These are signs from the Golden Leaf Club, a historically prominent, Black-owned jazz club in Flint. It was opened as a club in 1921 as the "Maple Leaf” by Magnus Clark. To work around the prohibition, the club briefly became a barbershop and billiard hall. It became the “Golden Leaf” in 1923 and has since hosted many big-name black musicians. Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, Dizzy Gillespie, and Malcolm X are among the many musicians who made a presence at The Golden Leaf. The community hub is still present today and is owned by Lottie Reid.
The second sign is the more recent repainting of the main sign. I included this for reference to what the original sign may have looked like at one time. I was unable to get in contact with Lottie Reid to find out who painted the original sign. As it was a hand-painted sign for an originally small establishment in the early 20th century, it could very likely have been the original owner, Magnus Clark.
The signage is simple, but there is something appealing about it nonetheless. This is really the only impression that a passerby gets when they see the building, and it holds great power. Just like the community found inside, the simple font on the main sign is warm and inviting. When everywhere else was segregated and made the Black community feel unheard and unseen, this was a refuge and a community hub. It was not only more accessible to audiences but also to musicians. Club owners would avoid hiring Black bands and performers because they were also trying to avoid attracting Black and mixed-race crowds. Between this factor and proximity to the expressway, the community built around the club was truly incredible. It is a testament to the way that Flint’s African American community came together in a positive way during this difficult period of history to support one another. The Golden Leaf even held elections to honor a member of the community, and, in celebration, they would hold a parade. It seems an even greater testament to the power of the community formed here that they still perform music here. Other clubs that existed at that time cannot say the same now. It has not lost its value after all this time.
There is also another sign on the building now that also advertises The Golden Leaf’s legacy; however, I am unsure how old it is. Regardless of signage, the building gives these simple antique designs their meaning, and I hope that this posting sheds a little more light on the topic.
