RESEARCH QUERIES--People

My grandparents, Samuel and Fanny Merlin, and then my uncle, Murray Merlin, owned a dry cleaning establishment in Liberty until the 1960s, called "Merlin Cleaners". They provided dry cleaning services for Grossinger's, as well as having a retail store. Prior to that business, I believe the Merlins operated a kosher hotel or bungalow colony in Bradley in the 1920's (possibly earlier and later). My mother was Olga Merlin, who graduated from Liberty High School in 1924. I'd love to know if anyone recalls details of my family or their businesses. Please respond to me at sml13@rcn.com. Many thanks, Sonia Lipetz.
posted 7/20/09

I am trying to locate an old friend who was a waiter at BrownÕs Resort in the summers of 1970 & 1971. His name was Jeff Cohen and he lived in Long Island, N.Y. I believe he was 16 years old at that time. We corresponded with each other for a while and then I moved and we lost touch. Do you have any ideas how I can find him? Anita Costa anita.costa@wachovia.com
posted 7/20/09

PERELL TRIO

I played in many hotels during the 60's with my band,  The Perell Trio. Barsalee Country Club, Kerhonkson Lodge, Flagler, Rande's, The Pines, Esther Manor, Windsor, Grossingers, Raleigh, and weekends at others. Perhaps anyone who remembers my trio, could write and say hello. Those were amazing years in the Catskills and the memories are a treasure ! Thanks, Jerry Perell / NY Rhythm Entertainment nyrhythm@yahoo.com
posted 7/11/08

JESSE HILL

I am looking for the name of a boarding house or hotel in Margaretville, the proprietor/proprietress of which was Jesse (or Jessie) Hill in 1900. Mark Mitchell mlmitche@english.ufl.edu
posted 2/20/08

DANNY MARSHALL, comedian

I am looking for information on a comedian from the 50s named Danny Marshall.  I would like to find any information about this man because he is my daughter's father. For many years I told her that her father was a jazz drummer (Gary Frommer) who I had a long relationship with.  Danny Marshall was a man I met through my friend, Ann Richards (a jazz singer who was married to Stan Kenton) and a 'one-night-stand'.   After all these years, I realize that Gary was NOT her father (he has since passed away) and since I know so little about Danny Marshall I would like to learn more. Donna Shore dshore@sonic.net
posted 6/2/08

MR. MEDOFF

Does anyone know which bungalow colony Mr. Medoff, who began a legend in my family, owned, where it was located and how long it was open? My family stayed there in the late 40's, early 50's. Lillian and Bill Kalish were my parents and my grandfather, Z. (or Solomon) Libin, probably stayed with them as well. Thanks. Stephanie Kalish Newman seknewman@gmail.com.
posted 6/20/07

NOVICK FAMILY

I am looking for anyone who might have known the Novick family who were regular guests of the Anawana Beach Club from @ 1929-1938.  The family consisted of Aaron & Lena Novick (my great grandparents) and their kids Abe, Sol, Eva, Rose, Martha & David. Abe is my grandfather.  They lived in the Bronx and relocated to Parksville.  Any info or photo would be helpful.Jennifer Shelljennyjoon@gmail.com.
posted 12/14/06

ALBERT JONES

I am looking for information on my Great Uncle Albert Jones who arrived in America in 1914 from England.  He is on a draft registration card dated  31-4-1918. At the time he was living at 171 Canal Street, Ellenville he was a carpenter He  was described as being short, Blonde haired and blue eyed and with a hunchback. On the 1930 US Census he was a Boarder aged 40, with Thomas Yarrow and his wife Carolyn, and their daughter Grace. I have a photograph of someone I believe is his mother but it was sent by Grace D Yarrow. I don't believe he married. I used to receive presents from America until the late 1950's.  I believe he may have left England under a cloud but I did not even know he existed until 2001.  It would appear that he lived in Ellenville from the time he arrived until he died, so he is probably buried there.  If anyone can give me any information on my elusive uncle Albert and  Grace D Yarrow I would be very grateful. Karen Harris karenharris1@onetel.com.
posted 12/14/06

DON CASSANOVA

I am looking for any information on an entertainer named Don Cassanova, who worked at various hotels in Catskills and Pennsylvania during 60's and 70's.  Please send any info to Andytthree@aol.com Andrew Tantillo.
posted 7/5/06

LOWELL ELLIS

Concord Hotel Waiter in the early 60s. Would love to hear from anyone who knew him.  Thank you.   Iris Kaplan EastEggZelda@aol.com.
posted 6/29/06

PHILIP KURMAN

I am seeking information concerning Philip Kurman. He was an artist-in-residence at Grossinger's in teh 50s. On the internet, I saw a portrait of a male Grossinger hangin over the mantlepiece in the hotel foyer. It's possible that Philip Kurman was the artist. Drawings or any other information would be of tremendous value. S. Minanel 21601 Erwin St. #284 Woodland Hills, CA 91367
posted 10/8/05

MEL BROOKS

Wanted: information, recollections, and anecdotes regarding comedian/filmmaker Mel Brooks, who as a teenager worked in various capacities (tummler, drummer, comedian) at Catskills resorts (including Butler Lodge in Ellenville) during the 1940s. Please contact Jim Parish jrparish@sbcglobal.net. 4338 Gentry Ave #1 Studio City, CA 91604.
posted 10/8/05

PELLMANS & MOGILEWSKYS

My mother in law, Sylvia Mogilewsky Ader was born in Fallsburg and graduated from Woodridge High School many many years ago. Her grandfather was Aaron Pellman, a gentleman farmer. They put up the first hotel in the country. I would be most happy to have any information from any one who knew the Pellmans or the Mogilewskys. Harriet Fischell Ader fishflash@aol.com.
posted 9/13/05

BERNARD BECKERMAN & POO-WA-BAH

Bernard Beckerman (former chair of the drama department at Hofstra University, and a Shakespeare scholar) directed a show at a Catskill resort, one summer around 1950.  That summer, he learned a tradition of chanting "Poo-WA-bah" before a performance.  He brought the tradition back to Hofstra, where it remains to this day.  I want to find out what resort he was working at, and (if possible) where the "Poo-wa-bah" tradition came from.  If anyone remembers Mr. Beckerman working at a Catskill resort, please contact me.  Thanks, Danny Pitt Stoller. DannyAnno1@aol.com
posted 6/27/05

BARRY FRANK, singer

I'm a great fan of the 1950's music and have a website dedicated to a specific US record label, Bell Records (http://home.planet.nl/~elzin047). One of the best performers on this label is Barry Frank and through other people I have heard that Barry Frank used to perform in the Catskills, including the Windsor and Raleigh hotels. It is very difficult to find any further information on Barry Frank through the Internet. I have heard that he suffered a stroke some years ago, but still is alive. If the above is true, could you let me know any information on the time he entertained in these hotels and maybe even an address or contact person that could be of any help in my search for Mr. Frank? I would highly appreciate your cooperation in this matter as I have been searching for a few years now. Freddy Elzinga freddy.elzinga@planet.nl.
posted 8/30/04

RAY KRETZ OF SACKETT LAKE

I am looking for any information on Ray Kretz of Sackett Lake.  He was also known as Sackett Chesty or just Chesty.  I know he has recently passed but am trying to locate information on his early life.  He was an integral part of Camp Roosevelt where I was a camper for many years.  I believe an article was once written in Castle Point Paper by Michael Condon but haven t been able to locate it.  Anything would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks so much Beth Nach mamamoozer@hotmail.com
posted 8/14/04

GOLDSTEIN FAMILY SINGERS

Hi everyone!  I am someone who worked and grew up in the summers at Sunny Oaks Hotel in Woodridge, NY, the hotel owned by my the best friends of my parents, Ted and Cynthia Arenson. Wow, I can't believe I found this site with all of your names posted on it.  Anyhow, my name is Amy Goldstein and I am a singer and cantor, and my father was one of the best known cantors and choir leaders of great cantors such as Moyshe Oysher, namely during the 50's and 60's in the big hotels in the Catskills.  Also, my grandfather and great uncles were the famed Epstein Brothers Orchestra (Klezmers). First, if any of you have any recollections of my father's and family's singing (we were and are the Goldstein Family Singers), could you please let me know? I have four brothers that sang with me and my parents, Jack and Harriet Goldstein. I will be doing a presentation that will include singing at Kutsher's Hotel on August 10th, 2004 as part of a lovely Cantor's Assembly convention called the Rozhinke Retreat (www.rozhinke.org), and I would love for any and all of you to come and join the retreat. It will feature world famous cantors, masterclasses, and concerts every night plus late-night entertainment usually hosted by the amazing cantor and comic, Simon Spiro. I will be singing quite a bit as well. The retreat will be from August 8th until the 11th and you still have time to come. I hope to hear from anyone who knows or knew my father/family and perhaps I'll see you at the retreat! Love to all of you who share my memories, Amy Goldstein www.amygoldstein.com or email saintpaul5@hotmail.com
posted 8/14/04

MUSICIANS & OTHER FRIENDS

Fred Decter is searching for musicians and other friends: I began my musical career "in the hills" in the summer of 1960 while working as the drummer at Bookbinder's Hotel.  In '61, I moved to the Kanco Hotel in Ferndale, followed by three consecutive years at the Stevensville Lake Hotel.   In the fall of '64, I began working at Grossingers with my trio, The Tempos.   We stayed there until the spring of '66, at which time we moved to the Windsor for two years.  Circumstances forced us to split up, and I went to Spain for two summers, but continued working with different goups on weekends.   My last summer (1970) was spent as a musician at the Brickman.   I would love to hear from anybody who may have known me or my trio. FRED R. DECTER,Montville, NJ SMS783@aol.com
posted 7/22/04

HEIRS OF LENA SHULMAN WEINBERGER

I am looking for heirs of a member of Ellenville's Workmen's Circle chapter active in the first half of the twentieth century.  Lena Schulman ran a local butcher shop in the teens, 20s and 30s with her husband, also Schulman.  Mr. Schulman died in the mid-thirties.  Lena then remarried a Mr. Weinberger, who died a few years later.  I know that Lena Schulman Weinberger had two daughters who moved to western states from Ellenville. Mrs. Weinberger's autobiography, written for a contest in 1942 sponsored by the YIVO Institute for Jewish Research, is slated for publication (in translation) by New York University Press. Thanks for your time. Jocelyn Cohen, PhD jocelyncohen@verizon.net
posted 7/22/04

ROSENBLATT

Seeking any information/memories/photos of the owners (or relatives of the owners) of the Rosenblatt Hotel in Glen Wild.  Please contact Barbara Rosenblatt at barrose@email.com.   Thank you.
posted 11/10/03

RABBI MAX DAVID

I am researching a family member , Rabbi Max Davis, who lived on the State Road in South Fallsburg, New York, in the early part of the 20th Century.  Is there anyway to find information about him or his descendants&thank you in advance. Phyllis Bosworth bosworth@cohenco.com.
posted 9/26/03

ABE SCHLOSSBERG

I am looking for any memories visitors might have about my grandfather, Abe Schlossberg, a singing waiter in the Catskills between 1939 and 1959. His nickname was "Caruso". Roger Mason romason@bellsouth.net
posted 8/4/03

LEAH & SAMUEL FRIED, Fleischmanns

I am searching for any information available about Lea(h) and Samuel Fried, and any of their family members including nephew Morris Yanowitz who married Hannah [last name?] and niece Sarah, who married Irving Lichtman. I have a letter dated Oct. 30, 1920 that Samuel Fried wrote to my paternal grandfather. The letterhead shows Fried as the proprietor of Mountain View House in Fleischmanns. The phone # was 23-F-3. Leah Fried was my grandfather's maternal aunt. Morris Yanowitz & Sarah Lichtman were his half-brother and sister, who may have lived with the Fried family after their arrival in America. In his introduction, Sam said that he had immigrated to the US in 1913, a year before the war, had changed his name from Wolf Geldbarg to Sam Fried, and described his occumpation as farming together with his hotel. My grandfather's obit in Jan 1939 says that Morris Yanowitz was living in St. Petersburg Fl and that Sarah was living in NY. In 1956, Morris & Hannah had a small dept. store in Miami. Their daughter, Betty Kay was born around 1950. I will welcome any information that anyone can send me. Barbara Krauss barbkrauss@aol.com
posted 10/24/02

JERROLD SPECTOR, the portrait artist at the Raleigh Hotel

Seeking information or current location of for many years. I want to contact him about a painting he did for me. Neil H. Brenner nhbrenner@msn.com
posted 5/11/02

HENRY PERRY, chef

My father was a kosher chef during the late 50's early 60's in the Borscht Belt. I spent many summers "vacationing" at the then famous hotels. I am gathering stories about my dad, "The King of the Borscht Belt -- Henry Perry." Did you know of or ever hear of Chef Perry? He was the only black kosher chef, at that time, and probably the only EVER --certainly the only in the Catskills during the height of the Catskills!! He was the chef at the Concord, Grossingers, Pines, Browns, Stevensville, Kutsher's, Raleigh, Nevele, Homowack Lodge, etc.....Debra Perry
Livelitelydp@aol.com
posted 4/8/02

NATALIE COHEN, Raleigh maitre d'

I am looking for anyone that would have memories to share with me about my mother - Natalie Cohen.She was the Maitre D' at the Raleigh Hotel for most of the 80's and some of the 70's. She also was a waitress there. She has since passed away in 1992 and I would love to hear from anyone with memories of her. Thank you, Cindy Del Gatto cdelgatto@tampabay.rr.com
posted 4/8/02

ANDREW BRUCHER, White Lake photographer

My grandfather Andrew Brucher was a photographer. Mom tells me he actually had a studio in White Lake. At one time in the Rex-All Drug Store by the post office in Monticello there were large photos on the walls, more like murals. We were told at times our Grandfather Brucher took those pictures. It seems someone should know something about them. Mom also said he had taken photos before or after Monticello burned the one time. Thanks. Marjorie Smith Ward SEASIDERS@aol.com
posted 3/4/02

FISHER FAMILY

I'm researching a Fisher family (Max, Rose, Manuel, Sarah) who owned the Rose View Inn, a small resort possibly in Harris or Ferndale. Any information about the resort or the family would be appreciated.Thanks, Mike Lucks.lucks@home.com
posted 1/14/02

MERRIL LEVINE

My name is Michael. My father, Merril Levine, used the name "Patrick Sullivan Burke" and with his first wife Sylvia Rhodes, sang at several of the big Catskills resorts. I remember him talking about Grossinger's in the 1940's and 1950's.   I would LOVE to find any info., photos, or memories related to my Father. I'd also like to find Sylvia or her daughter (my 1/2 sister) Dolores Colleen. Any help is greatly appreciated! Michael Zargarov mzargarov@yahoo.com
posted 11/28/01

JACKIE BURNS

Who knows what happened to Jackie Burns (wife Sylvia) maitre d', tumelmacher, master of ceremonies in the playhouse at the Rosemond in Woodrige (1953) and the Oliver (1948). His brother Wesley worked the Evans in Loch Sheldrake. Anything??? Selpat@aol.com
posted 7/24/01

JIMMY HOLMES

Anyone know anything about the great nightclub singer, Jimmy Holmes. I spent many nights with bus boys, waiters and waitresses in the first half of the 1960's who came to hear him sing at the Evans Hotel in Loch Sheldrake. He was backed up by the Ink Spots. Lou Ferreri louzoo@visi.com
posted 7/18/01

JOE CARUSO BAND - GROSSINGER'S

Joe Caruso played with his bands at Grossingers in the early to mid 60's.  Joe is looking for anyone who might have any memorabilia/info (pictures, stories, film, brochures, etc.) from those days.  Any help would be appreciated.  Thanks in advance. Seymour Zimbalist  szimbo@optonline.net
posted 4/11/01

MAX GOLDBERG

I am writing in response to an interview I just read with Pete Sokolow.  My grandfather is mentioned in the interview and I am currently trying to find as much information about this wonderfully charismatic man (Max Goldberg).  He has been either quoted or mentioned in several interviews and books about the Catskills and or klezmer music.  He also appeared in the movie "Tickle In The Heart".  My grand father is almost 90 (April 25) and currently in the hospital.  He's unfortunately not doing well.  He has been one of the most important men in my life and has brought so much joy to so many people.  I am fascinated with him and would appreciate any information that you may have, photo's, quotes anything.  I have a lot but can't seem to get enough of it.  Thanks for your time,  Todd Zimmerman.  todd_z@majprop.com
posted 2/22/01

NAFTULE

I'm wondering if any visitors to the site might remember having attended any weddings or bar mitzvahs at which the clarinettist Naftule played; or if visitors have family who might have seen him perform, or worked with him, or known him.  Yours sincerely, Tom Payne TomP317@aol.com
posted 2/20/01

 STUIE GOTTSEGEN -- Shawanga Lodge

I would love to track down the activities director at the time of my stay in 1962. His name was Stuie Gottsegen, and I'm fairly certain he would be about 60 years old now. Any information at all would be greatly appreciated.  Eljerbaby@aol.com
posted 1/22/01

SYLVIA JONES -- Concord

My mother worked at the Concord in the summer (Oct) of 63. Her name was Sylvia Jones. She was a barmaid. I am looking for anyone who may help add to my memories I have of her. I remain forever searching, Roxane Jones-Buzbee RoxaneFL@aol.com
posted 8/31/00

VIVIAN (COOPER)

I spent many summers at David's Bungalow Colony in Monticello. I had a friend, Vivian, who married one of the local Cooper brothers, also of Monticello. I would love to be in touch with Vivian, again.
Roberta Feinstein rifke@earthlink.net
posted 8/01/00

LYLE & MARJORIE LOBDELL GRAVESTONES

Recently I hiked a trail in the Catskills to Frick Pond. I was staying at Mongaup Pond State Campground near DeBruce. I came upon a double grave near Frick Pond that had the following inscription:
    Lyle Lobdell: 1920-1933
    and Marjorie Lobdell: 1922-1933
Do you have any information these two young people who were buried long ago in this remote grave? I have become interested in their story and would like to find out what their fate was back in 1933. Thanks very much! Mary Alice Osborne: mosborne@waitsriver.k12.vt.us
posted 7/10/00

LOOKING FOR EVAN BROWN -- Grossinger's

Hello. My name is Bob Wallace. I worked at Grossinger's Hotel from 1976 to 1983 in the Entertainment Dept. I started out as an assistant stage manager and when I left, I was the Director of Entertainment. I am looking for Evan Brown, grandson of Lillian Brown of Brown's Hotel. He was the stage manager at Brown's at about the same time. If anyone has any information on his current whereabouts, I would appreciate hearing from them.
NEMO2YU@aol.com
posted 5/30/00

MICHAEL (MICKALE) ROSENBERG

I am seeking any information about Michael (Mickale) Rosenberg or his descendants. He was a cousin of my husband, and we are trying to find the family. He used to entertain in the Catskills and on the Yiddish Theatre circuit.   Please respond to Joan Rimmon.  Thanks a lot.
posted 5/19/00

ANYONE KNOW LOU HOLTZ?

I am looking for any information regarding an old-time Jewish comedian named Lou Holtz. Lou used to perform in the Catskills a number of decades ago. According to my grandfather, he used a fair amount of Yiddish in his routine. Apparently, Lou also performed (at least once) on the Ed Sullivan show. Unfortunately, none of my internet searches have turned up any references to this comedian. (I have, however, uncovered innumerable references to the now-retired Notre Dame football coach of the same name!). If anyone has any suggestions or additional information, I would be grateful. Please contact me directly: 4 Oak Street
Beverly Farms, MA 01915
(978) 927-6802
phil-martha@juno.com
Phil Samson

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