Provenance
Mostly articles collected by Rollerena from both straight and gay newspapers and contributed to the Archive.
Access Restrictions
Video tapes are for research only, no commercial use. the LGBT Center has permission toshow tepa for Center sponsored event.
Scope and Content
This is the collection of Rollerena Fairy Godmother. It includes newspaper and magazine articles, listing of appereances on radio or TV shows, files about her perticipation in ACT UP, awards, correspondence and photographs.
Rollerena Fairy Godmother was the character created in 1972 by a young man from Kentucky who put on a gown, a 1950's hat, a straw basket and skated up and down Christopher Street (Greewich Village, New York City). The character Rollerena added rhinestones glasses, costume jewelry, a littte horn, and carried a magic wand to bless mortals. She skated in the Gay neighborhoods, the Easter Parade, Gay Pride Marches and in the popular discos.
History or Bio
Roller (A)rena (the A is silent) came into being on the evening of Saturday, September 16, 1972. Born in Gravelsnatch, Kentucky in 1948, the boy who became Rollerena came out in 1961. He would hitch hike or take a bus to Louisville and became the "bluegrass* belle” of three counties as a teenager. In April of 1966, at the age of 18, he registered for the draft and graduated from High School in May of 1967. (The Outweek interview December 24, 1989 shows photos of him at seventeen and in basic training.) He served in the artillery infantry in Vietnam and returned to the states in September 1969. Late in 1969 he worked on Wall Street spent New Year’s Eve of 1969 in Times Square.
He started roller skating to work in 1970 (this was regular roller skates, not in-line rollerblades which became popular on the streets in the 1980s and 1990s). He was 5 feet 11 inches and 128 lbs, he practiced at 79th Street and Fifth Avenue. He was given the nicknamed Rollin’ Skeets; he wore a visor, umbrella on his head, a backpack and a little horn at his waist for foot traffic. In 1971 he was in the Gay Pride Parade as Rollin’ Skeets.
On September 16, 1972, he went into an antique store on Christopher Street put on a bathrobe-like gown, a 1950s hat, a straw basket and skated up and down Christopher Street. He went into a bar, “the whole place went absolutely wild!” “A crowd gathered like they were awaiting Glinda landing in Oz.” This was the birth of “Roller Arena the Fairy Godmother”. She made her debut as Roller Arena in the 1973 Easter Parade. Her skating was limited to well-heeled neighborhoods, gay spots and chic haunts like Studio 54. She collected thirty 1950s hats, costume jewelry earrings, and 15 pairs of rhinestone glasses. October 15,1979 “Roller- Arena” changed her name to “Rollerena.” In 1980-81 Rollerena became a cartoon subject in “Rollerena” published in The New York Native, by Mike Thomas. The creator of Rollerena did not consider himself a drag queen; instead she became the character of a Fairy Godmother. As Rollerena became more and more well known people began to request her presence at various events. She had a post office box, a friend as business representative, post cards, began skate dancing at the popular discos, and was in many newspaper articles and TV and radio talk shows.
Rollerena went by the names Rollin’ Skeets in 1970, Roller Arena Fairy Godmother in 1972 and Rollerena Fairy Godmother in 1979. Various newspapers gave different spellings to the Fairy Godmother and these spellings are used in the Finding Aid as they appear in the articles, they include: “Rollerina”, “Roller Rena”, Rolla-Reena”, “Rollerarena”, “Roll-Arena.”
Chronological Events:
1948 born in Gravelsnatch, KY
1961 at age of 13, met a soldier stationed in Kentucky
1966 18th birthday, registered for draft 4/25/1966
1967 graduated from High School.
1968 drafted into the Army
1969 served in Vietnam
1969 Returned in September 1969, worked on Wall Street, spent New Year’s Even in Times Square.
1970 May 12 roller skated to work (new job at Rockefeller Center) [see photo collection 1970s photos Rollin’ Skeets]
1971 Gay Pride Parade first appearance on skates as Rollin’ Skeets
see file Listing for additional history.
*Note: "bluegrass" was added to "belle" by Rollerena on July 17, 2003. Bluegrass does not appear in the "Outweek" article.
Discos History: http://huzbears.websitenow.com/gayhistory/ts.html “TIMES SQUARE: A GAY HISTORY”
“Studio 54, 254 West 54th Street opened in 1977 (closed by IRS in 1980 or 1981) by late Steve Rubell and his partner Ian Schrager…. What would become in the late 1970’s home of celebrities” Reopened September 15, 1981.
“Xenon disco, 124 West 43rd Street. The old Henry Miller Theater built in 1918 became the alternative chic disco to Studio 54 in 1977 [June 7, 1978]” The reviews for Xenon said it was small, half the size of Studio 54, the promised highlight, the descent from the ceiling of a 7,000 pound mothership was a fizzle.
Folder List
Box 1:
1. 1972 September 16, borrowed a robe or gown from antiques store skated up and down Christopher St.
Articles:
History reported in Outweek article December 24, 1989.
Mentioned in Vogue, September 1972, by Pat Chase.
2. 1973 made debut at 49th and Fifth Avenue–
AIDS fund raising flyer: Roller Arena in Easter Parade newspaper photo* with hand written caption “Easter Sunday 1973, Bethesda Fountain, Central Park”, “Do Something”
*processor’s note: the photo appears in the Soho Weekly, March 30, 1978, not 1973.
3. 1974 started working in Financial district on Wall Street.
Buses to Albany flyer: Photo caption “Columbus Circle, February 1974”
4. 1975, the late Wayne Bardy, friend, became publicist.
5. 1976 transition to skating in Studio 54 and in gossip columns.
Articles: The Villager, January 1, 1976, Vol. XLIII, No. 39, Greenwich Village (cocktail glass with Rollerena, caption Happy New Year, photo by Darleen Rubin)
Daily News, Magazine Section, September 19, 1976 – referred to as “Rollin’ Skeets a Vietnam Veteran” wearing a long white gown.
Note: some of the articles are pasted to a memo from with a “COURT ORDER #” space these forms was part of his job with an employer.
6. 1977 Studio 54. (see Discos)
Articles:
“Concert for Free Radio” WBAI performers listed include Roller Arena
The New York Times, article by Dick Cavett, June 18, 1977 mentions a “Skating Pixie”
The New York Times Monday, June 27, 1977 photo of gay pride march
The Village Voice, July 18, 1977, by Arthur Bell, “Rollerina got a bigger hand than Bella (Absug)” at Christopher Street festivities
The Paper Wisdoms Child, July 5, 1977, tried to interview Roller Arena and was referred to her publicity representative
The New York Times, October 3, 1977 article by Les Ledbetter about “Suzy Skates” in San Francisco who used the skating to earn money, her heroes include Roller Rena
Michael’s Thing, November 14-20, 1977, Vol 7, No. 46, “A (Drag) Wedding Album” Rollerina was maid of honor
7. 1978 a fellow employee saw her in an interview with Arthur Bell,
Articles:
Penthouse, March 1978, photo of Rollerena, caption “East Fifties, Studio 54”.
Soho Weekly News, March 30, 1978, Easter Parade, page 32, photo of Rollerena in Central Park (see flyer with March 1973 date.
Sunday News Magazine, NY, “The SuperScene”, April 9, 1978, article about Studio 54 with a photo of Rollerena in glasses, page 24.
Soho Weekly News, May 25-31, 1978, Vol. 5, No.34, article by Rob Baker on transvestites and transvestite performers.
Opening of Xenon Disco, June 7, 1978 collage of articles about Rollerena 1977-1979 by Roy Thode, “R.I.P.”
New York Post, Thursday, June 8, 1978, “Xenon opens crowded” [June 7?] by Earl Wilson (on West 43rd St.) mentions “One person wearing a long dress danced on roller skates.”
The New York Times, Friday, June 9, 1978. Mention Roller-Arena at the opening of the Xenon disco.
Disco thèkin’, Thursday, June 15, 1978, photo with Rollerena at Xenon disco.
Soho Weekly News, Thursday, June 15, 1978, page 17, mentions that Roller-arena was having a good time dancing on her roller-skates. At 12:15 AM people are leaving Xenon. It also shows people moving to Studio 54 and a photo at 2 AM with Rollerena.
New York, June 19, 1978, article “Xenon: Slipped Disco” mention “a Wall Street worthy and who was wearing a flouncy dress, a wedding cake of a hat, and roller skates.”
michael’s thing, June 26-July 2, 1978, shows a photo in front of Julius bar “Rollerena sans wand and wheels”, page 49
Soho Weekly News, July 6-12, 1978, Vol. 5, No. 40, Bob Weiner article about a show at the Rainbow Grill. “I would have been better off standing on the corner watching the tourists gape at drag queen Roller-Arena skating into Studio 54.”
Gay News, July 15, 1978, “Philadelphia News” shows a photo of Rollerena in New York Gay Pride march.
Chicago Sun times, July 16, 1978, “Rock talk”, article about Studio 54 and mentions Roller-arena as a regular.
New York Post, July 19, 1978, Claudia Cohen interview, mentions Rollerena, “He had glasses like those fifty Cadillacs… he was called Rollerina”
Soho Weekly News, July 20-26, 1978, letters to editor from Rollerena, “I wonder if I dare ask you not to describe me as a ‘drag queen’? I entirely respect drag queens, but I don’t define myself as one. Are you willing to consider using the term, Fairy Godmother?”
Aquarian Weekly, July 26, 1978, Vol. 13, No. 220, page 27 article about Studio 54 with a photo of Rollerina.
Sunday Tribune Review, FOCUS, July 30, 1978, “What’s Happening in the Big Apple, Studio 54” photo of Rollerena.
Sweet Potato, July 1978, Vol. 3, Issue 6, Portland Me., Mentions Rolla-Reena.
New York Times, August 1, 1978, article on roller-skating by Ron Alexander. Mentions Rollerarena.
Gaysweek, August 7, 1978, “Media” by Charles G. Kast, prints July 20 letter from Rollerena to Soho Weekly News.
Soho Weekly News, August 17-23, 1978, “Who’s Who of Shorts” by Roxanne Lowit, Style, page 18. Shows photo of Roller Arena in shorts and umbrella hat.
Mandate, September 1978, Vol. 4, No. 41, article “A New York Institution” by John Stanley, about Roller Arena with nine photos.
New York Texan (by The Texas Connection, NYC), September 1978, article by Allen Frame mentions Roller(a)rena.
New York Daily Press, October 14-15, 1978, photo of Roller Rena at Studio 54.
Village Voice. October 30, 1978, Vol XXXIII No. 42 Article by Arthur Bell about Roller-Arena at Bloomingdales and Pepsi-Cola building with photo
PM, Wednesday, November 8, 1978“OUT” by Bob Colacells, mentions Rollerina and has photo labeled “Well dressed man”.
The Aquarian, November 15-22, 1978. Article by Grace Jones about Roller-Arena at Roseland.
Book: Disco Fever, Signet, Signet Classics publisher, Copyright (November) 1978. Pages 76-78 about Roller-Arena with photo “on New York City’s disco floors”.
Daily News, December 5, 1978. Earl Wilson about Steve Rubell birthday party.
New York Times, December 9, 1978. “The Elements of Style, So to Speak” by Ron Alexander mentions “The kookiest roller-skating drag queen at Studio 54 has style.”
Omega One, December 15, 1978. Article by Brandon Judell mentions Roll-Arena.
Omega One, December 29, 1978. “A Jaded Consumer’s Guide to Discomania” by Michael Musto has photo of Rollerena and mention “dress in drag and or roller shakes”
New York Post, 1978 (no other date). Eugenia Sheppard, “Around the Town” mentions Rollerina.
Ritz Newspaper, London, England, No. 22, 1978. Photo of Roller Arena as Dolly Parton at Studio 54.
8. 1979 Articles:
New York Post, January 9, 1979, “Around the Town” by Eugenia Sheppard, mentioned
Rollerina in because a fashion show was being done by models on roller-skates.
Disc and That, (New York, NY) January 1979, Vol. 2, No. 1. Article about Xenon’s Disco (West 43rd St.) with mention of people arriving on roller skates.
The Advocate, January 25, 1979, mentions Rollerina and Studio 54 (membership $150 and admission members $7.) “Forecast for ‘79”.
Villager, February 5, 1979, article “Disco Dems” by John S. Turcott mentions Rollerina (note: two words cut out)
The Village Voice, February 5, 1979, article by Arthur Bell, “Bells Tells” refers to Roller-Arena as a “permanent fixture in this town”.
US, (New York, NY) February 6, 1979, “Kitty Hanson” mentions Roller-Arena.
New York Post, March 30, 1979, “Disco Beat” by Kitty Hanson, a Fun House disco opened at Eleventh Avenue and 26th , no mention of Rollerena.
New York, April 30, 1979, “A Name-Dropper’s Guide to the Best of Everything” by Deborah Haber, photo of where Roller-Arena buys her skates, page 44.
Oggi, (Milano, Italy) April 27, 1979, has photo of Rollerena with Rudolph Nureyev at Studio 54.
Forum Magazine, (New York, NY), April 1979, Vol. 8, No. 7. Article “Disco Mania” by Rose Hartman, mentions Roller-Arena.
The Village Voice, May 14, 1979, “Bell Tells”, by Arthur Bell mentions the Fairy Godmother, Roller-Arena. The paste-up includes the July 1979 “Sweet Potato” clipping from Portland ME. about Rolla-Reena.
Sunday Tribune-Review, Focus Magazine, May 27, 1979, “The Fastest Fairy in New York” by Popsy Sadock, article and a second photo with Nureyev.
Soho Weekly News, June 21, 1979, “Gertrude’s Follies” cartoon of Gay Pride March with Roller Arena “Fan Club”
Soho Weekly News, June 21, 1979, “Street Corner Stages (Gay Theatre)” by Rob Baker has a photo of Roller-Arena and mentions her.
The Village Voice, June 25, 1979, “Bob Livingston (1932-1979)” by Arthur Bell. Mentions Roller-Arena demonstrating frequently at the City Council.
Soho Weekly News, July 19, 1979, “Mindgarbage” by Seth Allen mentions Roller Arena.
The New York Times, July 30, 1979, television listing of Roller Arena on the Tomorrow Show, Monday July 30, 1079.
July 30 “Tomorrow Show”
Christopher Street, August 1979, Vol. 4, No. 1. Shows a photo of Rollerena.
Frizz Newspaper Co. Ltd, (London) September 1979, No. 8. It has two photos and interview by Mindy Miami with Roller Arena.
Playboy, September 1979, Vol. 26, No. 9, shows a third photograph of Rollerena dancing with Nureyev.
October 15, 1979, officially “Roller Arena” changed name to Rollerena.
RFD, A Country Gay Journal, Fall 1979, No. 21. Has drawing of Fairy Godmother on Roller skates.
The New York Times, December 25, 1979, article about FM disco stations WBLS and WKTU. Rollerena was interviewed by Bob Weiner for WBLS on December 11, 1979.
Honey Magazine, (London) December 1979. Has article by Sally O’Sullivan about Roller Arena with two photos.
9. 1980 Articles:
Daily News, January 6, 1980. Article by Dinah Prince, about the popularity of roller-skating. Rollerena “The First Lady of the Skates” wrote her a letter dated January 7, 1980.
“M is for Manhattan”, New York City, January 1980, Vol. 1, No. 2, Article by Adrienn E. Scott “Playing Footsie” with a photo of Rollerena’s skates.
In Touch, January 1980, # 45. “New York, New York” by Charles Herschberg, mentions Roller Arena gliding to Studio 54.
Spinoff, Roller Emporium in Boston, February 19, 1980, features Rollerena with photo, “Fantasy & Magic on Wheels”.
The Village Voice, March 10, 1980. “New York’s 10 Most Eligible ‘Gay’ Bachelors” by Arthur Bell. Rollerena gets honorable mention. Rollerena sent Mr. Bell a thank you note –“she . . .someday hopes to settle down and have a quiet wedding in Queens.”
New York Post, March 6, 1980, “Jet-set gays who pleaded not to be on [Arthur Bell’s] eligible list”, by Cyndi Stivers.
Penthouse, March 1980, “Invasion of Disco Droids” mentions Rollerina.
Other Stages, New York City, April 17-30, 1980, Vol. 2, No.16.”Drag Queens” by Robert Heide mentions Rollerina.
Roller Skating A Surfer Publication, Dana Point, California, April 1980, Vol. 2, No. 2. article about the opening of Roxy Roller Palace, mentions Rollerina.
Gotham, New York City, June 25, 1980, volume 2, No. 13. has photo of Rollerena.
“Donahue Show”,. July 5, 1980, 8:00 PM, Listed in TV Guide, Daily News,
“PM Magazine”, July 8, 1980, 8 PM.
The New York Times, June 25, 1979, photo with Rollerena photo pasted on top announcing the July 8,
1980 appearance on the “P.M. Magazine”
Knight Life, Jackson Heights, NY, July 10, 1980, Vol. 2, Iss. 26. Cover photo with Rollerena.
Gay Scene, New York City, August 1980, Vol. 1, No. 3. page 6 & 7 show a photo of Rollerena on Gay Pride Day.
The New York Times, September 1, 1980 Article “City Gets Caught Up in the Roller-Skating Whirl” by Laurie Johnston mentions Rollerena and is pasted to a black & white photo of Rollerena, taken by Alan Isaken May 6, 1979, Morton St. Pier.
“Real People” TV show, October 29, 1980, letter from Charles Nicholas, hair designer.
“Real People” October 29, 1980, 8:00 PM, featured Rollerena “as the Good fairy on roller skates”. In T V Guide.
New York, October 20, 1980, Article by Arthur Bell about Julius’s bar and Rollerena.
The New York Native, December 5-18, 1980, Issue one. Cartoon “Rollerena” by Mike Thomas.
The New York Native, December 29, 1980-Jan 8, 1981, Issue two. Cartoon “Rollerena” by Mike Thomas.
December Lucia Valeska, NGLTF, referred to her “emotional problems”.
10. 1981 “Glasses are eye fashion.”
Articles:
The New York Native, January 10-24, 1981, Issue three. Cartoon “Rollerena” by Mike Thomas.
The New York Native, January 25-Feb. 8, 1981, Issue four. Cartoon “Rollerena” by Mike Thomas.
The New York Native, February 9-23, 1981, Issue five. Cartoon “Rollerena” by Mike Thomas.
The New York Native, February 23-Mar. 8, 1981, Issue six. Cartoon “Rollerena” by Mike Thomas.
The New York Native, March 9-22, 1981, Issue seven. Cartoon “Rollerena” by Mike Thomas.
The New York Native, March 23- Apr. 5, 1981, Issue eight. Cartoon “Rollerena” by Mike Thomas.
New York Post, March 12, 1981. “Trends” by Jane Ellis, mentions Rollerena.
New York, March 23, 1981, “Intelligencer” by Craig Unger mentioned Rollerena.
The New York Native, April 6-19, 1981, Issue nine. Cartoon “Rollerena” by Mike Thomas.
The Advocate, May 14, 1981, Iss. 317. Rollerena article by Sonya Sones and photo
The Village Voice, June 24-30, 1981. Cartoon of June 28 CSLD parade with Rollerena.
The New York Native, August 10-23, 1981, Issue 18. Cartoon “Rollerena” by Mike Thomas.
The New York Native, September 7-20, 1981, Issue 20. Cartoon “Rollerena” by Mike Thomas.
The New York Native, September 21-Oct. 4, 1981, Issue 21. Cartoon “Rollerena” by Mike Thomas.
New York Post, September 16, 1981. Studio 54 reopened [9/15/1981], Rollerena was there and seen on four different channels.
The Village Voice, September 23-29, 1981. Article by Clovis Ruffin about reopening of Studio 54 on September 15. Mentions Rollerena.
“The Royal New Year’s Eve Gala” featured Rollerena in East Orange , NJ, December 30, 1981
New York City News, December 22, 1981, featured a full page ad of The Royal New Years Eve Gala”.
After Dark, December 1981. Vol. 14, No. 7. “New York Nude” has a photo of Rollerena.
11. 1982 Articles:
The New York City News, July 21, 1982. Photo Rollerena at Gay Pride March on June 27.
“Real People” TV show July 28, 1982, interview. Listed in Daily News, July 28, 1982.
The Hollywood Reporter, August 10, 1982. “Broadway Ballyhoo” by Radie Harris, photo of Rollerina at opening of the Palace at Luchow’s in Union Square.
The Wall Street Journal, August 20, 1982. Article by Laura Landro [Wall Street Journal reporter] about cable TV show of Nikki Haskell who interviewed Rollerina.
The New York City News, December 15, 1982, advertisement for “The Royal New Year’s Eve Gala” with guest Rollerena.
L.I. Connection, December 1. 1982, same advertisement about Royal New Year’s Eve Gala.
“Doops on the Avenue, East Orange, NJ” invitation for the Royal New Year’s Eve Gala.
12. 1983 became involved with AIDS community
Articles:
The Connection, June 15-28, 1983, Vol. 2, Iss. 16. Photo of Rollerena on cover.
Letter dated March 12, 1980 announcing the Rollerena post card taken June 26, 1977.
The Connection, June 29-July 19, 1983, Vol. 2, Iss. 17, photo of Rollerena in Gay Pride March, page 26
Gay Scene, [New York City], June, 1983 Vol. 14, No. 1, has photo of Rollerena on page 9.
New York Native, July 19-31, 1983. Article by Jay Blotcher mentions Rollerena.
The Connection, August 17-31, 1983 “Letters” including one from Rollerena.
Gay Scene, [New York City], August 1983, Vol. 12, No. 3, photo of Rollerena
Flyer “Benefit For arc (Aids Research Center) August 29, 1983, appearance by Rollerena (singing debut, “Coal miner’s Daughter” at Five Oaks, Grove Street, NYC).
ARC Newsletter September 1983, thanking Rollerena.
Photocopy of Tape label, Rollerina Real People Show #306, 9/22/1983
1984 no documents
13. 1985 New York Magazine, December 23-30, 1985, photo of Rollerena and article “neighborhood Character”.
14. 1986 Housing rally in Chelsea, became a Buddy at GMHC (stayed off Christopher Street for a whole year – so many had passed away.)
Gay Engagement Calendar, Week of September 8, 1986, photo of Roller-Arena “New York’s favorite fairy godmother.”
Newsletter, Night of a Thousand Gowns, December 10, 1986, Rollerarena is listed as a member of the Honorary Committee.
15. 1987 Memorial Sloan Kettering ACT UP demonstration
New York Native, April 13, 1987, Article by Curtis Houlihan on the Night of a Thousand Gowns, mentions Rollerarena as an honored guest.
16. 1988 Articles:
Letter dated January 15, 1988, Night of a Thousand Gowns, scheduled for April 30, 1988, Rollerena is on the Honorary Committee.
New York Native, February 8, 1988, Article, Heritage of Pride honors Rollerena with “Lifetime Achievement” award.
The Village Voice, April 8, 1988, article by Michal Musto mentions ACT UP protest on Wall Street in which Roller-arena participated.
Flyer for ACT UP – April 8, 1988, Benefit for ACT UP honoring Rollerena.
New York Native, May 16, 1988, Issue 265, article by Kiki Mason on Saint’s closing party and “Night of a Thousand Gowns”, Rollerena was there and told Kiki, “tell your readers that I’m making a comeback as an ACT UP activist.”
New York City Tribune, June 27, 1988, article by Chris Corcoran on Gay Pride Parade, with photo of Rollerena with caption “A Transvestite marcher skating down Fifth Avenue”
ETCETERA, July 29 – Aug 4, 1988, Atlanta GA, Vol. 4, No. 30., Mentions ACT UP at Democratic National Convention.
PWA Coalition Newsline, September 1988, Issue 15, article by Rollerena “I Remember Sam Alford.” On the reverse side is a news photo titled “Vietnam. Watergate. AIDS. The government is lying again.”
New York City Gays Men’s Chorus, 1988-1989 Season brochure, includes a photo of Rollerena.
17. 1989 Articles:
Outweek interview (lives in Yorkville).
ACT UP Flyer “AIDS & The City, Teach-In” March 28 demonstration at City Hall. “Featuring the world premiere of Rollerina’s Greatest Hits” March 19, 23, & 26 at The Center. [Arrested in ACT UP demonstration at City Hall in March.]
A June 7, 1989 photo in The Gazette, Montreal identified a photo as Alan Shaw* which was crossed out and hand written with “Rollerena”. [processor’s note: This is the only time in that Rollerena’s birth name is found in the collection.] [There is also a snapshot in the photo collection, of Rollerena with an ACT UP cap dated June 5, 1989, Montreal.]
Outweek, July 1, 1989, No. 3. ACT UP in Gay Pride March article, with a photo of Rollerena captioned “The Pope of Greenwich Village”. The article says “Perhaps the loudest ovations were reserved for Rollerena, New York’s own fairy godmother.”
Outweek, July 24, 1989, page 48. mentions knowledge of Rollerena as political or apolitical.
Advantage Next, Provincetown, July 26-August 1,Vol. 2, Iss. 30. Reports about July 23 3rd annual Lesbian & Gay Pride March, shows photo of Rollerena with caption “grand marshal and fairy goddess”.
Speech by Rollerena, Typed speech on ACT UP, delivered July 23, 1989, Town Hall, Provincetown.
Outweek, July 31, 1989. Page 48. Article by Michelangelo Sinorile with photo of Rollerena.
PWA Coalition Newsline, July/August 1989, Issue 46. Photo of ACT UP in Montreal with Rollerina.
Provincetown Magazine, 8/1/1989, page 16. Article about PWA with photo of Rollerena.
OutWeek, August 14, 1989, article “P-Town (Provincetown) In Furor Over Pride March” by Andrew Miller. Has a photo of Grand Marshall Rollerena and Rollerena at a urinal.
ACT UP Newspaper, September/October 1989, Vol. 1, No. 5. Article entitled “Roller-Rena’s Magic”, Rollerena’s speech deliver in Provincetown on July 23, 1989, with a photo of Rollerena.
Outweek, NYC, December 24, Vol. 27. page 38-52. “Rolling Thunder” extensive interview by Jay Blotcher. Has a photo of Rollerena in the Village, at 17, in Basic Training on the Hudson, and on the cover with a gift package.
Flyer announcing New Year’s Eve Dance to 1990 to benefit AIDS Treatment Registry with Rollerena as guest.
18. 1990/1991Articles:
Outweek, NYC, January 14, 1990, No. 29. Letter from reader who agreed with Rollerena article in December 24 issue. Also an article on page 20 about Rollerena and other visiting the AIDS
ward of St. Vincent’s Hospital on December 21.
ACT UP Flyer for February 13, 1990 trip to Albany with photo of Rollerena.
ACT UP Flyer for March 28, 1990 trip to Albany.
The Village Voice, April 10, 1990, article by Guy Trebay, “In Mario’s Face” (about ACT UP in Albany)
Outweek June 13, 1990. Page 28, photo of Rollerena with Deborah Glick.
The Advocate, October 6, 1992, article about Gay history mentions Rollerena.
Daily News, October 11, 1994. Article about Discos, mentions Roller Rena.
Northern Lights Alternatives-NY, November 19 announcement about “Blades for AIDS” roller skating fundraiser with special guest Rollerena.
ACT UP article 1990, Anonymous essays about gays in a straight world.
Lesbian and Gay Television Festival, October 9-13, 1991, including 16 minute video and network TV interviews with Rollerena.
“Blades for AIDS” benefiting Northern Lights Alternatives-NY, November 19, 1991 at The Roxy, with Rollerena.
19. Articles no date
Box 2:
20. Flyers for 1986 City Council meetings on Gay Rights Bill (GLAD) with article:
New York Post, March 19, 1986, “Gay battle grows hotter”
New York Post March 21, 1986 with headline, “City Council OKs [Gay Rights] bill”
21. ACT UP 1986:
South Carolina AIDS law, no date
Article on ACT UP demo, no date.
ACT UP Provincetown, no date.
Flyer AIDS disobedience no/date
Daily News, March 21, 1986
22. ACT UP 1988:
The New York Times, March 25, 1988
The Village Voice, May 3, 1988
The Washington Times, May 17, 1988
New York Native, July 11, 1988
The New York Times, July 12, 1988
New York Native, July 13, 1988
The New York Times, July 22, 1988
Article written by Rollerena July 19, 1988 for ACT UP
San Francisco Sentinel July 29, 1988, Vol. 16, No. 31
Bay Area Reporter (SF), July 28, 1988, Vol. XVIII, No. 30
The Time Picayune (New Orleans), August 15, 1988
The Village Voice, August 23, 1988
Philadelphia Gay News, August 20, September 1, 1988, Vol. 12, No. 4
New York, December 23-30, 1985 (with photo of Rollerena on reverse side of PGN)
Au Courant, Philadelphia, August 29, 1988, Vol. 6, No. 41.
New York Native, August 29, 1988
New York Post, August 31, 1988
The New York Times, August 31, 1988
Frontiers News Magazine, no/date about September 1988
Windy City Times, September 15, 1988
Frontiers News Magazine, September 21, 1988
College, Flushing, NY, October 3, 1988
Tickets to ACT UP event October 7 & 11, 1988
New York Post, November 26, 1988
The Montgomery Journal, Rockville, MD, October 12, 1988
USA Today, October 12, 1988
The New York Times, October 12, 1988
Daily News, October 12, 1988
The Sun, Baltimore, MD, October 12, 1988
23. ACT UP 1989:
ACT UP Flyer June 11 [1989?] for a benefit (photo of Rollerena and at 17 before Rollerena)
Atlanta Newspaper, no name, no/date
1989 Flyer with Afterdark photo Dec 1981
The State, Columbia, SC, April 21, 1989
The News and Courier, Charleston, SC, April 21, 1989
Bay Area Reporter, SF, June 29, 1989
Next, July 26, 1989, ACT UP in Provincetown, photo Rollerena page 15
Provincetown Magazine, August 1, 1989 mentions Rollerena
Next, August 2, 1989, parade in Provincetown
The Cape Codder, August 18, 1989
The New York Times, September 5, 1989, demonstration in Tompkins Square Park
The Greenville News, Greenville, SC, April 21, 1989
The Advocate, October 19, 1989
The Advocate, September 28, 1989
ACT UP Newsletter (Provincetown) June 23, 1989 to January 1990
Outweek, July 3, 1989, contest to rename dental dam.
Cape Cod Times, July 24, 1989
Cape Cod Times, July 26, 1989
The Advocate, Provincetown, July 27, 1989
The Cape Codder, Provincetown, July 28, 1989
Cape Cod Times, July 28, 1989
Cape Cod Times, July 31, 1989
The Cape Codder, August 1, 1989
Next, August 9-15, 1989, Vol. 2, Iss. 32
Cape Cod Times,. August 17, 1989
The Cape Codder, August 18, 1989
The Cape Codder, August 18, 1989 (includes photos)
ACT UP flyer “March Against Homophobia no/date [August 1989?]
The Advocate, Provincetown, September 14, 1989
The Cape Codder, September 15, 1989
24. ACT UP 1990-1992:
The Cape Codder, January 16, 1990 (two articles)
Outweek, August 29, 1990, No. 61, Queer Nation
Queer Nation flyer no/date [August 1989?]
Outweek, April 3, 1991, mentions “Queen of Queer Nation, Rollerena”
QW, New York, November 15, 1992. No. 54.
25. Awards:
Program from Stonewall Awards Foundation, June 2 1983
Stonewall Awards Foundation, June 24, 1983, special appearance by Rollerena also reported in the New York Native, July 18-31, 1983, Page 24
Dignity Biennial Convention, September 1986, Rollerena joined Opening Ceremony.
Gala Benefit for ACT UP, April 8, 1988, honoring Rollerena (photo of Rollerena on flyer)
Achievement Award HOP [Heritage of Pride] January 23, 1988
Fourth Annual Pride Awards, HOP, January 23, [year?], Rollerena was an award recipient.
Lambda Independent Democrats of Brooklyn, May 12, 1990, including introductory remarks by George Waffle.
Night of a Thousand Gowns program March 19, 1991
Blades for AIDS Benefit, November 19, 1991, special guest star Rollerena.
Aids Treatment Registry (ATR) Benefit “The Normal Heart,” no date thanks to Rollerena.
26. Correspondence to and from Rollerena, 1977-1979:
1975, April 5, 6 The Rollin Skeets Story, Anthology film archives
Letter From Brooklyn college of the City University of NY, asked to tape skating activities, Nov. 25, 1977
List of Pen & Ink Drawings at Carava House Galleries– of which #29 is a Roller Arena Print, price $200.
Letter to Ann Pinkerton, Woman’s Wear Daily, April 12, 1978 “I am not a ‘drag queen’.”
Note from Duffy, with copy of page New Haven Register, Sept. 10, 1978
Advance Proof of “Faggots” by Larry Kramer
Letter from Sarah Montague, Ritz London newspaper, Nov. 6, 1978
Letter from Frederick Taylor, The Wall Street Journal, Nov. 6, 1978
Letter to John Curry IceDance with ticket stub, Dec. 4, 1978
Letter from Damien Everly, Jan. 12, 1979
Letter to Michael Musto, [Omega One] Jan. 22, 1979
Letter to Liz Smith The Daily News, April 16, 1979
Letter from Arthur Cunningham, CBS, April 30, 1979
Letter to Janet Rose, WKTU, May 10, 1979
Letter to “Doubles” for an appearance at the club dated May 10, 1979
Letter to Focus Editor of Tribune, Greansburg, PA, May 27, 1979
Letter from Patricia Caso, Tomorrow Show NBC, for guest appearance shown July 18 and 30, 1979
Letter from Maureen Fulton People Magazine, Aug. 1, 1979
Letter from Rollerena changing name from "Roller-Arena" to "Rollerena".
Dancer From The Dance, photocopy of cover and page 160 refers to pseudo named character on roller skates
Letter to Mr. Horowitz of Roller Skating Magazine, April 17, 1980
Flyer by Rollerena Gay Pride 1980
Letter from Sonya Sones, August 30, 1980 about article in The Advocate [May 1981]
Letter Rollerena at Lincoln Center, December 4, 1980
Letter from Fay Levine, World of People, TV show, Jan. 6, 1981
Letter to Lucia Valeska (NGLTF) December 23, 1980
Letter from Lucia Valeska (NGLTF) Jan. 6, 1981
Letter from Fay Levine, The World of People TV show
Note to Susan Handy, “To Tell the Truth” Feb. 4, 1981
Letter from Dennis O’Keefe, WJZ-TV !#, Baltimore MD, Aug. 27, 1981
Letter to Jane Ellis, TRENDS, New York Post, July 21, 1981.
Letter from Sondra & Conchita, Dec. 11, 1981
Letter from Dennis O’Keefe, WJZ-TV !#, Baltimore MD, April 9, 1982
Letter from Michael, Atlanta, GA, Aug. 31, 1982
Hand painted Birthday card from Marianne Padella, Sept. 16, 1982
Letter from Lambda Associates of SI, March 1, 1983
Letter from NYC Gay Men’s Chorus, March 30, 1983
Letter from NYC Gay Men’s Chorus, April 21, 1983
Letter from Sondra of Real People, Los Angeles July 28, 1983
Letter from Dimitrius and Greg, [August 1983]
Letter to Dimitrius and Maskawa, August 3, 1983
Advertisement “Seeking Fairy Prince” no date
Flyer advertising greeting cards, Sept. 1981
27. Additions to Collection 2003
Photocopy of 1970 Rollin Skeets photo
Photocopy of 1974 photo
Photocopy Studio 54 in 1978
"Dancer from the Dance" paragraph
New York Times article July 1, 1978 "Truck Explodes" with Rollerena in one photo.
Photocopy Night of a Thousand Gowns 1987
Article January 1998 about Elton John who remembers Rollerena
1999 article about Kentucky
Rollerena's Southern style applesauce recipe.
HX article May 23, 2003 "Rollerena: 'You have been around longer than Cher.'
"The Last Party" by Anthony Haden-Guest mentions Rollerena a few time in his book
Newslink SMGMA, Fall 2002 has photo of Renovated Rollerena
28. Additions received 8/21/2003. Some were given on loan but later were given permanently to the Archive.
Magic wand 25" (original)
Metal horn 7"x3" (bulb collapsed)
Original hat (black)
Eye glasses, white pearlized wit rhinestones.
gown (second gown)
Beaded bag with "Kentucky" blue/green color
Dingleberry ring (orange & yellow)
Earings (green & blue bead tassles) (pink & lavender stones)
Name tag "Bon with Teller"
Cartoon "Happy Mother's Day"
29. Additions 10/09/2003
Color photo 5x7 1975?
color copy of 1973 West Side Highway photo
8x10 St. Veronica's © Darleen Rubin
July 5, 1980 letter about evening at the Ritz
Color copy of Easter 2002 photo
Rollin' Skeets photo 1973, Ave of Am & Canal, by Bruce Weber Jan 1973
2 postcards, snapshots from Republican convention in New Orleans Aug 1988 [moved to photo collection]
"Au Courant" 4/02/1990 with Mummers from Philadelphia and Studio 54 valentine button
"Soho Weekly News" 03/30/1978
30. Letters from Peter ends 1978 & 1985
31. "Rollerena: Fairy Godmother Exhibit" October & November, 203, opening night 10/14/2003 (over 70 persons attended) includes Rollerena's speech and clippings used in exhibit (Rollerena loaned the videotape "Rollerena Greatest Hits", and a CD of "My Old Kentucky Home"
32. February 16, 2004 Addition to collection (21 tapes):
Sony ½ inch tape 5” reel #1 to #9 plus 1 duplicate June & December 1973
Sony ½ inch IV 32 8” reel
1 Super 8 movie film reel of Rollerena 1974 (anonymous photographer)
1 VHS & 1 ¾” tape Life time achievement award speech (at The Saint) Heritage of Pride
1 ¾” tape taped 1978 by Bill Sheppard for Brooklyn College Presents
1 ¾” tape, “Evening Magazine,” October 1980
1 Betamax tape Real People June 1980.
1 Betamax & 1 VHS Tom Snyder interview August 1979
1 Betamax Vietnam 1986 & Barbara Streisand [first TV show]
1 Betamax Vietnam 1980s [Rollerena served in Vietnam]
33. Paper by Mandy Hu August 2004
