These tidbits are from New York State Vacationlands, a magazine published by N.Y.S., highlighting 15 interesting vacation places. It’s undated, but the year can be narrowed down to 1947-1955; both N.Y.S. Governor Thomas E. Dewey (1943-1955) and the State’s Commerce Commissioner Harold Keller (1947-1955) were both included in the article.
Governor Dewey said, “Nature has blessed the State of New York with an abundance of scenic beauty, a setting in which our citizens’ enterprise has built fascinating attractions. The Empire State’s resources for vacationing are amazingly varied. We have practically every type of recreation. Natural wonders whose fame is worldwide, and manmade wonders unsurpassed. There are mountains, lakes, rivers, beaches, great cities and historic centers - all for your enjoyment. It gives me great pleasure, on behalf of our citizens, to extend to you a cordial invitation to see and enjoy our great State. You will be greeted with a warm welcome in all our 15 Vacationlands; and I'm sure you will enjoy every minute of your stay.”
The Haines Falls Chamber of Commerce said Haines Falls is near the Kaaterskill Lakes, North-South Lake Campsite, Catskill Mountain House, and has 26 hotels and boarding houses at just $35-$55 weekly. There are lakes, pools, fishing, golf, horseback riding, and hiking.
The Hunter Civic Association said Hunter is on a spring fed lake. Hunter offers bathing, boating, golf, horseback riding, playgrounds, trails, and camping. There are 50 hotels and boarding houses. Also available are Greyhound, Trailways, and Garrison buses.
The Catskill Chamber of Commerce said Tannersville has the Rip Van Winkle Lake, 35 hotels, bathing, boat livery, fishing, golf, tennis, playground, and a roller rink.
Frank G. Crosby said Lanesville, near Bushkill, offers boarding houses, bathing, hiking trails and a public campsite.
The booklet highlighted the CATSKILL MOUNTAIN HOUSE, with the grounds open to visiting. In its heyday, 1823-1942, the Catskill Mountain House, (near North Lake Campsite) was one of the finest resort hotels in the United States. The hotel served to introduce many to the beauty of the Catskills. Tourists can drive up to the hotel, no longer operating, and thrill to the awe-inspiring view from the escarpment upon which it is located. (The hotel, weather beaten and in dangerous condition, was burned by the State of New York in 1963.)
And now, about 75 yrs later, boating, hiking, bathing, camping, golf, tennis, and the Kaaterskill Falls are still drawing visitors to the Catskills.
Thank you for reading. I hope you all had a great holiday season. Be well and stay healthy for 2026.
Dede Terns-Thorpe/Hunterhistoriangmail.com.
0 comments:
Post a Comment