fallof55.com Blog

UPDATED OCTOBER 7 WITH NEW DETAILS

Dear Friends,

I want to welcome members of the American Folklore Society — to Boise and to this website. The group is having its international conference in Boise October 22-26, and the city’s 1955 Morals Drive is a part of the program.

Conference members will have an opportunity to watch THE FALL OF ‘55 on Friday. After that, I appear for a talk with DR. JEANETTE ROSS, In the film, Dr. Ross talks about an oral history project she led discussing Boise in the 1950s. She will be able to talk more some of her observation, and may join me for some audience questions.

Then, a very noteworthy panel will discuss the Morals Drive in further depth. The group includes THE FALL OF ’55’s Historian ALAN VIRTA, along with LGBT Historian DR. PETER BOAG and former Idaho Supreme Court Justice BYRON JOHNSON, who appear in the film. It also features former Supreme Court Justice and Idaho Attorney General WAYNE KIDWELL and Grammy-nominated Singer/Songwriter and Boise native ROSALIE SORRELS. Johnson, Kidwell, Ross and Virta have all previously appeared in post-film discussions about the scandal, and they had excellent things to say.

Virta formerly worked for the Library of Congress, and he and I spent five years researching the cases. He also presents a slide show, “The Gay History in Idaho,” which has shown throughout the state.

Boag also wrote the forward for the most recent re-printing of the book, “The Boys of Boise.” Kidwell and Johnson both attended Boise High in the mid-1950s, and were friends with some of the people involved with the events. I’ve never heard Rosalie Sorrels speak about this, although I’m confident she will add great perspective. I’m very much looking forward to meeting her.

I think members of the American Folklore Society are in for a treat. Organizer Polly Stewart has gathered an impressive collection for this session. It should be a very insightful afternoon! Kudos, Polly!

More details about the conference are below and HERE.

Talk soon,
Seth

FRIDAY, 1:30—3:30 PM
Media Session: The Fall of ’55 (film, 82 min.), by Seth Randal
(Sponsored by the Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Queer and Allies Section; the History and Folklore Section; and the Politics, Folklore, and Social Justice Section; see also 13-03) Summit

Joe Goodwin (Ball State University), chair

Seth Randal (Boise, Idaho); Jeanette Ross (Boise, Idaho)

FRIDAY, 3:45—5:45 PM
Forum: An Engineered Panic: Boise’s Homosexual Scandal of
1955-1956
(Sponsored by the Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Queer and Allies Section; the History and Folklore Section; and the Politics, Folklore, and Social Justice Section; see also 12-03) Summit

Polly Stewart (Salisbury University, emerita), chair

Peter Boag (Washington State University); Byron Johnson (Boise, Idaho); Wayne Kidwell (Boise, Idaho); Rosalie Sorrels (Boise, Idaho); Alan Virta (Boise State University)

CONFERENCE DETAILS

Dear Friends,

Alan Virta’s slide show, “The Gay Life in Idaho,” is coming back to Boise — this coming Tuesday, October 5th at 5:30 p.m. in the BSU Student Union Room Simplot D. The slide show is for the BSU BGLAD group and anyone else interested in Idaho’s gay history going back to the 1890s! The slide show spends about five minutes talking about the Morals Drive, including the “Boys of Boise” book. It also shares a lot of other stories from Idaho LGBT history that you probably haven’t heard before.

I first met Alan Virta, the historian for “THE FALL OF ‘55,” when I attended a presentation of “The Gay Life in Idaho” back in 2000. After that, we collaborated on the research for the Boise Morals Drive. He had already done some background research for the slide show, and it was possible to get a running start on the broader research I needed to do for the film.

Alan says the best place to park for those without BSU parking stickers is the parking garage at Lincoln and University. Hope you can make it!

Talk soon,
Seth

For Immediate Release:
September 28, 2009

FOR SCREENERS, IMAGES OR LICENSING CONTACT:
Maura King
Frameline
maura @ frameline.org
415/703-8650 x306

FOR COMMENTS OR INTERVIEWS CONTACT:
Seth Randal
www.FALLof55.com
fallof55 @ gmail.com
208/284-0982

FILM ON NOTORIOUS IDAHO SCANDAL COMING TO POCATELLO
Documentary THE FALL OF ‘55 Directed by Former Idaho Falls Resident

NOTE: DIRECTOR SETH RANDAL IS AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEWS IN POCATELLO ON 9/30 AND 10/1

BOISE, IDAHO – A film hailed as “the definitive work” (Barbara Wilcox, gay.com) on the notorious, so-called “boys of Boise” sex scandal is coming to Pocatello for the first time. “The Fall of ‘55″ will screen ONE NIGHT ONLY at the Idaho State University College of Education auditorium on THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1 at 6:30 P.M. The public is encouraged to attend this free community screening.

“The Fall of ‘55 documents a misunderstood part of Idaho history,” said Director Seth Randal. “The morals drive changed lives, families and the city of Boise,” Randal said. “It’s important for Idahoans to understand what really happened — and why it happened.” Immediately after the screening, Randal will participate in a question-and-answer session with the audience.

In the fall of 1955, a gay sex scandal erupted in Boise, as teenage boys who had prostituted themselves to older men began to disclose their dalliances to authorities. Overnight, Boise’s homosexual underworld — comprised mostly of married family men — was splashed onto headlines and thrust into the national spotlight. Reputations were shattered and lives ruined as the rumors and accusations flew. What followed was a classic witch-hunt as the focus shifted to all of Boise’s homosexual community, even men involved with other consenting adults.

Randal, a one-time East Idaho resident and former news producer/fill-in reporter at an Idaho Falls TV station, led an Idaho team to produce The Fall of ‘55. He and Boise State University archivist Alan Virta conducted research and interviews throughout the country over five years, uncovering many details never before revealed. The film brings the scandal alive through new and archival interviews, vintage letters, news articles, film and photographs.

The documentary has appeared at film festivals and community events throughout the country, including in New York City, Chicago, San Francisco, Boise and Spokane. It is also being used as as an educational tool at universities including American University, Boise State, Columbia College Chicago, Duke, Northwestern, and the Universities of Delaware, Idaho, Maryland, Michigan and Virginia.

“In 1955 Boise, a lot of married men were cheating on their wives with other men. So when this scandal erupted, it caused enormous ripples through the entire community,” Randal said. “It’s still happening, possibly even more so in smaller towns.”

“The Boise morals drive made national headlines, and the consequences continue even today. This happened more than 50 years ago, but we believe the story still has great relevance to Idaho — and America — today,” Randal said.

The Idaho State University Janet C. Anderson Gender Resource Center and ISU Genesis Project are sponsoring the screening and talk, with generous support from the Idaho Humanities Council.

###

Dear Friends,

Please join us for a free screening of THE FALL OF ‘55 at Idaho State University in Pocatello! It will show Thursday, October 1 at 6:30 p.m. at the ISU College of Education auditorium. The film is showing as part of National Coming Out Day festivities.

I’ll be at ISU for a short introduction and then audience questions after the screening. This is an exciting event for me because I used to live in nearby Idaho Falls, where I worked at one of the TV stations, and also was nearly an ISU student. I hope to see many of my old friends from Idaho Falls!

The Idaho State University Janet C. Anderson Gender Resource Center and ISU Genesis Project are sponsoring the event with generous support from the Idaho Humanities Council. The Anderson Center serves as the focal point on campus for the consideration of gender issues.

National Coming Out Day is an internationally observed civil awareness day for discussion about lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) issues. First observed in 1987, the goal has been to facilitate LGBT and straight allies to live openly and talk about their support for equality at home, at work and in their communities.

Thanks to everyone at ISU who has worked to put this event together! CLICK HERE to learn more about this community event!

Talk soon,
Seth

Dear Friends,

Randy Coryell, the composer of the score for THE FALL OF ‘55, is going on the road. He’s appearing at a series of concerts at Congregational Churches around the nation. Here are some of the upcoming locations:

August
23 – Green River, Wyo.
26 – Pueblo, Co.
30 – Longmont, Co.

September
1 – Lawrence, Ks.
4 – Des Moines, Ia.
6 – Omaha, Ne. (2 concerts here)

All concerts are at Congregational churches in the respective cities. Randy is extremely excited to be a part of this event, and we wish him an amazing time and safe travels.

You can listen to samples of Randy’s splendid piano playing HERE.

Talk soon,
Seth

Dear Friends,

In celebration of the paper’s 145th Birthday, Idaho Statesman writer Rocky Barker writes an interesting article about the paper’s history, as well as it’s longtime role in the community.

The article also discusses the paper’s role in inflaming the 1955 Boise Morals Drive:
“But the 1950s also marked a troubling moment in the history of Boise and the Idaho Statesman. The newspaper’s coverage of the so-called “Boys of Boise” scandal began with its Nov. 2, 1955, headline, “Three Boise Men Admit Sex Charges.” Many prominent and powerful men in the community were prosecuted for homosexual activities and the Statesman’s coverage was later criticized for contributing to the hysteria that ruined people’s live.”

Alas, Barker makes a mistake that began with John Gerassi’s book, “The Boys of Boise,” and continues in numerous media accounts to this day. The first article about these arrests actually appeared in the November 1, 1955 Idaho Evening Statesman, under the full-page headline “Boiseans Held on Morals Count.” The headline Barker discusses actually appeared the next day in The Statesman’s morning edition.

You can read the entire article about The Statesman’s history HERE.

Talk soon,
Seth

Dear Friends,

Tuesday, the Twin Falls newspaper, the Times News, published an editorial looking at the great accomplishment that was the first Magic Valley Pride Week. They also contrast Pride Week with the events of our film, 1955 Boise morals drive, and look at the tremendous progress since then. READ THE WHOLE EDITORIAL.

In the editorial, the writer highlights some of the changes and signs of progress we’ve seen in the past 54 years. Here are some excerpts:

The editorial has some great insights, be sure to check it out! The Pride organizers are certainly to be commended for putting together a week of peaceful, positive events designed to build bridges.

While you’re at the Times-News website, you can check out the story they did on THE FALL OF ‘55 and the Pride Week Candlelight Vigil HERE.

Talk soon,
Seth

Dear Friends,

I want to welcome readers of the Twin Falls Times-News. The paper ran a story, written by Nichole Carnell, which you can read HERE. It discusses the film’s Twin Falls Premiere on Thursday, and a candlelight vigil held Friday — both as part of the first Magic Valley Pride Week.

Twin Falls was a wonderful experience, and I’m thankful to the Pride committee for inviting us to show the film there. The theme of their first Pride is “Building Bridges. It wraps up today, Saturday June 27, with a BBQ/Potluck.

Come and join the celebration at our Pride Celebration BBQ/Potluck. The SIGLBT will provide the main course all we ask is for you to bring something to share. There will be GLBT groups joining us in this celebration and will be available to answer questions and share valuable information. There will be door prizes given throughout the day and a raffle to enter. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs and come down and join us for the celebration!

Music entertainment provided by Idaho favorite Rochelle Smith (who also performs a voice role in THE FALL OF ‘55)!

Where: Cascade Park also known as Candy Cane Park.

Time: 1pm -4pm

Cost: There is no cost to attend this event. Just bring a salad/desert to share.

CSI alliance club raffle tickets will be available at the event! The club will be drawing winners names towards the end of the picnic. Prizes include tickets to the upcoming Kathy Griffin show in Boise, and passes to the Lagoon theme park in Utah.

Talk soon,
Seth

Dear Friends,

-Seth

THE LAST BOISE BOY COMES HOME

He grew up in an era that seems tougher and tougher to imagine in these days of gay marriage and pride parades. When men who loved other men were compelled to either deny their feelings or hide in the water closet. In the 1950s, men could go to prison for having sex with another man. And arrest, publicity, prosecution, could bring great shame and tear lives and families apart.
With his white hair, leisurely gait and easy smile, Jim didn’t necessarily look like a trailblazer or a pioneer. And he certainly didn’t view himself as one. Still, he stood at an important moment in LGBT history.

Until his passing last month, he was the last survivor of the 16 men prosecuted in the 1955 Boise Morals Drive, the so-called “Boys of Boise” cases. He pleaded guilty to “Infamous Crime Against Nature” for an encounter with another man.

After Jim’s prosecution and subsequent probation, he and his parents left Boise. Despite the experience, he was not bitter or resentful. Jim had clearly made peace with the past. He said he did not blame the men responsible for the scandal. He moved on, and would not let the frightening ordeal of 1955 consume his life.

Jim and I corresponded numerous times, by phone and letter, starting in 2000. Ultimately, he did not appear in “The Fall of ‘55″ for family reasons. However, he did help fill-in-the-blanks in a number of areas, giving me ― and history ― a better sense of what really happened.

In September 2006, we had an opportunity to finally meet in person. I was in New York City with Alan Virta, the film’s historian, for NewFest, the Big Apple’s LGBT film festival. Jim invited us to dinner at an old favorite hangout, a hotel restaurant more than a generation beyond its glory days, with cracking blue plaster and dingy paint. In this comfortable environment, we talked more about his life and experiences in Boise in the 1930s-50s. Meeting him face-to-face was a unique privilege. His kindness, tenacity and peaceful spirit were striking.

The following evening, he attended the World Premiere of “The Fall of ‘55″ at NewFest. He also offered a lot of positive feedback on the film and its fairness.

Afterward, he was our guest of honor at the post-film dinner in a chic Manhattan penthouse. Jim was joined by several of his friends, also older gentlemen, and I could tell he was deeply loved. These men were like family to him.

Like so many of the other men who fled Boise, Jim chose to come back for his final rest. He lies next to his parents, shaded in the long shadows of several large trees at a local cemetery. The last Boise boy comes home.

Although he is buried within several miles of his childhood home, an obituary has not yet run locally.
Jim was 86 years old. He is missed by many.

-Seth Randal

* The first of the defendants to pass away died in San Francisco in 1961. That man drank himself to death within five-and-a-half years of his prosecution. He is buried less than 100 feet from his childhood friend and classmate, Jim.

THE FALL OF ‘55
Friends of the Documentary 6/25
OUR FILM IS NOW AVAILABLE ON DVD!!!

Dear Friends of the Documentary,

Thank you so much for your continued support and contributions to the success of our film, THE FALL OF ‘55. I’m writing you from Twin Falls, Idaho, where our film will show tonight as part of their first Pride Week. I’m going to announce to them something I want to tell you first:

THE FALL OF ‘55 IS NOW AVAILABLE ON DVD!

You have all been extremely patient while the film travelled to universities and libraries around the country, and your support and kindness are much appreciated! Now, The Fall of ‘55 is available on Home Video from Frameline Distribution. The price is $30.36, which includes tax and shipping.

Click this link to buy your copy today: http://www.frameline.org/shop/item.aspx?catid=12&id=327

TWIN FALLS PREMIERE
I’ll be updating this blog with news, and maybe pictures, from the Magic Valley premiere of the film. Also, I hope to include links from some of the news stories relating to the trip — I’ve already done interviews with Boise State Radio, KIDO Radio, and a video interview with the Times-News newspaper today.

All my best,
Seth