Robert J. Jansen Pride Collection

Box — Multiple Containers

Identifier: U6201

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

This collection consists of family papers and photographs, organization records, business records, and personal papers and photographs. They span Jansen’s life from grade school through the late 2010s. Included are records related to his teaching career at St. Scholastica and with the Daisy Hill Theater; family photographs and genealogy; extensive records related to the establishment and life of The Main Club as the first openly gay bar in Superior, WI; and extensive records related to Jansen’s involvement with Duluth-Superior Pride and other local activism.

Dates

Creation: 1957-2018

Creator

Jansen, Robert J., 1949- (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

Open for use in the Kathryn A. Martin Library, Archives and Special Collections.

Conditions Governing Use

This collection may be protected by the Copyright Law of the United States (Title 17, U.S. Code). It is the user's responsibility to verify copyright ownership and to obtain all necessary permissions prior to the reproduction, publication, or other use of any portion of these materials. Researchers may quote from the collection under the fair use provision of the copyright law.

Biographical / Historical

Robert John Jansen was born June 16, 1949, in Wisconsin. He is a local teacher, small business owner, and political activist. After earning his undergraduate and master’s degrees from the University of Wisconsin Superior, he taught in the theater department at California State University Fresno from 1973-1976. He returned to the Twin Ports intending to teach theater. He founded the Daisy Hill Theater as an assistant professor at a small, private college in Duluth, The College of St. Scholastica. In 1980, the Daisy Hill Theater was selected to host the First Annual Children’s Theater Festival in the state of Minnesota. His teaching career ended at The College of St. Scholastica in a complex legal action over denial of tenure that concluded with a monetary settlement. Jansen then bought and rebuilt an old, modest tavern in Superior, Wisconsin that he refurbished. The establishment became The Main, a popular night club and bar on the main street of Superior, Wisconsin.

Extent

10.7 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

Physical Location

This collection is located at the University of Minnesota Duluth Archives. For more information about this collection or to make an appointment, contact us at libarchives@d.umn.edu or 218-726-8526.