Shaw in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Howard Theatre
Lift Every Voice Georgia Avenue
— Georgia Ave./Pleasant Plains Heritage Trail —
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), August 1, 2018
The legendary Howard opened in 1910 as the nation’s first major theater built for African Americans. Audiences came for plays, variety shows, concerts, and movies. In the 1930s, under manager Shep Allen, the Howard became part of the segregation-era “Chitlin’ Circuit” that featured African American performers. Allen’s Amateur Night contests launched Billy Eckstine, Pearl Bailey, and Bill Kenny of the Ink Spots. Godfather of Go-Go Chuck Brown, the inventor of “DC’s own sound,” first worked outside the Howard Theatre as a young child, calling: “Shoes shined, shoes shined, five cents, a nickel, or a half a dime!”
As the neighborhood went, so did the Howard. Although the theater escaped damage in the riots of April 1968, audiences thereafter avoided the riot-scarred neighborhood. The Howard closed in 1970, reopened in 1974, and closed again. Rehabilitation started in 2010.
For years, the stage doors of the Howard opened to Wiltberger Street near the Wonder Bread Bakery, formerly Dorsch’s White Cross Bakery. Fans would linger amid the aroma of fresh bread and the promise of stardust, watching for performers bound for U Street night spots or an after-show soiree at Cecilia’s. This area’s bakeries included two others near Howard University: Corby (later Continental) and Bond Bread. Baseball fans leaving Griffith Stadium remember stopping for fresh doughnuts on the way home.
Near the Howard Theatre at 614 S Street was Jean Clore’s Guest House and after-hours club. “Well-known dignitaries from every walk of life” stayed at Clore’s “swanky homey hotel,” according to the Black press of the 1930s. In 1982 the New Community Church moved into the building.
Erected 2011 by Cultural Tourism DC. (Marker Number 3.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Arts, Letters, Music • Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the Georgia Avenue / Pleasant Plains Heritage Trail series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1910.
Location. 38° 54.937′ N, 77° 1.265′ W. Marker is in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia. It is in Shaw. Marker is on T Street Northwest east of 7th Street Northwest, on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 625 T Street Northwest, Washington DC 20001, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Howard Theatre Walk of Fame (a few steps from this marker); Cecilia Penny Scott (within shouting distance of this marker); Edward Kennedy “Duke” Ellington (within shouting distance of this marker); Seventh and T (within shouting distance of this marker); Dunbar Theater / Southern Aid Society (within shouting distance of this marker); Armed Resistance (within shouting distance of this marker); The Flower Garden of Washington (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named The Howard Theatre Walk of Fame (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Northwest Washington.
Additional keywords. Ellington Plaza; LeDroit Park; Zachary Oxman , artist
Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 24, 2012, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. This page has been viewed 1,065 times since then and 41 times this year. Last updated on March 7, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. Photos: 1. submitted on August 1, 2018, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 2. submitted on September 19, 2016, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana. 3, 4. submitted on March 8, 2020, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana. 5. submitted on March 31, 2012, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13. submitted on June 28, 2015, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. 14, 15. submitted on March 31, 2012, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.