re: #184 Dr Lizardo

Now this is a genuinely interesting little mystery:

ouronestory.com

Again, bear in mind this ceremony took place in 1957 - the apogee of the Eisenhower era and coming off the earlier Red Scare and McCarthyism.

I’d reckon this couple would’ve been in the late 20s or early 30s in 1957, so if they’re still alive, they’d be quite elderly by now. Nonetheless, these two gents were damn near 60 years ahead of the curve.

The ceremony may have taken place in Philadelphia - and I wonder if the participants in the ceremony were members of on the early gay-rights groups (The Society for Human Rights or The Mattachine Society); such groups certainly existed back then, but it was all pretty underground and they were occasionally infiltrated by the FBI or other law enforcement of the time. If you look closely at the photos in the link, you’ll notice the blinds are down and the curtains drawn…..they certainly didn’t want any untoward attention.

Fascinating mystery.

We’re pretty sure my grandfather’s older brother was gay. Sadly he probably left home because of it. I never knew Uncle Eddie but I wish I could talk to someone who knew him but everyone in my family who knew him is gone now. This guy served in the Army during WWII and from what I understand was a loving brother but the prejudices of those times.