Copy to: 1-United States Secret Service ‘ Report of: Office: Pate JERRY M. GRAVES Washington, D.C. Field Office File 4; 12/13/72 Bureau File #: Tit 100-55290 100-472144 thes : "FURIES" NEWSPAPER WOMEN'S LIBERATION MOVEMENT PUBLICATION, WASHINGTON, D.C. ‘ Character: INTERNAL SECURITY ~ REVOLUTIONARY ACTIVITIES Synopsis: ; "Furies" Newspaper, self described as a lesbian/feminist publication, was published by a group of individuals located at 219 lith Street, S.E., WDC. Reported purpose of newspaper was to espouse the cause of radical lesbianism and to align itself politically with the views of the "New Left." Paper published from January-August, 1972, and did not espouse any radical revolutionary or anti-government themes. Back- ground and activities set out. -~ Pp _ DETAILS: AT WASHINGTON, D.C. I. PREDICATION AND BACKGROUND Investigation to determine extent of activities was initiated regarding the "Furies" Newspaper in January, 1972, after the following information was received: On January 4, 1972, WF T-1 advised that a new pub- lication known as the "Furies" Newspaper was being formed in Washington, D.C. to espouse the cause of radical lesbianism and to align itself politically with the views of the "New Left." Source advised that a trial issue was scheduled to be published and distributed during January, 1972, no specific date: given. This document contains neither recommendations nor conclusions of the FBI. It is the property of the FBI and is loaned to your agency; it and its contents are not to be distributed outside your agency. 1 U.S, GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE; 1970 O - 406-840 NW 55087 Docid: 32389544 Page 58f9r duplicated within vour agence
HW 35007 WFO 100-55290 On January 13, 1972, WF T~2 provided a copy of the January, 1972 issue of the "Furies" Newspaper. A review of this issue revealed the following self description: "The Furies is a new lesbian-feminist newspaper for every woman who has ever been raped, physically, economically or psychologically. We take the name FURIES, Now Goddesses of Vengeance and protectors of woman, as we want to build a movement in this country, and in the. world which can effectively stop the violent, sick, oppressive acts of male supremacy. The paper includes letters, articles, fiction, poetry, news, and graphics, as well as information about various literature for women. The initial issue of the "Furies" Newspaper indicated that "this paper is printed by the Sojourner Truth Press collective in Atlanta, Georgia." a It was noted that the "Furies" is located at 219 lith Street, S.E., Washington, D.C., and a further review of the vasa issue reflected the following start REMDERS 2 SUSAN} BAKER GINNY’ srbow JOAN “BIREN RITA MAE\BROWN CHARLOTTE’ BUNCH SHARON: DREVY HELAINE {HARRIS SUSANIHATHAWAY NANQY "MYRON TASH, AETERSON COLETTAYREID LEE SCHWING ANN BILVER JENNIFER, OODUF II. «ACTIVITIES On March 20, 1972, WF T-3 advised that the "Furies" is a gay newspaper for women in which the political line is the fight against racism and repression by men. Source advised that the members of the "Furies" believe that if you do not follow these general programs you are not a feminist. DocTd: 32989544 Page 529
_—— NW 55087 WFO 100-55290 1 Source knew of no radical revolutionary tendencies | or activities being planned or contemplated by any of the "Furies" members. On April 10, 1972, WF T-4 advised that several months ago, when several girls moved into the residence at 219 lith Street, S.E£., Washington, D.C., they were observed carrying what appeared to be a printing press into the basement of the apartment. Source advised that several females frequented the house and one of the girls has a baby. Source advised that most of the girls who frequented the address have extremely short hair and always wear slacks. On July 13, 1972, WF T-5 advised that three women, SUSAN HATHAWAY, SUSAN SCHWING, and COLFTTA REID originally rented the house located at 219 llth Street, S.E., Washington, D.C. Source had no background information on any of these women and was not aware of anyone else residing at the residence. Source has received no complaints about the residence from the neighbors. On July 7, 1972, WF T-6 advised that the Sojourner Truth Press in Atlanta, Georgia, was a printing press for i hire, which prints mostly "New Left" material for "New Left" organizations, yet it espouses no opinions of its own. As long as their fee is met, they will print what is desired, i.e. papers, pamphlets, flyers, etc. | i | On September 11, 1972, WF T-7 advised that the Sojourner Truth Press had gone out of business on August 15, 1972, due to a lack of funds. Source also advised that the individuals connected with the Sojourner Truth Press were planning on leaving Atlanta. On September 13, 1972, a telephone call was made to telephone number 688-6222, the telephone number for the Sojourner Truth Press, Atlanta, Georgia, and a recorded voice advised that service for that telephone number had been dis- continued. On July 13, 1972, WF T-4 advised that several young white girls continued to reside at 219 llth Street, S.E., Washington, D.C. They appear friendly, but keep very much to themselves. ' i DoclTd: 325989544 Page 590
BW 55067 Docld: 32589544 Page 531 WFO 100-55290 On August 23, 1972, this source advised that apparently four or five young white girls now live at 219 llth Street, S.E. Source has seen numerous different girls frequenting the residence, but is unsure exactly how many reside there at the present time. One girl, name unknown, who resides at the residence, has stated to source she is a music teacher. Source has seen several girls on different occasions carrying what appeared to be newspapers. Source states that all the girls are generally quiet and keep to themselves. On September 13, 1972, WF T-5 advised that SUSAN HATHAWAY, SUSAN SCHWING and COLETTA REID still rent and apparently reside at 219 lith Street, S.E., Washington, D.C. Source stated that these three girls continue to pay their monthly rent promptly and she said that each of the girls takes turns paying the rent each month. Source related that when the dwelling was rented to these three girls, they made a remark that they were employed by a "research organization", name unknown, and did most of their research at the Library of Congress. Source stated that she has not been in the dwelling at 219 llth Street, S.E., since it was rented to these three girls, but she has received no complaints concerning any of their activities. On September 14, 1972, WF T-8 furnished the August, 1972 copy of the "Furies" Newspaper. A subsequent review of this issue, as well as all previous issues, did not reflect any radical revolutionary or anti-government theme. All issues have been devoted to articles pertaining to lesbian/feminist interests. On October 12, 1972, WF T~9 advised that an internal conflict has developed within the "Furies" collective and they are breaking up into different factions, based on ideological differents.
NW 55087 Whether or not the paper will continue is unknown at this time. ; On December 1, 1972, WF T~9 advised that the "Furies" stopped publishing their newspaper sometime in the Fall of 1972. Source was unable to locate a subsequent issue after the August, 1972 issue. 5% DoclTd: 325989544 Page 592 mt oF