It Happened in the Catskills: An Oral History in the Words of Busboys, Bellhops, Guests, Proprietors, Comedians, Agents, and Others Who Lived It

by Myrna Katz Frommer (Editor), Harvey Frommer (Editor)

This signature book captures the flavor of the "Borscht Belt," that fabled vacation area just "ninety minutes from Broadway." Summer romances, mambo time, menus with seven kinds of herring, musical and comedic greats getting their start, bungalows, and big hotels like Grossinger’s—all come back in a rush. Through the power of oral history, more than a hundred voices share stories that span nearly a century—recalling an experience that exists now only in memory.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

245 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 1991

Reviews

[Fred Arcuri · Rating 3 out of 5]

This read like the narration of a documentary, which made it is easy to get through, but didn't really provide a steady flow. That said, there were a number of wonderful stories and anecdotes, and I enjoyed the repeated allusions to the Catskills as a "resort to call our own", a place that provided Jews, Afro-Americans, Italians, and others, an opportunity to perform and/or be treated to a luxurious lifestyle, something that other resorts would not have offered at that time in history.

[Beakerkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I worked in the hotels and stayed as a guest in many others. For those looking for a light hearted look at the era the book is invaluable. It does tend to be a tad heavy on the entertainers and owners. I would have liked to have heard more from the help.

At work I encounter many professional actors and comedians. They ask where I learned my timing and I tell them from the great "Lou Goldstein". Most of them have never heard of this comedic genius. When he was performing he could hold a crowd and was brilliant. I wish I had known he had retired to Liberty so I could have thanked him for the perormances.

As a mentor to younger workers I find myself passing the wisdom of Irving Cohen as it was passed onto an annoying kid decades ago. "Take the word impossible out of your vocabulary. Anything is possible but we may need to change priorities, put more help on it or get better tools." Cohen changed my life with that wisdom and I went onto a career as a manager using those words as inspiration.

It was great to see people I knew in the book. I was actually working at the Concord when the infamous
Sandra Bernhard walk out occured.

Kids went up there as brats and were molded into men. I learned more about managing from watching Irving Cohen at a distance than I did in college. I learned more about psychology and working a room by
watching Lou Goldstein or Sharon Parker work their magic. While the book focuses on the leading ladies of the era it does not pay homage to Sharon Parker whose charm, grace,wit and warmth made the Concord special. Those who doubt this assesment should pick up her book.

I recently went back on a visit and it is depressing to see only Kutshers left. Of course there is the Kutshers resturant in NYC for a slice of the old times.

[Amy Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a fun, informative read that anyone who lived through the resort era of the Borscht Belt or who is interested in it will enjoy. The book is divided into themed chapters, and a cast of real life characters spill their guts about what it was like to be Jewish in the Catskills of yore. This book was written and published shortly after Grossingers closed, but when other hotel giants of the area such as the Concord were still in operation, so it's slightly bittersweet to read the voices of people confident in the continuing prosperity and relevance of the resort industry in Sullivan County, but honestly, I think that makes it more interesting. Featured narrators include various comedians who performed on Borscht Belt stages, relatives of hotel owners, and even Neil Sedaka. Also included are some great historical images.

[Phlip · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great primary resource about the era.