John T. Gibson facts for kids
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John Trusty Gibson (born February 4, 1878 – died June 17, 1937) was an important African-American businessman, theatre producer, and real estate investor. He helped create the entertainment scene for black artists in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In the 1920s, he became the wealthiest African-American in Philadelphia. This was mainly because he owned two famous theatres, the Standard and Dunbar. He also managed many popular African-American vaudeville shows and musical groups. In 1922, he was even named the vice president of a big vaudeville group called the Managers and Performers circuit.
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Who Was John T. Gibson?
John Trusty Gibson was born in Baltimore on February 4, 1878. His parents were George Henry and Elizabeth Johns Gibson. People often called him "Little Giant" because of his big impact. He went to Morgan College Preparatory School and later received an honorary degree from the school in 1928.
In 1899, Gibson moved to Philadelphia. He started with different jobs, like selling meat and fixing chairs. But his real passion was entertainment. In 1910, he joined Samuel Reading as a partner in a movie and vaudeville theatre called The North Pole. Even though this theatre didn't do well, Gibson believed in himself. He bought out Reading's share for $800 and kept going. He married Ella on September 15, 1914.
How Did Gibson Become a Theatre Pioneer?
John T. Gibson made a big splash in the theatre world in July 1914. He bought the Standard Theatre on South Street. This theatre quickly became very successful! Gibson brought in amazing performers like singers Bessie Smith and Ethel Waters. He also featured dance groups like Erma C. Miller's "Brown Skinned Models," who were known as the "Black Rockettes." Famous jazz bands led by legends like Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington also played there.
Gibson's success grew even more in 1921 when he bought the Dunbar theatre. He paid $420,000 for it, which was a huge amount of money back then! This purchase made him the wealthiest black man in Philadelphia during the 1920s.
What Else Did John T. Gibson Own?
Besides his theatres, John T. Gibson also invested a lot in real estate. He bought a large estate in Whitemarsh, right next to the famous John Wanamaker Estate. He also owned a home in West Philadelphia. To show his success, he had a fancy red Pierce Arrow car with his own driver!
In 1922, a well-known magazine called Billboard announced that Gibson had been chosen as the vice president of the Managers and Performers vaudeville circuit. This showed how important he was in the entertainment business.
What Happened to Gibson's Empire?
Even with all his wealth and success, John T. Gibson faced tough times. The Great Depression, which started in the late 1920s, hit him very hard. He was forced to sell both the Standard and Dunbar theatres. These theatres later became movie cinemas. The Depression left him with very little money in his final years. John T. Gibson passed away on June 17, 1937.
