Hotel District in Atlanta in Fulton County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)

John Calhoun Park

170-176 Auburn Avenue

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, November 20, 2021

1. John Calhoun Park Marker

Inscription. John Calhoun Park commemorates one of Auburn Avenue's leading businessmen. Calhoun was a realtor, a local NAACP leader during the 1940s and 1950s, and a Republican Party activist who served on the Atlanta City Council during the 1970s. 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.

Erected by Corporation for Olympic Development in Atlanta • Digging It Up • Jones Worley Design, Inc. (Marker Number F6.)

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° 45.345′ N, 84° 22.92′ W. Marker is in Atlanta, Georgia

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, in Fulton County. It is in the Hotel District. Marker is at the intersection of Piedmont Avenue NE and Auburn Avenue NE, on the right when traveling north on Piedmont Avenue NE. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 170 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta GA 30303, United States of America. Touch for directions.

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.

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 378 times since then and 67 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.