Topsy's Roost & Other Incarnations

(1929-1972)

 

Topsys Roost was first opened around 1927 in a small concession at the South end of the esplanade, close to Fulton. In June of 1929, George and Leo Whitney took over the Ocean Beach Pavilion at the North end of the Esplanade. At the time it was still owned by Hotaling Family and being ran as  Hawai'Land.  (There is question to whether the Whitney's were running or had stake in Hawai'land). Leo Whitney had a grand vision for the old Beach Pavilion and it's conversion to Topsy's Roost.

 

"Topsy" was a character in Harriet Beecher Stowe's  book 'Uncle Tom's Cabin.' Known for her 'mischievous and clever' personality, Topsy has a small appearance in the book, but makes a big impact. Stowe uses the Topsy character as an example of life as slave and how that life molds a sad existence.  I don't think Topsy's Roost was created to make Topsy a SAD and sympathetic figure.... I'm going to guess, they wanted to play off her 'Mischievous' characteristics.  Today, we would consider the whole theme to be rather tasteless and verging on some form of racist.  I don't think that was Leo Whitney's intension. I think the theme and his view of playfulness was an acceptable norm of his era. Sad, but true.

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The Interior was decorated with Whimsical Topsy characters and theme 'Chicken Coop' seating areas. Two Slides took patrons from the second floor of coops to the Dance Floor below. A large Bandstand at one end kept the feet tapping and patrons dancing. It's been said they had a 'floating dance floor.' Where the flooring is inset with rockers, making it feel as though you were floating while dancing... Later tenants mostly deny that Topsy or the Edgewater had this Floating Dance Floor, but it is documented in certain texts.

 

Known for it's Fried Chicken and fixin's, Topsy's did offer more than just chicken. While customers ate in their Chicken Coops, they were encouraged to "eat with their hands." This was to add to the whimsy? Either way, I'm sure it saved the Whitney's on Utensil purchases and cleaning...

 

Topsy's Roost was a wildly popular place for dinner, dancing and New Years eve parties. 

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Post World War II, the Topsy theme started to feel OUT OF PLACE... For whatever reason, the Whitney's closed Topsy's in 1946.

 

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Here's a list of all the incarnations of this building  with opening dates, per James R Smith and Mike Winslow:

 

Ocean Beach Pavilion – 1884

3 Turrets Removed – 1915 

Sahara/BAGDAD Clubs – 1919

Hawai'Land – 1927

Topsy’s Roost – 1929

Edgewater Ballroom – 1946

Barnum’s at the Beach – 1952

Surf Club – 1955

Model Car Raceway – 1965

Chet Helms’ Family Dog – 1969

Poor Richards - 1970

Friends & Relations hall – 1971

Blue Bear Waltzes School - 1972

 

 

Topsy Era Music:                        

 

Family Dog: Quicksilver 1969:

 

 

List of Shows for "Family Dog at the Great Highway"

List of shows for "Family Dog" including Great Highway

List of shows for "Winterland"

List of Shows for "Carousel Ballroom" 

List of shows for "Fillmore West"