Tippin Inn
Berlin, NJ
ToomerFamily.com
Tippin
Inn was more than a bar, it was an establishment. Jim Toomer built one section at a time.
Postcard: Tippin Inn - Rt. 73 and Cushman Ave - Berlin, NJ
(The actual location was Cushman Ave and Cedar Ave, Berlin, NJ)
Brief Story of Jim Toomer's Tippin Inn
In 1946 James Toomer bought land in Berlin, NJ at the corner of Cushman and Cedar Ave. for $100. By 1948, with the help of his brothers , a nephew, and brothers in law, he built Tippin Inn – one stop on the chittlin circuit. At its prime in the 60’s, Tippin Inn headliners included B B King, Big Mabel, Steppin Fetchit, Slappy White, Fats Domino, Ike and Tina Turner. and many others. Patti LaBelle even mentions Tippin Inn in her book as one of the venues that she played.
Tippin Inn was more than a bar, it was an
establishment. Jim Toomer built one section at a time.
First he built the bar, known for its large horseshoe shape.
Some say that it seemed to take up the entire interior.
Then the chicken shack was added where dinners and candy were
sold. Next the apartments
were added culminating with the grand showroom.
Many people in the Delaware Valley and beyond remember putting on
their Sunday Best and going to dance and see shows at Jim Toomer’s
large showroom. There was
entertainment on the interior and exterior. There were barbeques, birthday parties and believe it or not
even a St. Patricks day celebration.
Everyone has a Tippin Inn story or two to tell.
All rave about the daughters and their beautiful dresses with
flowers in their hair. Many
of the Toomer Boomer’s tell stories of sneaking up to Tippin Inn and
peaking thru the windows to see the likes of Stevie Wonder and Little
Richard. Some kids James
would shue away, others he would give candy and promise not to tell.
Some tell of coming to Tippin Inn to party after other
establishments in Philly and Lawnside closed.
Before his death, in 1975, James was said to be a very wealthy man.
Written by Shamele C. Jordon
ToomerFamily.com, Toomer Berlin, NJ, family historian: Floyd M. Riley webmaster: Shamele Jordon,
© 1999-2006 All Rights Reserved.
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