Smalls Paradise

Smalls Paradise

Smalls Paradise. Founder Ed Smalls is seen at upper right.
Smalls Paradise Location in New York City
Address	2294 7th Avenue New York City
Coordinates	40°48′55″N 73°56′39″W / 40.81528°N 73.94417°W / 40.81528; -73.94417Coordinates: 40°48′55″N 73°56′39″W / 40.81528°N 73.94417°W / 40.81528; -73.94417
Owner	Ed Smalls
Opened	1925 (1925)
Closed	1980s

Smalls Paradise (often called Small's Paradise and Smalls' Paradise, and not to be confused with Smalls Jazz Club), was a nightclub in Harlem, New York City. Located in the basement of 2294 Seventh Avenue, it opened in 1925 and was owned by Ed Smalls. At the time of the Harlem Renaissance, Smalls Paradise was the only one of the well-known Harlem night clubs to be owned by an African-American and integrated. Other major Harlem night clubs admitted white patrons only, unless the person was an African-American celebrity.

The entertainment at Smalls Paradise was not limited to the stage; waiters danced the Charleston or roller-skated as they delivered orders to customers. Waiters were also known to vocalize during the club's floor shows. Unlike most of the Harlem clubs which closed between 3-4am, Smalls was open all night, offering a breakfast dance which featured a full floor show beginning at 6am.

After 30 years as the owner of the night club, Ed Smalls sold the club to Tommy Smalls (no relation) in 1955. It was later owned by Wilt Chamberlain, and renamed Big Wilt's Smalls Paradise. Many well known musicians, both white and African-American, - appeared at the club over the years, and often came to Smalls after their evening engagements to jam with the Smalls Paradise band. The club was responsible for promoting popular dances such as the Charleston, the Madison and the Twist. Smalls Paradise was the longest-operating club in Harlem before it closed in 1986. The building has been the site of Thurgood Marshall Academy since 2004.

Entrepreneur Ed Smalls owned a small venue in Harlem, the Sugar Cane Club, from 1917 to 1925, which catered primarily to local residents. When Smalls opened Smalls Paradise in the basement of an office building at 2294 Seventh Avenue, he envisioned a night club which would not exclude his neighbors, but would also be attractive to New Yorkers who lived in the city's downtown area. Smalls arranged a lavish gala for the club's opening on October 26, 1925, which was attended by almost 1,500 people. Though Prohibition was in effect, patrons were able to bring their own liquor or purchase bootlegged liquor from the club's waiters.