History
The Club was owned by four DeLisa brothers, they were of Italian descent. The Club DeLisa was legally established in 1934-1958, before 1934, the club operated as a speakeasy on the Chicago’s Southside. The DeLisa brothers operated an illegal establishment during the prohibition. The illegitimately selling of alcoholic beverages, cock-tailed with gambling and in most cases prostitution, created the birth of “rum-running and organized crime.”
It is not known how long the club operated before the passing of the 18th amendment. http://www.government-and-constitution.org/amendments/18th-amendment.htm The documented history of the Club DeLisa began in 1934, one year after the 18th amendment was passed. “In 1941, the original building burned down and was immediately replaced with the New Club DeLisa.” (DeLisa)http://clubdelisa.net/home/about-us/
LGBT Community
Club DeLisa was one of the first nightspots in Chicago that catered to a diversified audience, including the LGBTs community. (Cabello) http://www.windycitymediagroup.com/lgbt/Queer-Bronzeville-African-American-LGBTs-on-Chicagos-South-Side-1900-1985/36389.html
Articles: Queer Bronzeville: African American LGBTs on Chicago’s South Side, 1900-1985
Queer Bronzeville
http://outhistory.org/exhibits/show/queer-bronzeville
“DeLisa was known as a “Black and Tan” establishment, they provided nightly entertainment in an array of show presentations that highlighted and featured jazz, blues, soul music, dancers, comedians, the DeLisa Chorines, and Red Saunders and his band.” (DeLisa) http://clubdelisa.net/home/about-us/ This hot spot was located on Garfield Boulevard at 55th and State Street on Chicago’s Southside. The personal collection of Elnorah Huff-Williamson features autographed photographs of local Chicago artists and famous entertainers. Fats Domino, Bill Doggett, a blackface act and, Bobby Blue Bland, amongst others, are featured in the collection.
The Club DeLisa, Chicago, n.d
Club DeLisa Chorines, Chicago 1950’s
Location
Old Club DeLisa was located~5512-16 S. State Street before the fire- (1933-1941)
The “New” Club DeLisa was located~5521 S. State Street- (1941-1958)
Red Saunders and His Band
Red Saunders and his Band were the house band for Club DeLisa for more than 21 years.
Taken at the New Club DeLisa, Unknown group, n.d.
The Personal Collection of Elnorah Huff-Williamson 
A fantastic Blog. It’s amazing how you saved such a collection from who knows what. Great job!
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My mother performed as a Dancer at the club DeLisa I am curious if she is in your archive? Is their away to research are these all of your photos… lovely
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Hi Marlies, what was your mothers name? As my research continues, I have learned that many of the dancers performed at various revues/clubs all over the nation. The Club DeLisa and Roberts Show Lounge/club were only a few locations out of these popular night spots. I have more pictures, but of course no names and dates.
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How did you find the Collection? I was told by family historians that my grandmother was the clubs photographer Clara Mae Olive. I was tying to find her work
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Hi Duane, I’m an archivist, I acquired this collection about ten years ago. I would love to set up a time to interview you.
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My name is DeLisa C Branch-Nealy, I was always told I was named after a Soap Opera Star in the sixties on as the world turns “Lisa” and since my sister’s names are Deborah and Denise the put De in front of Lisa. Over time I came in the procession of a Family photo of my Grandmother and Aunt and Uncle and others in a Nightclub on the back it was written where this photo was taken and the year and who was in the photo. I says “Club Delisa Chgo” 1953 underlined twice. I was born exactly 10 years later I know I was named with this club in mind. Please e-mail me. There are NO accidents. I am also on the brink of a big historical project in the Sf Bay Area where I live now. I would love to speak to you!
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When growing up in Chicago, my family lived two houses from Mrs. Norena DeLisa, the widow of one of the DeLisa brothers. If memory serves, I believed she moved to west 63rd Street in or around 1960.
She was a very friendly and kind lady, just a great neighbor. She spoke a little about the Club DeLisa, but not too much to me, since I was about 12 years old.
Do you have any info about Mrs. N. DeLisa? Which brother to whom was she married? Did she have any part in the operation of the club. When did she pass away?
Bill W.
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My mother was a Club Delisa dancer. Her name was Marjorie Gibson. She went on tour with Nat King Cole and I believe she said she was Dorothy Dandridge’s roommate. Would like to find some pics of her.
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Hi Lucille, thank you for visiting the Elnorah Huff-Williamson collection. We would love to talk with you more about your mother and how her journey has placed her in one of the most pioneering times in American history. The Chicago Black Renaissance.
Do you have any pictures of your mother during her dance career or know of any dancers she worked with including Dorothy Dandridge?
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