rent parties

RENT PARTIESBY MRS. DYMANT AND MRS. GILDEN’SFIRST GRADE CLASSCelebrating Black History Month

1. In the early 1900’s, many African-Americans living in the south moved to the north looking for more freedom and work.

Andrei

2. Many of these African-Americans moved to a section of New York City called Harlem. This area had many new buildings called Brownstones.

Maroula

3. Many artists, writers, musicians and political thinkers moved to Harlem and were able to freely express themselves. This became known as the Harlem Renaissance.

Brianna

4. White owners would charge extra for Blacks to rent from them-- sometimes double or triple the usual rent. Many African- Americans felt it was worth it to be in a community of their own.

Phyllis

5. However, most people living in Harlem at the time did not make a lot of money. To help pay the high rents, many people rented out rooms or shared apartments with other families.

Matthew

6. It was still hard to meet the very high rents. Someone had the idea of having a few friends in as paying party guests. As this idea became popular, the “Rent Party” was born.

Jaela

7. The money made at these parties would be used to pay the rent or other bills. If you were late with the rent by even one day, the landlord would put you out on the street.

Rafa

8. Rent parties included lots of music. Since Blacks were not allowed into the many jazz clubs in Harlem, these parties became even more popular.

Henry

9. Here is how it worked: To get ready for a rent party, the hosts would clear all furniture from the front rooms of the apartment.

Colin

10. A piano was a must. Bright colored light bulbs would be put in and folding chairs rented.

David

11. Food was also sold at rent parties. This would include fried chicken or fish, gumbo, chili, collard greens, potato salad, and sweet potato pone for dessert.

Samir

12. Now it was time to get the word out about the party. Tickets were often made and passed out. Getting lots of people to come was very important.

Ross

13. Here is a typical ticket. Instead of calling it a rent party on the tickets, the words “Tea Cup Party” or “Social Whist Party” were used.

Carson

14. These rent parties became a favorite social event for “Harlemites.” People had lots of fun and were able to help out a friend for very little cost.

Katie

15. Many of Harlem’s jazz musicians would often attend rent parties and perform. Fats Waller and Louis Armstrong played at many rent parties.

Aubrey

16. Many piano players would compete with one another in “cutting contests” to see who was the most talented.

Savannah

17. By playing at rent parties, many musicians became well known. Rent parties also played an important role in the growth of jazz and blues.

George

18. Dozens of people would crowd into small apartments to listen to music and dance. Because of the small spaces, the term “shin-dig” was used to describe these parties because dancers would get kicked in the shin while dancing.

Pat

19. Many songs were written about the rent party. Fats Waller wrote the song This Joint is Jumpin’ which is about being at a rent party. In the song he sings the words: “Be sure to pay your quarter at the door.”

George

20. While the rent party was an important survival tool for many Harlemites, it was also a social event that drew the people of Harlem together.

Jenny

Resources

Encyclopedia of the Harlem Renaissance, Sample EntriesFebruary 2, 2010http://www.routledge-ny.com/ref/harlem/parties.html