The Savory Ballroom
By Professor Sterling Haynes
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. Savoy Park is a distinctive rental community in the heart of Central Harlem. Located on Lenox Avenue within a sprawling 13 acres of green space. The area features modern amenities such as a package room, laundry room, 24/7 security, playground, and on-site parking.
Conveniently located near several subway and bus lines. Offering studio, one, two and three-bedroom apartment homes. The seven-building community occupies the block where the Savoy Ballroom once stood. The iconic club, known as 'The Home of the Happy Feet', drew legions of revelers between 1926 and 1958.
Comments