Spangler, Wayne Clown Sable Empress XXI

The first time I met you was at the Empress Coronation. You performed the song You Don't Bring Me Flowers by Barbra Streisand and Neil Diamond with a puppet doing the male part. You got a standing ovation. After the ball, I was shocked when I saw you walking home all by yourself near the City Hall, holding your puppet in your gown at 1 a.m. In a couple of years you became Empress yourself and I was so proud of you. I last saw you at the Galleon Restaurant near Church Street and Market. You came in with friends and smiled at me, then came over, sat on my lap and turned to me and gave me a hug. What a gracious and sweet person you were. God bless you and know you charm, grace and manner is greatly missed to this day.

Wayne Spangler was a nice man. And his alter ego Sable Clown was a fun person to watch perform.

I came to SF right after graduating from college way back in 1982. I met Sable at the SF Eagle when she was taking money for the beer bust. We became fast friends,and I got to know Pat Montclair, Suzi Wong, Marlena, etc, etc. Back in the early 80's there was so much happening within the gay community, including the ravaging effects of AIDS... I lost so many friends back then. But then again gay power was at it's height. We were open and proud. I miss all of my friends from back in those wonderful days.... Now I'm 62, and my youth is far behind me. Your mission at the historical society is so very important, and I wish you all the very best. Perhaps someday you can reach out to me, as I have some wonderful memories that I would love to share perhaps. My phone number is: 309-740-5416. Take care.