Chestertown in Kent County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Uptown Club
Charles Henry Graves, proprietor
— March 31, 1919 – November 29, 1990 —
Photographed By George Best, June 18, 2022
1. The Uptown Club Marker
In 1945 former U. S. Army Sergeant Charlie Graves built a multi-enterprise operation on this site that featured a night club boasting top-notch décor, a restaurant, bar, billiards hall, and a package store. Ten years later in 1955, Charlie married Hilda V. Lively (1926-2010). From that time on they partnered in the business and raised a family.
The Uptown Club was a notable venue on the Chitlin’ Circuit, a showcase for Black musicians who endured segregation in the Jim Crow era. From the 1940’s – 60’s the name Charlie Graves, and the Uptown Club spread throughout the mid-Atlantic coast hosting artists on their way to iconic fame: Bo Diddley, Chubby Checker, Fats Domino, James Brown, Jr. Walker & the Allstars, Little Richard, Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong, Otis Redding, Patti LaBelle & the Blue Belles, Ray Charles, Smokey Robinson, and The Platters.
In the 1970’s the club booked local cover bands, including The New Breed, Highlanders, Rotations, and The Professors of Soul.
In this neighborhood called "Santiago" the Uptown Club was a community hub for union meetings, voters headed to the polls, and it supplied jobs. Graves, admired for his daily wear of a suit and wide brim hat, he earned respect for his community advocacy and business acumen. In 1988, after 42 years of service, Charlie collaborated with
this page online
Erected 2022.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Arts, Letters, Music • Civil Rights • Entertainment • Industry & Commerce • Landmarks. A significant historical year for this entry is 1945.
Location. 39° 12.788′ N, 76° 4.262′ W. Marker is in Chestertown, Maryland, in Kent County. Marker is at the intersection of Calvert Street and College Avenue, on the right when traveling west on Calvert Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 367 Calvert St, Chestertown MD 21620, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Kent County Free School (approx. 0.3 miles away); Washington College (approx. 0.3 miles away); George Washington (approx. 0.3 miles away); William Beck Nicholson (approx. 0.4 miles away); American Victory (approx. 0.4 miles away); Chestertown, First Population Center of the United States (approx. 0.4 miles away); War Along the Chesapeake (approx. 0.4 miles away); Chestertown Vol. Fire Co. (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chestertown.
More about this marker. The Uptown Club was a notable venue on the Chitlin’ Circuit, a showcase for Black musicians who endured segregation in the Jim Crow era.
Regarding The Uptown Club. The installation of this marker is the result of a Curation Fellowship received by Karen Somerville from Chesapeake Heartland: an African American Humanities Project collaboration between the National Museum of African American History and Culture, Washington College, and local Kent County, MD organizations. Visit the Chesapeake Heartland website to view the documentary of Charles Henry Graves and the Uptown Club presented in 6 sequels.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 21, 2022. It was originally submitted on October 21, 2022, by Karen Somerville, Local Historian of Chestertown, MD, Kent County. This page has been viewed 201 times since then and 44 times this year. Photo 1. submitted on October 21, 2022, by Karen Somerville, Local Historian of Chestertown, MD, Kent County. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. A wide shot of the marker in context. • Can you help?
