FALLSBURG – The third and newest in a series of programs on the Borscht Belt by local author and historian Alex Prizgintas will make its debut at the Fallsburg Public Library on Tuesday, July 14th at 5:00 PM. “This program took me out of my comfort zone and into something very special,” says Prizgintas, who will highlight the development of entertainment in the Borscht Belt through the lens of comedians and musicians. 

With three chapters, Prizgintas will begin by sharing some of the early entertainment and activities at turn-of-the-century boarding houses, which gradually evolved into the entertainment directors of each hotel, traditionally known as Tummlers. Known best for their trademark activity of “Simon Sez” among hotel guests, the most famous of the Tummlers was Lou “Simon Sez” Goldstein of Grossinger’s, whose story served as something of an inspiration for the film Dirty Dancing. From here, Prizgintas will then transition to both comedy and music in the Borscht Belt, exploring the spaces in the hotels where great acts took place and the noted figures involved. “Attendees will, of course, expect to hear stories about famed individuals such as Jerry Lewis, Mel Brooks, Red Buttons, and Sid Caesar, just to name a few,” says Prizgintas, “but I wanted to go the extra mile to obtain other voices for this show.” 

Unlike previous Borscht Belt programs offered by Prizgintas, this new show will feature several audio excerpts, video clips, and oral interviews from those who worked and lived through the Borscht Belt entertainment industry. “As a historian, one of my greatest responsibilities is to ensure that memories are treasured and preserved for future generations to enjoy and learn.”

An advisory board member of the Borscht Belt Museum of Ellenville, Prizgintas did not live during the era of the grand hotels and bungalow colonies but is nonetheless fascinated by the artifacts that remain. “Beyond their revolutionary architecture and nexus of cultures, I was always drawn to how the Borscht Belt intersected with many of my other historical interests—principally railroads,” says Prizgintas. As a staple of all these lectures, this event will feature displays of historical artifacts related to the entertainment theme of the Borscht Belt, allowing the audience to visibly and tangibly view the region’s past. For more information, please contact the Fallsburg Public Library at (845) 436-6067.