Personal Items , 1944 - 1979
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Content Description
The Gladys A. papers consist principally of diaries detailing Gladys's daily activities and life as a prostitute in Los Angeles from January 1949, when she arrived from Michigan, through April 1952. The collection also contains photographs of Gladys and others in her life, correspondence, and personal items including high school graduation memorabilia, receipts, and other notes. These materials trace Gladys' initial experience of moving to and living in Los Angeles as an independent woman in her early twenties. They reveal characteristics of the day-to-day places, activities, and troubles that she navigated and detail the numerous personal and intimate relationships Gladys cultivated as a casual sex worker. Her documented life gives insight into the complex realities of race, gender, and socioeconomic relationships of Los Angeles in the early 1950s.
Dates
- Creation: 1944 - 1979
Creator
- From the Collection: A., Gladys (Person)
Conditions Governing Access
Advance notice required for access.
Extent
From the Collection: 1.31 Linear Feet (3 containers)
Language of Materials
From the Collection: English
Repository Details
Part of the USC Libraries Special Collections Repository
Doheny Memorial Library 206
3550 Trousdale Parkway
Los Angeles California 90089-0189 United States
specol@usc.edu