PORTRAIT SERIES

Towards the end of this project, I began to photograph former Borscht Belters: visitors, workers, locals and couples who met there. So many people reached out to me during this five year process, whether to share their stories or to point me in the direction of a specific hotel or bungalow colony. In some cases, they were people I knew my entire life. In other cases, they were total strangers. While these portraits did not make it into the book, I consider them as an extension of the project and felt this, the apropos place to share them.

If you (or someone you know) have spent time, lived or worked in the Borscht Belt and are interested to be part of this portrait series, please send me a message.

Marilyn Brizel

Marilyn Brizel, former Manager of the Flagler Hotel at her home in South Fallsburg, New York

Jack Levin

Jack Levin, former Manager at the Laurel's Hotel and Country Club at his home in Sackett Lake, New York

Doug Richards

Doug Richards, Musician who played "all of the hotels", Liberty, New York

Mal Z. Lawrence

Mal Z. Lawrence, Comedian, at his home in Monticello, New York

Zinnia Konviser

Zinnia Konviser, former owner of the Vegetarian Hotel, on the steps of her former home at the Vegetarian Hotel in Woodridge, NY

Leon Gottesman

Leon Gottesman, former Chef, Concord Hotel at his home on Swinging Bridge Lake, Monticello, New York

Jackie Horner

Jackie Horner, Dance Instructor, at her home in Liberty, New York

Elaine and Fred Shick

Elaine and Fred Shick, worked and met at Kutsher's at their home in Harrington Park, New Jersey

Howie Tavin and Fred Schick

Howie Tavin and Fred Schick, Musicians, met and played Kutsher's, at Fred's home in Harrington Park, New Jersey

Ken Cogswell

Kenny Cogswell, former Counselor at the Laurel's Hotel and Country Club, in Bethel, New York

Larry Ravdin

Larry Ravdin, Musician, in Bethel, New York

Bernie and Joy Weinstein

Bernie and Joy Weinstein, met at the Young's Gap, owned Bernie's Holiday Restaurant for 50 years, in Sackett Lake, New York

Ruth Scheinfeld

Ruth Scheinfeld (and the late Jack Scheinfeld), lifelong Borscht Belters