Social Settlements: United States. New York. New York City. "Christ Church House": Christ Church House, New York City: Recreation Rooms - 1906 1906

Curator: This photograph, taken by Percy C. Byron in 1906, depicts the recreation rooms inside Christ Church House in New York City. Editor: The sepia tone lends a certain gravitas to what should be a space for leisure. The eye is drawn to the bowling alley, a prominent symbol of recreation. Curator: Indeed. Bowling alleys in settlement houses served more than a recreational function. They were places where social bonds were formed, class barriers softened, and a sense of community fostered. Editor: I see it as an interesting use of space, turning the lower levels of the church—perhaps a basement area—into a site of social gathering and play, accessible to a wider public. Curator: That use of space speaks volumes about the changing role of the church at the turn of the century: less about solemnity and more about embracing everyday life. Editor: Examining images like this gives us unique insight into how communities adapted buildings and materials to serve social needs. Curator: It serves as a reminder of the power of shared spaces to shape our collective memory.