The old building across from the Bell Centre on St. Antoine W. is going to be demolished to be replaced by a new condo development and that's sad because 1180 was a useful space for practicing musicians includingThe Nils, the Doughboys, the Capones among others. In recent years it has even served as a venue under the names Chez Eux Club and Cryochamber, among others.But long before that, those buildings and neighbouring structures now gone along St. Antoine just west of Mountain,, were the site of a burgeoning black club scene in Montreal.
According to an excellent McGill thesis written in the late 1920s, the Utopia, the Nemderloc, which opened in 1922 (colored men spelled backwards) and the Standard Club were all thriving on that strip, but they weren't universally acclaimed, as you shall see.
"Three Negro clubs are being operated on St. Antoine street between Windsor and Mountain streets. All are privately owned and managed. In the Negro club the spare time problem of these men has attained a commercialized aspect.
Negro club life began in this city when the present Utopia Club was opened on St. James in 1897 between Roy Lane and Little St. Antoine street. The club at that time was known as Recreation Key Club. In 1911 rooms were secured at 22 St. Antoine followed by the taking of the present location the following year. The increasing number of Negros taking up residence gave rise to the opening of the Standard Club in 1914 (80 St. Antoine) until 1919 when it moved to St. Antoine and Desrivieres. While these clubs are outwardly "for members only," as signs on the door attest, the patronage is not so exclusive. Members are allowed to introduce their friends as guests. These guests in time become regular patrons and eventually full members. A special set of rings upon the bells cause the men in charge upstairs to release the electric control allowing admittance to members.
These clubs are the hang outs of the riff-raff from the Negro population in this city. Although they began with the purpose of giving the man with a large amount of spare time recreation, they have gone beyond pure recreation. The group who are the regular patrons are those who make a profession of preying on their ignorant brothers.
Gambling in its various forms is the accepted practice here. The thrill and excitement of winning at billiards and pool is heightened by thoughts of the possibilities of wining the bet. Refreshments of beer serve as an added attraction and is available at all hours. In times of election 'the Niggers are all fixed up through the clubs.'
Occasional police entrance, in which the premises have been raided for the illegal sale of liquor and gambling have taken place. One one such occasion upon the entrance of the detectives into the room the lights were switched off and the officers of the law fired upon. With the threat of shooting to kill, the lights were turned on and the raid was conducted without any further interruptions.
These clubs are the hang outs of the riff-raff from the Negro population in this city. Although they began with the purpose of giving the man with a large amount of spare time recreation, they have gone beyond pure recreation. The group who are the regular patrons are those who make a profession of preying on their ignorant brothers.
Gambling in its various forms is the accepted practice here. The thrill and excitement of winning at billiards and pool is heightened by thoughts of the possibilities of wining the bet. Refreshments of beer serve as an added attraction and is available at all hours. In times of election 'the Niggers are all fixed up through the clubs.'
Occasional police entrance, in which the premises have been raided for the illegal sale of liquor and gambling have taken place. One one such occasion upon the entrance of the detectives into the room the lights were switched off and the officers of the law fired upon. With the threat of shooting to kill, the lights were turned on and the raid was conducted without any further interruptions.
The question is being constantly asked by both Negros and the whites in this St. Antoine district: 'why does the police allow these clubs to operate?'
The Montreal Negro has two distinct attitudes towards the clubs. One group sees the race judged by the behaviors of this minority group, and, as a solution, 'would burn St. Antoine St. from Windsor to Mountain.'"*
I appears that the mission - 85 years later - will finally be complete as the buildings have come to their end and all of the musicians that have found it to be such a valuable resource have been ordered to remove all their equipment and vacate the premises.
*p. 186 MA McGill thesis The Montreal Negro Community by Wilfrid Emmerson Israel Sept. 1928
The Montreal Negro has two distinct attitudes towards the clubs. One group sees the race judged by the behaviors of this minority group, and, as a solution, 'would burn St. Antoine St. from Windsor to Mountain.'"*
I appears that the mission - 85 years later - will finally be complete as the buildings have come to their end and all of the musicians that have found it to be such a valuable resource have been ordered to remove all their equipment and vacate the premises.
*p. 186 MA McGill thesis The Montreal Negro Community by Wilfrid Emmerson Israel Sept. 1928