Information provided by Phyllis Roy Photo circa 1981 by Mrs. Janet Pitt Stemmans- provided by her daughter, Charlotte Stemmans Clavier Owners: Angelina (Tee Ma) and Ferris Angelle, Sr. Location: 130 Farmers Road, Carencro, LA 70520 (Original Name of Street- renamed to Tee Ma Road) Approximate location: The Lot between 132 & 130 Tee Ma Rd, Carencro, LA 70520 It opened in the early 1930’s and closed midway through the 1980s. The building was constructed by Tee Ma’s son, Loomus Angelle, and his friends. **DANCE HALL HISTORY — Grandma Tee Ma called her place “A Dance Hall” because it you could only drink beer in the club, no hard liquor was allowed. If you wanted hard liquor there was a small shack in the back where you could purchase and drink it outside. She said that was the difference between a dance hall and a club. Tee Ma later added the word club to the name in the 1970’s. Clifton Chenier played there many years for the Christmas dance. ...
Webb’s Nite Club
From the Sepia Socialite, May 1942: Webb’s Nite Club Is Alex.’s Principal U.S.O. Center “One of the favorite spots in Alexandria is the Webb’s Night Club located at the corner of Mill and Princeton Streets. C.M. Webb and M.L. Webb (top picture), brother combination that manages this place, has provided Alexandria with high type night club entertainment for over a year. The place was opened on June 16, 1940, upon an initial investment of $5,000.00 and its estimated value today is more than $20,000.00. The Webb brothers own the property upon which the structure is built, which is beautifully decorated with neon signs, completely air conditioned and offers superb night club accommodations for the Negro citizenry of Alexandria. Webb’s Night Club has been designated as U.S.O. headquarters for soldiers. (Note M.P.’s in bottom picture.) The twelve employees receive an approximate average monthly salary of $500.00. The place does a mammoth business, selling up to 175 cases of beer each week. The brothers have bought and paid for a very beautiful home at 2506 Wise Street where their mother and father, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Webb, live. The father is a pioneer of Louisiana, a free man of color, born in Rhinehart, Louisiana. He was formerly a cattle dealer, farmer and real estate dealer. Some of the outstanding bands of the bands of the nation frequently appear in the Webb Night Club, such as ‘Fats Waller’, ‘Bama State Collegians,’ etc. The Webbs in bringing this type of entertainment to Alexandria have offered the draftees and soldiers in this section the type of entertainment they otherwise would not have gotten. Currently, the Camp Claiborne Band furnishes music for the draftees occasional amusement. Comprising this band are famous maestros from Cab Calloway, Louis Armstrong, Earl Hines and other big bands, who are draftees. Big programs are scheduled for the Fall and Winter season at Webb’s. Watch the columns of the ‘Socialite’ for announcements of special attractions.” ...
Uncle Tom’s Saloon
From the Sepia Socialite, May 1942: Uncle Tom’s Saloon Is Biggest Spot In Town “One of the outstanding night spots in New Iberia is the Uncle Tom’s Saloon, located on Robinson Street. It is the largest colored business of this kind in the city. They offer a complete delivery service and has developed upon the principles- courtesy, promptness and satisfaction. Gilbert Herber is manager, with Wegger Pain and Charles Rose assistant mixologists. The place is noted for its mixed drinks and carries a complete line of liquors. A large dance floor and pool hall is also a feature of the Uncle Tom’s Saloon, with ample table accommodations for the large crowds that gather there nightly.” ...
Twin City Auditorium
From the Sepia Socialite, May 1942: Carroll’s Twin-City Auditorium-Gym Is a Monument To Negro Initiative And A Credit to North Louisiana “Morris Henry Carroll came out of Southern University a few years ago and began a program of physical education as coach of Monroe Colored High School that today is climaxed with the erection of a $5,000 gymnasium adjacent to the school that is second to none in the state of Louisiana. The city, unable to afford such an extra curricular structure was more than cooperative when Mr. Carroll outlined his personally initiated program. Officials, well wishes of the school and white benefactors not only encouraged the erection of such a recreational center but lent actual support to Mr. Carroll’s efforts, which resulted in the completion of the magnificent building (above) modernly equipped for basketball and other forms of recreation. The structure saves a very definite need in the community. As is here shown the crowd jammed in on its opening night during the Xmas holidays, intensely watching the basketball game between the local high school and Bastrop, culminating their victory with a school dance. Mr. Sam Burns, former Southern University All-American is assistant coach and manager. Mr. Carroll has made it known that those wishing to use the conveniences of the Twin-City Gymnasium may write him in care of the Monroe Colored High School. Mr. Carroll, the son of Mrs. K.W. Carroll of West Monroe is highly regarded by leading white officials of the city and the state. His courage, manhood and initiative is respected by all who know him. As coach-teacher in the high school since his graduation from Southern University in 1923, he has developed a large following among the younger sets of Monroe in whose interest he has painstakingly evolved this recreational program. His sisters Misses Ethel, Arniece and Gladys Carroll are all making a fin mark in educational work. His wife Mrs. Henrianna Johnson Carroll is the successful proprietor of the La Henri Anna beauty school on Washington and Tenth Street at Monroe.” ...
Teche Bar
Owned by Morris Dauphine. Mentioned in Sepia Socialite, May 1942: Tuxedo Garden and Nite Club Is Southwest’s Big Amusement Center Morris Dauphine Is Promoter of a Community of Amusement “High-class entertainment and service is the distinction given by Negroes of St. Martinville Parks and New Iberia when mentioning the Tuxedo Garden and Nite Club. It is one of the famed dance centers of this section in that the management has brought to the St. Martinville area many of the outstanding dance bands in the country, including the Harlem Play Girls, Joan Lunceford and the Sweethearts of Rhythm. Morris Dauphine, proprietor and manager of the center, opened the business three years ago with only a barroom and small capital and developed it into one of the outstanding entertainment spots in the state. The property was owned by his father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. Rene Dauphine, who were pioneer farmers of this section, having cultivated 130 areas of land for number of years. Mr. Dauphine’s business was built upon this property and portions of the remaining acres developed into a baseball park and other recreational amusements. The buildings and equipment are valued at more than $20,000. Mr. Dauphine also owns the Teche Bar of New Iberia which is one of the swellest night spots of this section. He furnishes employment to more than 25 Negroes and enjoys across income of approximately $1,500 a month. Mr. Dauphine is a product of Southern University, and is an accomplished musician in that he has played in bands in New Orleans and Baton Rouge.” ...
Tuxedo Garden and Nite Club
From Sepia Socialite, May 1942: Tuxedo Garden and Nite Club Is Southwest’s Big Amusement Center Morris Dauphine Is Promoter of a Community of Amusement “High-class entertainment and service is the distinction given by Negroes of St. Martinville Parks and New Iberia when mentioning the Tuxedo Garden and Nite Club. It is one of the famed dance centers of this section in that the management has brought to the St. Martinville area many of the outstanding dance bands in the country, including the Harlem Play Girls, Joan Lunceford and the Sweethearts of Rhythm. Morris Dauphine, proprietor and manager of the center, opened the business three years ago with only a barroom and small capital and developed it into one of the outstanding entertainment spots in the state. The property was owned by his father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. Rene Dauphine, who were pioneer farmers of this section, having cultivated 130 areas of land for number of years. Mr. Dauphine’s business was built upon this property and portions of the remaining acres developed into a baseball park and other recreational amusements. The buildings and equipment are valued at more than $20,000. Mr. Dauphine also owns the Teche Bar of New Iberia which is one of the swellest night spots of this section. He furnishes employment to more than 25 Negroes and enjoys across income of approximately $1,500 a month. Mr. Dauphine is a product of Southern University, and is an accomplished musician in that he has played in bands in New Orleans and Baton Rouge.” ...
Royal Tavern
From Sepia Socialite, May 1942: Royal Tavern Is Tops In Southwest LA. Entertainment “The pace of night life entertainment in Southwest Louisiana was set by the Royal Tavern at 615 North College Avenue, owned and operated by Mr. Roy Gathe (left at bar). Three and one-half years ago, Mr. Gathe started this business as merely a bar. He now has a dance hall and tables that will accommodate more than 300 patrons and is only Negro in the parish to sell liquor. He operates the only remote control music box in the city. There are nine employees including himself and he owns the property upon which the building is located, and a nineteen-acre farm valued at more than $5,500. Mr. Gathe’s success in business in Lafayette is accredited to his contention for the rights of the American Negro in business, and through the confidence that the public has in him because of his fair dealings in business. He is one of the organizers and founders of the local NAACP and has led many a gallant fight in civic interest in this section. He is married to Mrs. Olivia Girard Gathe, and they have two children, Don Lee and James Kenneth. Mr. Gathe is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Julian Gathe, pioneer planters and farmers in Lafayette Parish. He is the youngest of six children. The Gathes are members of the Immaculate Heart of Mary…Catholic Church of which Fr. Anthony Bourges is pastor. Fr. Bourges is teh first colored priest appointed in this parish and was the third colored priest ordained in the United States. The Royal Tavern in Lafayette and the part that it plays in furnishing high-class entertainment for the community is a credit to the business ingenuity of Mr. Gathe and is the result of hard work and first-class service on his part.” ...
Savoy Ball Room
North Tenth Street in the Miller-Roy Building Monroe, Louisiana From Sepia Socialite, May 1942: The Ritz Nite Club Is Monroe’s Sports Center “The Ritz Night Club in Monroe, one of the finest in the city, is one of the contributions to the sporting and entertainment world that Willie J. “Teedlum” Smith has given to this northeast Louisiana city. He is one of the most popular and best known men in town, especially famous for his sporting characteristics. He is well versed on the reputation and standing of all the leading bands, many of them having been booked by him. The Savoy Ball Room, also operated by him on North Tenth Street in the Miller-Roy Building, is the headquarters for the city sports and dance enthusiasts. Mr. Smith has only been in business for two years, but has always been outstanding as a true sportsman and a regular fellow about town. Recently he presented the ‘Rays of Rhythm,’ popular girls’ band. The bands brought to Monroe and northeast Louisiana under his promotion are: Earl Hines, who will play here on a return engagement in December, and Count Basie in January. Miss Mary Lee Moore, pictured, is the day manager of the Ritz Night club, that is located at Ninth and Layton Streets, and is on elf the finest entertainment spots in the city. Mr. Smith’s new Mercury was bought through Colored salesman Louis James. He reported its performance perfect after a trip to Detroit, Chicago, and other points this summer.” ...
Ritz Nite Club
From Sepia Socialite, May 1942: The Ritz Nite Club Is Monroe’s Sports Center “The Ritz Night Club in Monroe, one of the finest in teh city, is one of the contributions to the sporting and entertainment world that Willie J. “Teedlum” Smith has given to this northeast Louisiana city. He is one of the most popular and best known men in town, especially famous for his sporting characteristics. He is well versed on the reputation and standing of all the leading bands, many of them having been booked by him. The Savoy Ball Room, also operated by him on North Tenth Street in the Miller-Roy Building, is the headquarters for the city sports and dance enthusiasts. Mr. Smith has only been in business for two years, but has always been outstanding as a true sportsman and a regular fellow about town. Recently he presented the ‘Rays of Rhythm,’ popular girls’ band. The bands brought to Monroe and northeast Louisiana under his promotion are: Earl Hines, who will play here on a return engagement in December, and Count Basie in January. Miss Mary Lee Moore, pictured, is the day manager of the Ritz Night club, that is located at Ninth and Layton Streets, and is on elf the finest entertainment spots in teh city. Mr. Smith’s new Mercury was bought through Colored salesman Louis James. He reported its performance perfect after a trip to Detroit, Chicago, and other points this summer.” ...
Murphy’s Dance Hall and Skating Rink
From Sepia Socialite, May 1942: Murphy’s Dance Hall and Skating Rink Is Alexandria’s Largest “Located on the old Boise Highway 20, the Murphy’s Dance Hall and Skating Rink is one of the most colorful play spots in the Central Louisiana area. Mr. George Murphy, owner and manager of this swell night spot, has wedged his way deep into the hearts of many pleasure seekers. The dance hall where Earl Hines recently played to more than 2,100 people is one of the finest of the state. He has a very beautiful bar, sells all kinds of liquor and soft drinks and sandwiches. Many of the big bands of the nation have played at Murphy’s place in the years past, a special show. The place was opened in 1936, and since that time Mr. Murphy has enjoyed a progressive business venture. He owns a forty acre tract of land upon which he operates a farm. Assisting him in his business is his capable wife, Mrs. Wilhelmina Bowen Murphy, and Dotson Johnson. The place is modernly equipped throughout and is so constructed as to offer the maximum of cool breezes during the summer. In addition to the dance hall and skating rink, there are five tourist cabins with two rooms to each. In the top left picture Mr. and Mrs. Murphy stand ready to greet hundreds of soldiers and civilians who gather at the famous rendezvous nightly. Top right picture, Mr. Murphy turns on one of the ceiling fans in the longhair. Bottom left picture shows the scenic Murphy estate of forty acres dotted with tourist cabins, and in the foreground of his park. In the bottom right picture Mr. Murphy supervises the construction of their new home, which will be the last word in modernization and comfort. ‘I owe this to Mrs. Murphy…we have worked hard, and are entitled to some comfort,’ stated the modest spoken owner of all these surveys.” ...