Winter/08 The Downtown District
Merchant Guide of Memphis
The Downtown District
Merchant Guide of Memphis
The Downtown District
Merchant Guide of Memphis
The Downtown District
Merchant Guide of Memphis
Man of Faith in this issue
From The
Publisher’s Desk In this issue we explore the faith of Dr. Martin Luther King and his motivations leading to his life of service and sacrifice. Downtown Memphis is home to one of the most significant tributes to the Civil Rights Movement. The National Civil Rights Museum has over 200,000 visitors a year. Presidents, NBA stars, politicians, and downtown tourists and residents are all moved by the displays and presentations. It is a must-see for all. We also introduce you to two little known treasures in Downtown that you will want to take special advantage of during this season. The first is the Slave Haven Museum. A local home has been identified as being a part of the Underground Railroad and is now a museum right here in Downtown. In the divided South some Memphians literally helped their neighbors’ slaves escape to the North. The second is Hattiloo Theatre, which is presenting a play about Frederick Douglass, “The Starry Road to Freedom”. There is a continual feast of interesting plays at Hattiloo year round. We are winding down our Best of Downtown Survey. We invite you to tell us who has the best burger, best museum and an assortment of other categories, so we can recognize who YOU, the Downtown Memphis visitor and resident, think are the Best. Be sure to note our merchants with the little heart next to their ad. Each would make a perfect spot to pick out that special Valentine’s gift for him or her.
Go Tigers!
M. Glenn Roseberry, Jr. Publisher
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table of contents | 3 visit us online at www.themerchantguide.com
MLK photos courtesy of Mississippi Valley Collection, The University of Memphis Libraries.
We Hold These Truths To Be... | p4
For a great after -theater treat (or sweets for your sweet!)
Sacred and self evident: the faith behind Dr. King’s message, faith and sacrifice.
Smoker Friendly? | p6 Explore cigar smoking downtown.
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Merchant Map | p16 Find all the merchants in the guide with this easy-to-read map.
The Downtown District
Relaxation Delivered | p23
t Merchan Guide
Massage On The Go takes massage on the road.
of Memphis
Celebration of Courage | p24
Hattiloo Theatre presents “The Starry Road to Freedom”.
Slave Haven: History Revealed | p25 The Hidden Downtown District
t Merchan Guide
Catch a glimpse of the past at this antebellum home.
Downtown Memphis Museums & Attractions | p26
of Memphis
Take advantage of one of downtown’s many cultural venues.
Publisher M. Glenn Roseberry Jr. glenn@themerchantguide.com
Account Executive
The Downtown District
t Merchan Guide of Memphis
Laura Netten laura@themerchantguide.com
Layout Jada Thompson jada@themerchantguide.com
Consulting Partner Van Roseberry
The Downtown District
t Merchan Guide of Memphis
www.themerchantguide.com
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4 | article
We hold these truths to be... For many people the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. on April 4th, 1968 became the defining moment of the Civil Rights Movement. Being a Civil Rights Activist in the 60’s was a dangerous proposition. Groups like CORE (Congress of Racial Equality) were venturing into the South to test the civil rights laws that were on the books but being circumvented by Southern states. Known as “The Freedom Rides,” black and white nonviolent protestors left the North on buses bound for New Orleans, periodically exchanging seats with each other. No one ever made it their destination, as they were severely beaten, arrested and even killed. Alabama governor John Patterson offered no apologies, explaining, “When you go somewhere looking for trouble, you usually find it…You just can’t guarantee the safety of a fool.”1 Was Martin Luther King a fool? He certainly lost his life in a cause he never lived to see completely fulfilled. Dr. King did not have to take on this dangerous battle. He grew up in a relatively affluent home with loving parents. His father served as pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church. An excellent student, King left high school at 15 to go straight to college at Moorhead State in Atlanta, graduating with a bachelor degree in sociology. He went on to receive
Martin Luther King Jr. in 1966 a divinity degree from Crozer Theological Seminary and a PhD in Systematic Theology from Boston University. It was Dr. King’s faith that gave direction to his life, speeches and actions. There were two traditions of thought in the African American church at that time. One enabled blacks to “endure hardship, suffer pain, and withstand maladjustment” and the other “to strive to eliminate the sources of the ills they suffer.” King chose the latter, rejecting the notion that Christians should abide this world while awaiting a better one in Heaven. He studied Gandhi and applied his non-violent protest methods with the teachings of Christ. Listeners of King’s early sermons were familiar with one titled, “Loving your Enemies,”2 in which he cited the words from Matthew: “But I say to you love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you and pray for them that continued on page 5
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Celebration
of Courage
starting his own newspaper and bank, speaking five languages, playing concert violin, and being the first African American to be appointed a US Marshal.” According to Wallace, the play’s main purpose is to inspire audiences to create opportunity for themselves, rather than waiting for opportunity to come to them. “There’s no excuse for people not to become what they want to be,” says the actor. “The Starry Road To Freedom” is not Wallace’s first attempt at chronicling famous African Americans’ lives. He has also written one-man shows about Malcolm X and Martin Luther King, Jr., both of which toured nationwide and have a similar message as Wallace’s Douglass portrayal, which is the “transformative power of reading,” as each of these men understood the importance of education.
Phil Darius Wallace as Frederick Douglass In celebration of Black History Month, Hattiloo Theatre, a black repertory, is staging a one-man show about Frederick Douglass, best known for his work as an abolitionist in the 1800’s. The play, “The Starry Road To Freedom”, is written and performed by Phil Darius Wallace. Originally written as a touring school performance, Wallace adapted it to fit the stage. Centered on Douglass’ early years as a free man, it depicts him reflecting on his past and what motivated him to gain his freedom before slavery was abolished. Personally inspired by Douglass’ ambition and courage, Wallace highlights the former slave’s accomplishments: “learning to read and write, becoming legally free,
“The Starry Road To Freedom” premiers onstage at Hattiloo Theatre, 656 Marshall (1 block from Sun Studio), February 8-17; Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm and Sundays at 3pm. For tickets, call 901.525.0009. The show can be booked for schools through Voices of the South. Hattiloo’s upcoming shows: Ballet on Wheels Theater of Dance February 29 - March 2 A ‘collage’ of the company’s repertoire, including classical, contemporary and modern dance pieces set to the backdrop of popular R & B, gospel, and jazz. Topdog/Underdog Susan-Lori Parks: March 14 - 30 Winner of the 2002 Pulitzer Prize. This fable tells the story of Lincoln and Booth; two brothers whose names foretell a lifetime of sibling rivalry and resentment. Haunted by the past, the brothers are forced to confront the shattering reality of their future.
article | 5 continued from page 4 despitefully use you.” King eschewed the definition of this as being a “sentimental love” and preferred to define it as agape or “redemptive goodwill for all men.” He believed that love could transform “an enemy into a friend [because] only by loving them can we know God and experience the beauty of His holiness.” Many in the civil rights movement considered his non-violent ways a foolish endeavor. Dr. King’s sacrificial work exposed our nation’s hypocrisy and indifference by passing laws insuring civil rights for all, but doing nothing to enforce them. Dr. King and those like him walked into the chainsaw of fighting racism to demonstrate to those of us removed from it what a tyranny hate can be. A song I learned in Sunday School in the 60’s informed my feelings on race. I am told it is politically incorrect and outdated. The chorus is simple: “Jesus loves the little children, All the children of the world. Red and yellow, black and white, they are precious in his sight. Jesus loves the little children of the world.” In one of the first drafts of the Constitution the words were, “We hold these truths to be sacred and undeniable, that all men are created equal.”3 It has been said that Ben Franklin changed it to the now familiar “self evident” because all truths can be denied. All it takes is someone to deny it. They obviously did. Dr. King reminds us, however, that the word “sacred” should have remained. - M. Glenn Roseberry Jr. 1 King. “Strength to Love” (New York: Harper & Row, 1963) pp48-50,52,53 2 Clayborne Carson and Peter Holloran, eds. A Knock at Midnight: Inspiration fro m the Great Sermons of Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. (New York: Warner Books, 1998)
Isaacson, Walter. Benjamin Franklin: An American Life (New York: Simon & Schuster, 2004)
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The Downtown District
t Merchan Guide of Memphis
We’ll Guide Customers to Your business You Get Around... with the Guide
• Downtown hotels provide the Merchant Guide to their guests upon check-in.
• The Blue Suede Shoes Brigade passes the Guide out to tourists every day. • Trolley stops have bright yellow dispensers stocked with free Guides. * Residential mailings are sent to 4000 homeowners and renters. • Downtown advertisers provide the Guide at their businesses. • 20,000 magazines are printed and distributed every quarter.
Special Events Distribution
• Included in event orientation packages. • Included in Convention Center Visitor Packets. • Booth distribution at selected events.
Online Exposure
• Your ad is uploaded to our website. • City Center Commission features our link on their website. • Memphis Convention Center Website link recieves 1.9 million hits. • Website assistance and design available.
And it’s Affordable?!
• Listings start at $95.00 and ads at $175.00. • Your ad’s lifetime lasts three months.
Contact us for rates!
Contact Laura Netten at 901.649.3602 or e-mail laura@themerchantguide.com
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Museums & Attractions
Smoker friendly?
Fire Museum of Memphis 118 Adams Avenue 901-320-5650
STAX Museum of American Soul Music 926 E. McLemore 901-946-2535 As part of the legally ostracized class of citizens known as smokers, I would like to share with you where the politically incorrect and ill informed cigar smoker can go to enjoy the pleasures of our vice. There was a time when we could smoke our Cuban cigars, allegedly rolled on the inner thighs of beautiful maidens from the tropics anywhere we pleased. Alas, those days are long gone. First, some silly concerns over the worldwide spread of communism got in the way of our favorite cigar manufacturers. I, for one, no longer smoke Cuban cigars. So if you do see me with a Cohiba Esplanade or Montecristo number 2 in my hands with the words, hecho de Cubano, please be aware. I am not smoking a Cuban cigar. Quite the contrary, I am burning enemy contraband. It is, in fact, my duty as a patriotic American. Think of me as a freedom fighter. Next they told us tobacco was bad for us and finally, as of October 1, 2007 I can only smoke in places that serve persons of 21 age and over. Oh yeah, I can smoke in my own home. At least for now. It may surprise many of you to know that
in 1995 the prestigious Congressional Research Service was highly critical of the EPA’s now infamous SHS (second hand smoke) 93 report’s methods and conclusions. In fact, Judge William Osteen vacated the study in 1998, declaring it null and void after extensively commenting on the shoddy way it was conducted. His decision was 92 pages long. Although Judge Osteen routinely sides with the government on other tobacco related issues, he found conclusively that the report was scientifically invalid. The EPA announced the results of the study before it was finished, ignored all testing that showed second hand smoking to be harmless, and exaggerated and falsified statistical evidence favoring their “93” report. Almost every report you hear about decrying the dangers of secondhand smoke are referencing this study. The proverbial train has left the station. What do laws have to do with the facts anyway? That is just crazy talk. Below find a list of the downtown based Cigar Friendly establishments. My favorite is The Green Beetle owned by Andrew (Drew) Davis. Surrounded by large screen TV’s in my oversized booth indulging on the famous Beetle Burger, while watching the continued on page 14
Delta Axis Power House 45 G.E. Patterson 901-578-5545
WC Handy Museum 352 Beale Street 901-527-3427
Backbeat Tours • Bill Patton 140 Beale St. 866-392-BEAT or 272-2328
Mike’s Memphis Tours www.mikesmemphistours.com 901-481-3877
Hattiloo Theatre 586 Marshall Ave. 529-0009 hattilootheatre.org
Downtown Memphis National Ornamental Metal Museum 374 Metal Museum Drive 901-774-6380
Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum 191 Beale Street 901-205-2533
Belz Museum of Asian & Judaic Art 119 South Main Street 901-523-2787
Sun Studio 706 Union Avenue 901-521-0664
The National Civil Rights Museum 450 Mulberry Street 901-521-9699
Elmwood Cemetery 824 South Dudley Street 901-774-3212
Slave Haven 826 N Second St 901-527-3427
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Looking for a Special Valentine’s Dinner? Follow THIS heart!
Slave Haven:
Hidden History Revealed
Downtown Memphis is full of African American history, from “father of the blues” W.C. Handy’s home on Beale Street to the Lorraine Hotel, home of the National Civil Rights Museum. A more obscure place, shrouded in a bit of folklore, is the Burkle Estate, where the Slave Haven Museum is located. This modest home was built by German immigrant Jacob Burkle, who was believed to house runaway slaves as part of the Underground Railroad. Several generations of Burkles resided in the home from the time it was built in 1856. Helene Philips later occupied the home and she eventually donated the home to the non-profit Slave Haven Museum. In 1991, after research by anthropologist Dr. Otis Johnson Jr., the home received its Tennessee historical marker, although it was not set up as a museum until 1998. The Slave Haven’s close vicinity to the Mississippi River, its once secluded location on the outskirts of downtown,
and several physical evidences in the house indicate it was a stop on the way to freedom up north in the 1800’s. The inside of the home is filled with historical documents and items pertaining to slavery and the Underground Railroad, including newspaper clippings, typical late 19th century décor, and a secret floor hatch leading to the cellar, which would have housed the fugitives. The oral history of the home was passed down through the Burkle generations, according to Elaine Turner, who runs Heritage Tours and manages the museum. To this day urban legend persists that there was an actual tunnel leading from the home to the river, although there has been no archeological evidence found. Regardless of the home’s mysterious history, a visit to the museum reveals a glimpse of the past. Located at 826 N 2nd St, the Slave Haven Museum is open for tours Weds. - Sat. from 10-4 pm.
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eats | 9
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shopping | 21
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Remember your sweetheart when you shop Downtown!
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Looking for a Special Valentine Dinner? Follow THIS heart!
Surprise your sweetheart!
Delphinium A unique boutique full of affordable and trendsetting jewelry, handbags, and other hard to find accessories and gifts. 107 G.E. Patterson Ave. (Located next to the Arcade Restaurant) 901.522.8600 www.delphiniumboutique.com
Muse Inspired Fashions We provide unique fashions for the Funky Diva and Metrosexual Male along with great customer support 517 South Main 52MUSE7 (901.526.8737) www.museinspiredfashion.com
Mode du Jour Styles change, but having style doesn’t. We do the hard part by providing the latest fashion from some of the most creative designers. You get to take what we bring and make it work for your own Mode. What’s your Mode? 509 South Main 901.527.7970 www.modesomain.com
SHOP
Relaxation,
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delivered.
Looking for a way to show your employees that you appreciate them? Try Massage on the Go. The first of its kind in Memphis, Massage on the Go offers mobile chair massages to corporate clients. Founder and owner Samuel Nelson is a Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) and has been in business three years. What began as a full-body massage company soon became the mobile version it is today when Nelson discovered that no other massage service in Memphis offered to bring its services to the corporate client. Nelson has found a necessary niche with businesses because of stress levels related to work, which can lead to all kinds of health problems, including carpal tunnel and sciatica. As Nelson says, “Corporate America needed it!” Massage therapy not only brings instant relief to pain found in the hands, back, and neck, it also is a preventative measure for further health concerns. In addition, massage therapy can calm nerves and relaxes both body and mind. Massage therapy, with its roots in Egypt and China, has been practiced continually since ancient times, and may be the oldest and simplest form of medical care. No longer seen as just a luxury or pampering service, it is part of a growing industry in healthcare. Nelson’s company employs nine LMT’s, who can be found in downtown locations such as Morgan Keegan and City Hall. Nelson offers a free two-hour session in order to help clients decide if they want to offer such an amenity to their employees,
LMT Samuel Nelson gives a chair massage for the back, neck and hands. who only need 20 minutes to know they love it. In the midst of a hectic day serving clients on the phone, Lisa Harmon, who works downtown at Telephone Service and Installation, received a chair massage from Nelson. “It was a refreshing and rejuvenating break from the hustle of my day.” Nelson offers biweekly, monthly and quarterly contracts to businesses and requires only a minimum hour each time. Also unique to his company is his flat rate, only a dollar a minute, with no extra fees that many companies add. If you want to thank your employees with a Valentine’s Day gift or a special bonus on a regular basis, Massage on the Go has the solution for your corporate perks package. Call Samuel at Massage on the Go (901.314.0901) today to make your first appointment and your employees will be thanking you. - Laura Netten
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SOUTH MAIN ST. Ride the Trolley to South Main! Visit historic South Main Street, where the last Friday of every month from 6pm-9pm is Art Trolley Night. Visit one of more than 13 art galleries, dine at one of the historic restaurants or shop any of the eclectic boutiques you’ll find lining South Main.
Just one short trolley ride and all this awaits you!
Then & Again Find gorgeous one-of-a-kind vintage accessories like this knit handbag and sassy faux fur hat.
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is ad h t h t i w
506 South Main 901.521.9846
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services | 19 visit us online at www.themerchantguide.com Memphis Tigers pound another opponent senseless, is one of life’s little pleasures. Especially while smoking a well-made cigar. - M. Glenn Roseberry Jr.
Some of the other downtown locations that provide a cigar friendly environment are: • The Green Beetle • Swig Martini Bar • Alfred’s • Tater Reds • Beale Street Tap Room • Flying Saucer • Hollywood Disco • People’s Billiards • Black Diamond • Silky O’Sullivan’s (patio only).
Freedom fighters Kjeld Petersen and Green Beetle owner Andrew Davis (right) burn enemy contraband.
For more information on the court vacated scientific study promulgated on the unsuspecting public to support the no smoking legislation please see www.davehitt.com/facts/index.html.
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Let’s Get Busy. Professional networking, exclusive to Memphis’ downtown businesses.
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1 The Daily Grind 111 North Main 529-1685 3 Blues City Pastry Shop & Coffee Bar 153 S. Main 576-0010 4 The Peanut Shoppe 24 South Main 525-1115 5 Wang’s China Bistro 113 South Main 523.2066 27 The Happy Mexican 385 S 2nd St 529-9991 28 Cayenne Moon 94 S. Front St. 522-1457 29 Pyramid Wine & Spirits 120 Auction Ste. 101 578-2773 9 Green Beetle Sport Bar 327 S Main St 526-0383 7 Miss Cordelia’s Table 737 Harbor Bend Rd. 526-4772 19 Texas De Brazil 150 Peabody Place 526-7600 20 Quetzal Internet Cafe 668 Union Ave. 521-8388 21 Big Foot Lodge 97 S. Second St. 578-9800 15 Conte’s Italian Restaurant 149 Madison Ave. 526-6837 24 Movie & Pizza Company 110 Harbortown Sq. 527-2233 12 Then & Again 506 South Main 521-9846 22 Delphinium 107 G.E. Patterson 522-8600 25 Gibson Beale St. Showcase 145 Lt. George Lee Ave. 544-7998 26 The Jewelry Market 43 S Main St 522-9624 8 Shelton Clothiers 147 South Main 522-9995 10 Track Couture 119 S Main St. 521-1605 18 Mode du Jour 509 S. Main St. 529-7970 30 A Schwab Dry Goods 163 Beale St. 523-9782 31 Winfield’s 2 S. Main St. 528-2222 33 Muse Inspired Fashion 517 S. Main St. 526-8737 2 Center City Commission 114 North Main 575-0540 5 Telephone Service Installation 113 South Main 859-0131 6 Executive Office Center 119 South Main 312-5500 11 ReMax Realtors 500 South Main 522-9290 13 Kelli Dumas, DDS 50 North Front 526-9111 16 Dr. Fordjour 910 Madison Ave. 526-3988 23 Van Wraps 340 Monroe Ave. 521-SIGN 17 Krosstown Kleaners 1400 Madison Ave. 726-0977 32 Downtown Animal Hospital 347 N. 3rd St. 577.9801 a. Fire Museum of Memphis 118 Adams Avenue c. STAX Museum of American Soul Music 926 E. McLemore e. Delta Axis Power House 45 G.E. Patterson g. WC Handy Museum 352 Beale Street h. National Ornamental Metal Museum/gift shop 374 Metal Museum Drive i. The Belz Museum 119 South Main j. Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum 191 Beale Street k. Sun Studio 706 Union Avenue l. The National Civil Rights Museum 450 Mulberry Street n. Elmwood Cemetery 824 South Dudley Street o. Slave Haven 280 Hernando St. p. Hattiloo Theatre 656 Marshall
attractions
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Gourmet Coffees, Soups, Desserts Coffee & Pastries, Free Wi-Fi Nuts, Dried Fruit, Candy, Gift Packs Chinese Cuisine Mexican Food New Orleans Cuisine Wine & Spirits Deli & Bar Deli & Grocery Grill/Steakhouse Fine Coffees Burgers & American Cuisine Fine Italian Cuisine Pizza & Salads Vintage Accessories, Art Happenings Trendsetting Jewelry & Accessories Banquet Faclities, Music Instruments Jewelry Fine Clothing Furniture & Matresses Clothing & Accessories Souvenirs & Dry Goods Fine Shoes & Accessories Clothing & Accessories City Information Structured Cabling Office Leasing Realty Cosmetic & General Dentistry Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon Advertising Dry Cleaning Veterinary Care 320-5650 942-7685 578-5545 522-1556 774-6380 523-ARTS 205-2533 521-0664 521-9699 774-3212 527-3427 502-3486