From the early 1900s through the mid-1970s, the Borscht Belt, located in New York’s Catskill Mountains, was one of America’s premier vacation destinations—particularly for American Jews. Due to the antisemitic climate of the time, American Jews found themselves excluded from jobs, educational and financial opportunities, along with vacation access.
Born out of antisemitism, the Borscht Belt was a place of refuge but also one of renaissance. In its heyday, the Borscht Belt comprised over 500 hotels and 50,000 bungalows (arguably the greatest population of hotels anywhere in the world). In the safe, free space of the Catskill Mountains, a microcosm of creativity was also born. Countless artists, musicians, and entertainers cultivated their artistry and innovation in the region, with household names such as Joan Rivers and Jerry Seinfeld among the cohort. It was also notably featured in the movie Dirty Dancing and on episodes of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.
Today, a group of artists and historians known as the @BorschtBeltHistoricalMarkers Project are determined to ensure the famed era’s legacy. The markers aspire to permanently cement the Borscht Belt in its physical place and pay tribute to its legacy.
Source: Marisa Scheinfeld
Photos: All images courtesy of the Marker Project
