The vision of a Jewish man and Black man created a ballroom of rising stars.
In the 1920s the nightclub scene was flourishing in Harlem, New York. Much like work environments nightclubs were also segregated. Two men had a business idea to bring unity and diversity to the dance floor.
Owned by Moe Gale and managed by Charles Buchanan. Gale was Jewish and promoted inclusive talent. Buchanan was from the Caribbean Island of Barbados. They opened The Savory Ballroom March 1926. Located in the middle of Harlem between 140th and 141st street on Lenox Avenue.
On the second floor was the 10,000 square foot Ballroom. Occupancy up to 4000 guests. It was named after the Savory Hotel in London. Embodying luxury furnishings, classy ambiance, and upscale customer service. The Savory Ballroom had a no-discrimination policy including staff and patrons.
Famous dancers and musical talents such as Ella Fitzgerald, Duke Ellington, Dizzy Gillespie, and Frankie Manning performed at The Savory Ballroom. Popular dances at the time were the Lindy Hopp, Big Apple, Suzy Q, and Charleston Step. The floor manager Herbert “Whitey” White formed his own dance group called the “Whitey’s Lindy Hoppers”.
Estimated annual profits were $250,000 from the late 1920s to the 1940s. Due to illegal activity and social issues the ballroom went out of business in October 1958.
The Savory Ballroom’s legacy continues as Savory Park Apartments. A seven-building apartment complex with 13 acres of greenspace and modern amenities.
Cartoon Characters Mayor Maxwell and Babette are created by Sterling Haynes.
An older black couple dancing the night away!
Perfect cartoon characters for our culture.
Learned about the Savory Ballroom as part of our history.
I am a big fan of this cartoon strip.
Mayor Maxwell reminds me of my uncle who lives in Detroit.
Joyful seeing black folk happy and smiling for a change!!!