YMCA of Greater New York. Seamen's House Branch.

Founded in 1921 as the Merchant Seamen's Branch, this operation was dedicated to providing services to the sailors and crews of the U.S. merchant marine. By the 1950s, Seamen's House had weathered World War II and an influx of Coast Guard sailors, and had merged the operations of the Seamen's House with those of the American Seamen's Friend Society and the Seamen's Christian Association. All the services, such as the pool, movie screenings, and books from library, were free. The YMCA charged only for rooms and meals. In thee mid-1960s, a decline in merchant shipping and other social factors combined to reduce the need for special services for seamen. The property was sold and Seamen's House moved to West 34th Street, adjacent to the Sloane House YMCA branch. After the move a number of alternatives to providing services to seamen were explored. In 1972 Seamen's House, now officially referred to as the International Seamen's Center, relocated its offices and some programming to the McBurney YMCA, with a increasing emphasis on mobile services and ship visits. In 1974 the Seamen's House YMCA was formally absorbed into the McBurney YMCA.

From the description of Seamen's House YMCA records, 1921-1977 (bulk 1956-1977). (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122661198

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