The New York Association of the Blind

One hundred years ago today … The New York Association of the Blind at 111 East 59th Street offered many kinds of support for people with sight impairments, including sewing lessons and the Lighthouse Handicraft Store where they could sell their crafts.

Blind young women and a teacher sewing in a classroom at the New York Association for the Blind, 111 East 59th Street, New York, 1921. Courtesy Bridgeman Images.

New-York Herald, 15 April 1921. p. p. Newspapers.com — *New-York Herald,* 15 April 1921. p. p. *Newspapers.com*

Byron Company (New York, N.Y.). New York Assoc. of the Blind, Interior of Salesroom. Museum of the City of New York. — Byron Company (New York, N.Y.). *New York Assoc. of the Blind, Interior of Salesroom.* Museum of the City of New York.

The New York Association for the Blind was founded as the Lighthouse in 1906 by Winifred and Edith Holt. (We featured Winifred Holt in our post for August 14, 1921). It was later renamed the Lighthouse International and then the Lighthouse Guild.

Its headquarters had space for bowling,

Byron Company (New York, N.Y.). New York Assoc. for the Blind, Blind Man Bowling. — Byron Company (New York, N.Y.). *New York Assoc. for the Blind, Blind Man Bowling.*

... and dancing.

Monthly dance at the New York Association for the Blind, 111 East 59th [sic] Street, New York, 1926. Courtesy Meisterdrucke.com.

… and theater productions.

Byron Company (New York, N.Y.). New York Assoc. for the Blind, Play, Group of 7 Girls. Museum of the City of New York. — Byron Company (New York, N.Y.). *New York Assoc. for the Blind, Play, Group of 7 Girls.* Museum of the City of New York.

– Jonathan Goldman, September 26, 2021

TAGS: disability, visually impaired, eyesight, charity