The building at 1103 Texas Avenue was built by a “non-denominational Black Knights of Pythias, women’s auxiliary in 1923. It was most noted for the dances held on its rooftop and the famous legendary musicians who played the Roof Top Club. Louis Armstrong, Lionel Hampton, Cab Calloway, Duke Ellington, Count Basie were just a few of the entertainers who brought crowds to the club. The Calanthean served as the headquarters of the Court of Calanthe, an early African American women’s association. The Temple also housed offices of black professionals. Blues and Jazz performers would stop at the Calanthean on their way to New Orleans from the north and from New Orleans back to their home base. (Jerry Harris)
Photo by Henrietta Wildsmith (The Times archives)
