Reply To: Chassidishe Out of town Kollelim?

In Baltimore I don’t think people are conscious about it but I’m sure many in the more Lakewood or Monsey type places would find it odd.
Mixed seating in Baltimore has always been the norm though some places have changed to fit in in the more Yeshivish world. Ner Israel used to have mixed seating at their banquets but no more.
R’ Schwab had to fight the mixed dances the Frum Shuls held but you’re correct that the mainstream never made a big deal about mixed seating.
“Baltimore is R’ Schwab” there’s no question he played a major role in what Baltimore looks like today. (R’ Schwab helped found Bais Yaakov in 1942, with others)
But I think the real driving factor (& very few would argue) of why Baltimore today is what it is were R’ Ruderman & R’ Neuberger. They built a community where Torah & a Torah lifestyle are the most important while (as the article said) insisting people be “Normal” & also live in this world. They kept the “Kanoyim” from taking over & that’s why you can have multiple Shuls & schools were the makeup is Yeshivish & MO without fighting & actually getting along through mutual respect.