MONDAY, JANUARY 19,1948 '
THE TULSA TRIBUNE, TULSA, OKLAHOMA
The toniest negro night club this side of harlem has been opened at 1600 E. Apache Street by Lonnie Williams, negro policeman, and his partner, Richard Thompson. Called the Big Ten Ballroom, it is the first real plush spot to be built for negroes in the area. upon entering is
"uy 80-foot grill, complete with
[counter and booths, where barbecued dinners are served to both
Negro and white patrons. A large
barbecue pit is in a separate build
ing nearby.
Adjoining is another large oblong
room which is called the "Lounge,"
with a 35-foot fountain complete
with leather booths. This room is
more elegant than the grill.
; The lounge opens on the ballroom which. h.a§ a dancing floor 52
by 145 feet with a large stage at
the end opposite the lounge.
Slightly above the dance floor
ion either side is space for tables.
These areas are called the "Twin
Terraces," each seating 250 persons.
^ Rimming the dance floor is a
arseshoe-shaped cushioned settee,
here dancers may rest.
[Above the stage is a neon sign
consisting of musical notes which
flash on and off.
The stage is complete with
ressing rooms for both men and
romen.
There is a second floor in the
front of the building. This houses
individual rooms overlooking the
dance floor, a living apartment, a
lounge and a room for women employes.
In summer there will be a roof
garden on top of the building.
Williams and Thompson are
proprietors of the Big Ten recrea-
, tion parlor on Greenwood avenue. They have brought numerous
entertainments and bands to the
Negro area, but always have been
hampered by limited facilities.
. Williams said they plan to ob-
I tain a band for r e g ul a r weekly
dances and to bring as many big,
name bands there as possible. He
'also plans his own floor show. The
ballroom will be available for the
exclusive use of white groups on
special occasions.
The first white dance of the
year is being held tonight with
Lucky Millinder's band furnishing
the nuisic.
Ji
\Swanky Night Club for
\Negroes Opened Here
The "toniest" Negro night club "this side of Harlem"
has been opened at 1600 E. Apache st. by Lonnie Williams,
Negro policeman, and his partner, Richard Thompson.
Called the Big Ten ballroom, it is the first real "plush"
spet to be built for Negroes in this area,
Its appointments are equal to or*
better than those of any white night
clubs in the area.
I The ballroom and other facilities are housed in a new 80 by 200-
foot concrete and steel building.
I Its interior has a gaudy com-
I bination of colors, scores of multi-
' oolored lights, plenty of shining
chrome fixtures and soft leather-
LjinhQlstprrd booths and chairs.
