THE JOCKEY “Y” WRITTEN BY BILL ORZELL
The rich history of Saratoga Springs is enchanting to comprehend. The forum of global Thoroughbred competition has spawned distinct local architecture, our palpable link to a splendid past. This makes it so admirable when familiar style-lines can be replicated in new structures, such as the Backstretch Clinic, a complementary design to the neighboring Recreation Center. This attractive building on the Oklahoma side of Union Avenue was an early twentieth century concept, providing backstretch workers 22 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | SUMMER 2021
amusement where they domiciled. The Y.M.C.A. was firmly established in Saratoga Springs, and folks discerned the need to spread the message of righteous living and good health at the track. A subscription drive was launched to build a facility, and a primary donor was the architect, Samuel Adams Clark, who donated his time and the design. Mr. Clark’s family were race fans and Saratoga summer cottagers, leasing Cady Hill before Marylou Whitney’s father-inlaw purchased the famous estate. Mr. Clark left a significant record
of creativity at the Spa, having also designed the present Turf Terrace and Clubhouse at the track, and the War Memorial pavilion in Congress Park. During construction, the project became known as the “Jockey Y,” the term used interchangeably with the appellation Recreation Center. The facilities opened in 1928, with ‘separate but equal’ services. It was exactly that, a paired building preventing racial integration of the patrons. The only link between the two factions was a shared kitchen.
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