Charles Williams
Cincinnati Enquirer, 25 June 1915, page 11
NEWPORT
COMPLAINS OF COLORED DANCE HALL-The City Commissioners in an exchange of hot words yesterday when
Kal Wittstein, a bartender, residing at 218 West Third street, b--ed
complaint against the dance hall conducted by Charles Williams, colored, on
Central avenue, near Southgate street. He said numerous protests have been
made about Williams' place. When Wittstein made his charge Safety
Commissioner Ebert jumped to his feet and denied it. Mayor Helmbold jumped into
the breach and insisted upon order, but Ebert continued to talk and shook his
fist at the Mayor.
Finance Commissioner Medren poured oil on the troubled water and succeeded in restoring order. Wittstein was asked to bring witnesses before the Commissioners to prove his charges. Wittstein stated that the sidewalk in front of Williams's hall was always crowned and that it was practically impossible for citizens to pass the place. Wittstein agreed to bring his witnesses to the next meeting of the Commissioners. Numerous cutting scrapes and several murders have occurred in the lower part of Southgate street.