There was a brisk response to this week's Cornerspotter, which featured half a postcard of what was, at the time the postcard was printed, the Central YMCA at 1421 Arch Street. The reverse of the postcard reads:
PHILADELPHIA'S YOUTH CENTER
Where young men and women
Live and PlayThe postcard was published "exclusively by Ruth Murray Miller," under whose name postcards were printed in the 1930 for something called the Art Advertising Service. The Y comprised both buildings—what's now Le Méridien at 1421 Arch and the building next to it, Metropolitan Apartments. That building is on the National Register of Historic Places and was designed by Montreal-born architect Louis E. Jallade, who designed many YMCAs across the country. (He also had this local-hero news item written about him in the New York Times).
The first correct guesser was East Passyunk Crossing Civic Association co-chair Darren Fava, who works in the Planning and Preservation Division of Parks & Rec. "The old Y, now Sweat Fitness," he wrote, "is my gym." Ah, the site of one's torture. Of course he recognized it.
Darren doesn't get a prize, but he does get to say this: "I encourage everyone to visit the Fairmount Park Houses during the Holiday Open House this coming weekend. Visit www.parkcharms.com for more info."
Will do, Darren. Thanks for playing!
· Hint: Some Buildings Are Too Good to Tear Down