The Southside Night Club (also called the Southside Bar) was located at 212 – 11th Ave. So.

THE BUILDING

Usually these building histories aren’t that interesting, and the page for the time we’re looking for is actually missing, but this time it’s pretty good!

The permit record from the City of Minneapolis generally gives the action the permit is for (building, repairs, demolition, etc.) and often but not always the building’s use (residential, factory, store, etc.)

The building was built as a 42 x 80 brick and stone apartment building (“flats”) in December 1890 at a cost of $12,000.  In 1899, electricity was added to what was called a “Sporting Hse.”  Four days later, a similar entry was made for electricity for electricity for “Hse. of Ill Fame.”  I’ve never seen that before on a permit card!  From 1903 to 1907 it is called a dwelling, then a Hotel.  In 1929 it is a Rooming House, but two days after it’s a Rooming House, altered to a Factory?  In 1931 it’s altered to a Cafe, as it is in 1932.  Of course, 1932 to 1942 are missing!

SOUTH SIDE NITE CLUB

It must have become a beer tavern with the end of Prohibition, sometime soon after April 1934.  It was reported to be a “black and tan” place with a 3.2 beer license belonging to Bert “Dutch” Thompson.  That means it was open to both black and white clientele.

In 1935, the Minneapolis Spokesman included it in a story about about an order given to nightclub owners to cater to only one race or another. The charge was apparently unsubstantiated.

AGAIN A HOUSE OF ILL REPUTE

The club was in the news again on January 6, 1938, when Dutch, the doorman and the cashier were jailed when the club was raided at 3 am by 20 policemen, 10 deputy sheriffs, and members of the Hennepin County Grand Jury.  40 customers were in the Club at the time of the raid, but they were not detained.  (Minneapolis Star, January 6, 1938)

The next day all three prisoners were found guilty:  Dutch was ordered to pay $75 or serve 30 days in the Workhouse for operating a disorderly house.  Gladys and Nick were sentenced to $25 or 20 days for being found in the place.   Fines were paid. (Minneapolis Star, January 7, 1938)

On January 10, 1938, all of the the club’s licenses were revoked, throwing 22 people out of work.

The license was transferred to Minneapolis artist Otis Sheldon, reported the Spokesman. That didn’t work out; on April 14, 1939, it was reported that Dutch was forced out and “a new ownership is reported operating the place now with all-white personnel for the first time in 20 years.” Dutch denied he was forced out and said that poor business and poor service from employees were the reasons for closure. “Thus passes from the Twin night club scene the famed Southside and 13 people [employees] are ‘walking the street.'”

Not only does the building still stand, it’s gorgeous!  And if these bricks could talk!