For an oral history project culminating in an exhibition to open September 2007, I am researching the National Masonic Fishing and Country Club, founded by a group of Washington, DC, Masons, both Jewish and gentile. The men and their families enjoyed summer weekends at the clubhouse on Maryland's West River from the 1920s to the 1980s. By the 1940s the group was entirely Jewish.Some of the questions I'm pursuing are: Why did this group of Jewish men engage so deeply with fishing? How widespread was this recreational choice among American Jews of their generations? Did the high status of fish in Jewish cuisine and ritual play any role? How did Maryland's summer tradition of crabbing affect their observance of dietary laws? How did Jewish men's recreational choices mark their assimilation to an American model of masculinity? I am seeking any references to Jews' participation in fishing for recreation, sport, or commerce, or to any fishing club with a Jewish or ethnic/immigrant membership. Thanks in advance for any assistance you may be able to offer. Barry Kessler BAKessler@aol.com.
posted 12/14/06

I am trying to locate anyone with information about the history of the dam that forms Tusten Mt. Lake, in particular any action taken on the part of the NYS DEC with regard to the dam. Any information or reference you have would be greatly appreciated. Thank you, Leon Smith LeonSmith@aol.com.
posted 11/8/05

I am doing research for my thesis about the "hazentes" - women who sang cantorial music before women were able to become cantors.  Specifically, I am writing about Sophie Kurtzer, Bas Sheva, Perele Feig, Freydele Oysher, Sheindele the Hazente, and the Malavsky Family.  Many of these women performed in the Catskills.  If anyone knew them or their families or has any memories of seeing them perform, I would greatly appreciate your input! Thank you, Adrianne Slack lilidear@aol.com.
posted 3/11/05

I am looking for photos or recordings of my father who used to sing at the Concord Hotel, the Fallsview, and the Three Rivers. His name is Robert Hosid. It would have been around 1957 or so. Lisa Smith lisa.smith2@usoncology.com.
posted 1/6/05

If anyone has memories of Loomis or of another TB sanitarium in Sullivan County, please contact John Conway jconway52@hotmail.com
posted 6/7/04

I'm writing for myself and a few friends.  we are 11th grade, religious  girls in Israel looking for summer employment opportunities.  Does anyone know of orthodox bungalow colonies who may want to hire either counselors or mother's helpers? Thank you, Daniella di_only1@hotmail.com.
posted 12/13/03

I am looking for information on the Pinehurst Manor that was located in White Sulphur Springs on Route 52.  Prior to 1963, when it was purchased at tax sale by my family (Pierro), it was owned by the Fortunoff family.  The grandsons, David and Larry, have been in contact with me and we all are looking for any kind of memorabilia, photos, stories, etc.  Please contact Nancy Pierro at nvpierro@yahoo.com.
posted 11/9/03

I am looking for  Wilt Chamberlain home movies from his many years at Kutshers Country Club.  He worked there as a bellhop, and played on the hotel basketball teams.  He was a regular at the annual charity game for Maurice Stokes as well. BobBodziner BobBodziner@clearchannel.com
posted 11/9/03

Greetings one and all. Does anyone have film footage of the legendary Ruby selling his delicious knishes up in the Catskills ? I'm trying to make a plea to a documentary film maker I know to do a film on Ruby and any footage of him in action would greatly help. My name is Dino Pierini and I can be reached at  dpierini@ocjp.ca.gov.  Thanks !
posted 7/30/03

I am looking for any still photos or home movie footage from the weekend of August 15-17, 1969 that depicts scenes pertaining to the Woodstock Festival held in Bethel, NY, Sullivan County. This is for a documentary related to the festival being produced in Canada. Any pictures or film showing route 17B traffic, the festival itself, or related materials would be greatly appreciated. Brad Rogers mlittle714@rogers.com.
posted 4/5/03

For research I am doing on Austrian refugees in the 1940s & 1950s, I am interested in material on hotels in the Catskills that specifically catered to this community, particularly in and around Fleischmanns. I am interested in oral histories, in accounts of the Viennese entertainers and comedians there, in the recreation of Vienna and patterns of adjustment. Please send information to Monroe Price at price@ymail.yu.edu.
posted 10/14/02

I would appreciate hearing from anyone who has a telephone directory from the Liberty/Parksville area from any year between 1960-1964, and would be willing to sell it. Please email me at fl12@columbia.com. Fred Loweff.
posted 9/5/02

A book is being written about the impact of secular Yiddish schools and summer camps that operated in North America between 1920s-1960s. Some of these were in the Catskills. These were organized by teh Farband/Labor Zionist Organiztion, the Workmens' Circle/Arbeter Ring, the Sholem Aleichem Institute, The Jewish People's Fraternal Order of the IWO, the Borochov Schools, and the Non-Partisan Jewish Workers' Childrens' Schools. If any documentation on the history of these institutions exists in your community, or you have personal knowledge of these schools & camps, please contact Fradle Pomerantz Freidenreich at fradlef@aol.com. Or (until Jul 25) at 415 E. 80th St. Apt 4T NY, NY 10021 and (after Jul 25) Harzfeld 9, 46661 Herzlia, Israel.
posted 6/17/02

Hello, my name is Kerie Cole. I am doing research on my Aunt Gary Garrison. She painted a mural of the wall of the Grossinger Hotel. I have a few newspaper clippings of her work. She did this back in 1960. The mural contains people skiing, horseback riding, etc. These murals consisted of 8 paintings 9'x 21'. It was done in the Casino part of the resort. I need to know if they are still there, or where they may be, if they still exist. I would love any information on these murals. If you know of these or someone who does, please let me know at mskeriec@aol.com or 803-547-8974.
posted 6/12/01

For an honors thesis at Cornell University dealing mainly with the decline and economic collapse of the resort era. Concrete details concerning buy/sell figures (especially for hotels, but for any housing in Sullivan and Ulster counties) or personal anecdotes as well as photographs ranging from 1960s-present are primarily what I'm looking for, but I would love to incorporate any memories you're willing to share. I am interested in turning this into a publishable book after graduation. Please email me at mec36@cornell.edu or call 607.266.7457. Thanks!
Margaret Collins
posted 3/4/02

For research I'm doing for a documentary film, I'm looking for information and/or pictures -- especially pictures -- of a mambo band from the 1950s and early 1960s: Arnie (or Arnito) y Los Reyes, led by pianist Arnold Friedman. I believe the band played frequently at Grossingers during the 1950s. The band cut some 78s or 45s, among them "Jazzbo Mambo" and a novelty tune whose name I don't know, but which used some Yiddish words.
Debbie Nathan
naess2@aol.com
posted 12/11/01

For a book on the life and career of Buddy Hackett (born: Leonard Hacker), I would appreciate hearing from anyone saw Mr. Hackett perform live, met him, corresponded with him, or who has any memorabilia regarding his life or work. As with many comedians, he, too, performed in the Catskills. Any material lent to me will be treated with the greatest care, and returned immediately after copying. Any assistance which proves beneficial will be credited in the book's acknowledgments. Thank you for your time and consideration.  Jay Ogletree jayo51@bellsouth.net
posted 12/11/01

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posted 4/18/01

I saw mention of La Mingotiere in Wurtsboro Hills. I used to work there when I was quite young and, later, enjoyed dining there with my family. Any idea of what's happened to the owners, Ginny and Gunther?I'd love to make contact with them.  Stella Miller  Stella@CollectibleAmericana.com
posted 12/26/00

I am looking for Catskill road maps from 1920-1950. If you know where I might find these maps please e-mail me. Jim Heiny  heiney@hotmail.com
posted 12/26/00

For a family history of life on the Lower East Side and the Catskills during the 1930s-40s, I would appreciate any information about this market, which operated in the base of the Delancy Street bridge at about Pitt St during the High Holidays (and perhaps at other times?). I'm especially interested in hearing from, or about, the farmers and distributors who brought their poultry to this market, and about their routes, times, prices, other facts of the enterprise. Were NYC health inspectors involved? Was rent paid? etc. My mother, Bessie Kessler, was a chicken-plucker at this market, and became a door-to-door peddler of eggs for one of the farmers. Thank you. Fay Webern  easriver@gateway.net
posted 8/21/00

I am looking for any photos of Shawanga Lodge.  Thanks. Debbie Walker  d.walker@crosslnd.zyan.com
posted 8/21/00

I am currently researching for any archival information on Catskill resorts owned by anyone named Schwartz. Thank you for any information you can share ASAP. Email your information to: Beckerfowley@aol.com
posted 8/7/00

Somebody help me out with some missing synapses. I worked the dining room at the Pines, early 1960s. I'm trying to remember the name of the Latin band that played there, can't some up with the name. I think it was someone pretty well known. Larry Nordell nordell@mcn.net
posted6/5/00

Several units are available at this bungalow colony turned coop. For low cost and $1,000 yearly maintanence, owners can enjoy a weekend or summer country retreat, with swimming pool, mountain views, less than 2 hrs from NYC. If interested, please email me at bfeibusch@aol.com  Betty Feibusch
posted 5/31/00

Ira Cutler is searching for any recording, video, or photos of the band that his father's played in. Milt Cutler played at the the Pines, Brown's (1964-5), Flamingo, and Evans Kiamesha.
Ira Cutler
3804 Atlantic Ave #7
Brooklyn, NY 11224
phone 718-996-8130

Seeking film footage (i.e. home movies, videotape, visual memorabilia) of famous Catskills comics, circa 1950s and 1960s for television documentary for public television. Please contact Chuck Ferrero at: (212) 615-6771 voicemail (212) 501-9170 fax

The Sullivan County Historical Society has begun research for a major exhibition on 20th century sports in Sullivan County which will, of course, have a major focus on sports at the resorts. As the project curator, I'm interested in hearing about sporting figures at the resorts, as well as information on sports played at the resorts--from handball to basketball to downhill skiing. I'm interested in memories, photographs, and any objects that can be located. Thanks for your help. Linda Norris Riverhill   hartynor@wpe.com

Sally Svenson is involved in research on the Ellenville to Kingston branch of the New York Ontario & Western Railway, particularly on the mutual relations between the railroad and the communities it served. Among the O & W's most important clients were, of course, the Jewish farmers and boarding house keepers along its route. Her particular interest is in railroad/community connections such as the educational trains run staffed by Yiddish-speaking agronomists from Cornell to introduce Jewish farmers to new technologies which it was hoped would increase production and, hence, railroad shipments. Her general years of concern are those through the thirties and early forties, after which most local railroad patrons decamped to the automoible . She would appreciate any leads--research material and photographs—that people might be able to provide.