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Famous Armory now a landmark

by Joan Shepard

The 369th Regiment Armory, which served as the home of the Harlem Hell Fighters, the famous all-black combat unit during World War I, was officially dedicated as a New York City landmark over the weekend.

The ceremony at the Armory, at 142nd St. and Fifth Ave., was attended by Mayor Koch; Gene Norman, the chairman of the Landmarks Preservation Commission; and community leaders and regiment members.

"The significance of this building," Norman said, "is it's not just architectural but also historical and cultural. Historically, it is the home of the famous black combat unit of World War I."

"these men gave a lot to their country when their country wasn't giving much to them," Norman said. The Armory, he added, is "also a place for black leadership to grow" because of its use by the National Guard.

The dedication ceremony was organized by the 369th Veterans' Association. The Armory is also used for local social and sports functions.

Norman said that he felt, the landmarking and formal dedication of the Armory would help bring it attention from people outside of Harlem. He noted that despite a movie about the combat unit, "Men of Bronze," made in 1977 and shown on TV, many people are still unaware of the feats of the Harlem Hell Fighters.

The Armory was constructed in two sections. The Drill Shed was designed by Tachau and Vought in 1920 and the Administration Building in 1930 by Van Wart and Wein. The building combines both Medieval design forms and Art Deco elements.

The 369th Regimen began in 1916, when more than 100 members of the Lenox Community Center in Harlem said that they wanted to join the military. But it took the approval of the State Legislature for the formation of what was then called, "The Colored Regiment." Two West Point graduates, Major Charles Young and Captain Benjamin Davis, were appointed as its commanding officers.

The regiment had 12 companies including a machine gun unit and a band. One band leader was the late Noble Sissle, already a start pianist and composer. The band became popular in Europe after the men left the battle field.

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The 369th Regiment Armory, located at 142nd St. and Fifth Ave. has been declared as a New York City Landmark.