Downtown San Jose in Santa Clara County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
The Palomar Ballroom
Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, August 19, 2020
1. The Palomar Ballroom Marker
The Palomar Ballroom was constructed on this site in 1946. Operating
under various names, it was an important venue for music and dance
lovers for almost 60 years. As the first racially integrated ballroom in
the city, it attracted big bands, vocalists, and jazz legends from across
the United States, Mexico and Cuba; early rock and roll performers; and
often featured emerging artists. It was a favorite gathering place for
the Mexican American community, hosting family, political and social
events. Demolished in 2005.National Register · California Register · Local Landmark
One of 100 Places of Historical Significance for Mexican American History
California State Office Of Historic Preservation
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Entertainment • Hispanic Americans. A significant historical year for this entry is 1946.
Location. 37° 20.092′ N, 121° 53.715′ W. Marker is in San Jose, California, in Santa Clara County. It is in Downtown San Jose. Marker is on Notre Dame Avenue near Carlysle, on the left when traveling
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Hotel De Anza (within shouting distance of this marker); College of Notre Dame (within shouting distance of this marker); International Business Machines : RAMAC (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Luis María Peralta Adobe (about 500 feet away); Farmers Union Building (about 600 feet away); Thomas Fallon House (about 700 feet away); The Juan Bautista de Anza Trail (about 700 feet away); Henry's Hi-Life (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Jose.
Also see . . .
1. Historic rock landmarks in Santa Clara County (Mercury News, June 29, 2008). "...Raise a toast to the Palomar Ballroom (later known as the Tropicana Nightclub), which sat on this property but was tragically razed to make room for yet another downtown condo development. The Palomar was the site of San Jose’s first big rock-‘n’-roll shows and made national headlines on July 7, 1956, when Fats Domino showed up two hours late for a show. The boozed-up crowd of 3,500 began throwing beer bottles and firecrackers. Police were called, and there were 11 arrests. According to San Jose State history professor Larry Engelmann, newspapers
Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, August 19, 2020
2. The Palomar Ballroom Marker - wide view
The marker is visible here to the left of the ballroom-related collages.
2. ...Thirty Years Ago, America Experienced Its First Rock ‘n’ Roll Riot (LAT, July 6, 1986). (Submitted on August 20, 2020.)
Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, August 19, 2020
3. The Palomar Ballroom Marker - wider view
Photographed By Palomar Ballroom History Project
4. Palomar Ballroom Collage, on wall to the right of the marker
Photographed By Palomar Ballroom History Project
5. Palomar Ballroom Collage, on wall to the right of the marker
Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 19, 2020, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 489 times since then and 221 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on August 20, 2020, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.
