Hi. My name is Beth (Friedman) Smile. I am the 4th generation in my family to have called South Fallsburg, home. I am a retired teacher who is writing a book about my roots in Sullivan County.
My Grandfather, Irving Saslow, built a hotel called The Mohawk in the 1920's. It was on Pleasant Valley Road across from The Windsor Hotel. He owned the land down Echo Lake Road and across to Tarry Brae Golf Course on the right and the land to the left up to the former, Premier Hotel. He built the Lake Front Estates Bungalow Colony off of Echo Lake Road as well as many houses up and down that road. As a kid I hung out at The Windsor. I worked as a counselor at Gilberts (for several weeks because I couldn't stand living there!) and at The Nemerson during the summers of 1968 and 1969.
Echo Lake was visited by people from many surrounding towns. They came to sit on the beach (Yes, Grandpa did have sand brought in!) swim in the lake, rent a rowboat or buy a Dr. Pepper from my Uncle Harry, or fish for sunnies and bass. South Fallsburg was such a huge part of my life! I know that I am not alone. If you had a connection to any of the subjects that I have mentioned, please post a reply and email me as well. I'd love to hear your stories. Maybe we knew each other way back when. Even if we didn't, please tell me what you remember about your time spent there. I hope to hear from you very soon.
