My Friends Harvey Milk & George Moscone (c) Jerry Pritikin

November 27,2012:

Today is another Anniversary of the assassinations of my friends,Harvey Milk and Mayor Moscone in San Francisco back in 1978. I had the pleasure of knowing them and so many of the "Pioneers" of the early Gay Rights Movement and being a part of it myself. I am constantly reminded just how far that movement has come over that time. It came at a snails pace but never retreating. The movie "Milk" has helped the movement most in this the early stages of the 21st Centeury. It introduced Harvey (and George) and that era in Gay Rights to millions of people, young and old, gay and straight, here in America and around the world. The advent of the www. has made it easy to find out about our hero's as well as our enemies at the various stages along the way. I'm proud of my contributions via my photography and speaking OUT when ever I can, via this blog,Letters to the Editors and exhibits,documentaries and books happening in my lifetime.

The best is yet to come until the day all gays have Equal Rights! Please ask me if you have any questions, or comments on this post or all the rest found on my blog. May this Holiday Season bring Peace to you, your families,friends and most of all... to the World!

        Photo Credit:Danny Nicoletta-1978 The day Harvey was the Acting Mayor of San Francisco.

(c) Jerry Pritikin

Jerry Pritikin / Chicago

Thanksgiving in Chicago 50 years ago (c) J Pritikin

There is a story that movie star Dorothy Lamour was discovered working as an elevator operator at Chicago's Marshall Field. I have a similar Marshall Field story.  My second lover was discovered while I was working there as a furniture salesman.  I was on the eighth floor near the State Street bank of elevators when I noticed a good looking young elevator operator. I watched for him every time the door opened to let customers in or out. Sometimes I saw him eating alone on the twelfth floor employee’s cafeteria where I often ate with a few gay friends.  I pointed him out to them as a possible Mrs. Pritikin. Then he disappeared.  One of my friends advised me that he was working in the Marshall Field Mail Catalog Department and that his name was Charles.

 

The day before Thanksgiving I decided to call Charles after looking up his department in the employee telephone directory. At about two in the afternoon I dialed the number and he answered the phone. I said I would like to place an order – for him. There was a pause, after which he asked me to call him at home later that night.  I did. I asked if he would like to go out with me that evening but rather than go out, he wanted me to come over to his place on North Dearborn where he was renting a studio apartment in an old mansion.          

 When I walked up the stairs to ring the bell I noticed several people looking out a first floor window. Along with Charles they all rented rooms in the house.  They invited me into the largest apartment which had once been the library.  They confessed that they had been watching for me but with trepidation as quite a few shabby people had walked by carrying alcohol in brown bags.  They were relieved by my appearance when I came up the stairs. After a few drinks with the group, Charles walked me back to his room.  He told me he was nineteen and had moved from a small city about an hour west of Chicago.  After we chatted for awhile he invited me to stay the night.  There was not much in the room; mainly an old TV that one had to put a quarter in to get it to play for an hour and a pull-out sofa.  The next morning I was thrilled when he confided that he had never been with anyone before me.

 

That day was Thanksgiving.  I was supposed to go to my sister’s house for dinner  but after I found out that he had no plans for the day I called her to excuse myself from the commitment without telling her why.  We had breakfast at a local greasy spoon then went downtown to see Whatever Happened to Baby Jane at the Chicago Theater. After the movie we celebrated Thanksgiving with dinner at Henrici's Restaurant before returning to the Dearborn Street apartment for another night of bliss on the uncomfortable sofa.  A couple of weeks later he moved into my Hudson Street apartment.  My parents had been expecting me to visit them at their home in Miami over the Christmas holidays but by then I was too much in love to leave Chicago.

Our 2nd Anniversary fell on the day President Kennedy was killed.  Shortly after, I asked Charlie if he would like to move to San Francisco where I had lived for a short time in 1960.  I bought a used '57 Buick and we left for the west coast by way of Miami to finally visit my parents.  We arrived in San Francisco on Washington's Birthday, celebrated in 1964 on the 22nd of February.  My life with Charles lasted until 1968.   Both of our lives were changed forever because I had ordered him from the Marshall Field Mail Order Catalog fifty years ago.  What a magical day that was back in 1962.

  

YES VIRGINIA(and the other 49 States) There is a Santa Claus!

YES VIRGINIA(and the other 49States) I believe in Santa Claus. I admit I was scared going into tonight. America had a choice... to go FORWARD with President Obama, or go backwards with Mitt Romney, and his band of Billionairs and Millionairs who thought they could buy the Presidentcy, and make 2nd class citizens out of the 47 % of people of color,gay and the disenfranchised working class,unions and middleclass Americans.

The Republicants again thought they could fool us... but even with all their money and big business... they were wrong again. President Obama, thankfuly in the next 4 years will be choosing several more Supreme Court Justices. Not the kind that allow money be their guide. As an openly gay person, I am proud of President Obama and the Democratic Party for being inclusive for all Americans, rather then like the GOP-heads that is the party who are exclusive to only their kind.

Thank you President Clinton, and all those volunteers who fought against the odds, and sometimes the media for scaring us in beliving that Mitt Romney could fool us into surrender. WE DID IT WITH THE TRUTH AND HOPE FOR A BETTER TOMORROW, TOMORROW AND TOMORROW!

The Carter Curse and the End Ford Photograph (c) J Pritikin

Next to the End Ford Enlargement that Carter was to stand in front of

END FORD 1976 © J. Pritikin

I thought I had taken the Presidential campaign picture of 1976. You won't find this picture in any books or newspapers at the time it was taken, but not for the lack of trying. The life of the picture was limited too. Reagan was still in the race until Ford was nominated by the Republicans. The 2nd debate site was switched a couple of times before they decided on San Francisco. I was at the S.F.Democratic campaign office and there happened to be some Carter "advance men" making post plans to the October debate. They saw my photo and asked if a large 6 'x 8' be made in time for a post party after the debate at Brooks Hall in the Civic Center. I said I'm sure and then added "I can see Jimmy Carter, standing in front of it and saying to the San Francisco crowd... PRESIDENT FORD SAID RECENTLY THAT HIS FAVORITE TV SHOW WAS KOJACK, and then pointing to the picture...AND MINE IS THE STREET'S OF SAN FRANCISCO!" The next thing I know the advance men are talking on the phone to Atlanta and they said it was a "Go!" They were going to use my idea. A large black and white picture was made up and delivered to Brooks Hall on the afternoon of the debate. It was reported that tickets to the debate were almost impossible to get. I came up with a fund raising idea for the sponsors of the debate THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS, and my price was a ticket. That's the good news...I made up a T-shirt, Jerry Pritikin's instant poll, for the 2nd Debate, and I was going to put a red X in the box for the winner Ford or Carter. If Ford had won the debate it would have been hard for me not to tell the truth, but he made it easier when he declared "Russia had no satellites in Eastern Europe". After the debate, I was shown putting my red X or the Carter side. There was no way I could get over to the Civic center to bask in my glory knowing that a future President not only held up my photo. but was going to stand in front of it and use my words too.
The bad news...a peon forgot to put the picture behind the podium where Carter was to utter my words...and I was told by those at the Civic Center that Carter came on the stage, looked around as if looking for something, took the podium and never mentioned "The Streets of San Francisco".
The one time the large Carter photo was used by the Democratic Victory party was the night of the November Presidential election. During the celebration, several college kids stole it. A couple of days later after seeing the news report on my missing picture, they called me to return it. Kron-TV was on hand showing me taking the picture out of a convertible and bringing it in to the house. We were interviewed. Just after it aired. my phone rang, a friend said he just saw the story on KRON and to tell me my fly was open!

The Romney/ Obama Debate tonight brought back memories of the Carter Curse* There a longer version that first appeared on the www.Beyondthechron.org            

www.beyondchron.org/news/index.php?itemid=4434   

The original image

Chip Carter at Gay Memorial Day Trike Race... note the posters.

Letter from Amy

Letter From Jimmy

Amount paid to have made up.

 Program for 2nd Debate- I have the ticket packed away.

Another Season of Cheers,beers,tears and Wait Until Next Year!

W

I spent many days roaming in and around the Friendly Confines of Wrigley Field in my 25 years as the Bleacher Preacher. However I spent many hours as a kid, cleaning the grandstands after a game and getting a free pass to the next game. My dad took my brother , myself and often kids from our neighborhood, Albany Park. I had the best respect for Andy Frain Ushers, the vendors and score card sellers,Red Hots were grilled just for you cost 15 cents. Ten cents got you a bag or roasted  P-nuts . We were there for Openers, Double Headers and Holidays and special promotions Days.  I was there when they gave a new car to 3rd baseman Stan Hack,#6. With my brother the day that Jackie Robinson made his debut at Wrigley, over 47,000 on hand and almost everyone bought their ticket on the day of the game... and it was paid in cash! 

In the past few seasons, I've been to a couple of games ... believe me it's not the same except for the Ivy and chances are they will be selling advertising on each leaf in a matter of time. I walked out of the game last year when  2 sets of complete around the park waves happened in the first 3 innings. And last moth My brother Allen and his girl friend Joanne, and Kari as guest of Ari Kaplan. I've met  Ari at a 1991 MLB Winter Meeting. We all wore beanys.

This week, the Cubs have made tickets available for about 88 cents. It's a great Day in Chicago... but when you are as old as I am... it's not a bargain! Sadly, the Cubs Promotion Department should of given them to their Season Ticket holders to give away. Those season ticket holders showing up for the last few games knowing they paid Face Price will be sitting next to someone who paid 88 cents. However, that will not include me. I may have thought about it for a millisecond. I remember the look on my brothers face when he told me how much he paid for a hot dog and small bottle of water.  Over the years I've gone to many closing day game. Many years there were only a handful of fans in those cheap seats... when you got change back from your buck.

I recall in 1985,I brought my tape recorder to mark the last rites of the season. For some reason there was a  chorus  of voices coming from the left field corner shouting "JERRY SUCKS!JERRY SUCKS!  and I have it on tape. I asked what that was all about... it seems that on the screen just below the scoreboard there was a banner message.... of Thanks from the Cubs to me. Thus Jerry Sucks!  Over the years, there are fewer fans from the 1940s like myself and with each year... a fewer "Die-Hards to die off!

In the 1950s, the Cubs were cellar dwellers when there were only 8 teams in each league. The cheap seats cost a half a buck. That was a bargain... However 88 cents to watch the Cubs play the Astros.... those clubs players should of pitched in and bought everybody in the ballpark a hot dog.

Just one more question ... sorry a senior moment just popped up... just like most of the Cubs players this year!

C.David Kulman aka David the Match-Mater has past away.

                                 With Phil Donohue on his segment of the ToDAY SHOW.

                            Announcement in the Alternate Magazine OUT of San Francisco.

                                      In his original office on Polk Street in the early 1970s.

                                                         Oy! Do I have a man for you!!!

See my original post in my archives... A San Francisco Original  C.David Kulman.
Photos (c) J. Pritikin

9/28/12.

Chicago:

I just received the attached message from the publisher of the Presidio Sentinel informing me that my good friend aka David the Matchmater has passed away.    I'll miss him, his N.Y. Yenta Jewish accent and treasure trove of stories about his journey. When I first met him, he was advertising in gay publications. He had a previous publicist  that had little success. His was not a franchise concept and pre-computer age. He kept his clients information on a 3x5 or 5x7 card. A Polaroid picture No credit cards and mostly cash. His clients came from all kinds of backgrounds and he matched them, often on the first date. He was a gay Molly Goldberg /yenta the match maker/ and Doli Levi. 

He almost talked me into moving down there and lived in a nice Seniors building. We always talked to each a couple of times a month. I am also attaching a story that I posted on this blog earlier. We broke some barriers together that are noted in the attachment. He confessed that the time I was his publicist, his business hit $60,000. a year and he had me at basement bargain prices! I had nothing but fun knowing David... truly another New Yorker who made good in San Francisco.








From:     pbrooks936@.com
    Subject:     Re: C.David Kulman Columnist /Senior health.
    Date:     September 28, 2012 10:07:38 AM CDT
    To:     jerry.pritikin@, info@presidiosentinel.com

Hi Jerry,

Our dear friend passed away this past month.We will have an article on David in the October issue.  We will miss his humor, love for trivia, and all that he shared with the world. 

Kindly,


Patty Ducey-Brooks

Publisher & Executive Editor
Presidio Sentinel
www.presidiosentinel.com
P: 619-296-8731
F: 619-295-1138
C: 619-481-9817

Serving San Diego for over Thirteen Years.




-----Original Message-----
From: Jerry Pritikin To: info
Sent: Fri, Sep 28, 2012 12:46 am
Subject: C.David Kulman Columnist /Senior health.

Greetings,

I have been a friend of David for over 40 years. About a month and 
half ago, I was able to call him at his apartment. He had returned 
from the hospital and was in good spirits. However for the past month 
I have been leaving messages for David at his 619 542 1312 number, 
then that number was no longer taking messages. Now it has been 
discontinued.
Thankfully, I have not found any Obit for him... however I thought you 
might know where David might be? I wanted to wish him a Happy New Year.

I would appreciate if you could let me know one way or another.
Thanks.,

Jerry Pritikin  / Chicago 312

Photoglyphic Memories,Again (c) J Pritikin

 A word or words within a frame of a photograph,those without words speak for themselves!

                                       It's an honor to receive a Poison Pen letter from Ray...

                     1976 was my best year for finding Photoglyphic Moments...(c) J Pritikin

A Nixon Moment in 1971 (c) J Pritikin

Visting KQED in 1977

My Photoglyphic moments... is part of my photographic skills . Those images that have no words "Speak" for themselves. My best year was 1976. It was the Bicentennial Year. Those Special kind of day photoglyphic moment at a Street Fair,Sporting Event and any other day with a name. I'm posting a few that I hope you enjoy...  I can never tired of seeing them and recalling the stories behind the images. 

Cheers,

Chicago's Teachers on STRIKE (c) J.Pritikin

The entrance to Walter Payton H.S. Just 12 years old and constantly winning Awards for it's "Excellence" in so many departments.

Today's media and police setting up Picket Lines.

Directly across the street is Salazar Public School, built about 1900, and a special ed program for latin speaking children.

Hoping for a quick settlement that's fair with both sides making some concessions.

Chicago,September 10th,2012.

I reside overlooking 2 Chicago public schools. One from thr begining of the 2oth Century, The Salazar, a multy-lingo Special Spanish educating school and Walter Payton College Prep High School. Just 12 years old and already has the best Award winning standards.

As for the teachers, I understand why they are walking the picket line. However, like all public employed Union workers, there is the need for those contract workers who do not perform to strict code of standards can have their contracts terminated. At the same time, those who excel those standards as well as all qualified teachers must have their grievances addressed, and corrected as soon as possible.

Beany Power brings Cubs victory over Giants 8/31/12 (c) J.Pritikin

That's me giving Jack Brickhouse a Hey! Hey! Award from the cast of Bleacher Bums...and the second went to Hank Sauer,former Cubs slugger off to the right.

Cast of Bleacher Bums, Pete Meade just above the girl with the pennant. In the dark sweater is Mike Krukow who is now the Giants announcer in San Franciso.

My brother Allen, his girlfriend Joanne Ari Kaplan of the Cubs and Kari Gianni

That's me on the end... photo by Ari Kaplin

Joanne and Allen, they been a 2-some for a couple of years.

Allen and his expensive hot-dog.

Chicago: I can not recall seeing so many Giant fans here for a regular game. A gentleman stopped me and asked me if I was"Me" and then he mentioned his name... and I could not recall who he was. He mentioned he was part of a "Bleacher Bums" tie-in promotion involving the Cubs and the S.F. production of the stage play. Of course after he left, I realized who he was and made the mistake of

gaging him on his today's looks. I was amazed at his memory of the event that happened at Candlestick Park on September 5th,1981. "Bleacher Bums Sunday"

I was disappointed by the loud music and that of the organist that drowned out any conversations between innings in the bleachers. For years, the outfield speakers never worked and it was a welcome hush in the crowd, in the fabled cheap seats, were we made our own noise, and didn't need any flashing lighted sign on the scoreboard telling us to make noise! I am happy to note that there were no around the park "Waves", however a college crowd from Iowa tried several times to start the dreaded wave, but failed getting anyone else involved. Almost all the regulars were not there. It's quite

expensive for a single game.

My brother was shell shocked for what it cost him for a hot-dog and a small bottle of water. Over $13.00. Soda pops $5. Parking in and around the ball park goes between $30. & $50. During the week!

I was there with him, his girlfriend Joann and Kari Giannini. Most of the crowd were from Iowa or were Giants fans. I did pick on the Giant's center fielder. On 2 occasions my HEY ANGEL!, THIS BALL IS GOING OVER YOUR HEAD... JUST LIKE SESAME STREET! and twice Cubs hitters obliged... one of the homers went over the left fielder's head into the bleachers.

At the end of the game, there was a "W" flying from atop the Scoreboard.

One Giant step for Fan-Kind! (c) J.Pritikin

So here we are at the tail end of the 2012 season, and my first game. I only went to one game last season... and broke one of my commandments and l left the game in the 3rd inning after witnessing 2 a-round-the-park- waves. So I'm looking forward to enjoying another game. My head may not be in the game. I hardly can tell you any of the players names and seldom watch a whole inning on the tube. I'll be going with my brother and his girlfriend and faithful companion. And my friend Kari who is in a battle with cancer. I'll be there with my camera and in the meanwhile I'll post some of my S.F. images...