Businesses

The Booming Businesses of Shake Rag and Jonesville

The Jonesville and Shake Rag communities hosted multiple thriving businesses in a variety of industries—hotels, schools, barbershops, libraries, shops, restaurants, and night clubs. Shake Rag possessed an especially lively nightlife with dancing clubs being extremely popular hangouts in the evening. While there was a vivacious nightlife and culture that grew from the night clubs, music, and restaurants, these communities also housed professional entrepreneurs who were starting their own small businesses.

The Southern Queen Hotel was one of the prosperous and popular businesses in Shake Rag. Built in 1906 by James Covington, it served black travelers who were unable to stay in white hotels. Established in 1925, Nancy’s Tea Room was a popular restaurant serving home cooked meals.