Red and Pink Nebraska Flag
March on Washington
Flags
Parades
Photograph of a flag that was made to carry in the 1993 March on Washington.
Description by donor Terry Sweeney:
"This flag was made by our friend Brent Humphries. Brent is a small business entrepreneur in Omaha, Nebraska... His then business was a screen printing venture, Union Jack Printing and was very supportive as well as generous to Omaha’s gay and lesbian community as it was called at the time. He was responsible for the printing of many tee-shirts for many organizations within the local area.
Of course, we felt the flag was a nod to the Nebraska football notoriety with a side of “fabulousness” in pink. Pat Phalen thought they were the best ever also offering a wink to his affinity for pink flamingos and the role pink played in his life as the Pink Flamingo Emperor to the Imperial Court of Nebraska, and his life in general, he thought everyone should have pink flamingos and made sure to give them as gifts as often as he could especially at court functions."
The flag measures approximately 29 inches x 27 inches and is made from a heavy plastic, water resistant type material. One side is pink and the other is red, both with white Nebraska graphics.
Brent Humphries
Union Jack Printing
Terry Sweeney and Pat Phalen Papers, Archives & Special Collections, Criss Library, University of Nebraska at Omaha
Dr. C.C. and Mabel L. Criss Library
1993
Terry Sweeney and Pat Phalen Papers finding aid at: <a title="finding aid" href="https://archives.nebraska.edu/repositories/4/resources/558" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://archives.nebraska.edu/repositories/4/resources/558</a>
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English
Flag
MSS0077_obj_026
Gold Crown Chandelier
Stars Bar
Chandelier
Entertainment
Photograph of a chandelier that formerly hung in Omaha's Stars Bar. <br /><br />Description provided by owner Terry Sweeney: "The Gold Crown Chandelier hung proudly in a piano bar that was part of the Stars Restaurant/bar. Located in Omaha, Nebraska's Old Market. The business had been previously known as the Alley Bar. Its named was fitting as its entrance was from the alley way rather than the street entrance. You see at this time, many did not wish to be seen entering what was known to be a “gay” bar. As time went on, November 1984, (The New Voice of Nebraska Vol. 1 Issue 9: <a href="http://queeromahaarchives.omeka.net/items/show/1561" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">http://queeromahaarchives.omeka.net/items/show/1561</a>) a decision was made to remove some of the mystery and stigma from the bar, the Alley was renamed Stars and reopened as a restaurant/bar. <br /><br />The owner, Sam Mandina, had the Gold Crown Chandelier positioned over a grand piano in “The Gold Crown Room” as it was named. Customers would come in the early evenings, still through the back door, and gather around the piano for cocktails and singing. There were song books handy for all to use and the piano player would accept requests from the group or simply play what became favorites from “regulars.” The usual tulip shaped tip container would sit upon the piano and would fill as the night progressed. The room was filled with laughter and smiles especially Friday and Saturday nights. This entertainment would often coincide with a happy hour but was never a problem as the Gold Crown room was surrounded with glass windows and double doors that seemed to keep each section of the restaurant/bar contained in a perfect way. The piano bar would always close down before the disco music would reach full swing and its customers were on to dinner or their evening plans. <br /><br />Pat Phalen and owner Sam Mandina became very close friends over the years. Pat occasionally worked behind the bar or as a waiter when necessary. We held many celebrations in Stars and would bring family and friends to meet Sam After Stars closed we moved those celebrations to the Mandina mansion where Sam lived. The home was located in Omaha’s famous Gold Coast area and Sam generously allowed many organizations to meet and or celebrate in his home. He also operated a small business out of his home “Gold Coast Antiques” and was sponsor for our bowling team one year. <br /><br />Once Stars was closed the Gold Crown Chandelier went to Sam’s home where Pat would admire it often. When Sam made the decision to downsize and move to another home the deal was struck and the chandelier found its way to Pat and my’s home where it has remained for many years." <br /><br />Item is gold with a center shaped like a crown and six lights. The lights have shades and one has a small burn mark.
Alternate spelling found online for Starz Bar.
Terry Sweeney and Pat Phalen Papers, Archives & Special Collections, Criss Library, University of Nebraska at Omaha
Dr. C.C. and Mabel L. Criss Library
circa 1970-1980
Item was loaned to Criss Library Archives & Special Collections for photographing.
Terry Sweeney and Pat Phalen Papers finding aid at: <a title="finding aid" href="https://archives.nebraska.edu/repositories/4/resources/558" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://archives.nebraska.edu/repositories/4/resources/558</a>
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English
Chandelier
MSS0077_obj_024
The Diamond Bar Brick
Omaha
Bars
Photograph of a brick from Omaha's the Diamond Bar, which was known as the "Oldest Gay Bar in Nebraska." This brick is from the bar's first building and is mainly painted gold with a bit of pink, blue, and green. "The Diamond Bar" is written in sequins and the brick is covered with little gold stars. Above the words is a small, broach-like likeness of the Little Blue Boy.
The brick was given to Pat Phalen, Emperor VI, at Coronation VII, his stepping down ceremony. The text of prepared remarks follow:
"Diamond Bar / Good evening Emerpor Pat, Empress Veronica, and Athena JoJo - the Imperial Court of Neb. as well as all Courts of all nations.
Greetings from The Diamond Bar and welcome to Omaha. Tonight we send as our personal representative Miss April Ann Rose, as well as members of our "family of customers." Not only as a gay bar, but as a community pillar of strength in which all others may take note of and pull together in suite.
The world, strange as it may seem - is still full of bigotry. Straights vs. Gays - Blacks vs. Whites, and even sadder - Gays vs. Gays.
As not only the oldest gay bar in Omaha, but the Midwest - we represent what we feel to be the Ideal Bar. one of no games - no back stabbing - only simple people with simple ways and needs.
As our presentation - we offer the last brick of the old Diamond Bar. An offer to today's court as well as tomorrows. To serve as a New Corner Stone of strength in unity & brotherly love.
After all - we are the past - we are the present - we are the future.
We are the young learning from the old - the old learning from the young - striving for unity together. In short - "We Are the World.""
There are some spots where the sequins have fallen off and other wear and tear typical to bricks is visible on the underside of the brick.
The Diamond Bar
Terry Sweeney and Pat Phalen Papers, Archives & Special Collections, Criss Library, University of Nebraska at Omaha
Dr. C.C. and Mabel L. Criss Library
circa 1986
Terry Sweeney and Pat Phalen Papers finding aid at: <a title="finding aid" href="https://archives.nebraska.edu/repositories/4/resources/558" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://archives.nebraska.edu/repositories/4/resources/558</a>
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English
Physical Brick
MSS0077_obj_021
Gender Issues Plaque to Pat Phalen, 1989
Awards
Photograph of a plaque given to Pat Phalen in 1989. The award is wooden with black front and silver type. The plaque was produced by Regal Awards in Omaha, Nebraska.
The text on the plaque reads, "We Succeed Through People - Presented to Patrick Phalen - Gender Issues In The Work Place - January, 20, 1989." There are seven stick figure people holding hands at the top of the plaque.
Employee Association for Gays & Lesbians (EAGLE)
Terry Sweeney and Pat Phalen Papers, Archives & Special Collections, Criss Library, University of Nebraska at Omaha
Dr. C.C. and Mabel L. Criss Library
January 20, 1989
Item was loaned to Criss Library Archives & Special Collections for photographing.
Terry Sweeney and Pat Phalen Papers finding aid at: <a title="finding aid" href="https://archives.nebraska.edu/repositories/4/resources/558" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://archives.nebraska.edu/repositories/4/resources/558</a>
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English
Plaque
MSS0077_obj_020
The New Voice Appreciation Award to Pat Phalen, 1994
award
The New Voice of Nebraska
Plaque
Photograph of a plaque given to Pat Phalen by The New Voice of Nebraska magazine in 1994. Award is rectangular and wooden with a silver plaque and black type.
Award reads: "The New Voice of Nebraska - Presented March 1994 to Pat Phalen - for his many contributions to the Gay and Lesbian Community as shown by his dedication and service to The New Voice of Nebraska since 1987." The New Voice's logo is at the top of the plaque.
The New Voice of Nebraska
Terry Sweeney and Pat Phalen Papers, Archives & Special Collections, Criss Library, University of Nebraska at Omaha
Dr. C.C. and Mabel L. Criss Library
March 1994
Item was loaned to Criss Library Archives & Special Collections for photographing.
Terry Sweeney and Pat Phalen Papers finding aid at: <a title="finding aid" href="https://archives.nebraska.edu/repositories/4/resources/558" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://archives.nebraska.edu/repositories/4/resources/558</a>
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English
Plaque
MSS0077_obj_018
Imperial Court of Nebraska Thank You Plaque, 1990
Awards
Plaques
Imperial Court of Nebraska
Photograph of an award from the Imperial Court of Nebraska (ICON). Award is wood with silver face and black type.
Award reads, "Thank you for your service & dedication to the Gay/Lesbian Community. Emperor IX - Joe Reed, Empress IX - Felice Whitney, Athena II - Carla Petersen. June 9, 1990." Created by Wessco Graphics Omaha.
Imperial Court of Nebraska
Terry Sweeney and Pat Phalen Papers, Archives & Special Collections, Criss Library, University of Nebraska at Omaha.
Dr. C.C. and Mabel L. Criss Library
June 9, 1990
Item was loaned to Criss Library Archives & Special Collections for photographing.
Terry Sweeney and Pat Phalen Papers finding aid at: <a title="finding aid" href="https://archives.nebraska.edu/repositories/4/resources/558" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://archives.nebraska.edu/repositories/4/resources/558</a>
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English
Plaque
MSS0077_obj_004
Founder's 500 Award
Awards
Metropolitan Community Church of Omaha
Photograph of award given to Patrick Phalen and Terry Sweeney by Metropolitan Community Church of Omaha, Nebraska. The award is a clear plastic top with a black base.
Award reads, "Founder's 500 - Vision Architects for Metropolitan Community Churches - "Because of your faith and boldness" -Philemon 1:6-7 - Mr. Patrick Phalen & Mr. Terry Sweeney."
Metropolitan Community Church of Omaha
Terry Sweeney and Pat Phalen Papers, Archives & Special Collections, Criss Library, University of Nebraska at Omaha.
Dr. C.C. and Mabel L. Criss Library
circa 2000
Item was loaned to Criss Library Archives & Special Collections for photographing.
Terry Sweeney and Pat Phalen Papers finding aid at: <a title="finding aid" href="https://archives.nebraska.edu/repositories/4/resources/558" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://archives.nebraska.edu/repositories/4/resources/558</a>
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English
Award
MSS0077_obj_003
Pride Week Button, 1992
Pride Week
Omaha
Photograph of a pink button for the 1992 Pride Week Celebration in Omaha, Nebraska. The button reads "Pride celebration" and "Pride = Power." The celebration took place June 13-21, 1992.
Terry Sweeney and Pat Phalen Papers, Archives & Special Collections, Criss Library, University of Nebraska at Omaha.
Dr. C.C. and Mabel L. Criss Library
1992
Terry Sweeney and Pat Phalen Papers finding aid at: <a title="finding aid" href="https://archives.nebraska.edu/repositories/4/resources/558" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://archives.nebraska.edu/repositories/4/resources/558</a>
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English
Button
MSS0077_obj_001
1992
Pride Week Button, 1991
Pride Week
Omaha
Photograph of a blue button for the 1991 Pride Week Celebration in Omaha, Nebraska. The button features two silhouettes of people holding a "'91" banner. The celebration took place June 22-30, 1991.
Terry Sweeney and Pat Phalen Papers, Archives & Special Collections, Criss Library, University of Nebraska at Omaha.
Dr. C.C. and Mabel L. Criss Library
1991
Terry Sweeney and Pat Phalen Papers finding aid at: <a title="finding aid" href="https://archives.nebraska.edu/repositories/4/resources/558" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://archives.nebraska.edu/repositories/4/resources/558</a>
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English
Button
MSS0077_obj_002
1991