Eating an Elephant (Originally published Feb/March 1992.)

Eating an Elephant
McCoy taker Taborian Hall one bite at a time

By Linda CaillouetThe Chronicle – Historic Preservation News
Vol. 19, No. 1 – February-March 1992

The original article.

The original article.

The original article.

For the past two years Kerry Thompson-McCoy has watched the weather more closely than ever before.

The reason? A dilapidated old red brick building, sans roof, known as Taborian Hall, that she purchased two years ago for $20,000.

“I drove by there every day thinking, I’ve got to get this started, I’ve got to get going,” the 37-year-old North Little Rock native said. “I’d watch more glass come out of the windows and I’d watch more roof cave in…nobody knew the weather as well as I did.”

The elements took their toll on the historic Ninth Street building. The three-story, circa 1917 building suffered the most damage when the roof caved in during an ice storm two years ago. “It’s in terrible shape. “There’s no structural problems but a lot of interior damage,” McCoy said.

But beauty is in the eye of the beholder. “I saw it on TV and thought, “I’d love to own a building like that,” McCoy recalled.

Taborian Hall, also known as Taborian Temple, was originally building lIttle Rock’s black business district to serve as the home of the Knights and Daughters of Tabor, a black fraternal organization.

McCoy, the owner of Arkansas’ Flag and Banner, is renovating the building and will relocate her business there.

But when the estimated cost of the project rose from $100,000 to $150,000 McCoy started to lose hope.

“About that time I decided to just throw in the towel and forget about it. I had been working on it for years and got sick of it,” she recalled. “Then I’d go home and think, “Where else am I going to get a building like that for that price with that location?”

So after securing financing from Twin City Bank, she decided to stick with her original plan to consolidate her business’s warehouse and manufacturing departments on the first floor of the old building, situation next to Interstate 630. Her deadline for completion is March 1992.

The second and third floors will be boarded up. “We hope to grow up to it. As money becomes available, we’ll move all the way up to the top,” McCoy said.

And McCoy’s company, currently house in an 1890s Victorian cottage is on the upswing, doing business both nationally and internationally.

“I always saw Arkansas’ Flag and Banner in a red brick, artsy building where we could throw the windows open on a spring day. I just could not see us, as casual as we are and as creative as we are, working in an aluminum building, in cubicles and not being able to see out, and trying to be creative,” she said.

According to McCoy, the back of the building, to the north, was the original struction, built in the late 1800s. The side facing the interstate was added in 1971.

The most well known feature of Taborian Hall is the third-floor Dreamland Ballroom with its hot pink walls. In the ‘30s, some greats who graced the stage included Cab Calloway, Louis Armstrong, Count Basie and Duke Ellington.

Today the building’s interior paint is faded and peeling and some of the wall plaster is gone. It will all remain that way.

McCoy is planning a preservation rather than a restoration. “I’m leaving it all…all the exposed brick and chipping plaster. It will be a like a warehouse. It’ll be great. People will say ‘this must have been a great place when … “‘

The building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982 and McCoy says she had two choices: To leave it as she found it or return it to its original condition. “You can go back and actually replaster all the walls perfectly and take it back to the way it used to be, which is outrageous. You can’t afford to do that unless you’ve got $2 million.”

She may not have that kind of money to devote to Taborian Hall, but McCoy has lost her heart to it. “It’s got an energy to it. We went down there to celebrate the new year. You really get caught up in it.”

Even her conservative-minded financial manager, Charles Fisher, loves the building.

“You have to be over there to fall in love with it. I was not for this at first. I’m real conservative and look at everything in the company from the dollar’s point of view. But I knew that we had to move because our company was growing so fast. We needed a larger area. Once I got over there and got to looking at it, I kept thinking … Now I go over there every weekend and in the evenings,” Fisher aid.

And Fisher wasn’t the only one who second-guessed McCoy. “Everyone told me, when I bought the land, to just take my licks and run. I’m so glad I didn’t,” McCoy said, smiling. “They all said, ‘Go to an aluminum building … there’s no surprises. You can get one for $200,00.’”

“But I was thinking, ‘For 50,000 more, I could be in this building and the city is going to give me a $30,000) grant for the facade program.’ So for the same price, we can be in downtown Little Rock in a great old building.”

And she will be soon. Plans include adding a new roof and new third-floor joists and flooring, removing the mildew from the walls, doing plumbing and electrical work on the first floor, replacing broken windows, and repairing the tile hall floor.

“Every wall that wasn’t a load-bearing wall is rotted and falling down so we’re just taking them down. We’ll have all exposed conduit pipes, leave the ceiling rafters exposed, and stain all the wood dark,” McCoy said of the reconstruction.

A for the fixtures: Ceiling fans and hanging fluorescent lights, all easily removable, will be added. “In case we ever want to put in some nicer stuff. But any­thing’s an improvement over what was there.” McCoy said.

Despite the amount of work Taborian Hall needed, McCoy said she was never overwhelmed by the project.

“I think real methodically … step by step. It’s like eating an elephant; you just take it a bite at a time.”

McCoy seems to be a shrewd business­woman too.

“I kept thinking, ‘630, how many cars are driving by a day and can see our big sign out there? What free advertising. “‘

And it’s working. The business’s phone has been ringing off the wall.

“People call us and say. ‘I just wanted to thank you for doing that.’ Isn’t that nice?”

McCoy, who lives in Hillcrest in a 1930s home, is no stranger to downtown. As a single, she rented an apartment in an old house there. Today she ·hares her home with husband Grady and children, Meghan, 12, Gray, 4, and Matthew, I.

“My husband says he’ll kill me if l take him down the tubes with me. I told him we may have to live in it (Taborian Hall) if it doesn’t work out,” he said, smiling.

While today McCoy is cheered, not LOO long ago she was jeered by friends and family. “Everyday that’s all I heard. ‘When are you going to get that roof fixed?’ But now they’re starting to have a little more respect for us.”

Even co-workers teased her. Fisher recounted this tale: “I and someone else from the office were in Mississippi on business. We passed a building down there that was falling down and the roof was half burnt off. We said, ‘let’s stop and take a picture and see if Kerry wants to buy it.”‘

Now McCoy’· friends arc behind her  100 percent, something that is important to her. “If I was restoring a home, it would just be me, my husband and my kids going. ‘Isn’t this fun?’ But the way it is now, there’s a lot of people to share it with.”

Linda Caillouet is a writer for The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

Remembering the life of Milton Crenchaw – Tuskegee Airman

An unexpected result of creating Friends of Dreamland is all the wonderful people I have met and the friends I have made. Milton Crenchaw was one such person.

The Friends of Dreamland had a fund raiser called “The Dreamland Drive-In Movie Series.”  One summer we showed the Tuskegee Airmen movie. Milton graciously lent his fame to the fundraising event appearing to meet, sign autographs, and take pictures with everyone.  He drew a big crowd of admirers, including teachers who taught his historical significance in classrooms throughout Arkansas. At 90 years old, his charm and charisma was palatable and his humility was inspiring.

Milton touched countless people’s lives and was known for many valuable societal contributions. We are proud to be able to call him one of our Friends of Dreamland Ballroom, and hope to one day honor his support in our historical space in the Taborian Hall.

See photos from the 2010 summer airing of “Tuskegee Airmen”

The Encyclopedia of Arkansas History and Culture entry on Milton Pitts Crenchaw.

Wiki Entry on Milton Crenchaw

Internet Movie Database entry for “The Tuskegee Airmen.”

Hey Dancers! Win $500 this November!

Just in time for the holidays! Win $500 this November!

For the first time ever Dancing into Dreamland 2014 winners were an entire dance group. Shuffles Ballet performed Micheal Jackson’s Thriller and certainly thrilled our judges and guests!

For the first time ever Dancing into Dreamland 2014 winners were an entire dance group. Shuffles Ballet performed Micheal Jackson’s Thriller and certainly thrilled our judges and guests!

The Friends of Dreamland are excited to announce that Graham and Associates has pledged $500 to be presented to the winners of this year’s Dancing into Dreamland on Nov. 6th in the Dreamland Ballroom.

The 6th Annual 2015 Dancing into Dreamland will host a ‘Dancing with the Stars’ style event in which a variety of dancers from all dancing styles compete for judges and audience votes.

Dancer’s application fee is $25.  Proceeds go toward the restoration of the historic Taborian Hall.  The 99 year old building is located at 800 West 9th Street (Arkansas flag and banner building) in downtown Little Rock. Download your application now at http://www.dreamlandballroom.com/2015auditonapp.pdf and participate in a great event, while helping save part of Little Rock’s cultural history.

Not a dancer? GREAT!!  (You don’t have to get sweaty!)  You get to join in the fun as a spectator and vote for your favorite performance of the night while enjoying food, drinks and taking in the history and ambiance of the Dreamland Ballroom. You’ll find yourself intrigued when you learn all the legends who have graced Dreamland’s stage like Duke Ellington, Ray Charles. Billie Holiday, Louis Armstrong and many more.

Order your tables or tickets online. General admission tickets are $69. Event sponsorships and box seating are available as well. Visit http://www.dreamlandballroom.com/did2015.html for more details and to order your tickets securely online.

Historic Dreamland Ballroom to Host Annual Dance Competition Fundraiser Nov. 6th

Little Rock, Ark., (PRWEB) August 11, 2015

On November 6th, the Dreamland Ballroom will host its 6th Annual Dancing into Dreamland dance competition and fundraiser. The annual fundraiser is to generate funds for improvements and renovations to the historic 99-year-old building located at 800 West Ninth Street.

The current fundraising campaign (carried over from last year) is to raise funds to make Taborian Hall accessible to all by installing an elevator which would be ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant. The non-profit group, The Friends of Dreamland needs more than $700,000 to achieve their goal to have an addition and elevator added to the almost century old historic site.

This year’s fundraiser will begin at 7 pm and last until 10 pm. Celebrity judges will choose the overall winner of the dance competition while guests will vote for their favorite dancers to receive the People’s Choice Award by text voting.

A silent auction with more than $20,000 in auction items will be up for grabs during the event. Guests will enjoy hors d’oeuvres along with drinks and an hour long free dance will be open for any and all guests to cut a rug.

Dreamland Ballroom is housed on the third floor of Taborian Hall built in 1916. The building is on the National Register of Historic Places and hosted such musical legends as Etta James, Ella Fitzgerald, Cab Calloway, Duke Ellington, Ray Charles, Louis Armstrong. Louis Jordan, Redd Foxx and a host of other legendary artists throughout the years.

In the 1970s through the 1980s the building fell into disrepair and was rescued in 1991 by Arkansas’ FlagandBanner.com’s owner Kerry McCoy. The Friends of Dreamland non-profit was formed in 2009 and has been working to save and restore this piece of Little Rock’s cultural history ever since.

The Friends of Dreamland invite the public to attend; general admission tickets are available for $69 each or guests can purchase the private balcony or one of two box seating areas or entire tables right on the dance floor. Guests can order tickets online at http://www.dreamlandballroom.com/did2015.html. Sponsorship opportunities are available as well. Contact the Friends of Dreamland at 501.255.5700 to learn more about sponsorship opportunities. Dress in party attire the night of the event.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Friday, November 6 at 800 West 9th Street, Little Rock, Ark. Entrances are on the State Street side of the building.

The Friends of Dreamland is a 501(c)(3) corporation. All donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Visit http://www.dreamlandballroom.org or call 501.255.5700 for details.

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Historic Taborian Hall: The Heart of Arkansas Flag and Banner

Historic Taborian Hall: The Heart of Arkansas Flag and Banner

Building a successful business from the ground up is hard work, but spend an hour with Kerry McCoy, founder, owner and president of Arkansas Flag and Banner, and you will know that she has what it takes.

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Photo used with permission of Arkansas Flagandbanner.com. Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/Benjamin Krain – 2/10/15

Kerry McCoy is a touch spunky, a touch crass and a touch energetic. With a whole lot of passion and a great business sense; McCoy has taken what began as a door-to-door sales business and built it into a multimillion-dollar company known around the country.

Arkansas Flag and Banner is not just a retailer of flags but is a full-service shop as well. They can create custom flags and banners and are also equipped to make repairs to your flags as needed. Arkansas Flag and Banner has some “big” customers like McDonald’s, Wal-Mart, and even Disney, yet they pride themselves on giving all customers five-star treatment. When you call Arkansas Flag and Banner, you will speak to a real person six days a week during business hours. When you purchase a flag, you will be contacted twice a year to ensure that your flag is in top-notch condition. If your flag needs repairs, they will arrange that for you. If the flag is beyond repair, they will properly retire the flag for you and provide you with a coupon toward the purchase of a new flag.

Read More: http://presscenter.dreamlandballroom.com/dreamland-ballroom/historic-taborian-hall-the-heart-of-arkansas-flag-and-banner/#more-1132

Arkansas Entertainers Hall of Fame Announces Class of 2015

Arkansas Entertainers Hall of Fame Announces Class of 2015

Mary Osteen, communications specialist
Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism

The Arkansas Entertainers Hall of Fame induction ceremonies take place September 29, 2015. Authorized by the Arkansas General Assembly and governed by the Arkansas Entertainers Hall of Fame Board, the Hall exists to honor individuals with Arkansas connections who have made significant contributions to the entertainment arts. The exhibits commemorating the members are permanently housed on display in the Pine Bluff Convention Center. This year’s inductees are as follows:

Read More: http://presscenter.dreamlandballroom.com/music-in-arkansas/arkansas-entertainers-hall-of-fame-announces-class-of-2015/#more-1129

Juneteenth Celebration on 9th Street this Saturday, June 20

Little Rock, Ark., – On Saturday, June 20, 2015 Arkansas’ FlagandBanner.com will join forces with the Mosiac Templars Cultural Center for their celebration  of Juneteenth ,  a holiday that commemorates the announcement of the abolition of slavery in the U.S. state of Texas in June 1865, and more generally the emancipation of African-American slaves throughout the Confederate South. Celebrated on June 19, the term is a portmanteau of June and nineteenth, and is recognized as a state holiday or special day of observance in most states.

Juneteenth is a time for reflection and forward thinking for people all across America. A variety of entertainment is planned for this block party style celebration that has something for everyone. Attendees will find live music, children’s activities, food trucks, non-profits, and vendor booths ranging from clothing to food. More than 1,200 people were in attendance last year with more than 50 participating vendors, performers and sponsors.

Arkansas’ FlagandBanner.com will host two exhibits: The History of the Taborian Hall and the Dreamland Ballroom with the opportunity to enjoy tours of the ballroom. Construction began in 1916 and since then Taborian Hall has been an integral part of the Little Rock African American Culture ever since. The Dreamland Ballroom on the third floor became a popular stop on the famous Chitlin’ Circuit where musical greats such as Ray Charles, B.B. King, Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington performed among others. It also has a strong military history as the building served as the USO for African American soldiers during World War II. Currently the Dreamland Ballroom is undergoing further restoration efforts. It is one of the last remaining original ballrooms in America.

The second exhibit is “Old School: Remembering the Brinkley Academy”  visitors will see how a school in rural eastern Arkansas served the needs of African American students who received direction and inspiration for nearly six decades through an exhibit of photographs.

Exhibits open at 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Dreamland Ballroom tours are at 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. and are free to the public. Please note that the ballroom is on the third floor.  Those wishing to tour it should be aware that there is no elevator. Currently the Friends of Dreamland Ballroom are raising funds to have an elevator installed for the disabled. If you would like to make a tax deductible contribution to the Friends of Dreamland Elevator Fund call 501.255.5700 or visit them online at www.dreamlandballroom.org. For more information on the Taborian Hall exhibits for the Juneteenth celebration contact Madison@flagandbanner.com .

Archive of Dreamland Ballroom Stories, Photos or Videos on the web

Archives on the web of Dreamland Ballroom: 

Here you will find links to stories, editorials, photos, photographers who have worked in the ballroom, videos taken in Dreamland along with news footage and every link we can find that discusses Dreamland Ballroom. Every one, individual, group, school, organization, business, photographer, bride…whomever you have our deepest gratitude for posting such wonderful things on the internet to show the world about Taborian Hall and her Dreamland Ballroom.

Read more: http://presscenter.dreamlandballroom.com/dl_other/dreamland-ballroom-archive/#more-1031

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Timeline of Taborian Hall

Timeline of Taborian Hall

♦ Originally named Taborian Temple,  construction began in 1916 and was  completed in 1918.

♦ First tenant was African American fraternal insurance organization, the  Knights and Daughters of the Tabor.

♦ Also in 1918, a Negro Soldiers Club opened on the ground floor, providing a recreational center for African American soldiers stationed at Camp Pike.

♦ Taborian Temple housed many  commercial endeavors including professional offices for Dr. J. V. Jordan, dentist,  and Dr. W. B. Black, physician, Gem Pharmacy, Ritz Beer Garden, and Dreamland Grill.

♦ By 1937, the Dreamland Ballroom was firmly established on Taborian’s third floor and was host to the musical greats Ray Charles, B.B. King, Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington among others.

♦ During World War II, the United Service Club, USO, bought the building and turned the first to the third floors into a club that served thousands of Black soldiers from Camp Robinson (formerly Camp Pike) and the Stuttgart Air Base.

♦ In 1954, the Temple became known as Taborian Hall, and housed three nightclubs: Twin City Club was in the basement; the Waiters Club was located on the second floor; and the Dreamland Ballroom had morphed into Club Morocco.

♦ By 1970 all of the clubs had closed and the building was abandoned.

♦ In 1991, Kerry McCoy purchased the building to house her business FlagandBanner.com.

♦  In 2009,Friends of Dreamland, a non-profit group, was established to protect and restore the Ballroom.

♦ Today, restoration continues with your generous tax-deductable support!

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The Taborian Hall and her history

Few people can remember The Line as it once was. During segregation, the part of Ninth Street west of Broadway was the cultural and economic hub of the African American community in downtown Little Rock, Arkansas. Now, the street is populated by vacant lots and relatively new businesses. None of the original buildings remain except for one.

The Line – also known as 9th Street “The Line” also known as West 9th Street

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Restoring the Forgotten Dreams of the Taborian Hall

Historically significant building, Taborian Hall saved from destruction

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The Taborian Hall is more than monumental; it is a living monument. The grandiose, Classical-style structure was built in 1916. It was part of the African American business district on West Ninth Street in downtown Little Rock, Arkansas, and hosted legendary performers like B.B. King, Ella Fitzgerald, and Louis Armstrong.

The area declined in the 1970s, and most original buildings were torn down. The Taborian Hall was empty and neglected until a local woman resurrected it as headquarters for her business. By doing so, she saved both the building and a part of Little Rock’s history.

Saved by a Woman’s Love

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Kerry McCoy often passed the ruin and dreamed of running her business, Arkansas Flag and Banner, from such a grand building. Eventually,

she worked up the courage to go inside and made her way to the third floor Dreamland Ballroom. Birds chirped and sun streamed in through a hole in the roof, and, in a moment of euphoria, McCoy saw past the wreckage to the majesty that could resurface.

In 1991, she bought the building and began repairing the roof. After the September 11, 2001 attacks, McCoy opened the first floor to the public and expanded her business to sell patriotic gifts and decorations at Taborian Hall. Although the first two floors were functional, the third floor remained in shambles for a decade after Flag and Banner moved in. Although the Dreamland Ballroom was perhaps the most interesting and historically significant part of the building, the cost of its renovation was prohibitive.

Read More: http://presscenter.dreamlandballroom.com/dl_other/restoring-the-forgotten-dreams-of-the-taborian-hall/#more-987

Mosaic Templars Challenge Students on MLK Day: Volunteers to paint Dreamland Ballroom

Little Rock, Ark., – Arkansas’ FlagandBanner.com and the Dreamland Ballroom will be hosting students on Martin Luther King Junior National Day of Service Monday, January 20, 2014 between the hours of 10 am – 12 pm. The group of students were organized by the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center (just down the street from Taborian Hall). The students will be repainting the floor of the historic Taborian Hall’s Dreamland Ballroom as part of the MLK Challenge, a program designed by the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center to engage youth in the role of servant leadership with a full day of service projects that challenge them mentally and socially. Participants will work at sites across the city.

“We are very glad to be a part of this great youth educational and service opportunity,” said Kerry McCoy, owner of Taborian Hall and president of Arkansas’ FlagandBanner.com. “We are very proud that our Taborian Hall is the “sister” building to the Mosaic Templars and thrilled to be a part of the MLK Challenge,” McCoy continued. Press and photographers are welcome to commemorate this community service event.

Read More: http://presscenter.dreamlandballroom.com/dreamland-ballroom/mosaic-templars-challenge-students-on-mlk-day-volunteers-to-paint-dreamland-ballroom/#more-973

Mosaic Templars MLK Day Challenge at Dreamland Ballroom a Huge Success

Students impress with MLK Day Challenge at Dreamland Ballroom

Little Rock, Ark., – Yesterday as part of Martin Luther King Jr. National Day of Service, the Mosaic Templars brought a group of student volunteers to the Dreamland Ballroom (MLK Day Challenge at Dreamland Ballroom), located at 800 West 9th Street on the third floor of the Arkansas’ FlagandBanner.com building.

The group of students brought great attitudes and terrific work ethic along with them, they not only painted the ballroom floor they also cleaned inside and around the outdoor area of the 800 block of 9th Street. Everyone employed at Arkansas’ FlagandBanner.com was greatly impressed by the young people who turned out. These students gave up a day out of school to be a part of the Mosaic Templars MLK Day Challenge at Dreamland Ballroom, though none of them seemed to feel that they were giving up anything.

Read more: http://presscenter.dreamlandballroom.com/dl_other/mlk-day-challenge-at-dreamland-ballroom/#more-975

Arkansas Life publishes beautiful Dreamland photos

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Dreamland Ballroom was the site of an Arkansas Life photo shoot several weeks ago for an article featuring Arkansas’ top “Creatives.” The resulting photos are a sight to behold!

Editor Katie Bridges wrote:

I’ve said “I can’t believe I never knew that place existed!” countless times this month.  Innumerous.  In fact, I’m fairly certain my colleagues’ eyes must be rolling as they read this.”That place” I’ve been referring to is the storied Dreamland Ballroom, tucked away (and currently undergoing renovation) on the third floor of Arkansas Flag and Banner’s storefront on Ninth street in downtown Little Rock.  Built in 1918, it once played host to such soul-stirring greats as Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong (!) and Etta James.  I could wax poetic about its peeling paint and plaster- clad in corals, cobalts, goldenrods– its graceful, sloping ceiling.  It’s diamond-patterned reliefs.  Its ability to transport you back in time, imagining yourself lost in Satchmo’s trumpet, Ray Charles’ piano.

Read More: http://presscenter.dreamlandballroom.com/dl_other/arkansas-life-publishes-beautiful-dreamland-photos/#more-958

Dreamland documentary featured on InArkansas today

More media coverage about the exciting Dreamland documentary project!

In Arkansas magazine discusses the ballroom documentary project and also KTHV Channel 11 in Little Rock announces filming. Video links ahead:

Read More: http://presscenter.dreamlandballroom.com/dl_other/dreamland-documentary-featured-on-inarkansas-today/#more-945

Loblolly Creamery honors Dreamland Ballroom with ice cream flavor

The Friends of Dreamland Ballroom Board will visit The Green Corner Store on Wednesday, March 20th at 5 p.m. to taste the “Dreamlandaberry” limited edition ice cream created by Loblolly Creamery in honor of the Dreamland Ballroom.

A portion of the sales of the flavor will be donated to Friends of Dreamland Ballroom. Dreamlandaberry, a creamy concoction of white chocolate and mixed berries, will be available throughout the month of March.

Producer Mark Wilcken will capture the tasting on film for an Arkansas Educational Television Network (AETN) documentary about the Dreamland Ballroom.

Read More: http://presscenter.dreamlandballroom.com/dl_other/loblolly-creamery-honors-dreamland-ballroom-with-ice-cream-flavor/#more-947