Groups work together to save Imperial Hotel

THOMASVILLE — Groups in Thomasville, intent upon preserving an element of the city’s history, have banded together in an effort to preserve and restore the Imperial Hotel as a historic landmark.

Because of racial segregation, the Imperial Hotel, located at 738 W. Jackson St., was the hotel that African-American bands and musicians stayed in during the late 1940s, ’50s and ’60s. They played the so-called “Chitlin’ Circuit” at various black venues throughout the south, including locations in Thomasville.

An announcement regarding the purchase of the historic Imperial was made at the city of Thomasville’s celebration of Black History Month, which was held at the Thomasville Park and Amphitheater.

The announcement represents the fruition of a long-term strategy to secure a downtown location as recommended in the 2012 Museum Assessment Program review. The location of the Imperial Hotel, supporters say, makes it an ideal site for a downtown satellite museum. Its Jackson Street address signals to tourists and visitors the importance the Thomasville community places on historic preservation, revitalization and maintenance of its downtown area.

Community members have repeatedly expressed their concern for the stabilization of the historic landmark. However, it was the initiative of museum board member Don Sims, who was able to secure a commitment from the owner to finally sell the property. Understanding the importance of the building will help tell the full and inclusive story of Thomasville’s heritage.

The Thomasville Landmarks Board of Directors voted unanimously to issue a 50 percent challenge grant toward purchase of the Imperial. The board’s challenge has been matched in full by the Williams Family Foundation of Georgia.

Mary Lawrence Lang, director of Thomasville Landmarks. said during the Black History program that getting the Imperial Hotel back under local control is just the first step in saving this important piece of the city’s history. Immediate action is needed to stabilize the building from further deterioration even before renovation efforts can begin. The museum will partner with Thomasville Landmarks throughout the renovation of the hotel.

This site is significant because of the history it represents. It was built by African Americans in 1949. After learning the brick masonry trade from their father, Charles Joseph Lewis Sr., the Lewis brothers — George Edward, Charles Joseph Jr., Marshall Merritt, and twins Alfred and Alvon Lewis — completed the masonry work on the hotel. The hotel opened in 1949 and was operated until 1969 by Harvey and Dorothy Lewis Thompson.

The Imperial Hotel is the only known black hotel in Thomasville’s history. Until the end of segregation, African-American’s could not stay in public hotels. Over the years, local residents have recalled that when entertainers such as the King Perry Band, B.B. King, The Five Blind Boys of Mississippi, Earl Bostic, Bells of Joy, Rosetta Thorpe and Marie Knight all came to Thomasville, they stayed at the Imperial.

The late Curtis T. Thomas was the last business owner who worked out of the downstairs room of the hotel. Thomas passed away in 2001, and his family sold the property. It has since sat vacant.

The museum is happy to announce the launch of the Save the Imperial Hotel initiative. Contributions to “Save The Imperial Hotel” can be made through the Jack Hadley Black History Museum’s website, www.jackhadleyblackhistorymuseum.com, or through Thomasville Landmarks’ website, www.thomasvillelandmarks.org.

For more information, contact the Jack Hadley Black History Museum at (229) 226-5029 or Thomasville Landmarks at (229) 226- 6016.