The term “day spa” is as much a part of the modern vocabulary as “smart phone” or “Zoom meeting,” which makes sense, because one can feel like an antidote to the others.
But the concept of a day spa was just coming into being when LIFE magazine devoted several pages in its June 4, 1952 issue to a new business called Pamper House, which was located at 5th avenue and 48th street in Manhattan.
These were the rules of the Pamper House, as described in LIFE’s story:
At this unique club, in which a yearly membership costs $1, members can take a shower, wash their hair, give themselves a manicure or a home permanent, freshen their make-up, change their clothes or just drop in to read or watch television in the modern lounge, or to rest in the quiet alcove. Each visit to Pamper House costs 25¢. A dime is the fee for almost every service or item. Five trained beauticians are on hand to give free advice about hair styling and make-up, and to help customers help themselves.
LIFE staff photographer Nina Leen documented what went on at the Pamper House. Perhaps the most interesting novelty there was a perfume vending machine in which women could pay a dime for a spritz of Chanel No. 5.
To the modern eye Pamper House looks like the first draft of a concept that has since been much refined over the years. There is plenty to recommend it, starting with the basic idea of a private enclave for women to have their needs attended to. It’s easy to envy the women who stop by for a nap after lunch. But what stands out about the Pamper House is how much members had to do for themselves. One photograph shows a member doing her own nails, with no manicurist in sight. In another photo a woman irons her own blouse—she basically looks like she’s doing housework. A modern version of Pamper House would have a lot more pampering.
Pamper House was founded by Tanya Pitt, a former French model. LIFE reported that the business at Pamper House was brisk, and that she had plans to add locations both around New York and across the country.
But that doesn’t seem to have happened. Internet searches for Ms. Pitt or Pamper House yield little more than reports about the launch of her venture, which happened to be located just a couple blocks from the old Time-Life Building and many other media outlets.
Even if Pamper House didn’t become a lasting brand, the basic impulse behind the venture was right on. We were on our way to a world where “treat yo self” has become a catch phrase. America is now home to more than 20,000 spas. In short, there are descendants of Pamper House all across the country.
Members of the Pamper House in midtown Manhattan applied cosmetics in the club’s make-up nooks, 1952.
Nina Leen/LIfe Picture Collection/Shutterstock
At the Pamper House in New York, some women stopped by for a quick nap after lunch, 1952.
Nina Leen/LIfe Picture Collection/Shutterstock
Women relaxed at Pamper House, a midtown Manhattan club that catered to working women and suburban housewives, 1952.
Nina Leen/Life Picture Collection/Shutterstock
This vending machine at the Pamper House in midtown Manhattan dispensed perfume at a nickel per spray, 1952.
Nina Leen/LIfe Picture Collection/Shutterstock
Using the hair dryers at Pamper House in New York City cost ten cents for fifteen minutes, 1952.
Nina Leen/LIfe Picture Collection/Shutterstock
Members of the Pamper House in midtown Manhattan paid ten cents to use the shower, plus another ten cents if they needed a towel, 1952.
Nina Leen/LIfe Picture Collection/Shutterstock
A member of the Pamper House in Rockefeller Center, NYC, got her hair done by one of the staff beauticians, 1952.
Nina Leen/LIfe Picture Collection/Shutterstock
Members of the Pamper House in midtown Manhattan enjoyed a snack while their hair was setting, 1952.
Nina Leen/LIfe Picture Collection/Shutterstock
Two members of the Pamper House in Rockefeller Center in New York enjoyed a conversation, 1952.
Nina Leen/LIfe Picture Collection/Shutterstock
A member of the Pamper House in Rockefeller Center in New York stopped by to iron her own blouse, 1952.
Nina Leen/LIfe Picture Collection/Shutterstock
A member of the Pamper House in Rockefeller Center, NYC, gave herself a manicure, 1952.
Nina Leen/LIfe Picture Collection/Shutterstock
A member of the Pamper House in Rockefeller Center, NYC, washed her hair in the shampoo booth, 1952.
Nina Leen/LIfe Picture Collection/Shutterstock
Using the lockers at Pamper House in New York City cost ten cents a day, 1952.
Nina Leen/LIfe Picture Collection/Shutterstock
Tanya Pitt, a French former model, was the founder of the Pamper House in midtown Manhattan, 1952.
Nina Leen/LIfe Picture Collection/Shutterstock
