Tippin Inn

Tippin Inn was a thriving Black-owned business located in the East Berlin section of Berlin Township for several decades. James Toomer, the proprietor, purchased a small parcel of land for $100 in 1945, which was the first step of many which resulted in him becoming a successful young entrepreneur. 1 , 2 At first glance, Tippin Inn was a tavern, a bar, a beer garden. In truth, it was so much more… it was an establishment which provided numerous services and jobs to the community.

 

Built in phases, the Chicken Shack was the beginning of the dream. Once established, the second phase was the physical construction of the bar and the third phase was the construction of the park and baseball field. 3

 

Tippin Inn, not only served as a hub of entertainment in the community, but it was also quite a popular stop along what was called the ‘chitlin circuit’; a group of venues where popular well-known Black entertainers, singers, and musicians performed during the era of segregation in the United States.

 

Mr. Toomer realized that the inclusion of his family would be essential if he was to succeed in this venture. He and his wife, Mellenese, were the parents of sixteen children and they trained them to be industrious. Mellenese and the older children physically labored on farms throughout South Jersey in order to earn finances to throw into the till. They picked blueberries, tomatoes, green beans, and other fruit throughout the summer months. 4 She also cooked and sold dinners to the community to raise funds. As they matured, they also served as hostesses, cashiers, cooks, bartenders, barmaids, and much more at the establishment.

 

Toomer, himself, was one of sixteen children 5 and he acquired the assistance of several of his brothers as well, to build his business. Charlie assisted with the plumbing and electrical work, Clarence and Robert assisted with the construction, Albert utilized his carpentry skills. Donald, a younger sibling, served as a bartender. 6 It became a family affair as siblings, nieces, nephews and in-laws joined James, Mellenese, and their children in bringing Tippin Inn to life.

 

Tippin Inn, not only served as a hub of entertainment in the community, but it was also quite a popular stop along what was called the ‘chitlin circuit’; a group of venues where popular well- known Black entertainers, singers, and musicians performed during the era of segregation in the United States. The bar was also listed in the Green Book, which was a traveling guide utilized by African-Americans to identify friendly businesses such as hotels, restaurants, parks, service stations, etc. while traveling to various parts of the country.

 

There was a huge neon sign that spelled out the name, ‘Tippin Inn’ which was erected at the intersection of Route 73 and Cushman Avenue. It’s size and irregular shape caught the eye of every driver along the busy highway. After making the turn onto Cushman Avenue, the nightclub was just a short distance away, sitting on the corner of Cushman and Cedar Avenues.

 

Once inside, the tavern sported a large horseshoe bar which nearly spanned the width of the interior. As the business grew, Mr. Toomer strived to book the most popular and well-known entertainers at the nightclub. As a result, the showroom had to be enlarged to hold the huge crowds that gathered. 7 Oftentimes, there were matinee and evening performances of the acts. It has been documented that several hundred individuals could easily enjoy a show quite comfortably. 8 The room also was used to host many birthday parties and dances.

 

Comedians who basked in the spotlights of the stage included Stepin Fetchit, Slappy White and Tim Moore “Kingfish” of Amos and Andy fame. Entertainers included the ‘King of the Blues’; BB King, rhythm & blues artists; Ike & Tina Turner, Patti LaBelle, Big Maybelle, and ‘Mr. Personality’ Lloyd Price along with Etta James, who performed music across the various genres. The musical headliners who drew the largest crowds were singer-pianist, Ray Charles, jazz vocalist, and pianist, Dinah Washington, and pioneer of rock and roll, pianist and songwriter, Fats Domino and his orchestra. 9

 

Many more nationally and local entertainers performing at ‘the Berlin Playhouse’ were regularly listed in the ads of the Philadelphia Tribune Newspaper and SCOOP USA, an entertainment tabloid for African-Americans living in the Delaware Valley. Other entertainers included The Cymbals, the Flamingos, the Midnighters, Dakota Staton, Pinkie Lee, Terrell Sanders, Pat Perkins, Harold ‘Stomp’ Cross, Gabe Bowman, and many more. The club was also promoted by popular Deejays Georgie Woods of WDAS, Kae Williams, Sr. of WHAT, WDAS, & WCAM and Jack Lamar of WCAM who worked in sales and promotion. 10 11

 

Other entertainment provided at the site included an outside picnic area, with tables for patrons as well as a ‘Chicken Shack’ where several types of bar-be-ques, fried chicken, and other soul food dishes were served. There was also a pool hall with three tables for patron use. 12 Busloads of people from Philadelphia and Camden flocked to the location on Sunday afternoons. A ball field was strategically built across the street from the bar. The members of the East Berlin A.C. Baseball team, which was sponsored by Tippin Inn, played other African- American teams on weekends. Toomer’s family members and friends from the community comprised the team roster. 13

 

The heyday of the tavern/nightclub was in the 50’s and 60’s. With the death of James Toomer in 1975, the business was on the decline. Many of the African-American entertainers were now being booked to perform to wider audiences at integrated establishments where they earned higher wages. An attempt to keep the doors open and revive the tavern/nightclub to its former glory was spearheaded by Toomer’s son, Gilbert, Sr.

 

 

Tippin Inn significant milestones: