1355 U St NW
Republic Gardens was part of the heyday of the jazz era, operating as a lounge and restaurant from the 1920s-1950s and hosting the great jazz performers of the day. The sign on the abandoned façade of the building attests to its more recent history as club operating through the 1990s and early 2000s, as part of the resurgence of U St in that period. Explore images from the George Washington University Special Collections to see the past of this now defunct club.
Ad for Snookum Nelson's Troupe performing at Republic Garden's in the 1940s. Courtesy of George Washington Special Collections
Ad for comedian Redd Foxx performing at Republic Garden's, likely in the 1950s. Courtesy of George Washington Special Collections
Photograph courtesy of Dr. Ananya Chakravarti, 2019
Ad for Snookum Nelson's Troupe performing at Republic Garden's in the 1940s. Courtesy of George Washington Special Collections