MONTICELLO, NY — The Ethelbert B. Crawford Public Library in Monticello has begun recording the stories of those who experienced or contributed to Sullivan County’s impact on popular culture with its Catskill entertainment history and reputation as an important vacation destination. Stories are being recorded of those who lived and worked in this world-renowned culture, affectionately known as the “Borscht Belt.” These Borscht Belt interviews may be found on the home page of the library website: www.ebcrawfordlibrary.org.

“Remembering the Hey-Day of the Catskills” is inspired by STORYCORPS@YOURLIBRARY, a national program designed to help public libraries across the country collect the stories of their respective communities. Each interview runs approximately 45 minutes in length and is designed to elicit remembrances and recollections of the people who experienced this unique history. 

Our upstate rural county has hosted some of the world’s most well-known entertainers, whose careers started here before going on to the Broadway stage and movie screens across the country. The hotels and bungalows that dotted the landscape were the get-away for tens of thousands of city dwellers who took advantage of the beautiful environment, friendly resorts and world-class entertainment.

For more information or if you would like to participate in being recorded call 845/794-4660, ext. 107.