Masonic Temple Postcard

Masonic Temple Postcard

Postcard for the Colored Masonic Temple on Birmingham's Fourth Avenue North, opened in 1924 by the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge, Free & Accepted Masons of Alabama. A centerpiece for Black social, cultural, and political life in Birmingham for much of the 20th century, the temple hosted major touring bands in its second story ballroom, including those of Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Cab Calloway, and Erskine Hawkins. Birmingham's most respected local bands, notably those of Fess Whatley and Sonny Blount, also held regular dance engagements in the space.

Postcard