Ken Ten Tavern aka “The Corner Bar” (1979–2014) 32 N. Chester Street

Donald Gibson purchased this property in 1979[1] and it became the Ken Ten Tavern, or just “the corner bar.” The corner bar became a hangout for area American Indian workers. By the time it opened, the community had largely moved “up the hill,” having been displaced from “the reservation” by Urban Renewal in the early 1970s.

Ken Ten participated in a pool league. Many American Indian people played and won, representing the tavern. Because the corner bar was located directly across the street from Baltimore City Public School #27, traditionally one of the schools most highly populated by Indian students, many parents would have their children meet them at the bar to go home together at the end of the school day. Ken Ten Tavern, arguably Baltimore’s last Indian bar, was sold in 2014.[2] In short order, it was transformed into a succession of high-end eateries / wine-tasting establishments.

1. Baltimore City Superior Court (Land Records) WA 3800, p. 0900, MSA_CE168_14120. Date available 12/21/2009. Date printed 08/08/2019.

2. Baltimore City Circuit Court (Land Records) FMC 16185, p. 0428, MSA_CE164_25340. Date available 04/30/2014. Date printed 08/08/2019.