ellenville

 Ellenville Marker Text: 

An eastern gateway to the Borscht Belt, Ellenville has attracted visitors since the 19th century. In 1901, the Slutsky family opened the Nevele and Fallsview hotels. Both offered a picturesque valley setting, waterfall, and extensive amenities. The Nevele’s distinctive 10-story tower, skating rink and bas-relief sculpture represent the modernist architecture movement of the mid-20th century.  

At its peak in the 1950s, Ellenville had 20 bungalow colonies and 29 hotels such as Jans, Kleinman’s, Sun Ray, Zisselman’s, Arrowhead Lodge, Breeze Lawn Hotel, Echo Hotel, and Melbourne Hotel. It was also home to Mount Cathalia, a Chinese American ski resort.  

In 1966, President Lyndon B. Johnson, the only sitting president to visit the Catskills, dedicated a hospital in Ellenville with Senator Robert F. Kennedy. Both stayed at The Nevele. 

Stand-up comedy originated in the Borscht Belt. Comedians such as Lenny Bruce, Red Buttons, Rodney Dangerfield, Phyllis Diller, Gilbert Gottfried, Susie Essman, Shecky Greene, Mal Z. Lawrence, Bill Maher, Jackie Mason, Marilyn Michaels and countless others performed here.