This time of year, I can remember walking into the Main House and the Christmas Tree, the snow that the cars turned to slush, little Scotty schneider throwing snowballs then getting his tuchus kicked, Mr DeMello and I having a blast, Annette riding every day, man was she dedicated, Sunnycroft Ranch then Sunnycroft Ponderosa, both like no other ranch resorts in NY State. Those sheepskin Jackets, those navy pea coats, Millers and Kaufmans for the riding apparel. Did Ester even have heat in her store/house? Mike's girlfriend sold clothing for John Myers of Norwich, she was a knockout blonde.
Artie and Miltie Karp. Glad I can still remember those days.

Happy Holidays Everyone from Sunnycroft, Ranch and Ponderosa.

Christmas @ Sunnycroft, the Christmas Tree would be set up in the main house, the dual fire place would be lit and going, the snow would be on the ground, it was cold, but a fun kind of cold, that you would really enjoy, across the road from the side of the main house was an empty field that became solid lice, Mr. deMello and I would walk on that ice always thinking if it would cave it or not, we would also shoot Skeet over there. I think the little brat Scotty Schneider would sometimes hang with us. Anyway, it was a magical time of year @ Sunnycroft. There never was, never will be again anyplace like Sunnycroft Ranch aka Sunnycroft Ponderosa. Merry Christmas Everyone.

Rocking Horse was our arch rival at Sunnycroft, it was just OK it could not touch the "RANCH" in any way shape or form.
Sunnycroft had the hot women, the hot crowds and the action, the other "place" was just there....................no Apologies but the truth be told SUNNYCROFT RULED...................................................................

My Cousin, The Comedian "London Lee" played all the hotels of "The Borscht Bell" was constantly on Ed Sullivan, but never played "The Ranch", now plays to The Elder Cockers at Boca Condos.
My Father told me the story of when the FBI thought Joe Bonnano was hiding out at Sunnycroft and raided the Ranch to find no Joe. Mike I remember that middle patio like area in the middle of your house, it had a glass cieling. The House was divided between the Schneiders and Ungers, when your Mom sold out. The Ungers were on the right hand side as you entered the house. Great House.
Sylvia Rocked, a fantastic Owner and Hostess. Very Glamorous Woman. The Summertime like right now was a blast at Sunnycroft, even during the week, there were guests rather than at certain periods of the year when the weeknights were a ghost town.
I never recall Annette cooking one meal when we went to that local school and came home to the ranch. Must of been "Frenchie" who cooked?
I don't even think those yahoos at that school knew what JEWS were, I told them we had no horns coming out of our heads, but we did breathe fire. Did they even have a football team or was it really a coed softball slow pitch team?
Remember the long back stairs behind the Main House to get to the dining room?
Mike and Morty use to run great ads in the Travel Section of the Sunday NYT for the Ranch. Rocking horse and Crazy Horse would run ads too, but none were even close to having the "BIG BANG" the Ranch had.
Weren't there marshmallow roasts outside and bonfires, or am I fantasizing?

I walk five miles a day every morning at 6am, rain, sun, freezing, hot, doesn't matter, I try to think of more memories of my life at The Ranch, but the best are the ones I have shared here, so Michael you were always my best buddy up there, Scotty was well Scotty, Annette was a girl I loved, as I now find out DeMello also did, The Ranch was a remarkable place, sure horse backriding, the pool, the skeet shooting, the horse shows, the guests, Family, the relationships, there was no place like "Sunnycroft" while the structures are gone, the memories of great times and people will always remain.
To the "THREE OF YOU" may you be blessed, happy, healthy and
never forget the best of times at "Sunnycroft".
As "Ron and Ron" the legendary radio djs use to say
"CYA".

Remember Memorial Day weekend all those weekends where mondays were legal holidays made the weekends that much longer and sundays always felt like another saturday night.
The Ranch would be packed with people, the pool would be jammed,
the horses were out all day, the nights were wild, those NY Single Women looking for love or lust or both.
The Caddies with the fins, the tbirds, the jags, all the movers and shakers, Did my Stepbrother Craig come up to the ranch alot, I don't remember?
Scotty your Father's Apartment in NYC was in the same Bldg as Steve Lawrence and Edie Gourmet,
Anyone remember when the Feds raided the ranch thinking Joe Bonnanos was there?
I remember Mike's Girlfriend her name was Barbara she was beauitful she was a garment rep for John Myers of Norwich Clothing The actress who portrays Elliiot's Wife on Law and Order SUV is an identical look alike to Mike S's lady.
Quite beautiful and fantastic personality.
Come on DeMello, come on fisherman Scotty come on Horse Trainer Ms Mohr add something already. Life is so short.
what's wrong with remembering?
There were no bad times.

All went well with my Proceedure, I know scotty was most concerned about my Colonoscopy, I am sorry Scotty I did not video tape the proceedure.
As for the Ranch with all this "SNOW" it bring back so many memories of the walk down to the stables, the fireplace in the main house burning, the lake or water across the road from behind the main house, we always was taking risks if the ice did not hold.
That snow just put such a great Winter Wonderland appeal to the ranch.
Everyone wore sheepskin jackets.
Oh well.

I remember Selly very cool guy, I also recall shooting with a 410 shot gun he had, I don't recall Ms. Mohr being a very good shot.
And as for her dancing, well I know "Dancing With The Stars" considered her , but I was never told of the outcome.
"Lombardi's"? Give me a nice Peking Duck Salad from the "China Grille" a Sharing Portion so Ms Mohr and Mr DeMello can enjoy it.
I have to go for a colonoscpy on Friday I shall scream "LONG LIVE SUNNYCROFT" as they put me under.

Anyone remember where we use to put up the guests when the Ranch was packed and no room left/
Wasn't it at some motel down the road somewhere?

Didn't we all go some skating ring in either New Paltz or newburgh, I think it was New Paltz?
Did Annette and Scotty both wee braces and Annette got her's off first?
Anyone remember our Step Brother Craig Unger, he is a political writer now has two books out.
Maybe Ronnie was the "edie haskel" of that period, right now he is as big as three of the big size actor from "LOST".
Real shame.
I walk four miles every morning at 6am then ride a staionary bike another 5 miles every day regardless of weather or health.
Scott, I wish I had pictures for you, maybe you can email my Father and Lynn his wife at unger234@aol.com and ask them if they have any?
Wasn't there a motel near by, that when the Ranch was filled to capacity we would send guests to ?
Remember all the Cadillacs back then had the wide flame wing backs and the lincolns opened both doors front and back from the center of the car? My Uncle for the past 30 years has owend one of the most exclusive "INNS in Palm Springs, check out
www.inglesideinn.com and Melvyn's Bistro.
Ok I wish I could recall more fond memories of The Ranch, but my mind is blank right now.
I do recall Annette was spoiled rotten but still a stone cold Fox.

Scotty put down the bong NOW, my brother and Annette?
Please you have no clue.
As for the pot smoking and listening to the doors that is correct, and I see Mr DeMello dropped the dime anyway, after all these years.
Yes, Scotty I do have a picture that was hanging up of you in the Walkill Post Office,.
I recall those beat up step up wood boxes guests had to step up on in order to get into thte saddle of some of what everyone at the Ranch in the know called "THE PLUGS" the horses like "EDDIE" who were old and worn and knew the outside ring and trails better than any human.
I don't recall Scotty riding alot but rather cleaning stalls constantly, nobody could shovel it like Scotty could.
The jukebox up against the wall, had Sinatra, the Four Seasons,
the TV ROOM was up that look flight of stairs in the Main House.
The House my father and Mike shared which was the DeMello residence previously had a glass enclosed terrace that divided the house.
The Schnediers were on the left side the Ungers RULED on the right side.
I think Scotty use to sleep with a pink teddy bear, because it was never Annette's, it had the initials SS on the bottom of it's tuchus.
Eddie who coached Annette to ride, and took her to the garden, about 26 years ago Ronnie and I were at a horse show outside of Tampa and there was "EDDIE" training a young girl how to compete, same attitude, same wise guy mouth, but one great coach and trainer.
My Father is still with LYNN whom he was with at the Ranch, their stationary is all about horses artowrk, shows the impact of "The Ranch" on both of them.
I remember taking that school bus to school every day up there, Annette went to, imagine Jews with all those Yahoos on the bus, and that school, about as much fun as watching "COPS".
Mr DeMello, I salute you the phone number remark, all but buried my remembering her address.
( Poking eye out with Cross 18k Gold Pen)
Ah feels so much better now.
I am so thrilled Scotty has joined this group, I always thought he was the nightwatchman at Pearl Harbor.


Why do the days always equate Scotty with eddie haskel in my mind?

uh on, on second thought the office was on the RIGHT as you walked in. with the open window where you checked in.
Sorry, you know what they say, the mind goes first.

I remember the horse shows we use to go to, Annette always came back with THE BLUE, she was an awesome rider, it was just amazing to watch how natural riding and jumping came to her.
Did Scotty ever even ride/
I remember the fab redhead, "FLO" your MOM a very nice lady.
I remember Milton and his Brother Artie Karp.
I remember Flo's Brooklyn Address, ready?
2401 East 23rd st and Avenue X how' s that for remembering.
I don't know if Mike did Trail Rides, I know my Father did and they were rough rides.
I remember I loved a horse named "prince valiant" that I thought was mine, but not really, guests rode him all the time.
I remember shopping for boots and riding gear at either Millers or Kaufmans.
I remember Mike always reminded me of Steve lawrence he was a great looking guy and always wore strong and capitvating colonge.
I remember he had a hearing problem in one ear.
But that did not stop him from riding herd on Scotty.
Scotty was a trip.
Walden, Wallkill, Newburgh, Exit 17 on the NY State Thurway and we were on our way to the Ranch down that long winding road and boom there was Eaters and on the left turn on to the dirt gravel road leading to the main house.
The office was on the left as you walked in.
The fireplace was in the middle of the main house lower room.
I remember once going to Mike's factory in Westbury.
I hope I am remembering correctly.
I remember one summer, scotty, I, my brother Ronnie, I think my stepbrother Craig, and maybe even Mr DeMello stayed at the pool side cottage, Miks S came in angry about something and punched me dead in the face, i don't know what I did, but I never did it again.
Blessings to All.
Those really were "THE DAYS".
Wow, it was so long ago, but feels like ysterday.

It was freezing one Jan. when Mike Schneider decided to put the screen doors on the new motel room addition, by the Main House, the doors came from his "4 Seasons" Factory, we all had to use the new push screwdriver to install the doors, and we could not quit until Mike inspected every screen door for installation and opening and closing.
There were ten units that had be done and I could not wait until the opened and closed #10.
I think Scotty was about as much help as he could be, meaning nowhere to be found.
Anyway, just another memory.
Long Live The past, long live Sunnycroft first as a Ranch then as a Ponderosa for marketing purposes.
Anyone remember Ralph the Artist who was painting a picture of Johnny Mathis forever?

You remember that beautiful horse "Narcissus" that big man "ROD" I mean big Man ROD use to ride? Remember Eddie the horse trainer with the attitude?
How aoubt Artie and Miltie Karp?

Mr. DeMello, I also recall your #1 job was cleaning out the stalls and polishing my boots.
So be glad I am not making that public DeMello....
ROFL

Jamie, unfortunately we were all having such a blast in those days at Sunnycroft, Demello did anyone take any pictures?
Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall the Ranch was da bomb.

Your GrandFather was a great Guy and good Partner with my fFather, your Mother was and is "THE BEST".

Sorry I don't recall anyone taking any pics anytime at the Ranch.
Annette had so many Blue Ribbons and Trophies I am sure you have seen them all forever, why would anyone take any pictures of Scotty?
Your Mother must have pics of her winning at MSG I am the guy with the shovel behind her Winning ride.
Happy Holidays and please send my Best to your Mother.
You are from a Family of Quality.

We really were having such a blast and non stop fantastic lives on the Ranch we never stopped to capture the moments.

I remember Browns, The Neville, Grossingers of course, the Concord,
Kutchers, Rocking Horse,, I remember we had our own WSBS aka Sunnycroft Broadcasing System ) radio station) that we used the PA System for.
We broadcast from the TV Room up the stairs in the main house.
The two sided fire place in the main house and the juke box.
Oh well, I remember it well.
right DeMello?

As Halloween and Thanksgiving and Christmas approach there was always snow on the ground at Sunnycroft, it just added a magical touch to a fantastic setting.
Oh well gone forever but never forgotten long live Sunnycroft Ranch.........................

My Father and his Partner Mike Schneider bought Sunnycroft from Sylvia Demello A LADY OF CLASS, My Father and Mike added on rooms, rebuilt alot of Sunnycroft, and made it the hot spot it was.
We ues to pick up NYC Singles at the Public LIbrary every Friday in a huge station wagon and drive them up to the Ranch for the Weekend and then drive them back Sunday Nights.
My Father's Trail Rides were notorious for testing one's riding ability.
As Thomas Wolfe wrote "You can't go home again" what a shame...............................
I even miss Esther's store.
That old lady was a blast.
Mike schneider went with a goregous girlfriend who was a sales rep for John meyers of norwich clothing line, my father is still with Lynn who was a playboy bunny.
oh well, as long as you have the memories you have the goodtimes.

The other two ranches were "CRAZY HORSE" and "THE ROCKING HORSE" neither of them could touch "SUNNYCROFT", just for the record, the best horses, the best pool, the best trail rides, the best people, the hottest singles, the most romance, the best MAIN HOUSE, Sunnycroft Ruled.
As for sugar pops boy, i recall another memory of him cleaning out stalls.
Ok, as The Author Thomas Wolfe wrote " You can't go home again", and I add especially since those finatics tore down the entire complex.
The Pines, Grossingers, The Concord, The neville, my cousin London Lee played many of the Cat Hotels.
But Sunnycroft was the premier place for women to find "True Romance".
Mike, remember the guest with the knockout Wife who had an NYPD bodyguard for dropping a dime on mafia?

Hey, one more thing I don't know about Demello, but I never asked her to marry me.
ARE YOU CRAZY?
She is a great girl, exceptional Rider, i was with her at MSG when she won I was the groom, ( great job for a nice Jewish Boy) and I am sure she is a great MOM and fantastic instructor.
As for you sugar pops boy, I am glad you have that baby diaper route, I hope you make a decent living babe.

Mike, only the cowards post without using their names.
Mike was the best, scotty was off the wall, Annette was Annette, (lol) a real cutie and I was me, but those that post will no name are just cowards.
Sorry but between Mike and I , we don't recall anyone else pursuing Annette at the time?
I know you were the kitchen boy that Mike and Morty fired for eating all the Sugar Pops.

From the time Mike's MOM and Dad owned Sunnycroft to the time Mike Schneider and my Father owned it, Sunnycroft rocked.
What a fantastic place to ride, to party, to meet people, the entire Sunnycroft Adventure is one I will always remember.
Then the wackos came and tore it down and destroyred a legendary Place.
I just spoke with Michael Lang one of the original Producers of "WOODSTOCK' we were just laughing at how the 69 event came about and how Wallkill chased it away, only to end up on Yasgur's Farm.
he is planning another Woodstock this year, but no set date or acts yet.
There was no place like upstate Exit 17 and Exit 18 on the NYThurway.
Good times Good People Great Place.

As for me, My Wife is a fashion designer, and weI own a Fashion Boutique for the past 30 years, and I am also a major Nightluc Consultant.
I work seven days a week.