LGBT Oral History 010: James ''Jim'' Bortzfield

James “Jim” Bortzfield was born in Lancaster, PA in 1934. He received his undergraduate degree from Elizabethtown College as a business major. Upon graduation, Jim moved to Harrisburg to work as a buyer for Pomeroy’s, but after several years he switched careers and purchased a beer distribution facility in Hershey, PA. After this successful business endeavor, Jim was searching for a new opportunity and decided to purchase The Neptune Bar, a local gay bar in Harrisburg. In this interview, Jim talks about his upbringing, especially talking about his knowledge of being gay at a very young age, but still being able to find companionship among his peers. Jim states that for him it wasn’t too difficult for him to be out. Jim also discusses his two earlier careers paths and why he made those career shifts. On discussing his last major business endeavor, owning The Neptune Bar, Jim recounts anecdotes of being the bar owner and his overall experience. Since selling the bar in 1984/85, Jim discusses his retirement life and having moved to Ft. Lauderdale, FL.

Video footage of this interview is unavailable at this time. Please contact archives@dickinson.edu for more information.