Key West records

This collection contains materials related to two Philadelphia queer establishments, Back Stage restaurant (circa 1974-1997) and Key West bar and cabaret (1982-2008). It is composed of advertisements, reviews, photographs, correspondence, menus, and ephemera that describe the programming, ambiance, and client culture of each venue. Back Stage is more heavily represented, with highlights including variations of its Sunday brunch menu, invitations to a series of events, and sheet music and ephemera from the main dining room. The collection will appeal to researchers interested in Philadelphia’s gay restaurant and bar industry, queer entertainment, and development of South Street and the Gayborhood.

The arrangement largely follows the original order of the collection, and is divided into two series. Series 1, Back Stage records, contains advertisements, advertisement drafts and invitations, correspondence, ephemera, clippings, and material used in advertisements, menus, photographs, playbills, and press. Series 2, Key West records, contains advertisements, Key Bill programs, photographs, and a staff list and ephemera.