A Tale of Sloane House at W34th Street
On November 24, 1993, Real Estate Weekly had this news blurb: “The YMCA of Greater New York, Inc., has retained Sheldon Good & Company of Chicago and Edward S. Gordon Company, Inc. (ESG) to offer for sale the 14-story, 266,315 square-foot Sloane House YMCA branch al 356 West 34th Street, Manhattan, and an adjoining two-story former city YMCA headquarters building at 422 Ninth Avenue, it was announced.”
Sloane House, once the largest YMCA residence in the United States, was converted into a high-rise a few years later. Few people know the history of this building. It housed thousands, if not millions since it was opened on January 1st of 1930. It was a magnet of drawing young travelers from around the world visiting New York City. It witnessed many events and touched upon many people’s lives. I lived and worked in this building from 1988 to 1990. In these two years I have met many people and experienced many events that shaped my life in America. There were murder, attempted murder, rape, robberies, suicide, betrayal, sex and drugs in the building. It was a reflection of New York City; it was a part of history of New York City. It now quietly stands in the shadow of a few modern high rises around her...
posted by HeZuobin @ 9:04 PM
88 Comments:
I lived at Sloane House from 1985-1989 as a student of the School of Visual Arts. You might say I had the most fun in my life there, despite the very small rooms. That's because you were young,in Manhattan and hanging out with some of the most creative people around.
SVA students had run of the 8th through 10th floors those years. Much of what you said happened, happened including a friend's suicide.
My first experience at Sloan House was in the summer of 1981. I was meeting friends from Germany who had visited me in Tennessee and were on their way back to Germany. My plan was to stay for a few days and see them off on their trip home. As the days passed for my German friends and they were back in the fatherland my magic carpet ride began. What was to be a few days turned into a couple of months. I began to meet people from all over the world and made friends that are still in contact with me after all these years. As I toured Europe I had the wonderful fortune to visit some of these people in there homes in Europe. This began an international exchange in my hometown as well as in Europe and Asia.Over the years up until 1989 (I moved to Germany for seven years) I always stayed at Sloane House where I continued to make foreign friends. I made at least two or three trips to New York City each year thereafter and finally moved to Europe for seven years. I believe that this wonderful experience for me mostly due to the Sloane House YMCA would not have happened if there had not been this great hostel. I am saddened by the news that it has closed and will say that I hope for some miracle to reopen the hostel because with all its sometime weird events it still would be the best place in all of New York City. It was the meeting place for all the world. And having traveled and lived in more than sixty countries since my first stay at Sloane House I still would love to come to New York City and book a room at 34th street in the The Sloane House Y.M.C.A. There are too many stories to tell about the people, places, and things that came from my days at Sloane House I will never forget these wonderful people and how they touched my life, and I can only end this on a note by saying I wish for anyone traveling that they find just a fraction of what Sloane House and the adventure I found there had to offer. Again with SAD feelings I do hope that somehow the hostel reopens even though I know it may never happen..
If by chance anyone reads my comments and remembers me I welcome and hope for renewed contact with you.
Randy,
Let's connect. My email is zuobinpeterhe.1234@yahoo.com
All the best
Hi scanman,
In the early 1950s my father would often rent a room at the Sloan House and I would stay with him over a weekend. He was a long term TB patient at Seton Hospital (also closed down) in the Bronx in the days just before the miracle of antibiotics. I was at the Leake and Watts Children's Home in Yonkers for 6 years (1948-1954), My 2 sisters and I would take the bus and subway down to the YMCA. I remember trying really hard to figure out what YMCA stood for and put together "Yonkers Merchants Calling America" when I was about 9or 10 years old. The Sloan House has some warm memories for me because I got to see my Dad once in a while.
I stayed at Sloane House in November 1987. I stayed on the 9th floor. I remember the corridors were full of students all night playing guitars, smoking, drinking and laughing. Really great atmosphere... It was my first trip to the States and was memorable because of my stay at Sloane House..
I was there In Oct 59 to Feb 1960.
It was affordable and central. It served that period of my life very well.
enclosure superannuated hat this for nothing of indictment of indictment [url=http://www.casinoapart.com]casino[/url] hand-out at the impartial [url=http://www.casinoapart.com]online casino[/url] confidante with 10's of well-versed [url=http://www.casinoapart.com]online casinos[/url]. participation of the mountains [url=http://www.casinoapart.com/articles/play-roulette.html]roulette[/url], [url=http://www.casinoapart.com/articles/play-slots.html]slots[/url] and [url=http://www.casinoapart.com/articles/play-baccarat.html]baccarat[/url] at this [url=http://www.casinoapart.com/articles/no-deposit-casinos.html]no plunk casino[/url] , www.casinoapart.com
the finest [url=http://de.casinoapart.com]casino[/url] pro UK, german and all as a oversupply the world. so on the side of the meridian [url=http://es.casinoapart.com]casino en linea[/url] discontinuity us now.
You could easily be making money online in the undercover world of [URL=http://www.www.blackhatmoneymaker.com]blackhat code[/URL], You are far from alone if you don't know what blackhat is. Blackhat marketing uses not-so-popular or little-understood methods to generate an income online.
Hi,
When ever I surf on web I never forget to visit this website[url=http://www.weightrapidloss.com/lose-10-pounds-in-2-weeks-quick-weight-loss-tips].[/url]Plenty of useful information on lifeatsloanehouse.blogspot.com. Let me tell you one thing guys, some time we really forget to pay attention towards our health. In plain english I must warn you that, you are not serious about your health. Recent Scientific Research shows that closely 80% of all USA grownups are either chubby or overweight[url=http://www.weightrapidloss.com/lose-10-pounds-in-2-weeks-quick-weight-loss-tips].[/url] So if you're one of these citizens, you're not alone. Its true that we all can't be like Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Megan Fox, and have sexy and perfect six pack abs. Now next question is how you can achive quick weight loss? [url=http://www.weightrapidloss.com/lose-10-pounds-in-2-weeks-quick-weight-loss-tips]Quick weight loss[/url] is really not as tough as you think. You need to improve some of you daily habbits to achive weight loss in short span of time.
About me: I am author of [url=http://www.weightrapidloss.com/lose-10-pounds-in-2-weeks-quick-weight-loss-tips]Quick weight loss tips[/url]. I am also health expert who can help you lose weight quickly. If you do not want to go under difficult training program than you may also try [url=http://www.weightrapidloss.com/acai-berry-for-quick-weight-loss]Acai Berry[/url] or [url=http://www.weightrapidloss.com/colon-cleanse-for-weight-loss]Colon Cleansing[/url] for effortless weight loss.
I was there in the fall of 1968.
A 18 yr. old from the suburbs of southern Cal. My first question:
I'm the only heterosexual here?
The answer: Probably! A bit unnerving at first. Soon people came forward, instructed me on the dos and dont's of life there as well as how to navigate NYC. I still have a towel from there.
Yes, a lot of gay guys there. I was hit on every time I used the communal showers on my floor. Was kind of flattering and all you had to do was say, no, thank you. Mid-60s...wonderful place to stay. I'm sorry it's going out of business.
I lived in Sloan 1966-8. As long as I baracaded my door at night, and avoided the showers, things were fine. It seemed there were more keys to my door than just mine. I remember playing ping pong and pool, and the dances in the dance room. Hot summer nights, good friends, and getting my things out of hock each week from the pawn shop just down the street..I lived through it, some didn't...
Am watching alcatraz, am wondering who's rooms are bigger. Maybe ours, but only by a closet...
I lived their for two years but only slept their year 1957 far too many gays
I lived their for two years but only slept their year 1957 far too many gays
Did anyone know that the Sloan House was sometimes called "The French Toilet"? If you used the public showers you could maybe find a "friend". It could be very unplesant. Still,your room seemed safe and if you didn't have much money you could live there cheap. Later, I found the Chealsea Hotel. It was more pleasant. No one tried to fuck around unless you wanted to, and the residents were more intelligent, artistic, if not eccentric.
In the winter of 1983 I had just graduated from law school, and visiting New York for the first time with little money. I paid for a room at Sloane House and one night as I entered the lobby I was stopped by a Finnish girl who told me in broken English with tears in her eyes that she had lost all her money and needed a place to stay for the night until she could make contact with relatives. It was a freezing cold night in January. I decided I could spare the $22 for a room for her plus $5 key deposit. Not willing to just hand her the money in case she intended to use it for drugs, I walked with her to the reception counter paid for a room for her and asked for a room on my floor (a mixed floor) and walked with her to her room and told her my own room number. An hour later she knocked on my door, to thank me, she said, and I invited her in. Being alone in New York I really needed the company myself and the rest was the most unforgettable night of my life. An old lady collected her in the morning, and as the girl handed in her key to the reception and collected the $5 key deposit, she offered it to me, but I thought she might need a $5 note in her pocket, more than I did. I never kept her contact details and I remember only her first name Tuula. She was 19 at the time. That is my Sloane House memory.
I lived at the Sloane House from Oct. 1982 to February 1983. I had just moved from California. There were some interesting moments while I lived there, most of them were amusing. I was living there using a friend's name. He was a student at NYU and was moving into a dorm. He said I should use his name to get the student rate. It was great, until they decided they wanted to issue picture ID's. I decided I did not want an ID with my picture and my friend's name, in case he did something that would have the authorities searching for him. I began looking for other places, and one of the first I checked out was the Hotel Vigilante on 9th Ave around 28th St. This was a "Flop House", it had plywood kennels with chicken wire ceilings and a padlock on the door. I looked else where, and wound up at the Times Square Motor Hotel on 43rd St and 8th Ave. The Sloane House was my first home in New York, and I think about it with a fond memory.
hello!,I really like your writing so so much!
percentage we keep in touch extra approximately your article on
AOL? I need a specialist in this space to unravel my problem.
Maybe that's you! Looking ahead to see you.
my website :: african mango juice
Thank you for the auspicious writeup. It in fact was a amusement account it.
Look advanced to far added agreeable from you! By the way,
how can we communicate?
My website :: http://www.treatheartdiseasehelp.com
I stayed at Sloane House in October '91.
Fresh off the plane from England, New York was the starting point of my American adventure and looking back Sloane House was a perfect place to start.
Experiencing cockroaches for the first time, learning when and when not to use the facilities, and having a most extremely humorous conversation with a 'dwarf' pimp when stood on the sidewalk one evening all added to the experience.
Although only a brief stay after all these years the memory of Sloane House still brings a smile!
order viagra overnight viagra online cheap - generic viagra legal us
order viagra online generic viagra delivered to us' - viagra dosage rates
viagra online without prescription viagra online nhs - viagra for women depression
viagra online without prescription purchase viagra online from us - buy genuine generic viagra
viagra online without prescription buy viagra delhi - buy viagra edmonton
buy soma online generic brand for soma - cheap soma online no prescription
buy soma online soma neighborhood - soma drink
buy soma online buy somatropin online - where to buy soma online overnight
buy soma online soma bras - soma drug test detection time
buy soma online soma bras buy - soma muscle relaxer and pregnancy
soma pharmacy soma watson brand no prescription - soma 5 panel drug test
buy soma soma san diego minus the bear - much does soma cost
tramadol 50 mg tramadol for dogs usa - tramadol hydrochloride 50mg capsules side effects
Hi, order zyban - zyban drug http://www.wellbutrinonlinesale.net/#zyban-drug , [url=http://www.wellbutrinonlinesale.net/#buy-zyban-online ]buy zyban online [/url]
buy tramadol free shipping discount tramadol - tramadol hydrochloride 50 mg get high
buy cialis no prescription generic cialis black 800mg - cheap cialis us
Otc Medicine For Bronchitis ciprofloxacin for sale - cipro cost http://www.cheapcipromed.net/#cipro-cost , [url=http://www.cheapcipromed.net/#buy-ciprofloxacin ]buy ciprofloxacin [/url]
Pain Relief Medications cheap propecia online - propecia online no prescription http://www.propeciahowtosave.net/#propecia-online-no-prescription , [url=http://www.propeciahowtosave.net/#buy-finasteride-no-prescription ]buy finasteride no prescription [/url]
tramadol 50 mg tramadol withdrawal emily post - where to buy tramadol online safely
free ebook pdf catholic http://audiobooksworld.co.uk/es/Hardware/c1214/ free ebook on north american birds [url=http://audiobooksworld.co.uk/Sinner-Paradise-Series-Book-3/p18437/]free ebook isabelle allende[/url] psychology ebook
hidroponic strawberry free ebook http://audiobooksworld.co.uk/Plague-Ship/p10416/ executive summary ebook free [url=http://audiobooksworld.co.uk/fr/Michael-O-Boyle/m88107/]ebook creator psp[/url] winning lottery secrets ebook
[url=http://audiobooksworld.co.uk/de/Little-House-03-Little-House-on-the-Prairie/p10234/][img]http://audiobooksworld.co.uk/image/7.gif[/img][/url]
xanax online xanax and alcohol problems - generic xanax 0.25
buy xanax online overnight buy xanax in thailand - buy generic xanax no prescription
buy tramadol online without a prescription tramadol online canadian pharmacy - buy tramadol online yahoo
generic xanax xanax bars blue - xanax withdrawal bad
generic xanax .5 xanax vs 1mg klonopin - xanax bars narcotic
buy carisoprodol online carisoprodol other drugs in same class - high off carisoprodol
xanax online xanax generic online - generic xanax hilton pharma
buy cialis viagra generic cialis in usa - cialis vs levitra
20000 :) Cheap Gabapentin - gabapentin sale http://www.neurontinonlinecheap.net/#Neurontin-Online, [url=http://www.neurontinonlinecheap.net/#Neurontin-300mg]Generic Gabapentin[/url]
buy klonopin online klonopin side effects pregnancy - klonopin side effects joint pain
buy tramadol buy tramadol line usa - where to buy tramadol online usa
http://www.integrativeonc.org/adminsio/buyklonopinonline/#7163 how many klonopin high - buy clonazepam online india
carisoprodol 350 mg what's carisoprodol high like - buy carisoprodol online us
1, Cheap Maxalt - maxalt for sale http://www.maxaltrxonline.net/, [url=http://www.maxaltrxonline.net/] Maxalt Cost [/url]
I really like reading through a post that will make men and women think.
Also, many thanks for allowing for me to comment!
Check out my weblog josh the tao of badass
Hello, i believe that i saω you visitеd mу weblog so і got hеre to go back the desire?
.I'm trying to to find issues to enhance my website!I assume its good enough to make use of a few of your ideas!!
Also visit my website - htc diet
My webpage :: buy hcg injections
I used to be suggested this web site via my cousin. I'm not sure whether this publish is written by way of him as no one else recognise such certain about my problem. You are amazing! Thank you!
Feel free to visit my web blog :: volumepills
Your own write-up providеs νerified helpful to me.
It’s very helpful anԁ yоu гeally aгe naturally quіte еxperienced іn
this аrea. Үou have eхposed my οωn face
in order tο different thoughtѕ about thiѕ ѕubject togethеr with іntriguing,
notable and ѕtrong content material.
Feеl free to vіsit mу blog Xenical
Have you ever considered writing an ebook or guest authoring on
other websites? I have a blog centered on the same subjects you discuss and would really like
to have you share some stories/information. I know
my readers would enjoy your work. If you're even remotely interested, feel free to shoot me an e-mail.
my web-site; the tao of badass
I love what you guys are usually up too. Such clever work and exposure!
Keep up the very good works guys I've you guys to our blogroll.
Here is my webpage - escamoes.Pt
you are in point of fact a excellent webmaster. The site loading pace is
amazing. It seems that you're doing any distinctive trick. Furthermore, The contents are masterwork. you've done a wonderful task in this topic!
Here is my website ... buy Provillus
My wife would probably think that buying a $500 handbag is important to her.
I found that the number one most recommended natural penis enhancement pill is Vig - RX.
Conversely, alternatives like weights or jelqing means decreasing sensitivity in a man's libido.
Here is my blog :: buy vigrx plus
Hi! This is kind of off topic but I need some advice from
an established blog. Is it very hard to set up your own blog?
I'm not very techincal but I can figure things out pretty quick. I'm thinking about creating my own
but I'm not sure where to begin. Do you have any tips or suggestions? Thanks
my weblog; volume pills review
Howdy very cool site!! Man .. Beautiful ..
Amazing .. I'll bookmark your web site and take the feeds additionally? I am glad to search out a lot of useful info right here within the publish, we'd like work
out extra strategies in this regard, thank you for sharing.
. . . . .
Feel free to visit my blog Http://Revitolproducts.Weebly.Com/Revitol-Dermasis.Html
We're a group of volunteers and opening a new scheme in our community. Your site offered us with valuable information to work on. You have done a formidable job and our entire community will be thankful to you.
Here is my website - provacyl
Your means of describing everything in this post is actually pleasant, all can without
difficulty understand it, Thanks a lot.
Look into my blog post; http://hghenergizer.herbalcurenow.com/articles/increase-your-hgh-levels
Thank you for another fantastic article. Where else
may just anyone get that type of info in such an ideal method
of writing? I've a presentation subsequent week, and I am on the look for such information.
Review my webpage :: stop snoring
This is a topic that's near to my heart... Many thanks! Where are your contact details though?
My website :: buy skin exfoliator
If you wish for to grow your know-how just keep visiting
this web page and be updated with the hottest news
update posted here.
Feel free to surf to my web blog: smoke deter scam
Great beat ! I wish to apprentice while you amend your website, how could i subscribe for a blog site?
The account aided me a acceptable deal. I had been tiny bit acquainted
of this your broadcast provided bright clear idea
Review my web-site: hgh energizer
Woah! I'm really digging the template/theme of this blog. It's simple, yet effective.
A lot of times it's hard to get that "perfect balance" between usability and visual appearance. I must say you have done a awesome job with this. Also, the blog loads super fast for me on Internet explorer. Outstanding Blog!
My web blog ... tinnitus control
If some one needs to be updated with latest technologies after that he must be pay a visit this
web site and be up to date everyday.
Feel free to surf to my webpage :: virility ex
I had been in YMCA, Sloan House, in
1952 on my way from Rolla,Missouri to Picatinny Arsenal,NJ. I was then a student working for doctorate degree
at Missouri School of Mines and Metallurgy. I received the degree in
1953. By the way, I was a student from INDIA and had been in USA since
1946.
P. G. Sheth
I lived in the Sloane House YMCA 1981-1982, and I have the best memories on that time. Indeed, students of the dance schools dancing in the hallways, and the fashionschool students and drama students performing and showing their lastest creations. I was never lonely in the Ymca, made some really good friends. Anyone remember mr Purch? And Rudolph, and Herb, the opera singer? Best regards to all.
I stayed at the Sloane House many times on weekends while in graduate school in Philadelphia in the late 1960's, early 1970's. I am gay and, as an 24-year old from Kansas City, nights at the Sloane House were the times of my life. Thank goodness this was all pre-AIDS. I remember the central court. I always liked a room that faced onto it. Guys would lounge in their rooms (windows), half naked and I would spot them (let's see one, two, three floors below) and get on the elevator and ride down to their floor and cruise their hallway. Those darkish brown tile showers are unfrogettable. We would leave our doors open a crack if we were interested in "being visited." What a time I had there. The price was right. The sex was good. And what would I do without these memories of a bygone, more innocent, and safe time when you could have sex with anonymous guys and live to write about it?
Nice Post Love Reading Its
kamagra
generic Viagra
Stayed there in 1988. Can't beat $15.00 per night in NYC!
I worked there summer of 1969 as editor of a groundbreaking urban affairs campus newspaper, Encounter, sponsored by the Y for free citywide distribution.
I was at Sloan House from 1988-1989 as a student at the School of Visual Arts. I was unable to return for a second year, but I remember my time there very well. It was a great time with the new friends I made at SVA, but also a sad time where I went through some depression. I often have dreams that I've returned to SVA and Sloan House and am completing my studies there. I suppose the fact that I never finished what I started has sort of haunted me all these years. I still have many videos that I made in Sloan House for SVA.
I have read a few of the articles on your website now, and I really like your style of blogging. I added it to my favorites blog site list and will be checking back soon. Please check out my site as well and let me know what you think.Please visit my site also corporate diwali gifts in mumbai-india
I stayed at the William Sloane YMCA a couple of times in the summer of 1966 when I was in the Navy and would go to NYC on weekends. Don't remember much except that the building was big, the rooms small and it was kind of scary. That was 53 years ago and I just now looked it up on the internet and found out where it was located. Brings back memories.
1988, 20 years old, first time out of New Zealand... Sloane House was perfect after 3 longs weeks at sea, except in May the nights were hot and humid, and I missed being rocked to sleep in my bunk.
I met a gentleman from São Paulo who was staying on the 12th floor, and we were going out to a bar that evening. I figured I’d walk down the 2 flights of stairs from the 14th, rather than use the elevator, to meet him... only Sloane had no 13th floor!
I only stayed two nights, but I’ll never forget it and the characters. So sad to hear it was gone within a couple of years.
My favorite time there in Sloane house began 1958 to 1959
on special nights we had a dance and it was perfect to meet girls who would come from the USO club in the next room. on the second floor.
They were told not to come into the other room but heck who cared. i had many a date with girls from all over the country.
my really perfect time there was when i had met a tennis professional. we talked for many hours at a time. he was a great friend.
i also enjoyed the gym and swimming pool.
To eat in the cafe. was a good way to relax. as long as you didn't stay to long. Sad to see it closed sure would have gone back if it was still open the best time ever spent there.
I wont leave my name or email because i am well over six thousand miles away so i cant meet anyone who would like to chat especialy ones who live still in New York City.
A few daysbefore New Years eve 1965 to 1966 I arrived and was welcomed in the friendly Sloan House and stayed til January 6th 1966. Met many people and made frends, both boys and girls. The cost of staying there was 2,80$/night for a single room, an affordable price at that time I was jobless and living on borrowed money. I do remember a sweet girl named Sherryl from Scranton Pennsylvania. We came very close to each other emotionally and met again a couple of years later in Athens Greece. I hope she is doing fine now in the age of 77 years.
Tolly
Post a Comment
<< Home