Back in 1916, when the 9th street area of Little Rock was a major hub of African‑American commerce, the Arkansas chapter of the Knights and Daughters of Tabor built Taborian Hall, originally known as Taborian Temple. In the 1920s and 1930s this was home to many black‑owned businesses, a community center, an officers and veterans club, and it became Arkansas’ major stop on the famous Chitlin Circuit. In the 1930s the Tabors, like many fraternal organizations, lost their assets in the Great Depression and the building changed ownership, was segmented and sold repeatedly; its third floor opened under the name Dreamland Ballroom during that era.
In the early years of World War II the United States Officer’s Club purchased the building, and Taborian Temple became a regular stopping point for black soldiers and war workers training across the Arkansas River at Camp Robinson in North Little Rock. The Temple served as the only service club for African Americans in Little Rock during both World Wars. By the mid‑1950s the building became known as Taborian Hall and housed three nightclubs, including the Twin City Club.
Picture the Dreamland Ballroom on the third floor and the Twin City Club below, echoes of the Chitlin Circuit that once filled this building.