1920s-1934
115 14th Ave. S.
Described by clarinetist Joe Darensbourg in the late ’20s as “a pretty eleborate after hours joint,” the Blue Rose was in a two-story wooden house at the southeast corner of South Yesler Street and 14th Avenue South and operated by Bill Bowman, who owned other clubs in the neighorhood, though some have reported it was operated by another nighlife entrepreneur of that era, Fred Owens. Oscar Holden played the Blue Rose oftten. In the 1930s, according to pianist Julian Henson, the club was run by “Big Lewis” Richardson, a friend of Count Basie’s, who continued to manage in its subsequent life as the Rocking Chair.
Jackson Street After Hours (print only). No known online links.