Celebrating Community
Butte featured numerous saloons and night clubs—at its height there were over 206 saloons in the bustling city. These businesses were the pinnacle for social entertainments, but only a select few welcomed African American patrons.
The Silver Dollar Saloon, located at 133 South Main Street, was one of those places. Built in 1894, the saloon opened its doors at the start of the 20th century as one of Butte’s famous Black bars. Live music and great drinks were the highpoint of the establishment, offering the African American community a comfortable and safe space to socialize. During Prohibition it functioned as a “soft drink and cigar shop” but is believed to also have been a speakeasy.
Although little is known about the Missouri Club on Mercury Street, residents remember it fondly. Owned by Abe and Ethel Warwick, an African American couple, the club was patronized by members of all races.
The Silver City Club was built in the 1890s at 235 S. Main as a two-story carriage shop. Frank Yamer converted the property on the northwest corner of Silver and Main Street to a club in 1917. A prominent African American businessman, Yamer established a venue that was wildly popular and served as a night club, dance hall, saloon, pool hall, and card room. Live music was the highlight of the space, and balls were hosted on special occasions.
Isaac “Ike” Hayes was an influential and well-respected businessman who operated a saloon, pool room, and athletic club. He was known for his title as the heavyweight champion of Montana and was referred to as “a magnificent specimen of the modern gladiator.” He fought in nonsegregated matches and often mentored and trained other boxers.
Robert C. Logan became Butte’s most famous African American singer. He was sold into slavery at the age of one and left his native Kentucky in 1874 to find his fortune in the west. He arrived in Butte in 1890. While working as a porter, Robert took singing lessons and in 1899 he joined a Black minstrel group, the Georgia Minstrels. The group toured 40 states and overseas. Logan returned to Butte in 1905 and worked as a janitor at the Miner’s Saving Bank until retiring in 1935. He also continued to sing in church choirs and at public events.
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