The Papers of Steven Allen Carlson consist primarily of journals he began to write while a high school student and continued until 2015. The papers also include his high school yearbooks, photographs and slides, sales books from his record business, a draft of a novel “Full House Empty Seats,” house message books, exhibit information, and a textile high school project. Many photographs and other material, such as brochures and event keepsakes, are intermingled within the journals.

The journals provide a unique and intimate perspective on the emergence and growth of Iowa City’s gay community during the 1960s-2000s.

Please note the collection includes nudity and homoerotic images.