Our Story
On May 5, 1885, a group of civic-minded African American residents of the village of Mandeville, led by the late Olivia Eunio, created the Dew Drop Social and Benevolent Association. A decade later, the organization laid a cornerstone and, in 1895, constructed a small wooden building on Lamarque Street in what is now Old Mandeville, 3 1/2 blocks from Lake Pontchartrain.
The Association, like many created among African American residents following the end of the Civil War, had chiefly benevolent goals—to care for the sick with food and attention, to provide help in funeral arrangements, to provide food for the needy, and temporary housing—all during a period when black residents could not obtain various types of insurance.
The hall on Lamarque Street, unpainted and nestled in a grove of ancient live oaks, is now considered the world’s oldest virtually unaltered rural jazz dance hall. It was built in the same year that scholars agree was the birth year of traditional jazz in New Orleans.
On May 5, 1885, a group of civic-minded African American residents of the village of Mandeville, led by the late Olivia Eunio, created the Dew Drop Social and Benevolent Association. A decade later, the organization laid a cornerstone and, in 1895, constructed a small wooden building on Lamarque Street in what is now Old Mandeville, 3 1/2 blocks from Lake Pontchartrain.
The Association, like many created among African American residents following the end of the Civil War, had chiefly benevolent goals—to care for the sick with food and attention, to provide help in funeral arrangements, to provide food for the needy, and temporary housing—all during a period when black residents could not obtain various types of insurance.
The hall on Lamarque Street, unpainted and nestled in a grove of ancient live oaks, is now considered the world’s oldest virtually unaltered rural jazz dance hall. It was built in the same year that scholars agree was the birth year of traditional jazz in New Orleans.
UpcomingEvents
Detroit Brooks & Friends, A Tribute to Danny Barker
Guitarist and banjo player Detroit Brooks was born into a New Orleans musical family with deep roots in the Southern gospel traditions. His father, George A. Brooks, performed with the Masonic Kings, his brother Mark is a world-renowned bassist, while his sister Juanita toured extensively with her band, Juanita’s Gospel Express. Detroit came of age playing with his family’s acts, and matured into a consummate musician who can skillfully move through various musical styles: traditional and contemporary jazz, funk, and rhythm and blues. Detroit will be celebrating his mentor, legendary New Orleans musician, & cultural ambassador Danny Barker, whose own contributions to jazz include playing with Louis Armstrong, Cab Calloway, and Billie Holiday. Beyond his extraordinary musicianship, Barker was instrumental in preserving New Orleans’ rich musical heritage, founding the Fairview Baptist Church Brass Band, which nurtured a new generation of jazz talent. Detroit celebrates Danny’s extraordinary life & contributions by assembling a band of musicians who will perform his music as a testament to his profound impact on jazz and New Orleans’ cultural history.
The News
We are honored to have been featured in a few publications over the years. Check out some of those articles!
A century old and going strong: The tiny Dew Drop has hosted a who’s who of Louisiana music
As the choir practiced that Sunday night in November, the sweet sounds flowing from the open doors and windows of the Dew Drop Jazz & Social Hallfloated through the quiet Mandeville night.
Where To Go In Southeast Louisiana (That Isn’t New Orleans) Part One: The Northshore
When many people think of Louisiana, a blurry haze of beads, jazz, laughter, and the strange characters of New Orleans typically come to mind.
New gospel choir shakes the old Dew Drop’s timbers
Hearing the new Northshore Gospel Choir’s debut performance at the Dew Drop Jazz and Social Hall this month felt like going to Sunday morning church on a Saturday night. A listener felt both blessed by the music and compelled to jump up and move, which is what most folks
Dew Drop Jazz and Social Hall
This 19th-century benevolent society and jazz hall was rescued from abandonment to again host live music.