Harold L. "Beaver" Holley Sr., a retired city Department of Recreation and Parks worker and habitue of Pennsylvania Avenue nightclubs who was known for his stylish dress and hats, died Tuesday of complications from a stroke at Levindale Hebrew Geriatric Center & Hospital. He was 77.
Mr. Holley, who lived in downtown Baltimore, retired from the city department in 1987 after more than 30 years as a maintenance worker.
Born and raised near the old Richmond Market, now part of Maryland General Hospital, Mr. Holley was the son of a Baltimore & Ohio railroader. Growing up across the street from the Knotty Pine nightclub in the 900 block of Park Ave., Mr. Holley became an accomplished street dancer, tap-dancing to the music that emanated from the club, family members said.
After graduating from Frederick Douglass High School, he enlisted in the Army during World War II. After being discharged, he returned to Baltimore and was employed as an elevator operator at the old Stewart's department store on Howard Street.
Mr. Holley was called "Beaver" because of the fine beaver hats he collected and wore. He was an easily recognized fixture during the heyday of Pennsylvania Avenue's nightlife during the 1940s and 1950s.
"He'd get dressed up and parade up and down The Avenue. He used to go to the Royal Theater, Alhambra, Club Casino and Knotty Pine when they were flourishing," said Barbara Christian, a niece in Baltimore. "His suits were finely tailored, as were his silk shirts and ties. In addition to his beaver hats, he wore cashmere overcoats and had his shoes shined daily."
An avid pool player, Mr. Holley would often carry a cue stick as he walked Pennsylvania Avenue.
"There were many pool halls on Pennsylvania and Linden avenues, and youngsters coming up during the 1970s and 1980s tried to beat him but couldn't," the niece said, adding that her uncle was soft-spoken and had a great sense of humor.
He was married nearly 30 years to Mary Lou Proctor, who died in the early 1980s.
Services will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Garrison Forest Veterans Cemetery, 11501 Garrison Forest Road, Owings Mills.
Mr. Holley is also survived by two sons, Harold L. Holley Jr. of Baltimore and Gary Proctor of San Diego, and a nephew.