Howard Theatre

DavidZornig on January 6, 2009 at 4:10 pm

Judging from the both the 2007 & vintage exterior views, it’s possible that the 1941 Streamline facade remodeling, might have ironically preserved the original facade.
Depending how drastic the construction measures were back then, to attach what appears to be just a giant concrete face over the old one.

Not sure why in 1941, that even what remodeling was done was considered Streamlining. It looks completely devoid of any theatrical character whatsoever. And the marquee looks strangley like it was held over from the original incarnation, styling wise.
Hopefully when the new renovation begins to take place, crews will gingerly remove the existing facade. And carefully enough so as to hopefully reveal the original facade still intact behind it. That would truly be returning the classic Howard Theatre to it’s roots.

The project needs an influential donor like Bill Cosby or Tyler Perry. Whose made a substantial, positive economic impact with a theatrical complex in Atlanta. Dubbed the Black Hollywood.

I’m surprised Howard University itself hasn’t adopted the cause given it’s history with the theatre. The venue/ museum concept is perfect. The developers should contact the recreators of Stax Records. Who rebuilt the current Stax museum/recording studio, originally in an old theater, from the original blueprints after their building was torn down.

Best of luck to the Howard Theatre Restoration!

Alan Bell on January 5, 2009 at 12:10 am

Pictures of the old and the new Howard here.

veyoung52 on August 19, 2007 at 10:30 pm

Any lobby/auditorium photos of the 1941 “streamlining” look available?

adamkampe on March 17, 2006 at 6:10 am

Dear Linda Lou,
I loved your post! It sounds like you are holding on to some serious musical treasures. The LOC – library of congress – might come after you someday.

I am a graduate student in documentary film doing a ‘small’ project on the grand ol' lady of cinema and song, the Howard. Sadly, you don’t live in the area (tear) because I would love, love to interview you about the Howard for my project.

My focus is on desegregation at the Howard in the early 1900’s, the only desegregated locale in a terribly divided city. I am really just getting started on my research. I am looking for images (moving and still), audio and print items that will support/compliment my focus. So, any help you can offer is welcomed. I have a decent contact in Rev. Sandra Butler Truesdale and of course, the area libraries.

Sadly, the project is due on March 30th so this is a race against the clock. But please feel free to contact me if you or anyone you recommend as a good interview candidate are in the DC metro area.

Thanks for reading. In this crazy digital age, I just ‘googled’ you but I couldn’t find your email address so I hope you get this post.

But if this tiny school project is a success, perhaps we can talk down the road if I ever really try to make a film about this historic landmark.

Sincerely,
Adam

704.756.8273

ps- They are trying to resurrect it. I hope they do it justice. the following is a note found on Ward 1’s CouncilMember’s site, Jim Graham.

February 16, 2006
Howard Theatre Solicitation

The Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development issued today a Solicitation of Offers for the redevelopment of the historic Howard Theatre, located at 620 T Street, NW in the heart of the Cardozo/Shaw and LeDroit Park neighborhoods. Submission deadline is 5 pm Thursday, April 13, 2006.

Built in 1910, the Howard Theatre was a prominent performing arts center in one of Washington, DC’s African-American neighborhoods and entertainment districts. The theatre closed in the 1970s. Today, the Howard Theatre is remembered as a “music house” and an important home to legendary accomplishments by many acclaimed African-American musical artists whose impact was worldwide.

The District’s vision is to reposition the Howard Theatre as not only an icon of past achievements, but also as a competitive, self-sufficient and contemporary venue for launching future generations of musical and cultural talent and for showcasing today’s most celebrated artists. The District envisions the property as a mixed-use entertainment facility that will foster economic vitality in the area that once was known as “Black Broadway.”

The Solicitation of Offers is available in the Wilson Building, 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Suite 317 and by selecting the link below.

California1 on January 2, 2006 at 7:05 pm

I got my first taste of the music industry when I started going to the Howard Theater while I was a freshman at Howard University in 1968. Being a photographer on the campus newspaper, I never went to a show without my trusty camera. As a result I got pictures of all of the great R&B acts of the era. As part of the infamous “Chit'lin Circuit” of theaters which included the world-renowned Harlem landmark The Apollo, the Howard got all of the best acts in the country. I would go to in the early afternoon and watch cartoons and double-features. Then the acts would come on and I would hide in the bathroom between shows when they “turned the house”, clearing it for the next batch of ticket-buyers. Returning the next day with photos I had shot and developed of the performers, I was assured free entré for the run of the show. I was hired as personal photographer for the singing group The Delfonics (“Didn’t I Blow Your Mind This Time”) and traveled on the road with them on summer break. Some of my most enduring friendships were with artists on the Stax Record label in Memphis, TN. When I graduated from Howard University, I was offered a job at Stax Records in publicity. There I met my future husband who was a member of the Stax studio band. He and his group, Con Funk Shun, were later signed by Mercury Records where they recorded 11 albums, 5 of which went gold. I served as production assistant, cover designer and songwriter on many of their albums. In 1990, I was hired as Vice President of M.C. Hammer’s production company and went on to open my own music business consulting and entertainment marketing company in Atlanta, GA. My team contributed to the success of such contemporary artists as Eminem, Mya, and the Black Eyed Peas. Yes, I had a great run in the entertainment field and I owe it all to this magnificent edifice of black music history. It brings me to tears to see it crumble and fall. I wish that of us who got our starts there could do something to save this building. But, realistically, structures of this kind will all fall by the wayside in the wake of the new technologically-driven entertainment industry. I’m glad that I have the memories of time when singers could sing and musicians played their music rather than merely program it. Much love and respect to the Howard Theater, one of the grand old ladies of cinema and song.

Eric50 on July 17, 2004 at 8:53 pm

I use to go to the Howard Theatre in the 60’s as a teenager. Man that place would rock. They had these large posters on the outside of the theatre of the artists that were performing live on stage. Next door we could get hot dogs and candy at Tim’s Confectionary.
When James Brown would come the lines would wrap around the corner. They would show a movie in between shows and there were about 4 or 5 shows a day. When they dimmed the lights you could hear the musicians getting their instruments ready behind the curtains and a microphone would come up out of the floor. The band would kick-off and the curtains would slowly open. The sound and the excitement, man there was nothing like it. You could go in at noon and stay all day. They did not empty the theatre after every show as they do now.
The male singers would throw their cuff links or tie pins out into the audience and the ladies would go crazy. That was great era.
Nothing lke it today.