Ed Small's Paradise 1926-1964

Ed Smalls Paradise was an integrated club and the longest operating night club in Harlem. The club was considered to be one of the most authentic in Harlem.

One of the main features during the time the club first opened was dancing and singing waiters some of them from the Tap fraternity. Most waiters performed the Charleston, which was one of the more popular dances of the time, while carrying trays of food and drinks. This was a gimmick that was greatly talked about and increased the clubs popularity.

Smalls Paradise club had many exotic floor shows and big band performances. The club was also said to be one of the places you could obtain boot leg alcohol at the time of prohibition. However, in 1932 a Police Station was built opposite the club which had the effect of making the club clean up its act.