States Inn
THE STATES INN
The States Inn was described in the 1930s as being 5 miles out Central Ave. NE. Later clarifies that it’s five miles from Columbia Heights.
December 24, 1927: Classified ad: “Roads opened.”
October 18, 1929: In a story about a couple of thugs being arrested at the States Inn, the establishment is twice described in an article as a “roadhouse.”
In June 1930, music from the States Inn was broadcast over radio station WRHM.
The first actual ad for the States Inn was found on August 7, 1931, in the Minneapolis Tribune. It was nondescript.
THE SPOT
And then the States Inn became The Spot. The managers were Dick Helgeson and Ernie Pyles. A Grand Opening was announced for September 12, 1931. It’s probable that these places shut down for the summer for lack of air conditioning and opened up again in the fall.
The management of The Spot featured hot music by black musicians – and the first mention of blues singers I’ve seen.
In October 1932, the Spot was advertising Moonlight Waltzes, but by December 1932 they offered Danny, Wally and Howey, “Three Sizzling Sons of Syncopation.”
In February 1933, the Spot was still identifying itself as “Formerly the States Inn,” and declaring itself not beholden to the 1:00 am time restriction. Pretty bold move to print that in the paper.
Unfortunately, The Spot didn’t hit the Spot – here’s the last ad found, just after Prohibition ended:
BACK TO THE STATES INN
The Grand Opening of the reorganized States Inn, managed by Charles Rossos, was scheduled for July 15, 1933. Real beer on tap! And a novelty orchestra for your entertainment.
Ah, but the new regime did not last long. Here we see Mr. Rossos replaced by Jack O’Rourke, George, and Ruff. Edith, Tommie, Rosie, and their instruments provided the entertainment.
The next ad we see is in July 1934, where the manager is now Jack Kevelin. The ad is low key.
But get this! A fan dancer and a blues singer! This is unheard of in ads of the ’30s.
The end of 1934 was an interesting time at the States Inn. The music must have been phenomenal, and the place stayed open all night, in defiance of the 1 am closing law. The ads were small and inconspicuous, but here are some highlights:
October 21, 1934: Hot Music by John Norris and his Dark Clouds of Joy
October 24: Dancing til 4 am
October 28: 3 snappy floor shows
October 30, 1934: Spectacular Fan Dance, John Norris Colored Band
November 2, 1934: Ruby Burns, Fan Dancer, John Norris, Colored Band
November 11, 1934: Ruby Bae, Fan Dancer, The Wizards, Dance Orchestra
June 20, 1935: Want ad for two colored entertainers; dancing, acrobatics, singing
HARRY’S STATES INN
Well then Harry Mendelsohn bought it and put his name on it in September of 1935. Was it Harry who had been making the chicken dinners and saved up enough money to buy the place?
BACK AGAIN TO THE STATES INN
Not quite sure what happened to Harry, but by 1939 it had reverted to its original name, with a Grand Opening announced for July 1. There was a five-piece band and a floor show.
And then there was another Grand Opening in 1939, this time on November 15, with a Gala Floor Show and music by Clare Lindemer’s band.
Alas, this is the last ad or mention found of the States Inn. Now just where is four miles north of Columbia Heights?