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.
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. From cutting edge Mid-century architecture to humble bungalows, the Borscht Belt had something for everyone. Countless artists, musicians, and entertainers cultivated their artistry and innovation in the region, with household names like Joan Rivers and Jerry Seinfeld among the cohort. It was notably featured in the movies Dirty Dancing and A Walk on The Moon and on episodes of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.
Today, a group of artists and historians known as the Borscht Belt Historical Marker Project is determined to ensure the famed era’s legacy. Their historic markers aspire to permanently cement the Borscht Belt in its physical place and pay tribute to its legacy.
Source: Borscht Belt Historical Marker Project
Photos: All images courtesy of the Marker Project
