-1987, containing photographs from various events of the Girlfriends Motorcycle Club, flyers advertising the events, correspondence, clippings, and articles. There are also eight framed items, six of which consist of scrapbook pages.

Scrapbook 1 includes photographs from The Prom held June 22, 1986 at the Warwick Hotel Ballroom; Flyers, Official Prom Ballot, dance card & admission ticket from The Prom; Letters from Philadelphia Community Health Alternatives and Philadelphia AIDS Task Force regarding donated funds; Detailed listing of events and plans for 1986-1987; Flyers and photographs for rummage sales and Valentine's Day event.

Scrapbook 2 includes photographs from The Prom 1987; Letter addressed to the Girlfriends signed by Hildi-Heidi Hampton; Flyers for rummage sales and Atlantic City social trip; Photographs from social events; Articles, flyers, prom ballot, dance card and admission ticket from The Prom 1987; Listing of all girlfriends by "skirt name".

Scrapbook 3 includes letter from Statue of Liberty Ellis Island Foundation; Flyers, articles, prom ballot, and raffle tickets from The Prom 1985; Photographs from Prom 1985 and other social events; Flyers and letters regarding rummage sales and other events.

Scrapbook 4 includes list of "skirt names" of members; Dance card, flyers, prom ballot, and articles for Prom 1985; Letter from Philadelphia AIDS Task Force regarding donation; Flyers for rummage sales; Letter dated July 22, 1993 addressed to former club members trying to reorganize as a social club; Photos from various events at the Post Bar.