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
Inscription.
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 ,
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
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 north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: San Jose CA 95113, United States of America. Touch for directions.
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
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 from coast to coast the next day called it a “Rock
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.
And Roll Riot,” the first time such a term was used." (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 702 times since then and 122 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on August 20, 2020, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.
