Soldiers’, Sailors’, Marines’, Coast Guard and Airmen’s Club

“A ‘Home Away From Home’ in the heart of Manhattan?” That’s how many described the Soldiers’, Sailors’, Marines’, Coast Guard and Airmen’s Club. Right here at 283 Lexington Avenue, between 36th and 37th Streets, stood a haven for servicemen and women. The Soldiers’, Sailors’, Marines’, Coast Guard and Airmen’s Club, or SSMAC, offered a unique slice of comfort and camaraderie amidst the bustling city. Founded in 1919 by Cornelia Barnes Rogers, Eleanor Butler Alexander-Roosevelt, and General John J. Pershing, the Soldiers’, Sailors’, Marines’, Coast Guard and Airmen’s Club initially served those returning from World War I. Imagine stepping through these doors after months or even years of service overseas. The club’s mission was simple: to provide affordable lodging and a sense of community for members of the armed forces and their families. The Soldiers’, Sailors’, Marines’, Coast Guard and Airmen’s Club embraced everyone, from active duty enlisted personnel to retirees and veterans of all ranks and services, including allies of the United States. Over its history, this unassuming building welcomed over 2.5 million guests. The Soldiers’, Sailors’, Marines’, Coast Guard and Airmen’s Club operated without government funding, relying solely on guest proceeds and private donations. This fact alone speaks volumes about the generosity and patriotism of those who believed in its mission. Inside the Soldiers’, Sailors’, Marines’, Coast Guard and Airmen’s Club, two 19th-century townhouses were joined to create a 79-bed facility. Think of the stories these walls held. Within them, you could find a library with internet access, spacious event rooms for gatherings, a television room for relaxation, and a dining room for shared meals. The building itself was a living museum. Military memorabilia adorned the walls, whispering tales of valor and sacrifice, particularly from World War I and World War II. Each room held dedicated memorials to individual veterans, families, and donors, their pictures and certificates creating a tapestry of personal histories. Even a small room at the back of the first floor paid tribute to the legacy of Lt. Col. Prince Serge Obolensky. The Soldiers’, Sailors’, Marines’, Coast Guard and Airmen’s Club was more than just a place to sleep. It was a bridge between military life and the civilian world. It was a place where camaraderie flourished, where veterans could connect with those still serving, and where families could find respite. Although the Soldiers’, Sailors’, Marines’, Coast Guard and Airmen’s Club closed its doors in 2018, its legacy continues to resonate. As you stand here, imagine the countless individuals who found comfort, community, and a “Home Away From Home” within these walls.