The Sprint

Where is this place located?

I've seen sismilar places in austria. Up in the mountains, before the "winter sports tourism", many villages had what they called "cure hotels" or something similar, it was a place where you could just relax, have a peaceful rehabilitation after a time of sickness or so. It was even forbidden to work or make noices such as running heavy traffic though these villages, to keep them as peaceful as possible. But when the winter sport tuorism started, and people went to these villages to go skiing, the hotels popularity decreased, until they had to close down most of them.

Therefore, if you go to a small mountain village in austria, you may see these large hotel builings in the middle of the village, abandoned. Imagine that! In the middle of the town, surrounded by houses stands a 5-6 stores high building abandoned! Noone can afford to buy and renorvate these hotels, and some of them doesn't even have water or electricity in them! They just stand there.

I was on a holiday trip to Badgastein in the Austrian alps, when i saw these buildings, and i asked a local about them, and he told me what i just told you here. He alsoadvised me not to visit them, and i didn't really dare to either, but oh, how i regret that now! Anyway, thats the story, i don't know if it even fits here, but anyway...

The Pines was one of the grande old resorts in the Catskills. From the 30's until the early 60's resorts such as the Pines were all inclusive and were the number one vacation choice for folks from the New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware and Maryland areas. These resorts featured the current popular entertainment of the day. Up and coming comics cut their teeth in the Catskills. The Catskill's audiences were the toughest critics. The Pines is/was located in the small Catskills town of South Fallsburg, N.Y. Approx. a 2.5 hour drive from Gotham (without traffic) and approx 5 hours from the Baltimore Washington area. Changing tastes, culture and the icreasing popularity of commercial air travel were the death knell for the classic Catskill's resorts . Why sit in a car for 2.5 hours when you could hop a jet plane and be in Miami , Fl. in a little less time? The Pines hung on through the 60's, 70's, 80's and 90's. Charter groups, senior citizens and singles weekends enabled this resort and others like the Concorde to limp along until the inevitble. The fate of these resorts demonstrate that nothing lives forever. :-(

It's in the Catskills NYS

zippyjet did you ever work at the Pines? How do you know so much about it? Can you elaborate a bit more?

Back in '88 a friend twisted my arm and I went to my first of five Jewish singles weekends in the Catskills. Three were at the Pines and the other 2 were at a smaller resort called the Tamarack Lodge. I had such a great time that I went to five of these shindigs. The girls from New York, and north New Jersey were hot, loved to wear short miniskirts and got a kick out of this Southern gentleman. Baltimore being south of the Mason Dixon Line. Though we are considered Mid Atlantic many still consider Baltimore to be a Southern city at heart. Meaning the New York Girls got a kick out of the way I TALKED! And it didn't hurt that I gave many massages. LOL I met my ex-wife at the Pines on my last trip Memorial Day Weekend 1991. We are still friends. Back to the Pines. The place was quirky cool. There was that aura of a place that was once great but fading. The food was fantastic and plenty of it. I believe the family that always owned the Pines owed too much in back taxes and had to close down the show. A shame, those weekends enabled singles who would never know each other existed had they not had the experience at the Pines and other Catskills resorts. This was at the cusp of the Internet age and just think if the Pines and these other places could have stayed alive. As nothing lives forever on the same token things come back and have at least another shot in the limelight. Generations of singles and others will never get a chance to share in this experience. I for one am thankful I had the opportunity. BTW, the "exercise room" and "health club," were reminants of the 1950's idea of health and fitness. They actually had two vintage "reducing belts!"

Oh my gosh...I remember those reducing belts! I also was a regular at The Pines throughout my childhood in the 80s and 90s. I grew up there in the summers. I loved everything about it. There was something corny yet so familiar and comforting about it. Every summer I would travel with my parents and grandparents to the Catskills, and I will never forget it. I always met other kids from all over the NY, NJ, CT, PA area, and it was a blast. Some of the best memories I have are from the Pines, and it though it upsets me to see its current state, I'll always remember it the way it was :).

I performed at The Pines on many occasssions in the early '90's as part of a singing act called "Winged Victory Singers" led by the imfamous Joe Baris. The Pines, like so many of the old resorts in the area, was like a huge, decaying dinosaur in the mountains. There was always a musty smell throughout the resort. A sure sign the end would soon be near. Strangely sorry to see it has finally fallen.

This shot reminds me of my first glimpse in fifteen years of the main building of the holiday chalet village on the south coast of England where my family always stayed as a child. I revisited it a couple of years back and every ceiling was down, every roadway so choked with brambles and nettles it was impossible to drive along. The playground and pools where I made many summertime friends were barely visible above eight-foot grasses, the timber terrace of the chalet where I have many happy memories was part collapsed and choked with weeds. I can imagine that many of those who stayed here feel as desolate at seeing these images as I did that day. Sad to think that places that mean so much to so many people are vulnerable like any other business to the ebb and flow of the economic cycle :(

And following on from the above comment, by the modern miracle known as the World Wide Web I just found a website devoted to the place! Although it's in even worse shape now than when I last saw it, even the Dolphin Holiday Village will live on in cyberspace... the sun will always shine on a blue ocean and chalets freshly painted for the new season, the lawns will forever be as neatly mowed as they were when I was seven years old...

http://www.pontinsdolphin.4t.com/

Interesting site on Pontins Dolphin. So sad that they didn't rebuild after the fire. Thanks Rich.

Twug, at the time the UK was in the depths of recession, and cheap package holidays to hi-rise hotels in Spain and Greece were also seen as a better option than UK chalet parks like this, which were associated with being quite dated, and were frequently more expensive than their Continental counterparts without the guaranteed hot weather (our maritime climate is variable, even in summer, to say the least).

Plus, the damage was eventually costed at £2 million, which added to the lost takings from the 1991 season (the park was fully catered and the restaurant, along with the site shop, lounges, bars, kids' club and most of the other indoor facilities) were destroyed or damaged enough to put them out of commission, and hence prevent bookings being honoured) quickly made the place a financial burden.

i think plans are afoot to flatten it once the asbestos has been removed from the 1960s buildings, and turn it into another dull housing estate :(

yo if any one wants to go there tomorrow during the day or even tonight send me an e mail at xxviciousxx187@yahoo.com or hit me up on aim xxviciousxx187 cool place to go ummm need help opening the bottomless pit doors in the kitchen so the more people the better if you want to go send a reply i want to go to night but need extra help

I was wondering if anyone could give me directions on how to get to the pines i think it would be an awsome road trip for some good photos if any one could help that would be great also if anyone knows of any other website with inforon the pines could you please post them thank you

My family spent 2-3 February school breaks at the Pines. The food was amazing. We loved the ice rink and indoor pool.

we spent many a summer there .
It was my favorite borscht belt hotel.
I was good friends , with the owners daughter. Recently I went to the Raleigh(still operating) and met someone else who knew the owners and gave ma an update. I had stopped by the Pines two years ago with my family to see what remained and took some photos and some video , inside and out. You got alot more than I did, once we felt the water under our feet in the upstairs lobby , we ran back outside. I wnet to the house and Mr. Erlich opened the door ! We chatted for a while . It breaks my heart to know i can't take my kids there for a vacation .

Looking at these pictures, of what used to be a grand hotel, Is truly hearbreaking!
My memory of my times up at the Pines so rich , so vivid in my mind and memory. The true tapestry of this once great place
and my memory of it should be in a book or a museum!

in the movie schindlers list where surviovrs of the holocaust were interviewed it was done right there on that lawn

I run a paranormal inestigation organization called CRYPTO ink. A friend told me of a huge abandoned hotel in the the catskills, in an aria called Krumsille Ny, which I hae neer heard of. The Hotel is called the "Beaer Lake House". I haent eer heard of it but woud like to do an inestigation there. But I need info. Do you Know it?

I work at the pines in the 80's I met so much women back then. Every week i would meet some one new. Anyone rember me.

In the next few days I will post some real good storys about my life at the pines and the women i met. Remember Hank Leads, Boris Kates with his toilet paper?

I worked there from 1980 until 1982, first job out of high school. Didn't pay much, but room and board were part of the deal, so the paycheck was pretty much all spendable - read "party money". Lots of memories, learning about life, and growing up was done there. I worked as a lifeguard and in the nightclub running the spotlight for the shows. Hank was my boss, other names I remember were Rock the Bellhop, waiters Tom and Chris, Sue from the front desk..... It's a shame the Catskill resorts are now a part of history instead of still making history.

I remember big rock i was trying to think of his name. Anyone hear from him. You do not remember me i work social staff.

Hello, This comment isn't about the Pines, it's about another resort called Beverly Farms. It was in Freehold (Greenville) NY. I can't seem to find anything on it-it's like the place never existed. I would be so happy to hear if anyone remembers it, workerd there, ANYTHING! The last time I was there was 1989. It would mean the world to me if anyone would respond. Thank you!

Any information or pictures from the Concord or Raleigh Hotels. I have great memories from both .

I'm back!!! Oh the Concord hotel!!! The former Concord Hotel will be demolish sometime next year. The developer will build a new Hotel to include 1,500 rooms and approximately 450,000 square feet of casino space with 200.000 square feet of convention center space. The club house and 42 guest rooms at the Monster Golf club will be demolish the end of September of this year. The new club house will have 200 rooms. The club house would include a 20,000 -square -foot spa. Yep there is more!!! Up to 3,000 residential units for year-round and seasonal single-family, multi-family and affordable housing are being proposed on the property totaling about 1,735 acres. Approximately 600 acres have been set aside for open space. Between 500,000 and 600,000 square feet of destination and other neighborhood retail and support services would be build on the property owned by >>>>>> stretching from existing hotel site down Concord Road to Route 42.Yes I will be up there soon with a meeting with the owners and yes I will take pictures.

What about the Raleigh?

Hi Paul, not much to say yet, but I can tell you that the long time owner Manny Halbert who died in 2004 daughter Laurie has sold the hotel to Congregation Khal Bnie Zion Inc out of Brooklyn. But it is my understanding that there is a court battle going on with a businesswoman who has put a deposit down on the hotel B4 the sale. When I get more info I will let you know.

I worked as a Lifeguard/Cocktail Waitress at the Tamarack Lodge and other Catskill resorts during the 80's & early 90's. The Jewish singles weekend were a nonstop party. Especially at the Concord. Let's not forget about The Pines Chalet at night. The summers in the Catskill's were like no other!

I miss those days!.

I remember the Pines so well. My parents would ship me off to Camp and they would check into The Pines and stay for a month or so...great card games for Dad, Mah Jongh tournaments for Mom. It was a generational sort of place - the same families year after year and everyone knew everyone. I can still remember hearing Joe Cuba for the first time in my life at The Pines. The owners, the Schweid Family were lovely people, so down to earth and sweet. I wish it was still there, I'd give anything for some of their Borscht, boiled potato and pumpernickel! The memories will always remain.

Reading all these comments from all of the people that lived some of the best memories at the Pines we should try and have a reunion of sorts..what a true riot that would be..it could be done with the internet..I'm for helping organize it if you are truly interested please e-mail me at :Doreen4remax@aol.com......Thanks..

Like Donna the lifeguard, I too worked at the Pines from 1980 to 1982 as a busboy. What a fun time---great place to work & spend the summer---party at the Chalet & grow up fast. I remember Rock the bellhop & Tom the waiter too....Also my dining room buddies; Gary M. Hi-Guy (aka Jay S., Dave R. & Steve L.
Been vacationing up there at the Villa Roma the last few years.

i remember when i use to run through the hotel. My father owned myers bar in fallsburg and was good friends with the manager of the hotel. I miss that pace so much i wish they would reopen it.. The winters i would go sking, it makes me cry when i see the pictures and the hotel in life.

One of a dozen or so UK students working at the Pines in summer of '68. A good time was had by all, if the food was a bit on the restricterd side!. Also worked at Sullivan County Laundry in evenings, and even saw The Who on a night off in the Catskills. Alternately, looked after tidying up the swimming pool or dumping the rubbish. Us UK chaps had the worse jobs!!! Anybody else there at the same time?

Seeing a lot of the other comments with people who have seen their old childhood haunts more or less crumble, I've got a similar story. I haven't made it back to George AFB in California--a victim of the first round of BRAC closures after the First Gulf War--but my mom's been there and I've seen it at one-meter resolution with Google Earth. Apparently the US Army is using old base housing as an urban warfare training ground (according to some Discovery show I saw recently) and the dead grass is visible from orbit.

I understand the feeling connected to places like this falling apart, but in the desert it's an entirely different animal. According to my mom it's more preserved, oddly enough--no water damage to speak of--so you only get natural erosion from the occasional sandstorm and falling trees and the like.

A modern Cold War ghost town.

To George from Winged Victory Singers. I sang with them in 1969. We did the Pines, also. If you have anymore informatin about The Winged Victory Singers, please let me know at concilio@peoplepc.com.

I remember Beverly Farms. My parents would take us there every summer.

i went to my cousins wedding richie newburg in that hotel it was a very nice hotel.also my grand father had a general store in hurleyville n.y how time goes by.

Anyone remember the Guild Manor Bungalow Colony across from the Nemerson?

Am I crazy or was there a bungalow in the Catskills known as Sunny Crest Villa?

a friend and i accidentaly stubeled upon the Pines one summernight wile camping in fallsburgh and it really scared us half to death but i love that kinda stuff

Day2604 - not sure if there was one by that name, but there was a place called Sunnycroft, it was about 45 minutes from the Pines in a town called Shawangunk. It was last active, that I know of, in the 70's. It was a resort with a dude ranch type setting. I lived just down the road from it as a young child and my brother worked there as a teenager. Set at the base of some of the most beautiful sheer white rock cliffs, it was a very peaceful setting. Unlike the majority of the resorts in the Catskills of those days, this resort was not Kosher. It has since been torn down and is now part of the land holdings of the Jehovah Witnesses in the area. Their main farm and printing facility is located just a few miles from the old Sunnycroft Ranch.

I remember those days. I used to go there as a child with my parent s and my cousins. We used to have such fun. I have so many memories of that place. My cousin and I used to talk about taking our kids there someday. It is truly a shame that it had to come to this. Really breaks my heart. I knew it closed down years ago, but never knew it was still up !!! Wow.

I was a guest of the Pines Hotel 2 yearsa in a row, 1949 and 1950, when I was 16 and 17. I t was a great place to vacation. Lots of girls to meet and lots to do. I remember Saturday night was steak night. Too bad it does not exist anymore

The Pines holds a special place in my heart from the days when I went to singles dances there, and met the most gorgeous girlfriend I've ever known. Singles these days who only have the internet really don't know what they're missing. What a shame that the Pines and other Catskills hotels couldn't find a way to survive.

i was with the winged victory singers in the mid 50's with joe baris,john crumpler, bob lord,heinz neumann,ronnie oliver,& many more.if anyone out there remembers us,please email me. i'm gary holt.we also worked at the el patio club in Mexico City for 6 wks among other gigs.

Mid 50s?

Hello mountain memories... "The Pines" a great hotel. I was probably the first mobile personal appearance disc jockey to play the Catskills. I was brought in to play for a catholic family weekend event. Ernie or Bernie Reinleib (spelling) had me play in the main room, with the large stage, and I got people up doing line dances. The best part of the visits to work the mountain hotels was the food, and the golf. Bill

My Grandparents lived down the road from the Pines. In the late 50's and early 60's my family would drive up from Brooklyn and go to High Holy Day services at the Pines. The services featured Cantor Moishe Oisher, the Pavarotti of cantors. He was backed by a huge choir, making the services feel like a grand Jewish opera. It was glorious.

I went to Guild Manor from 1970-1979

gary holt, I was with the Winged Victory Singers much later, I will email you. My email is concilio@att.net.

anybody remember the Olympic Hotel?worked there in the mid 70's.

I went to an orthodox jewish camp across the street from the Pines Hotel. I recall sneaking across the road and watching Nixon resign. Anybody know anything more about the camp? Mericlaw@aol.com

Ah,...real snow !

Is it true that they are demolishing the Pines Hotel

Thanks, for the stories :-)

I worked at the Pines Hotel during the summers of 1970-1976. I was the staff waiter and primarily served the bands, entertainers, athletic staff, card room staff, etc. I still have an autographed picture of Lynda Carter from the summer of 1970. She was the hottest thing in the Catskills that summer. I gained a lifetime worth of experience during those summers, Christmas breaks and one Passover that I worked. I have endless stories that would take a novel to express them all. My brother, Bruce also worked at the hotel and my wife Dyan Dannheisser worked as a counselor and cocktail waitress there as well. I have been practicing podiatric medicine and surgery for the past 28 years, the last 21 in Miami (Kendall). I even treated Bernie Cove (the maitre d') at my office in Miami. His daughter made him a great 70th birthday party at her home in Miami. One of my best friend's remains Jeff Savran who also worked in the dining room during those years and is a podiatrist in Boca Raton, Florida now. Anyone desiring to communicate with me can reach me at lid52@bellsouth.net. Great memories! A tragedy what has become of the hotel property and the area in general.

During my junior year of high school (1996) I was a member of Key Club (a branch of Kiwanis International). That year, the Key Club Convention was supposed to be held at the Pines, but following a roof collapse, the Convention was relocated. So this part of the site really jumped out at me, that the Pines ended up being abandoned 2 years later.

I grew up in South Fallsburg in the 50's and 60's. It was an enchanting time of beauty with these wonderful big hotels. Families vacationed together, people dressed for dinner, summers were magical. I still mourn the death of these beautiful hotels.....so many of them and the wonderful bungalow colonies.

i stayed at the olympic when it was the dorm for sullivan county community college

It sure is odd The Pines ended up like this. When my dad was 19, he and my uncle met some friends here and travelled on to Woodstock. I stayed with him and mom here in July 1996 at age 6. I remember it quite well, we drove all the way from Kansas for a family reunion with my cousin Jim and his wife. Dad even knew the owner, Cliff Elrich. Thanks to Elrich, I probably won't be able to take my kids here in the future.

I'm looking for former members of the Winged Victory Singers. I sang with them in 1971-72.

My Email is mswaden@swaden.com

I worked at the Pines in the summer of 86 or 87 as a cocktail waitress with Angie, Dina, Micheal, Hector was a bartender, Jerry was the manager. I can't remember the maitre d's name, I just remember him eating his pasta with ketchup and telling me the story of how growing up his family was so poor and his parents used ketchup as sauce. He got so used to it that it was the only way he could ever eat it. I always think of him and would love to know his name. The Ehrilichs were there, Speedy Garfunkel and his bank (I still have their cassette). There also was a comedian that played there a lot. In his act he used to take a napkin, and talked about a bird flying around the show and "it pooped on you head" If anyone remembers any of these people please let me know. I later went to the Browns for 2 years and worked reservations and front desk, was there when the Margoulas family bought it.

This is a comment related to Randy's comment about interviews done there for Schindler's List. One of the last summers' we went there, a film crew of Steven Spielberg's was there to interview survivors for his holocaust memory museum (or whatever it is called). There were a number of people sitting a a large table behind us.

I use to DJ at the Pines on weekends for all the "City People" to party in the catskills. Also did some spinnin at the Chalet in the 80's. Great memories.....to bad they had to end... I did meet lots of beautiful tho...:)

my grandfather owned Sunny Croft ranch ...the stories and pictures of the catskills at that time seem so ancient it's such a shame. My parents also owned the Brunswick Inn, a restaurant that was right next to Sunnycroft thats still there to this day...does anyone remember anything about it?

Molly - I used to live about 1/2 mile down Kill Road from Sunny Croft, from 1968 til 1970, I was 6 to 8 years old then. My brother worked for Sunny Croft during that time frame . I remember the ranch, skeet shooting and the pool. I was at the Bruswick Inn once for lunch. My memories of that building are from before it was an Inn - when it was Esther's Store. Used to love going in there for candy, ice cream, or soda when I was little.

I stayed at the bungallow colony directly across the road fro, the pines from the mid 80's to mid 90's great memories

I would like to share memories of the mid 50's Pines with people who attended the hotel's great Passover seders and high holiday services. The cantors were Oysher, then Shicoff, then Dubrow. The great choir was always Abe Nadel's. My father, Daniel Sloan, conducted the services with them.
Look me up in Massapequa, NY

I used to visit my Grandmother at Guild Manor for many years- she went there from the time my mom was a child in the 40s until I was a teenager in the 80s.

my Father and Mike Schneider owned Sunnycroft Ranch, I was in love with his daughter Annette Schneider.
Sunnycroft was great. My Cousin, "London lee" played the Borscht Belt Circuit alot .
Sunnycroft was far superior to the Rocking Horse, we had the best rooms, best horses, best trails, hottest women from NYC we picked up every Friday at the Public LIbrary in the City and drove them up and back.
The Neville, Browns, Grossingers, The Concord, What great times.....

The Shining, much?

I'm looking for a guide to take a group of 3 in to the Pines this weekend. Write me

Lucassienk@gmail.com

Rich just remember my parents sold SunnyCroft to your dad then he took Mike into the business. Annette always liked me better anyway.

Hey rich my parents sold the ranch to your dad (Morty) remember .Annette married a guy named John a few years after your dad sold his share >Please post again would like to talk Mike

Molly was your grandfathers name "Mac" if so please post a comment my parent owned sunnycroft from 52 to 63

Mike, good to hear from you, I am glad you are sounding great.
Yes, Annette won the Junior Hunter Championship at Madison Square Garden I think she was the youngest person to ever win it.
I remember "Esther's Store" someone posted about it on here.
Those were great days at Sunnycroft both when your MOM owned it and My Father and Mike owned it.

my email rohmer135@gmail.com

Lainiek,who was your grandmother? Remember Mr.Walters?

Rich if you see this email me I found Scott and he was asking about you

Mike, what is Scott doing now?
What are you doing now?
What is Annette doing now?
You living in New York?

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.

rich e-mail me at rohmer135@gmail.com I will fill you in

Two years ago I purchased a home, a few doors down from the Bruynswick Inn and, they tell me, the former site of Sunnycroft Ranch. Supposedly this house was used at one time for employee dorms and was owned by members of the Worth family in the late 1930s? Not originally from here, I've tried to find out more about the ranch and former owners of my house via the internet with little success. Any info?

My parents were in business with the Worth family. Bought them out in the 1950's. When the ranch closed and was later purchased by Jehovah' all structures were torn down nothing left but the land. Are you up the hill overlooking the church or are you north towards New Paltz and the firehouse?

Harvey Kase worked at The Karmel...where are you??
lennycrane@gmail.com

I am moving and just found 2 records signed by Norman Brody - what nostalgia!!!!!!!!!!!

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.

Hey guy's, Sunnycrofy was the coolest place to grow up. I mean GREAT, the summers and weekends was a time I can't forget. Annette didn't like either one of you.

could be why she married someone else. why dont you man-up and use your name like we did...

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.

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.

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?

I was I waitress at Sunnycroft in the 80's. The first owner when I was there had a son named Ira. Then they sold to Artie Lieb and I think he had partners. I waited on the owners tables. I still ive in the area.

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.

My parents met at Sunncroft in about 1946ish when owned by Mac Worth. The riding master was named Al. Then Sylvia Demello supposedly won "The Ranch" in a gin game. she had a brother named Harold Miskend. I went to Sunnycroft through all the owners incl Mike and Barbara Schneider and then Bob Feldman and Norman Goldstein. For a time in the early 1970s, I started riding at Fox Hill. I too remember Esther's store.

Roberta when did you come to the ranch would like to hear from you as not many people remember that far back. You seem to have intimate knowledge of Sunnycroft history

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.........................

Hello all Sunnycroft people! I was 16 in summer of 63. Parents and I spent week there. I was allowed to take my poodle with me, Please tell me you remember the beautiful mare Captain?? The male riding inst. could have been one of the owners. I remember he was bald like my dad. We had a great time and rode Captain all week. Then, in 1986, im March, I took my family there. This time my daughter,who was 16, my son,8, and Husband. The owner remembered my parents and me. He told me how everyone loved to ride Captain and about a girl who yelled over the loudspeaker that she loved Captain. There was a wrangler there in 86, that was very short, but obviously once on a horse, he felt good. Anyone remember a big palamino that reared up when the pony cart rode up to the group? All those jingle bells scared him, Well, I didn;t fall off, but held my seat like Dale Evans. The wranglers were proud of me!!! I spent most of my summers in the Catskills. It was either a bungalow colony that my grandparents rented for the summer, so my mom and I stayed and my dad came up every Fri. nite and left on Sun. From 1952 through 1964, Many different hotels and bungalows,from Liberty, Monticello, Fallsburg, South Fallsburg and I can't remember the other towns. Any one remember Riverside Hotel near the Neversink reservoir?? How about Whitman's Bungalows?? ( this was 1955,thru 1959) What a great childhood. I lived in the Bronx on Stratford Ave, off Westchester Ave. on the 6 line south of Parkchester. Anyone???

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?

Rich like it was yesterday I can still smell the wood burning and looking down over the bar and Tony sneaking us ginger ale from the tap. Great memories

I lived near Sunnycroft and worked there from 1977-1983. The owner was Norman Goldberg and then Artie Leib. I have great memories from my time there and will never forget the crazy times and people.

Well This was all very interesting!!!!! My grandfather was Mike Schneider and Annette is my mother! If anyone has photos I would love to see!

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.

Yes I have photo s of the ranch and of your uncle when he was just a little guy. Unfortunatley they are very old so I dont think they can be scanned I tried once but they didnt take. Hey Unger the name is Mike I hate when he calls me deMello LOL

Jamie say hello to your mother for me and your errant uncle as well

Lorraine G.; yes I do remember Captain she was a retired police horse that my parents brought up from NYC. Used to ride her during the week after school what a fantastic horse she was. In 63 she had a stable mate named eddie also a retired police horse but not flashy like her. I could probably name the horses that you rode back then it was a great time for all of us Sunnycrofters..

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

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?

Yea Rod was a Nimrod Eddie was a bit too gay artie and miltie no I dont recall. And it would have been a very cold day in _ _ _ _ for me to polish your boots LOL

Happy Holidays to all of you Sunny Croft memory keepers. This has been a wonderful gift you have shared. You all may have been before my time at the Ranch, but reading your notes has been a pleasure.
I am the widow of Artie Lieb , we owned the Sunnycroft for 6 years (1979 - 1985) my seven children worked and lived with us at the property . Would love to hear from anyone who lived or worked at the property.

Mrs Lieb, thank you for weighing in on the conversation. The "Ranch" is deeply embedded in all of us , it taught us respect and hard work, and the meaning of fun, it continues to guide us now, you should be very proud that you could give your children the joy of growing there, I am sure that they will hold their memories as closely as we all hold ours.

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?

Ralph Cowans was his name Rich. Remeber the bungalow by the pool..

The bungalo that Ralph Cowan stayed in was called the Burger Cottage. Many , many great memories from the "Ranch Days". It was great reading about all the good times we had at the RANCH from the DeMello days all the way to 1975 when I actually left and moved on. Mike and Rich please keep on writing anything about the Ranch you remember, I really enjoy it. Scott has not seen this blog yet, he will flip when he starts to read your interpretations of how things were. I am sure he will have some memories that will make us all laugh a bit.
Happy New Year.

OK here is one for Jamie your uncle Scott and I used to steal the old red jeep after dark and go driving on the back roads ducking the very few state troopers who were around at the time. Also we used to go shooting in the field across from the main house where the horses were turned out, one day your uncle Scott and I were shooting frogs in the pond and I shot at a frog and got your uncles hand instead boy did I have some expaining to do to your grandfather about that. But I will tell you he just about the coolest adult I ever knew, used to call me Mickle always stuck with me , "such a great man"

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.

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.

Mickel, my father always called you Mickel. He admired you very much, thought you were a great kid. I remember you had two older sisters, one who rode very well, if I remember right.
The RED Willy's Jeep!!! We all took her one time or another for some kind of joy ride. I learned how to drive when I was about 12 yrs. old, driving round and round in the big riding ring with my father spreading salt itn the dead of winter over the ice.
Richie, I can't beleive you remembered the Brooklyn address perfectly. The trip from the Thruway to Newburgh, then made a left onto RT. 52 by the Dairy Queen. Well the Dairy Queen is still there, and I always thinnk about some Ranch memory whenever I pass it.
Your father Morton did take people on crazy trail rides. The more they said they knew how to ride the wilder the ride got. Lots of fun!!
I have pictures from Scott's Bar Mitzvah of all the family standing infront of that beautiful double fireplace. Remember that huge Moose head above the fire place? Remember the TV room upstairs, before ther was such a thing as TV's in rooms?
One of my favorite people was Jimmy Adducci, the cook for many years. But one of the oldies in the kitchen was Frenchie, with the weird eyes. I could go on forever just thinking of this or that.
Hope some of my memories spatked a smile on your faces - it did mine. Let's keep this alive!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

well I have to go one better on Rich DE2-1649 (wierd how things stay with u, when rich mentioned 2401 ur # popped in my head) yes Dairy queen was the "jump off" either coming or going to the ranch . Jimmy Adducci owned Red Top Lodge just outside Wallkill always said Baccahla he passed from cancer he was a teriffic person spent alot of time with him and his family growing up. Frenchie started with us named my dog after him (with his permission of course). Lynn did the A circuit toby my oldest sister was more the intellectual went on to be a teacher . The Burger Cottage as I remeber was between our house and the New Main house not the pool bungalow next to the bbq pit that overlooked the ring and hunt course. If you remeber Frenchie do you remember BoB who was the janitor and Judy who handeled the office.. Damn the more you talk the more of the little things come back who woulda thought

I can't believe you remember my telephone number!!!!!!! It is true the more I hear the more I remember. Old Robert (Bob) was quite a guy. When I was at the ranch during the week sometimes the only one to talk to was Robert. I always felt so bad for him, he did not have anyone except the Ranch. Jimmy Adducci used to call me a jewwoppi, because what ever food he made for himself, he would give to me also and I LOVED it. Judy Gapin is also a tremendous memory of Ranch days. I actually visited her about a year and half ago at the motel she owns up in Roscoe, NY. She looks the same!!!! (It was great to talk and catch up a little) The Burger Cottage was the girls dorm when I attented camp. -- the year I went. 1963 It was between the Main house and your house. The pool bungalow from I remember was between the pool and the road heading down to the stable. There was another building between the pool and overlooking the riding arena that my Uncle Eddy used to sell candy and other things for a few summers.
The original office was on the side of the Main House with the road across from the skeet shooting field. When the Motel units went from 10 rooms to 42 rooms the offic was built in that new wing, changing the entrance to the Ranch with a circular drive from that road. That is when the indoor pool was built along with the indoor rifle range. Rod and other characters was always shooting their 38 pistols. Sounds confusing, but I can see it all in my head so clearly!!!!!!

Mike,
I remember that jeep, we almost killed ourselves many times. I also remember shooting up the helps quarters across the main house with our BB guns, for some reason windows were a treat.
By the way Annette once shot me when were shooting frogs at the pond in the field.
Were definitely great times as a kid. I try to explain to my kids what it was like growing up at Sunnycroft, but they can't understand.
The times, the people, the fun, way too much fun to explain to someone who wasn’t there.
I remember hanging from the rafters in the indoor pool, the memories just go on.
Does anyone have any pictures from the ranch ???

PS: Annette didn’t like either of you (Mike AND Rich) but your brother Ronny might be a different story.

Rick,
I was reading your post of 1/16, where we stayed in the poolside cottage, and my father walked in an punched you square in the head,,,, we were probably listening to the Doors and smoking pot and drinking beer

Yea I was there as well but didnt want to drop that dime LOL

Who's got some photo's of the ranch ? I've been looking for a while, but can't seem to find any.

Scott

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?

Rich the bus to school was the best and the worst yahoos inside bumps outside and Oh those farm attitudes you had to be tough to survive among the "originals" Always considered downstaters as invaders. Now stop stabbing yourself with that pen LOL

Hi All,
As mentioned I’m making an effort to collect photos and memorabilia of the Sunnycroft days to hold on to some glimmer of youth. If you have any photos I’d like to post them on a web site. I’ve already started so if you get a chance go to www.makomagnet.com/sunnycroft you’ll see one the original banners.
PS: Richie, what’s with the Eddie Haskel, if anything, that was Ronnie

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.

The pines.. i used to spend my vacations in that resort with my parents, so many memories, so many histories..

the 80´s.. time wont roll back :(

I gave my first kiss by the pool, her name was Dhara i never saw her again...

got wasted for the first tive with 4 friends that used to go there with their families too their names were:

Tommy Berkeley

Robert Stein

Ashley Morgan

Randolph Morgan


these guys were great, i wish the time could go back, and guys if you read this post a comment here.

You too Leah *


cant help it, this brought tears to my eyes...


Thanx mott

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?

Rich, the rink was on the way to New Paltz "Tilden Lake" was the name of the place. They have since filled in the lake and put up houses too bad lot of fun times there as well as sore backs and bottoms LOL. The only place close that I remember was a bed and breakfast at the crossroads on the way to New Paltz had a bar on the first level real folksy if you get my drift I dont remember the name. Do you remeber Selly the entertainment director.

Selly the entertainment director taught me how to dance as well as shooting rifles. He also took many of the pictures at the ranch including Scott's BarMitzvah - What a combination.
The name of the restaurant on the corner of 44 & 55 and Libertyville Rd. is "Lombardi's". It is a very nice Italian Restaurant which is run by the next generation.

Selly is still kicking lives on the upper east side by my sister Lynn, she runs into him from time to time. He is a character for sure. I remember skeet shooting in the field across the road adjacent to the Blue Moon buildings I think its a housing development now . I know the lower corn fields that led to the river have houses now what a shame such nice country. The restaurant was not always Lombardis was a country wetern bar combo tough place as I remember.

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.

Rich,.
Did you make it ? Have the "clean feeling" now.

Anybody remember Shlermy (sp) Irv Ladner was his real name. I've got some storied there. He had 3 long hairs and a nose that had to sneak up on a glass of water. But one of the best guys I've ever met, and for an old man, had more women than anyone I knew.

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.

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.

Well spring has sprung and with it fond memories of "MUD" it stuck to everything, sucked your shoes right off your feet but we all knew that summer was close at hand great things were to happen during those lazy hazy months you are right Rich there were no bad times

Mike,
I remember you when you were just a little kid. I used to come up to Sunnycroft back in the days when your parents and Mack Worth owned it. I came with my unce, Larry Gluckstein and my cousin Norman. My uncle was a close friend of Mack Worth. I knew your sisters Lynn and Toby. I wound up working at the Miller Harness Company while I went to school. I remember Al Roth and Bobby and Richie Hartell. I also knew Mike Schneider who came into our shop You can reach me at tiki15237@comcast.net. I would like to hear from you. I wound up working there one summer when I was at Cornell

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".

Rich god blessed us all by giving us time together at the ranch time to grow and stretch our wings (some us hit the ground pretty hard trying to fly LOL) always remember they cant take that away from any of us. Strange how if you go back through the posts how many of us there really are guess we arent alone...Happy Blessed Passover my brother

This is really crazy. I can't believe I found this site. My daughter, son in law and grandkids went to the Rocking Horse Ranch this past weekend and I started tthinking about Sunnycrofft. SO, I googled it and I found this! Mike Schneider was my uncle and a great guy. I really loved him. Annette and Scotty are my cousins. I remember I came up every weekend in the summer of 1968 and I am sure I have pictures from then. My uncle said I could come whenever I wanted to but he would n't let me pay so I worked in the gift shop and I was a waitress for a few weeks. I stayed where ever there was room. I once stayed in the big room next to the barn . There must have been 20 girls in there and lots of flies. You mentioned Frenchie, the cook. Well, some years ago there was a special on TV about homeless people and they spoke to several of them. One of the men said that he was a cook and that his name is Frenchie. When I saw his face I knew it was the same person. I remember that his eyes were always tearing. I have a picture of a Rich and I guess it is you. Scotty had a friend named Gino and Annette was with John. I loved the night time because they had that small band in the bar and I always loved dancing, It was that Sunday buffet that was so great and that Lasagna. I always loved watching Annette ride. I remember all her ribbons, too. When she was little and lived on Long Island I remember going into the house and seeing all those ribbons on the wall. Scotty was such a cute kid, too.
His Bar Mitzvah was really great. It was such a novelty to have it at a dude ranch. I am glad I found this site and got a chance to write. I will try to locate some pictures .

Lucky you, Jackie Karp! I wanna go to Rocking Horse Ranch, too! Where is it?

It's in Highland, NY. I guess that's near New Paltz.

Be careful what you say here some people arent so nice

Hey Scottie, Rich and everyone. I don't know if you remember me. I had long blonde hair and wear glasses. Scottie if I remember right you asked me if the color of my hair on top was the same down below because I was blonde. I remember Rich but I don't remember his last name. He was going with the girl whose mom ran the park down the street with all the One room building in it that they rented out. I remember lynn. She was so pretty. I remember going upstairs to the apartment to babysit for a quest who came down and stayed in the apartment, Though it had no furniture at the time. I remember black weekends, boy was the annex building a trip!!! I remember Gino and his gf but I can't remeber her name. I remember Esters because I wouldn't come up to eat when I first came to live there( I was so shy and naive) so I bought peanut butter and made sandwiches,. I forgot the name of the woman who ran the place. She was with Monk and lost a whole lot of weight for him. I remember a Rich who hung out with Monk. He was always ttrying to get in my pants. I grew up alot in that place. I'd like to hear from anyone,

Does anyone remember some of the regular entertainers like: Chi Chi Navarro, The Dancer and instructor Marty Arret, Bands like: Joe Cuba, Randy Carlos, Pacheco and more. I was one of the daughters of Chi Chi Navarro? These all played at the Pines Hotel and all the Hotels in the Catskills

Does anyone remember the name of the Hotel across from the Pines Hotel?

It might have been the Riverdale Hotel. We used to stay there.

Hey!!

I worked at Sunnycroft in the late 1960's! an dleft to get married in 1971. Married a fellow Sunnycroft employee Al Morrin..long story....but anyway it was fun to find this blog!

I remember frenchie. He liked me so he use to let me have milk. No one else was suppose to have it. I also remember the munchies and Monk would have the key to the refrigerators so we would go to the kitchen and raid the cheesecake. It was actually the first time I ever had cheese cake. Now I'm addicted it was so good. Does anyone remember the name of the jockey who use to come there. I forgot his name he was really short. I am so bad with names. What was the name of the women who ran the place. She was monks g/f and lost a lot of weight for him. Her brother was a doctor.

I hear you talking about lombardis. I was there around 72' and when I was at sunnycroft there was a bar next door and esters was across the street. I'm horrible with names. I remember gino and his g/f with fond memories and would love to hear about them. If anyone has any information on how there doing I would love to hear about them and Rich who was a jack of all trades and was hired about the same time I was. He was skinny and I remember he dances by sliding all over the floor. He was really sweet. I use to live in the room with gino g/f and a couple of other girls. Let me hear from you guys.

I was a waitress at Sunnycroft on weekends and summer around 1967. I remember Scott well. He took the horses late at night and we rode bare back in the snow one weekend. I was friends with Steve Gapin and have tried to locate him on net. Does anyone have a clue on Steve? I was in a bad car accident one summer at sunnycroft and had to stop working for awhile. Lots of CRAZY times but great memories and glad to have made it past some of those crazy things we did. Its great to read Scot and Annette are well. I think I also remember a guy named Ari, Mike and Gino. Happy you are all doing so well, Patty

who was the guy .. cant remember his name.. kind of a bad boy.. eventually I heard that he was gored by a bull and died.

oh.. i remember Stevie!

Hi, I hope you don't mean Steve Gapin........does anyone know if thats the Stevie Sandy is talking about????? Patty

I worked at the Pines in the late 60's and early 70's. It was absolutly wonderful back then. Life was slower, care free. And the girtls were all beautiful when we wailked on the golf course at night.
I remember on evening in particular. It was the night of the last draft for Military service.We were sitting in front of the Television on the second level , along side of the steps. So many of my friends and I were waiting for the draft call to begin.
The roll call begain on the first date, my friend Jerry stood up and said " Well, I don't have to put up with the suspense, I'm gonna join the National Guard" I was 287. I was safe.

Does anybody remember Lynda Carter, who later became Wonder Woman was singing in the lounge. The group named " Speedy Garfin & Garfin's Gathering". Later that summer she won the Miss America Title,

As a high school graduation gift in 1967, my parents let me go along with my friend's family to Sunnycroft for a week. I was a very wild time for a naive 16 year old from Queens & I just LOVED it! I recognize alot of the old names mentioned here in this blog & I bet I have a few pictures I'll have to dig out. Years later, Annette & I spent quite a bit of time together...She was pregnant with Jamie, I was pregnant with Megan & Lorraine Romeo was pregnant with Renee - we ate our way through the Orange County Fair that year. Annette - I'd love to re-connect...find me @ dbcranch.com.....

I worked the Switchboard at the Concord in 1976 and in the dining room at the Pines in 1978. Does any one remember Pop-Ins? It was a great place for breakfast in South Fallsburgh. How about Oretsky's in Fallsburg? Does anyone know the whereabouts of a waiter named Luis Mejias (Puerto Rico) who worked the Pines about the same time.

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?

no no! not Stevie Gapin. He wasnt the one that got killed. I forget that guys name.

Stevie was the guy who wore the short shorts!!!!

sorry for the confusion I was just responding to Patty when you mentioned Stevie and then in the same breath I mentioned that other not-so-nice guy, He had dark hair and a dark side (brrrr)

I worked at Rocking Horse Ranch earlier too prior to the big fire. Does anyone remember that?

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...................................................................

i went to sunnycroft around 69 or seventy i was young guy . fell in love with the place and made my mom take me back a couple of times, Mike owned it then. A LADY NAMED CHRIS RAN THE STABLE. I MADE SOME FRIENDS NAMED Scott, wynn and con Erico. and a kid named Ken I think he was from Livingston. Does any of this ring a bell to anyone.

Hey Jacky is Highland near NYC?

hey does anyone have any info on this spot? i have been looking to go here for a while and it seems really nice. you can email me @ dragisays@gmail.com or go to my flickr www.flickr.com/tom_tiernan

Jackie Karp thank you. Yes it was The Riverside Hotel. Does anyone remember the owners names and their family names?

is the resort still standing or has it been demolished?

The Riverdale Hotel has been demolished since 1969-1970, it was the quarters for the Athletic staff in 1969. Railroad flat type rooms. Each room housed 4 beds some were bunk beds. What memories.

I spent some time skiing here as a child with children of a man that owned a bar in Woodbourne... The Great Escape Tavern. My father lived in the basement of that bar for many years roughly from the mid 80's to the early 90's. Unfortunately my father passed away in 2006 however I am desperate to find some of the people he work/associated with. As this was 20 years ago and I was only a child I can only remember 1st names... please contact me via email if you think you may know me or my father... saraherring7477@gmail.com

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.

Rich no one could have put it better than that. To all posters on this site may you and your families be blessed with peace health and happiness in the coming year. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

I grew up and still live near the Pines Hotel (and all the other abandoned hotels in the Catskills, NY). If you go on Youtube, there are a lot of videos with views inside the Pines, Concord, and other abandoned hotels of this area. I used to work at Kutchers & the Stevensville (Swan Lake Resort) as Head Lifeguard in the 90's. Kutchers is now a Hassidic camp in the summer. Lots of history still here, you just need a tour guide to find it anymore.

So has anyone been here in the past few weeks or so? I am a photographer and would really like to get some shots of these abandoned hotels. Also my next question is is it safe to walk around i.e. falling ceilings unstable floors, bears, etc. Thanks for any help.

Is this is the same Pines Hotel that Art Spiegelman mentioned was near his father's bungalow in the Catskills in Maus (part II)??? I'm pretty sure it is.... interesting.

I was a young kid staying at Sunnycroft every summer, my parents band Reparata and the Delrons played there a lot, (Helaine aka Cookie and Joseph Sirico).. my Uncle, Guy Valeri, was there quite a bit as well.. i believe I spent at least 5 summers there working at bussing tables, and horse back riding... It was a great place to grow up... I still have some pictures.. I remember having a crush on one of the horse handlers.. Pinky was his name i believe..

I spent my honeymoon here April 26th 1980 that weekend was for retired people they asked my husband and i if we really wanted to stay there with the retired people I was 19 and my husband was 21 but we stayed one of the older couples gave us some advice to never stop communicating well unfortunately we didnt listen and after 31 years of marriage we are getting a divorce. It is sad to the see the motel in such disarray I wish they could turn it into a casino or something I wanted to go back for our 30 anniversary but found out it it wasnt open anymore

My parents just visited the area and told me that demolition has started on the Pines. Sad =/

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.

A shame that all the neat stuff left inside all went to waste.