Digest

This episode explores the abandoned Laurels Hotel and Country Club in the Catskills, once a premier vacation destination for American Jews known as the Borscht Belt. Photographer Marissa Scheinfeld shares her personal connection and extensive work documenting these remnants. The Borscht Belt, active from the 1930s to the 1980s, was a vast area with hundreds of hotels, offering abundant food, activities, and serving as a cultural incubator, particularly for comedians. It emerged as a response to exclusion, providing a thriving space for Jewish Americans. The decline of the Borscht Belt is attributed to the Civil Rights Act, increased air travel, suburbanization, and evolving entertainment preferences. Scheinfeld's project aims to preserve this history and connect with her own roots, highlighting the importance of documenting this era for future generations.

Outlines

00:00:00

The Borscht Belt: A Jewish Vacation Haven and Its Photographic Legacy

This episode delves into the history of the Borscht Belt, a significant Jewish vacation destination in the Catskills, through the photographic work of Marissa Scheinfeld. It covers the origins of the region, its vast scale, and the personal connection Scheinfeld has to documenting its abandoned resorts, including the Laurels Hotel.

00:05:58

Life and Culture in the Borscht Belt

Explore the unique culture of the Borscht Belt, from its origins and the meaning behind its name to the diverse activities offered, such as abundant food, shuffleboard, and arts and crafts. It also highlights its role as a cultural incubator for comedians and a response to social exclusion, creating a vibrant destination for Jewish Americans.

00:09:35

The Grandeur and Decline of the Laurels and the Borscht Belt

This section focuses on the remnants of the Laurels Hotel, once a luxurious and lively resort, and discusses the broader factors contributing to the decline of the Borscht Belt. Reasons include changing travel patterns, the impact of the Civil Rights Act, and evolving entertainment trends.

00:17:29

Preserving the Legacy of the Borscht Belt

Marissa Scheinfeld reflects on the personal significance of her work documenting the Borscht Belt, emphasizing its importance in preserving the history of Jewish Americans. The episode concludes by encouraging further exploration of this legacy through her book and projects.

Keywords

Q&A

• What was the Borscht Belt?

  The Borscht Belt was a popular vacation destination for American Jews from the 1930s through the 1980s, located in the Catskill Mountains of New York. It offered a comprehensive vacation experience with numerous hotels, resorts, and summer camps.

• Why is the Borscht Belt significant?

  It represents a unique period in American Jewish history, serving as a cultural hub and a response to social exclusion. It was also a training ground for many entertainers and influenced American popular culture.

• What happened to the Borscht Belt?

  The decline of the Borscht Belt is attributed to several factors, including the Civil Rights Act opening up other travel destinations, the rise of air travel and suburbs, and changing vacation preferences.

• What are some of the notable features of the Laurels Hotel?

  The Laurels Hotel was once the largest hotel in the Borscht Belt and was known for its luxury and entertainment. It featured indoor/outdoor pools, a golf course, and was considered the "hippest hotel" catering to a younger audience.

Show Notes