The Once Abandoned Dreamland Ballroom In Arkansas With Ties To Famous Musicians
By Melanie Johnson|Published June 15, 2023
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Melanie Johnson
Author
I am a nature lover and self-proclaimed foodie wrapped in one package. In my previous life, I was an Accountant, but numbers were boring and writing is the only thing that fuels my soul. So, I write because it's my freedom...it brings me joy. When I'm not writing dope articles for OnlyInYourState, I am writing and editing articles for my online blog on Medium.com. Or, when I get the chance, I am off on a trip with my family chasing waterfalls, or simply exploring the great outdoors. My mantra is to always find the best part of every day and bask in it.
With a name like Dreamland Ballroom, I can only imagine how magical this once-abandoned ballroom in Arkansas was. With ties to famous Black musicians like Ray Charles, Sammy Davis Jr., Ella Fitzgerald, and more, this iconic ballroom was a popular entertainment mecca in Little Rock. The nightclub was housed inside the Taborian Hall, which was a hub for other prominent Black-owned businesses, social clubs as well as entertainment venues. Let’s explore the Dreamland Ballroom during its glory days as well as the restoration efforts of the building over the last 30 years.
Over a century ago, West 9th Street aka "The Line", was a bustling mecca for successful Black folks in Little Rock. And with its success came businesses as well as entertainment outlets.
Built in 1916 by the Knights and Daughters of Tabor, the Taborian Hall, was the most iconic representation of the glory days of the segregated, thriving Little Rock community.
The three-story building housed offices, retail shops, restaurants, social clubs, and so much more. And of course, the legendary Dreamland Ballroom was the crown jewel of the building.
Located on the third floor of Taborian Hall, Dreamland Ballroom was a place for folks to express joy through music, dance, comedy, and so much more.
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In its glory days, the ballroom attracted the most influential Black musicians of the time. They included Ray Charles, B.B. King, Sammy Davis Jr., Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole, and Louis Armstrong, just to name a few.
After years of being abandoned, the structure of the building began to cave in on itself. With portions of the roof damaged, it appeared that demolition was inevitable.
Eventually, portions of the structure were restored, and later became the headquarters for her successful flag company, Arkansas' Flag and Banner.
Through the efforts of McCoy as well as the non-profit Friends of Dreamland, restorations have been made to bring Dreamland Ballroom back to its original grandeur.
The legacy of this once abandoned ballroom in Arkansas with its ties to famous entertainers deserves to live on forever.
So, did you know about Dreamland Ballroom? If so, do you have any stories to share? Tell us in the comments below. For more information about the history as well as tours and events, visit the Dreamland Ballroom website or Facebook page.
