Ellis Alley, San Antonio

Located east of I-35 just beyond the Alamodome on Chestnut Street, this section of the city was one of the first to be settled by African-Americans following the Civil War. Today it's primarily a residential neighborhood but this region was once best known for its live entertainment.

The focal point of the district was the Library Auditorium, dating back to 1905 when it was named the Colored Community House, serving as a library for the African-American population of the area. A new building was constructed in 1930 and named the Colored Library Auditorium; it soon grew to host graduations, live concerts, and debutante balls.

During its peak years, Ella Fitzgerald, Duke Ellington, Nat King Cole, Paul Robeson, and many other nationally-known performers performed in what was known as the Library Auditorium. The auditorium became the Carver Library Auditorium in honor of Dr. George Washington Carver.

Following desgregation, use of the auditorium declined and the facility, by then abandoned, was set to be demolished. Local community activist Norva Hill lay in the path of the bulldozers and stopped the destruction of the historic landmark. The facility was saved and Hill was awarded the lease on the facility; she soon organized the Carver Cultural Center Board of Directors to determine the future use of the building.

In 1977, the facility opened as the Carver Cultural Community Center and is today known for its performing arts, art galleries, and diverse performers.

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