Guide to the Ron Bluestein Papers,
circa 1982-1987

Collection Number: 7749

Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections
Cornell University Library

Contact Information:
Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections
2B Carl A. Kroch Library
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY 14853
(607) 255-3530
Fax: (607) 255-9524
rareref@cornell.edu
http://rmc.library.cornell.edu
Compiled by:
Sarah Keen
Date completed:
January 2008
EAD encoding:
Sarah Keen, January 2008
Ezra Corral, July 2008
Sara McDermott, May 2010

© 2008 Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections, Cornell University Library

DESCRIPTIVE SUMMARY

Title:
Ron Bluestein papers, circa 1982-1987.
Collection Number:
7749
Creator:
Ron Bluestein
Quantity:
2.2 cubic feet.
Forms of Material:
Photographs, journal.
Repository:
Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections, Cornell University Library
Collected journals and photographs of writer Ron Bluestein.
Language:
Collection material in English

BIOGRAPHICAL NOTE

Ron Bluestein was born in Philadelphia on February 4, 1949 and died from cancer on September 20, 2007 in his sister's home in Springfield, PA. His journal writing, started as an assignment in Arthur Lessing's philosophy class at Lake Forrest College, Illinois in 1969, continued avidly across the years. Bluestein wrote about AIDS hospice, art, entertainment, spirituality, and sex clubs for the Bay Area Reporter, the Advocate, Vogue, and other publications. In about 1984 he helped start the San Francisco Jacks, a safe sex group still active in 2007 and described as "a fellowship of men who like to jack-off in the company of like-minded men." He supported himself as a waiter and as a caretaker in a San Francisco Zen center. He was close with his sister Sheryl Bluestein McShea who added his nickname Ronnette as her middle name after his death.
COLLECTION DESCRIPTION

The collection contains albums with photographs Bluestein took of nude men, some taken in his apartment, some taken at clubs. Additionally, all of the journals he kept during his lifetime, approximately 60 volumes dating from 1968 until 2006. A small number of audiocassette recordings of various interviews.
SUBJECTS

Names:
Bluestein, Ron

Subjects:
Gay men--Sexual behavior.

Form and Genre Terms:
Erotica.
Photographs.
INFORMATION FOR USERS

Access Restrictions:
Photograph albums and photographs in boxes 2 and 3 may not be viewed until 2038.
Restrictions on use:
Photograph albums and photographs in boxes 2 and 3 may not be reproduced or published until 2068.
Cite As:
Ron Bluestein papers, #7749. Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections, Cornell University Library.
RELATED MATERIALS

Collecting program: Human Sexuality Collection.
CONTAINER LIST

Date
Description
Container
Re-evaluation Counseling material
 Box 1 Folder 1
Published pornography and photographs by Mark I. Chester
 Box 1
1 volume
Unpublished photographs by Mark I. Chester
 Box 1 Folder 2
Photograph by Rikki Ercoli of Dan Martin
 Box 1 Folder 3
2007
Memorial Service and Acknowledgements
 Box 1 Folder 4
Poetry
 Box 1 Folder 5
1986
Published Writing
 Box 1 Folder 6
Orpheus Concert Program and DVD-R
 Box 1 Folder 7
Poetry and Sketches
 Box 1
1 volume
2010
"Ronnie's Last Entry" by Sheryl Ronette McShea
 Box 4
1 volume
Note from Sheryl McShea: "Read me first, even if it's the last entry." Signed.
1968-1989
Journals
 Box 4 Folder 2-24
23 volumes
1989-1997
Journals
 Box 5 Folder 1-19
19 volumes
1998-2004
Journals
 Box 6 Folder 1-16
16 volumes
2004-2006
Journals
 Box 7 Folder 1-4
4 volume
"Flowers of Asphalt," photograph album of individuals [RESTRICTED]
 Box 2
12 volumes
Photograph albums of individuals [RESTRICTED]
 Box 2
5 volumes
Photograph albums of individuals [RESTRICTED]
 Box 3
7 volumes
1982, 1984, 1986
Exo-Ero Ball and photographs of individuals [RESTRICTED]
 Box 3
3 volumes
1985-1987, undated
Exo-Ero Ball [RESTRICTED]
 Box 3
5 volumes
Photographs of individuals, groups and events [RESTRICTED]
 Box 3 Folder 1-2
Audiocassettes 1-4: Interview with Richard Gac
 Box 8
Audiocassette 5: Interview at Zen Center Hospice
 Box 8
Audiocassette 6: Interview with Ron Henderson, Volunteer at Shante (AIDS Hospital-Hospice)
 Box 8
Audiocassette 7: Interview with Randy Harrey (Shante Tape)
 Box 8
Audiocassette 8: Interview with Andre Welton
 Box 8
Audiocassette 9: Interview with Anne Rice
 Box 8
1985
Audiocassette 10: Interview with Lia Zeni Gutero
 Box 8
1989
Audiocassette 11: Interview with Art Montenegro
 Box 8
Audiocassette 12: Recording of Bluestein Singing to His Grandmother
 Box 8