No secret I am a fan of Motown music just like a lot of folks in my age bracket are. That’s why I was immediately interested when Julie Ellis, public relations manager for Visit Myrtle Beach, told me about Charlie’s Place. Considering this is African-American History Month, the timing was perfect to learn some history of Myrtle Beach that I knew absolutely nothing about.
Ellis explained that Charlie’s Place was a Myrtle Beach nightspot for about 30 years until the early 1960’s owned by Charles and Sarah Fitzgerald located a few blocks off the main ocean boulevard.
The Fitzgeralds opened their supper club on Carver Street where they lived in 1937 and had a small hotel next to the nightspot that served black entertainers and travelers who could not stay in whites-only hotels at the time.
Ellis informed me the spot attracted premier performers such as Little Richard, Billie Holiday, Otis Redding, The Drifters, Duke Ellington and others in the days before integration. It was part of the “Chitlin’ Circuit” — nightclubs where black entertainers performed. However, the social scene there was one where both races interacted and enjoyed music and dancing.
Many believe this is where the “Shag” — a form of Southern swing dancing — originated. Some call it the “Carolina Shag” and believe it started on Ocean Drive in North Myrtle Beach.
Here is what is posted on a historical marker at the site where the city is restoring Charlie’s Place:
“Both white and black customers gathered here to listen to music and dance. In 1950 the Ku Klux Klan led a parade through ‘The Hill,’ the African-American neighborhood where Charlie’s Place was located. The Klan returned later and shots were fired into the club injuring many. Charlie was severely beaten but survived. Some Klansmen were charged but no one was prosecuted.”
Myrtle Beach officials want to preserve this piece of history and bought the land. When completed, the city seeks to restore the economic contribution the club made to the community.
Ellis said the Fitzgerald’s house will be used as a community center and event space. The first four motel units were also renovated and eight additional units built. Ellis said the plan is to have a small museum to showcase the era and other units will be used for small retail shops or community classes.
Workers let us look around Thursday as they were putting some finishing touches in place. You can schedule a free tour — spots are limited due to COVID-19 — by calling Alfreda Funnye at 843-918-1056 or emailing her at afunnye@cityofmyrtlebeach.com.
So next time you visit Myrtle Beach, consider a visit to Charlie’s Place to see a piece of history I never knew was here until this week.
