Washington State’s Black History: Russell ‘Noodles’ Smith
All month long we'll be partnering with The Black Heritage Society of Washington State to bring you artifacts, photos and stories from our community’s history.
Russell ‘Noodles’ Smith and Burr ‘Blackie’ Williams are quickly identified as early co-owners of Seattle’s Black & Tan Club that was a jazz entertainment hub 1922-1966. The BHS archive holds an amazing collection of memorabilia and photos in two albums that gives a glimpse of their lives, acquaintances, escapades, businesses, and friendship.
Smith, a wealthy sportin’ man was well known and liked in many circles. The albums tell us that he appreciated the theater and made friends among the Black directors, actors, and choreographers. He was likely a patron given the numerous photos autographed to “A swell guy” and ”You’re the best”.
There are two photo standouts. One is the cast of Plantation Days, 1923 at the Moore Theatre in Seattle. It’s a wonderful cast photo with the autograph of an important figure in Black theater. On the lower left corner, Lawrence Deas signs his appreciation to Smith. Lawrence Deas was the director, choreographer, and performer of the iconic 1921 musical Shuffle Along. For all that the musical did to propel a magnificent jazz score and outstanding dance, it was still acted in blackface and just as it was to debut on Broadway, Deas was replaced with a white director by the producers. Despite this huge slight and discredit to Deas, it propelled the careers of performers like Josephine Baker, Paul Robeson, and Nate King Cole; it was at the onset of the Harlem Renaissance.
Next is a photo of Ossie Davis with autograph to Smith on his bio inside the playbill of Anna Lucasta, ca. 1946. Ossie Davis met his future wife, Ruby Dee on the set of the acclaimed play. This was the beginning of their illustrious acting careers where they performed to complement one another for the rest of their lives.
The photo albums were donated to BHS in 2001 by Seattle’s Yarbrough Family who were acquainted with Williams.
From the photo albums of Russell ‘Noodles’ Smith and Burr ‘Blackie’ Williams are many photos that tell stories of their friendship, businesses, acquaintances, and escapades.
