The Banatul Folklore and Soccer Club has existed in Ridgewood since 1968, serving as a bar and social hall to patrons and families of diverse Eastern European backgrounds.

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Eastern European social clubs have existed as a means of fostering a sense of familiarity for immigrants for centuries, and the Banatul is doing exactly that – it is a constant in an ever changing city. In a city where new bars, restaurants, and clubs are constantly opening to serve a new generation of New Yorkers, the Banatul is preserving a piece of old New York and traditions from communities thousands of miles away. For over half a century now, the club has existed to provide a space where Romanian folk dance is taught to children, Serbian liquors are served, and English is the minority language. A very specific culture is preserved in this building, and I am documenting that.

Members Only is an observant photo series shot on film as a nod to the preservation of a previous time period. In order to become familiarized with the people and the space of the Banatul, I spent my Fridays there for eight months – the bar is only open one to two times a week. I’ve been around to photograph for the preparation of weddings in the hall, for the Christmas party, birthdays, to watch the kids practice, to play foosball with the over 50s soccer team, and to simply be a part of the community. This project’s goal is simple – to contribute to the preservation of this community, and to document them as they are now.