Barbizon Hotel for Women: Sylvia Plath’s New York Saga

The Arrival of Sylvia Plath: A New Beginning

On May 31, 1953, Sylvia Plath, a 20-year-old rising senior at Smith College, arrived in New York City. Already a published author with three poems in Harper’s, Plath was about to stay at the Barbizon Hotel for Women, an iconic landmark in the journey of many ambitious women. This marked the beginning of a four-week stay as a guest editor for Mademoiselle magazine, an opportunity that offered her and many others a taste of independence and a sanctuary in the bustling city.

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The Barbizon Hotel: A Haven for Aspiring Women

A Glimpse into the Barbizon

The Barbizon Hotel for Women, located at Lexington Avenue and 63rd Street, symbolised glamour and aspiration. The hotel offered private, furnished rooms with amenities such as telephones, radios, and views of the East River and the United Nations building. Plath’s description of her room, which has a dark green bedspread, rose-pattern ruffle, and matching curtains, encapsulates Barbizon’s charm and comfort to its residents.

Historical Significance

The Barbizon was more than just a hotel; it was a launchpad for ambitious young women when opportunities for them were limited. From its opening in 1928 until its conversion to condos in 2007, the hotel hosted numerous notable women, including actresses like Joan Crawford and Grace Kelly, writers like Joan Didion and Sylvia Plath, and designers like Betsey Johnson.

The Cultural and Social Impact

Women in Transition

The Barbizon catered to a unique demographic—women in transition. These women were not yet part of the upper class but were determined to break free from the constraints of their hometowns and societal expectations. Historian Paulina Bren describes them as living between different waves of feminism, navigating the tightrope between empowerment and regressive gender norms.

A Microcosm of Change

The hotel embodied the contradictions of mid-century America, offering a blend of freedom and surveillance, independence and protection. It was where women could pursue their dreams while being watched and sometimes judged by older, long-term residents. The Barbizon’s policies, including no liquor or men in rooms and designated “date nights,” reflect the era’s restrictive yet progressive attitudes towards women’s independence.

Notable Residents and Their Journeys

Sylvia Plath and Fellow Guest Editors

Plath’s stay at the Barbizon was part of Mademoiselle magazine’s guest editor program, which brought together young female writers and journalists. This program introduced racial diversity, with Barbara Chase becoming one of the first Black residents in 1956. However, the experience often involved menial tasks rather than the anticipated intellectual work, highlighting the disparity between expectation and reality.

The Struggles and Triumphs

Not all residents found success. Gael Greene referred to the women who didn’t achieve their dreams as the “Lone Women.” These women faced loneliness, homesickness, and the harsh realities of mid-century America’s limited opportunities for women. Despite these challenges, Barbizon remained a place where many women could reimagine their futures.

The Evolution and Decline

Changing Times and the Women’s Liberation Movement

The women’s liberation movement of the 1960s and 1970s marked the beginning of the end for the Barbizon. As the world opened up for women, the need for single-sex hotels diminished. The hotel struggled to maintain its relevance, and occupancy rates fell, leading to its eventual conversion to condos in the early twenty-first century.

The Legacy of the Barbizon

Despite its decline, the Barbizon’s legacy as a sanctuary for ambitious women endures. It was a place that offered independence, community, and a stepping stone to greater opportunities. The stories of its residents, from those who found success to those who faced disappointment, continue to inspire and reflect the complex journey of women striving for independence and success.

Conclusion

The Barbizon Hotel for Women stands as a historical emblem of ambition, independence, and the evolving role of women in society. It provided a unique space where women could pursue their dreams, experience the challenges of independence, and navigate the societal changes of the mid-twentieth century. Reflecting on its legacy, the Barbizon remains a testament to the enduring spirit of the women who sought to redefine their lives and futures.

Source: How the Barbizon Hotel Defined Women’s Ambition | The New Republic

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