We just added this old postcard of The Palm Cafe on 125th Street to our archival collection and one can see what the historic music spot looked like back around 1950. This establishment was apparently considered a modern luxury at the time and one can see huge murals, a checkered floor, a long bar, well appointed booths and actual palm trees along the back walls. Jimi Hendrix apparently had his start here but somehow the establishment shuttered in the following decade or so and is mostly forgotten. The building still stands today and we have an exterior photo up in our past post:
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Thanks for reviving old memories the the famous "Palm Cafe" where I worked as a waitress in the early sixties. Having said that, please be advised that the photographs do not reflect the dining room in its state of elegance. All tables were covered with white cloths and dressed with cloth dinner napkins. I have a photograph of the entire staff (including me) sitting at the rear of the dining room. One day, I will surprise you by sharing it. I remember waiting on Langston Hughes, Sidney Poitier and
ReplyDeleteSam Cook. In fact, almost everyone who appeared at the Apollo Theater
visited the Palm Cafe. The owner was Ralph Bastone. His son Freddie Bastone, owned the famous "Top Club" at St. Nicholas and 125th Sts.
Hi: Ralph was my grandfather and Fred was my dad. Did you write a book about your being at the Palm Cafe?
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