A Guide to the Historic Dreamland Ballroom

Built in 1916, this building was the cultural and economic hub of Little Rock’s vibrant African American community and is the last remaining original building on the 9th Street “Line,” which at the time separated white and Black communities.

While you may notice the storefront of Flag and Banner, a retail shop offering American flags of varying sizes, Dreamland Ballroom is tucked away on the third floor of the building. Dreamland Ballroom was once part of the Chitlin' Circuit, which consisted of venues that offered commercial and cultural acceptance for Black entertainers and musicians. Schedule a tour so you can explore the historical significance of this integral landmark of Little Rock, where jazz legendaries once graced the stage.

Originally known as “Taborian Temple,” the building was constructed in 1916 and owned by the Arkansas chapter of the Knights and Daughters of Tabor, a co-ed African American fraternal organization. This historical building was developed during a time when the 9th Street area of Little Rock was an important center of African American commerce and culture. Taborian Temple stood in this part of the city as a combined community center, a veterans club, and a stop on the Chitlin' Circuit. In the early 1940s, the building ownership was changed and given to the United State’s Officer’s Club (USO) and Taborian Temple transformed into a stopping place for Black soldiers and war employees during World War II, as it was located across the Arkansas River from Camp Robinson. Taborian Temple operated as the only African American-based service club in Little Rock during World War I and World War II.

Showcasing Classical Revival accents, the architecture of Taborian Hall was built with masonry materials and adorned with stone trim elements. Sophisticated elegance is at the core of the building’s design, as Ionic columns frame the entrance and upper floor bays give way to a prominent cornice and parapet. The Dreamland Ballroom itself is also a majestic space. An array of glowing lights frame the stage, while tall wooden ceilings tower over the auditorium. Checkered red-and-white patterns cover the exteriors of the opera boxes, adding to the historic charm of the space.

In the 1970s, the 9th Street area was negatively impacted by integration and urban renewal and Taborian Hall became mostly vacant. The building was on the brink of demolition in 1988, but the Arkansas Historic Preservation Office publicly prohibited it. Taborian Hall was bought by Kerry McCoy and Arkansas Flag and Banner in 1991, utilizing the space as the shop’s headquarters and hoping to revive the Dreamland Ballroom. The Friends of Dreamland was founded in 2009 as a nonprofit organization that aims to restore the Dreamland Ballroom and convey the historical and cultural significance of this spot to visitors. From stage restoration to replicating ceiling tiles, renovations are still underway at the Dreamland Ballroom. Looking to contribute? Help pave the way toward the improved conditions by buying a brick with your name on it.

Delve into the past of Taborian Hall and Dreamland Ballroom, traversing across more than 100 years of history. Guided tours are offered for free and typically last from 45 minutes to one hour and a half. Find more information for open tour dates on the official website of the Friends of Dreamland. Don’t miss marking your calendar for the annual Dancing into Dreamland event, which generally takes place in February. Pay homage to the past of the Ninth Street area by watching talented dance performances, indulging in hors d’oeuvres, and bidding in the silent auction. Participate in the annual Juneteenth in Da Rock on June 15, 2024, enjoying fun activities in the Dreamland Ballroom from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.