The Sylvan
From the July 5, 1948 edition of the Utica Daily Press with an article discussing J. Luther Sylvan’s activities as president of the Colored Democratic League
From the October 21, 1943 edition of the Utica Daily Press discussing Sylvan’s activities as a member of the NAACP
The January 9, 1948 edition of the Syracuse Post-Standard with a headline in the bottom right corner detailing Sylvan’s trial for running an illegal club
From the September 13, 1947 edition of the Syracuse Post-Standard discussing the bust of Sylvan’s club
From the November 16, 1948 Syracuse Post-Standard with an article about a fire at the referenced address
Known Name(s)
The Sylvan
Address
815 E. Fayette St. Syracuse, NY 13210
Establishment Type(s)
Tourist Home
Physical Status
Demolished
Description
According to Sanborn maps, it was a three-story brick veneer on wood building designated as a single dwelling but labeled as "Room[in]G" for rental of rooms to 10+ people. Third story balconies/sunrooms on front and back of building along with bay windows on second/third floors north side. Located accross the street from double hydrant.
Detailed History
The Sylvan was part of a neighborhood of residences and dwellings in the 15th Ward of Syracuse. It was a lodging house owned by J. Luther Sylvan, a prominent member of Syracuse's Black community and president of the New York State Colored Democratic League. Sylvan was also an NAACP member and his photo was taken at least once at an NAACP event held at the Syracuse YMCA. Sylvan, also referred to as Sylvahn in some articles, was described as a 15th Ward political figure in Syracuse Newspapers and ran a club called the Flamingo out of the basement of the building at 815 E Fayette, which was raided in 1948 for illegal sales of alcohol. The raid netted 14 arrests at the rooming house and Sylvan's trial was featured in several period news articles and was apparently a well-known event. One of the reasons given for the destruction of the 15th Ward by the City of Syracuse was the presence of crowded lodging houses such as the Sylvan.
