Welcome to the Mountains
Little Sarah pressed her nose against the car window, watching the big green mountains grow closer. It was the summer of 1959, and her family was heading to their first vacation in the Catskills.
"Are we there yet, Papa?" Sarah bounced in her seat. Her dark curls danced with each bump in the road.
Papa smiled in the rearview mirror. "Almost, sweetheart. Just a few more miles to Grossinger's Hotel."
Mama turned around from the front seat. Her eyes sparkled with excitement. "When I was a little girl, my family came here every summer. The mountains are like magic!"
A Special Place
The car climbed higher into the mountains. Trees lined both sides of the winding road. Sarah saw other cars full of families, all heading to the same place. Everyone looked happy and excited.
"Why do so many people come here, Mama?" Sarah asked.
"Well, bubbeleh," Mama explained, using the sweet Yiddish word for 'little dear,' "these mountains became a special place for Jewish families like ours. Here, we can have fun, eat good food, and feel at home."
Getting Ready for Fun
Sarah hugged her favorite doll close. "What will we do there?"
Papa's eyes crinkled as he smiled. "Oh, there's so much to do! Swimming, shows with funny comedians, dancing… And the food! Wait until you taste their chicken soup."
"And don't forget about the games and activities for kids," Mama added. "You'll make lots of new friends!"
The trunk of their car was packed full of suitcases. Sarah had helped pack her own little blue suitcase with summer dresses, a bathing suit, and her favorite books.
Almost There!
"Look!" Papa pointed through the windshield. "There's the sign for Grossinger's!"
Sarah gasped as they turned onto a tree-lined driveway. A huge white building appeared ahead. It looked like a castle in the mountains. Other families were arriving too. Kids ran around with excitement while bellhops helped parents with their bags.
"Welcome to Grossinger's!" called out a friendly man in a uniform. He opened Sarah's car door with a big smile.
Sarah stepped out and looked up at the grand hotel. The air smelled fresh and clean. She could hear music playing somewhere, and children laughing by a big swimming pool.
"Come on," Mama took her hand. "Let's start our adventure!"
• Beautiful mountain views
• Delicious kosher food
• Fun activities for everyone
• Famous entertainment
• New friends to meet
Sarah skipped up the hotel steps, ready for her first Catskills summer. She didn't know it yet, but she was about to have the most wonderful vacation of her life. The mountains held so many adventures waiting to be discovered.
Above the hotel entrance, a banner waved in the breeze: "Welcome to the Borscht Belt – Where Memories Are Made!" For Sarah and her family, those memories were just beginning.
The Grand Welcome
Sarah’s eyes grew wide as she stepped into Grossinger’s huge lobby. Crystal chandeliers sparkled overhead. Soft red carpets covered the floors. The room buzzed with excited voices.
Meeting New Friends
“Welcome to Grossinger’s!” A lady with a bright smile walked up to them. Her name tag said ‘Mrs. Rose.’ “You must be the Cohen family. We’ve been expecting you!”
Sarah watched as other families checked in. A girl about her age stood nearby, holding her mother’s hand. The girl waved shyly.
“Hi! I’m Rachel,” the girl said. “Is this your first time here too?”
Sarah nodded eagerly. “I’m Sarah. Want to explore together?”
• 35 buildings
• Its own post office
• An Olympic-sized swimming pool
• A special lake just for boating
• A huge dining room that could seat 1,300 people!
The Amazing Hotel
Mrs. Rose led them through the hotel. “Your room is in our newest building,” she explained. “But first, let me show you around.”
They passed a grand dining room where workers set tables with crisp white cloths. The smell of fresh-baked bread made Sarah’s tummy rumble.
“Dinner is at 6:30,” Mrs. Rose said. “Don’t be late – our chef makes the best chicken soup in the Catskills!”
Exploring the Grounds
Outside, Sarah and Rachel ran from one exciting spot to another. They found:
✨ A sparkly blue swimming pool
✨ Tennis courts where people played in white clothes
✨ A big theater with colored lights
✨ A game room full of fun things to do
“Look!” Rachel pointed to a sign. “There’s a kids’ show tonight with a magician!”
Sarah could hardly believe how much there was to do. Everything seemed magical and new.
The Social Scene
Back in the lobby, more guests arrived. Ladies wore pretty summer dresses. Men carried golf clubs. Teenagers gathered near a soda fountain, sharing ice cream sundaes.
“Your father and I met at a dance here,” Mama told Sarah. “Maybe we’ll go dancing tonight after the show.”
A man with a microphone walked through the lobby. “Don’t forget! Jerry Lewis performs tonight in the Playhouse Theater! It’s going to be a laugh riot!”
“The Borscht Belt was where the biggest stars got their start. Comedy legends like Jerry Lewis, Mel Brooks, and Joan Rivers all performed here!”
Getting Settled
Their room had two big beds and a balcony overlooking the mountains. Sarah and Rachel made plans to meet at the pool the next morning.
“This is going to be the best summer ever,” Sarah thought as she unpacked her suitcase. Outside her window, the mountain air was fresh and cool. Music drifted up from somewhere below, mixing with happy voices and laughter.
The adventures were just beginning at Grossinger’s, where every day brought something new to discover. Sarah couldn’t wait to see what tomorrow would bring in this magical mountain paradise.
Stars of Summer
The morning sun filled Sarah’s room with golden light. She jumped out of bed, excited for another day at Grossinger’s. Today was extra special – the hotel was having its big talent show!
Morning at the Pool
Sarah found Rachel at the pool. They splashed in the cool water while watching a young comedian practice his jokes nearby.
“Why did the cookie go to the doctor?” he asked anyone who would listen. “Because it was feeling crumbly!”
Sarah and Rachel giggled. The comedian smiled and waved. “I’m Danny. I’m performing tonight. Will you be there?”
Behind the Stage
After lunch, Mrs. Rose let Sarah and Rachel peek backstage at the theater. People rushed around with costumes and props. A lady practiced dancing. A man tuned his violin.
“This is where the magic happens,” Mrs. Rose said with a wink. “Every performer starts somewhere!”
Afternoon Activities
Today’s Fun Schedule:
2:00 – Kids’ Arts and Crafts
3:30 – Swimming Race
5:00 – Talent Show Practice
7:30 – The Big Show!
In arts and crafts, Sarah made a sparkly sign for Danny. It said “Break a Leg!” Rachel’s mother explained that’s what you say to wish performers good luck.
The Big Show
That evening, the theater filled with excited people. Danny came on stage wearing a bright bow tie.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” he announced, “welcome to the show of shows!”
Sarah watched in wonder as:
• Two brothers did amazing magic tricks
• Danny told his best jokes (even the cookie one!)
• The hotel staff performed a funny dance number
Making Memories
“Mama,” Sarah whispered during the show, “do you think I could perform next time?”
Mama squeezed her hand. “Of course, sweetheart. That’s what the Borscht Belt is all about – trying new things and having fun!”
After the show, everyone gathered in the lobby. People laughed and talked about their favorite acts. Danny taught Sarah and Rachel a silly dance step.
The night air filled with music from the band. Stars twinkled above the mountains. Sarah felt like she was part of something special – a magical summer world where everyone could shine. ✨
Winds of Change
Sarah noticed something different at breakfast. The dining room wasn’t as full as usual. Some tables sat empty, their white tablecloths untouched. ️
Empty Chairs
“Where is everyone?” Sarah asked her mother. She missed seeing the usual happy faces.
“Some families are trying new places this year,” Mama explained softly. “They’re going to Florida or flying to Europe.”
Danny’s Dream
Later, Sarah found Danny sitting by the pool. He wasn’t practicing his jokes.
“Everything okay?” Sarah asked.
“I got a job offer in California,” Danny said. “They have this new thing called television. I could be on TV shows!”
“But who will tell us jokes here?” Sarah’s eyes grew wide.
Danny smiled. “There will always be new comedians. Things change, kiddo. That’s life.”
The Staff Meeting
Through the kitchen window, Sarah saw Mr. Grossinger talking to his workers. Their faces looked worried.
The hotel staff shared their thoughts:
• Build a bigger swimming pool
• Create more activities for kids
• Make the rooms fancier
• Lower the prices
Hope and Heart
That afternoon, Sarah helped Mrs. Rose plant flowers near the entrance. “Why do you still plant flowers if fewer people come?” Sarah asked.
Mrs. Rose patted the soil around a bright marigold. “Because beauty matters, dear. And because I believe in this place.”
A New Plan
At dinner, Mr. Grossinger made an announcement. His voice boomed through the dining room:
“Starting next month, we’re adding new shows, better rooms, and special family packages. The Borscht Belt isn’t just a place – it’s a family. And families stick together!”
People clapped and cheered. Sarah noticed her parents smiling at each other.
Evening Stars
That night, Sarah sat on the lawn with Rachel. They watched the sun set behind the mountains.
“Will you come back next summer?” Sarah asked.
“Of course!” Rachel squeezed her hand. “Some things may change, but friendship stays the same.” ⭐
As crickets chirped their evening song, Sarah thought about Danny’s words. Things do change. But maybe change could bring good things too. The mountains stood tall and strong, just like always. And tomorrow would bring a new day at Grossinger’s.
Memories in the Mountains
Sarah sat on her favorite rock by the lake. The water sparkled in the late summer sun. Things felt different now.
Sweet Goodbyes
“I can’t believe Danny’s really leaving,” Rachel said, skipping stones across the water.
“He gave me his lucky microphone,” Sarah smiled, pulling out a small silver object. “He said I should practice my own jokes.”
Special Stories
That evening, families gathered in the main hall to share their favorite memories:
• Wedding celebrations
• Learning to swim
• Making lifetime friends
• Favorite comedy shows
Mrs. Goldman’s Tale
“I met my husband right here,” Mrs. Goldman told the group, her eyes twinkling. “He was a waiter, I was a guest. That was thirty years ago!”
“The mountains hold our stories. Every tree, every path remembers the laughter and love that happened here.”
Pictures and Promises
Sarah and her friends made a special memory book. They added photos, ticket stubs, and written stories.
“Look!” Rachel pointed to an old photograph. “That’s Jerry Lewis when he was young. He started here too!”
The Last Show
For the final performance of the season, everyone joined in. Even Mr. Grossinger told a joke!
“Why did the comedian bring a ladder to the show?” he asked.
“Because he wanted to reach new heights!” The room filled with happy laughter.
Saying Goodbye
“The resort feels different now,” Sarah told her mother as they packed their bags.
“Yes, sweetheart. But different isn’t always bad. The magic of this place lives in our hearts.”
Forever Friends
Before leaving, Sarah and Rachel made a pinky promise:
As their car drove down the mountain road, Sarah watched Grossinger’s grow smaller in the distance. The resort might be changing, but the memories would stay forever bright.
That night, back home, Sarah pulled out Danny’s microphone and started practicing her jokes. Maybe someday she’d make people laugh just like the great comedians who started in these magical mountains.
Legacy of Laughter
Fifty years later, Sarah stood at the entrance of the old Grossinger’s resort. The building was quiet now, but memories danced in her mind.
A Special Return
“Mom, tell me about when you were little here!” Sarah’s daughter Emma bounced excitedly.
Sarah pulled out her old memory book, now worn with time. “Well, sweetheart, this place was pure magic…”
New Life in Old Places
Sarah noticed a group of young artists painting the old buildings. Their bright colors brought the walls to life again.
“Look!” Emma pointed to a sign. “They’re making a museum here!”
“These mountains still have stories to tell. New ones mixing with the old, like paint on a canvas.”
Keeping Memories Alive
Sarah reached into her bag and pulled out Danny’s old microphone. It was still shiny after all these years.
“Did you ever become a comedian, Mom?” Emma asked.
Sarah smiled. “I became a teacher instead. But I still tell jokes to my students every day!”
Modern Mountain Magic
They walked the grounds together, finding new surprises:
• History tours
• Photography exhibits
• Comedy workshops
• Nature trails
Full Circle
“Rachel!” Sarah called out, spotting her old friend leading a tour group. They hugged tight, just like when they were kids.
“Still Borscht Belt buddies,” Rachel winked. “Want to help me tell these folks about the good old days?”
Tomorrow’s Tales
As the sun set behind the mountains, Sarah watched Emma playing near the old pool, making up her own stories.
“Mom, can we come back tomorrow?” Emma asked.
“Of course, sweetie. These mountains will always be here, waiting for new memories to be made.”
Forever Magic
That evening, Sarah added a new photo to her memory book – Emma standing where Sarah once stood, both wearing big smiles.
As stars appeared above the Catskills, Sarah knew the magic hadn’t ended – it had just changed shape. Like the mountains themselves, it stood strong, ready to welcome new generations with open arms and fresh stories to tell.