Taborian Hall, the stately three-story building that now-a-days houses the Dreamland Ballroom and Arkansas Flagandbanner.com, has been a fixture in downtown Little Rock for over a century. Its history is steeped in the well-known struggle black Americans experienced in the Jim Crow south and Civil Right Movement of the 20th century. But even more so, Taborian is a standing testament to Arkansas’ version of “Harlem” or “Black Wall Street.”. W. 9th St. was the state’s major center for commerce and entertainment for the black community during the late 19th century and early to mid-20th. Built by the Knights and Daughters of Tabor as their international headquarters, the building was the most expensive one constructed in Little Rock in 1918. From then through the 1970s Taborian provided retail shops, restaurant fronts, professional office space, a place for community organization, and R&R for WWI and WWII officers. As well as hosting legendary musicians, travelling comedians, dance troupes, and a myriad of local acts. Taborian Hall weathered the devastating effects of Urban Renewal in the 1960s and ‘70s and 11 years of vacancy before Kerry McCoy and the Friend of Dreamland began their restoration effort in the 1990s and early 2000s.
Explore the links below to learn more about the history of the one-of-kind structure and why we have spent over 30 years restoring is beauty and legacy.
The Legacy of the Dreamland Ballroom
Kerry’s McCoy Love Affair with Taborian and Dreamland
Excerpts from “Temple of Dreams” by Berna Love
This giving season, we hope you will remember the Friends of Dreamland when making your end-of-year contributions. The history of your city is worth preserving, investing in your community is important, and a gift to the Friends of Dreamland can accomplish both!
There are many ways to donate!
Dancing into Dreamland 2023 – Make Feb. 11th a very special Valentines Date!
Corporate Matching Campaign – Get your contribution in before the end of the year!
Pave the Way – a great holiday gift!
General Fund – Give any amount!
Keep Dreaming, Matthew McCoy