Apart from being the location of the Hoofers Club, 131st Street and Seventh Avenue was also the original location of a majestic elm tree that stood in front of the Lafayette Theatre.

The elm tree became known as a kind of wishing well among the Harlem show people. It was believed that by touching, stroking or kissing the bark of the tree, your wishes would come true. This belief was mainly among the entertainment fraternity who would always hope to be hired in a club or much better a show some where which guaranteed employment for a certain period of time. It was also used as a good luck charm before you were about to perform. Performers would dance for money or dance and practice moves around the tree, it was almost like an open air Hoofers Club and so "The Tree of Hope" was born.

As the elm tree was in the heart of Harlem's club and theatre land it became a natural place where agents and people in show business would gather and as a result many entertainment jobs were handed out under the shade of the tree. It was also this reason that reinforced reputation of the tree's luck. The tree brought good luck, hope and fortune to all that came to know the importance of its majestic symbolism.

In 1930s plans were made to widen Seventh Avenue and the tree was to be cut down. Many actors, singers and musicians protested against this action, but the impending doom of the tree was final. The tree it's self by that time was in bad condition and was not the prettiest of sites in Harlem. Many people desperate to keep some thing of the tree ripped off pieces of the bark and kept them as good luck charms.

The mangers of the newly opened Apollo Theatre, knowing of the deep symbolism of the "Tree of Hope", managed to obtain part of the stump and placed it beside the Apollo stage. It was for performers to touch for good luck and it actually became an insult if you did not rub the stump as you entered the stage. It was said that about eight out of ten amateurs who attended the amateur night to show their talent got lucky and found gigs (Paid performances.). However, every one rubbed the stump so no comparison could be made with those who didn't touch the stump.

Bill Robinson, who at the time was an honorary Mayor of Harlem, also managed to preserve a section of stump from the original tree. He kept it by the stage entrance of the Lafayette Theatre, he then appealed to the acting Mayor at the time for help. After the work on Seventh Avenue had been completed a new tree was planted and the old stump of the original tree was placed beside it with a plaque that read. "The original Tree of Hope Beloved by Citizens of Harlem. You Asked for a Tree of Hope, So here 'Tis and Best Wishes – Bill Robinson."



For more information on the tree of hope

http://www.bigapplejazz.com/tree_of_hope.htm