Hotel District in Atlanta in Fulton County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)
John Calhoun Park
Auburn Avenue
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, November 20, 2021
1. John Calhoun Park Marker
Businesses once located here included Holloway Jewelry Shop, the McKay Hotel, Auburn Avenue Millinery, Henderson Realty Company, and the Royal Apartments. The Top Hat Club, constructed in this block in 1937, became the centerpiece of an entertainment mecca that came alive with energy and excitement at night. Stars and celebrities attracted crowds that overflowed into the streets, which resonated with the sounds of jazz, rhythm and blues, and gospel music. In 1949, Carrie Cunningham renovated and re-opened the club as The Royal Peacock and presented nationally-known entertainers to Black Atlanta for 20 years. (Marker Number 4.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Entertainment • Industry & Commerce • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 1937.
Location. 33° 45.337′ N, 84° 22.92′ W. Marker is in Atlanta, Georgia, in Fulton County. It is in the Hotel District. Marker is at the intersection of Auburn Avenue NE and Piedmont Avenue NE, on the right
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A different marker also named John Calhoun Park (a few steps from this marker); Sweet Auburn Walk (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Big Bethel A.M.E. Church (about 400 feet away); a different marker also named Big Bethel A.M.E. Church (about 400 feet away); Atlanta's "Main Street" (about 500 feet away); Bronner Brothers Store (about 500 feet away); Alonzo Herndon 1858-1927 (about 500 feet away); Herndon Plaza (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Atlanta.
Also see . . . Top Hat Club/ Club Beautiful/ Royal Peacock. Sweet Auburn page with details and photographs of the building at 186 Auburn Avenue. (Submitted on November 22, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, November 20, 2021
2. John Calhoun Park Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on February 8, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 21, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 137 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on November 21, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. 2. submitted on November 22, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
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