THEN

The Emanuel Sisterhood of Personal Service was founded in 1888. It was one of the first Jewish institutions to open a “day nursery” on the Upper East Side. This elegant brick Neo-Georgian structure was designed in 1899 by Janes & Leo, architect of the famed Dorillton Apartments on West 71st Street. There is an exuberant entrance pediment, leaded glass windows, and fine brickwork, displaying burnt headers. Originally planned “to feed and care for children whose mothers work during the day,” in subsequent years, the Sisterhood’s mission was expanded to provide nursing services, music classes, and an employment bureau. Many well-known Jewish women served as officers, namely Therese Loeb Schiff and Florence Shloss Guggenheim. Since 1930, the building has been used as a Lutheran home for women, a residence for nurses at Lenox Hill Hospital, and a foster home. It was recently converted to condominiums.