We live on Manhattan’s Upper East Side several blocks from the renown 92nd St Y, and for decades the Y has been an important part of our lives.
Shortly after we moved into the city my husband joined the Y and swam regularly in its olympic-size pool.
I joined the Y’s Poetry Center and heard celebrated poets and writers reading from their works – memorably among them Bernard Malamud, Michael Ondaatje, Anne Enright, George Saunders, Tom Stoppard, and the amazing Toni Morrison shortly after she won the Nobel Prize. And many Sunday mornings found me noshing on bagels at a Y series called Biography and Brunch where literary biographers talked about their subjects.
And I took courses there – beginners pottery, a memoir writing workshop, and a class in James Joyce’s masterpiece Ulysses. (See Happy Bloomsday, Mr Joyce!)
As a kid our son was in a Cub Scouts troupe, and took dance and pottery classes, and a wonderfully creative arts class called Red, Yellow, Blue, and Glue at the Y.
And we’ve attended lectures, readings, and musical events there, and have been loyal subscribers to two annual concert series. One is Jazz in July where performers have included jazz greats like Dick Hyman, Bill Charlap, Bucky Pizzarelli, Warren Vache and Kenny Washington. And the other is Lyrics and Lyricists where amazingly talented singers, musicians, and dancers celebrate musical theatre and the Great American Songbook. (See Lyrics & Lyricists )
The Y was founded in 1874 by German Jewish New Yorkers as the Young Mens Hebrew Association (YMHA) to serve the community as a social and spiritual center. After several moves throughout Manhattan, in 1930 the Y settled into its current Art Deco style building on Lexington Avenue @ E 92 Street, and boasts a beautiful concert hall, dance and art studios, and a gym and pool.
The Y has become more than its founders envisioned, and is now an eminent cultural center welcoming people from all backgrounds and truly a New York City treasure.
And in addition to its several moves, over the years the Y has had several name changes – from the YMHA, to the YMWHA, to the 92St Y, to 92Y, and recently to 92NY.
But to me that wondrous place will always be simply My Y.
– Dana Susan Lehrman
How lucky you are to have this great facility at your fingertips! When I am able, I watch replays of interviews from the “Y” and am always impressed by the wide-range and depth associated with these interviews and this organization.
Yes Betsy, we are lucky! Anybody who is anybody in the arts, science, politics, entertainment, etc has spoken or performed at the Y.
Wish we could go every night!
The Y is indeed a valuable institution. I have enjoyed many events there, even though as a Westsider, it’s not super convenient for me. I once took banjo lessons in a group there, so I dragged my instrument weekly on the bus. It was worth it.
I have always been proud that my great grandfather, Arnold Tanzer, was one of the founders of the YMHA. For a long time, before one of the renovations, there was a plaque in the lobby with his name on it. I don’t know what happened to that plaque, but I don’t believe it’s been replaced.
I’m very happy that you and so many others get such good use and pleasure out of the institution.
How wonderful Alice!
I would hope your great grandfather’s plaque honoring him as a Y founder was moved to 92nd St, I will investigate!
what a beautiful homage to this wonderful institution. you have certainly found many programs it offers and are very lucky to have it available nearby. as teenagers, my friends and I were able to travel “downtown” and enjoyed whatever programs and classes we chose back then. now in Tucson, I would love to have a similar opportunity near me!
Thanx Carol, yes I remember those trips “downtown” as we Bronxites called Manhattan, and I also remember going down to the Y as a teen.
Yes it is a wonderful institution!