YMCA of Bridgeport, Then & Now
Charles Wellington Walker designed the new home of the Bridgeport YMCA in 1927. The style, “English Tudor – Gothic”, was intentionally Baronic to emphasize the luxurious features of the facility, which included a billiard room, a custom tile pool, massage tables, and a mahogany-paneled library.
Even during the Depression, Bridgeport acknowledged and embraced its ethnic diversity. The Y.M.C.A. offered a class called “English for Foreigners”, and helped to start the State Trade School to help new arrivals find employment.
The Tichnor Brothers hand painted post card image dates from the 1930’s. You can view the entire collection here: https://www.digitalcommonwealth.org/collections/commonwealth:0p096w19r
Peter Evans CT Bridgeport Jul 26, 2021 Architecture


