Dennis Wayne Bressack

When I think of the years spent at "Rosenberg's" the feelings that quickly surface are... freedom, safety, family and fun..
Each time we returned it was with the anticipation of doing, and being, all of what was not possible at home. I considered all the people I was returning to see a family that cared very deeply about me, and would allow, and wish, me to fly as high as I choose to. And the fun... the chicken coop, the snowball fights, the swimming pool, the silver dollar pancakes, I could go on and on... I cherish those days, and the people I shared them with!
 

....it just goes to show you that all a child needs to create a fantasy world of their own is "an overgrown sand pit and a huge imagination".

Oh how I yearn for those simpler, euphoric times.
 

Here are a few memories from my earliest years, some probably before I could even read:

-Being called the “M&M Kid” because of my constant use of the M&M machine.
-Cattails on the walk to the pool. Even taking one home to the “City” each summer -- not environmentally correct but who knew in the early ‘60s.
-Being spun by bigger kids on the “merry-go-round.”
-Walks with my grandmother to the general story and returning with ice cream bars (Hershey’s brand?), kites and more.
-Pretending to be a farm boy with my friend Joey Sewinsky (sp?) on his family’s dairy farm.
 

Walking through the main house with you last month was incredibly emotional. It was such a beautiful place. While it is indeed need of repair, if you close your eyes you can still see and feel the spirits of all who stayed in that 'most perfect place' which is seared into our memories to this day.
 

Good afternoon,

My late sister's husband noticed a copy of your booklet somewhere in Kingston and sent me a copy. My family was at Rosenbergs from about 1960 on thru about 68 for every summer and Christmas and Easter holidays. I recognize your name as well as your parents and everyone else mentioned in your book. In fact, my wife calls me "Punjerfoot" which was a nickname provided to me by John Lunney who I used to travel with although I was a few years younger. We went to Bullville Lake and I accidently stepped into shallow water in the weeds-he called me "plunger foot" but later changed it to punjerfoot. Funny thing was about 14 years ago, I drove thru Bullville and went into the repair shop (no more luncheonette) and asked if there were any Lunney's still around. Without turning around to see who was there John lunney said "Punjerfoot!!!"

I knew and was close to the Lunneys and the Bells as a little kid and spent a lot of time playing pinball and electronic baseball in the lunchonette. I remember also Ronnie Lunney who worked there my first vacation but moved out of state. I played in family/community softball games when they built that field in the yard.

I think my family started there when my parent's discovered Rosenberg when they were invited up for Sheila Greenspan's wedding to Gary Rosenberg. I recently met someone at my UU Congregation who let me know that Sheila Rosenberg passed away. There is also someone else in my congregation who summered there and a lawyer I run into from time to time who I remember as a baby!

I haven't been through Bullville in about 11 years or so but was taken by the changes. I was friend's with a farm family, the Petersons whose son, Bob was a waiter one season and whose daughter in law Honi was a waitress. I used to stay over at their farm quite abit.

Anyway, I think you are a bit bolder than me. My sister was Ronni Werter.

Thanks for the trip!

Allen Werter
 

Allen,
What a wonderful surprise hearing from you. I am 58. How old are you? When I was young, I hung out with John Lunney and Louie Robinson. Of course, my favorite times were moments spent in the fields, woods, the lake, the luncheonette and the post office/general store. I lived in Middletown from 1974-1996, and visited often. I am now in Woodstock, and still visit Bullville two or three times a year. Though there are many vestiges of the past I have seen much of the area change from a thriving dairy community to horse farms and expensive homes.
I am sorry to hear about your sister. I don’t know for sure, but I probably knew her and may have pictures of your family. When the book Rosenberg’s Farm was published, I tried to contact Gary and Sheila or any of their kids, David, Adam or Amy. I was not successful. Who are the other Rosenbergers you know. Tell them to contact me or visit my website dennisbressack.com, where there is a Rosenberg blog.
I’d love to hear from anyone with ties to that wonderful time and place.
Dennis
 

Thanks for posting memories and photos of Rosenberg's. My family, the Fagins, from the Bronx, spent 2 summers there, I think in 1957 and 58? We stayed in the "corral". I also remember horseback riding nearby; there were 2 places, one was cheaper and more run down. We chose the latter. Also swimming at a pool called Suncrest that had algae in the deep end. I seem to recall staff named Emily? Someone took the kids to see the dairy farm. Other names...Maxine, Rhoda, Billy? Maybe they were visitors like me.
 

Just was reading the "Woodstock the oral history" this being the 40th anniversary. The entire (hippie)crew working on the Woodstock festival apparantly spent June/July of 1969 at the Rosenbergs in Bullville! It must of been quite a summer in 1969!
 

So many great memories came to mind when I read your prologue. The bungalow names changed to flowers one year. We stayed in the Tulip but I remember the Rose was next and then the Lilac. Also, the Corral with the fences still up. We used to go to the Casino for movie night and the path down to the freezing, bug filled pool was down the hill from there. Adirondack chairs were everywhere, and fridays women were busy getting beautiful for their husbands return on Friday night. All of us kids were so excited as ell to see our fathers. The best part is now we had a car to go ro Swim Spot!
I remember a waitress Honi who was married to a Peterson and Nikki was also a waitress. Played tough but was a mush inside. Mrs Rosenberg was very stern but wonderful and of course that cow bell!
The General Store and penny candy especially the jawbreakers! Piling three high in a convertible going to Swim Spot.
I remember when Mr Rosenberg died and we found out Rosenberg's was sold to the Feder's. I remember Leon, Doris and their son Robert. Can't remember the older son's name but I remember Doris's brother Bert very well. Such a kind person.

Thanks for waking up these most wonderful memories.
 

Dennis,


Recently, several high school friends have contacted me, it made me think of you.

Time has passed and life happened......
Your courage and generosity of spirit through your writings are a gift to all.

Trisha Biddle (no longer Patti Karagannis)
 

Wow, just found your story in the Orange Magazine and I am blown away. My mom was a chambermaid there sometime after 1959 for quite a few years. I remember her close knit friends that worked in the kitchen and my first taste of a colorful melon dessert. I'd never tasted honeydew, watermelon and cantelope and Mrs. Rosenberg was very particular about the way it was arranged in the fanciest bowl that sat in front of me as I enjoyed my premier fruit salad. I was only 3 years old when mom tagged me along and I accompanied her to each chamber as she did her magic bedmaking and cleaning. One day, she finished and rushed to the next and left me playing quietly behind. She panicked and rushed to retrieve me but I always felt safe with the warm breeze and sounds of families everywhere. I remember the sweet candy smell that wafted from who knows where, surely the staff showered me with goodies and they sat me on the kithen counter amid the huge pota nad pans filled with wonderful food. Will write more later, thanks for the journey back!
 

Hello Dennis,

I just read and thoroughly enjoyed the Rosenberg prologue. My parents, older sister and I only spent two weekends a year there but, my rich memories and love of that place remain strong. We visited from 1959(the year I was three) to around 1964 and usually stayed in the corral. I remember the smell of the pine panelled walls, the bunkbeds, getting dizzy on the merry-go-round, and after you worked the handle of the pump a few times - the feeling when the water would just begin to rise up from the ground. We went in the fall and winter and I took long walks. My parents felt comfortable there letting me out of their sight to go "exploring". I remember the cat tails, sometimes pulling one apart to feel the silk of the seeds. One winter we went ice skating on the lake and I broke through the ice - at a shallow spot by the shore. I still have some pictures from a Halloween costume party at Rosenbergs - I went as an artist.
Originally from Brooklyn, I've lived in the area for 25 years -in Saugerties, West Saugerties, and Woodstock, finally settling in Rosendale where I've been for the past 14 years.
I was feeling a bit nostalgic today, remembering places from my childhood that meant a lot to me and I decided to google them. When I entered "Rosenbergs Bullville NY" in the box I didn't expect a hit and was pleasantly surprised by your site. I also took the time to listen to some of your music which I also enjoyed. So, thank you for the memories! Myra
 

I am feeling nostaglic tonight. I created a facebook page to pay hoage to my neighborhood in the Bronx. It is called Undercliff Avnue Memories. I started a chat regarding "where did Undercliff familes spend their summers?" so naturally I thought of Rosenbergs. I posted on this site in 2007 and tonight remembered something; was there a woman named Bonnie Paff who married one of the Rosenbergs? She would have been around 19 years old in the late 50's. Anyway, that is my latest memory.
 

I just found your website and I hope it is still going though it seems the last comment was posted a few years ago. My family and I spent many summer weekends at Rosenbergs especially with the last owners before the Korean Church bought it. We met many of the same families there year after year- but this was already in the early 70's? I remember one of my friends there had an older sister who took us to a club one night. Later that evening as she drove us back to Rosenberg's, she got on the Thruway going the wrong way! It was pretty frightening and we were lucky the road was pretty empty as we turned around and got off safely.
My fondest memory of Rosenberg's was actually the Friday night Apple Pie followed by the Sunday lunch Apple Brown Betty. I know the menu on the weekends never changed and those two desserts have carried in my memory for many many years!
 

I have not commented for some time, but I want to thank all the recent bloggers and assure them that this site is still functioning. For the Fagins, the community pool was in Pine Bush. It was called The Swimspot. There was another pool off of 17K. It was on the property of one of the places owned by one of the waitresses that accommodated Rosenberg's overflow. That may have been SunCrest you mentioned. The staff that I remember included Bee, Edna, Mary and Nicky.
For Austin Frye, the summer of '69 was amazing. The 2 people in the book, who were responsible for the short stay of the producers of the Woodstock Festival were Mel Lawrence and Rona Elliott. They were my brother's friends.
For Trudy, yes, it is true that Sheila died. I have since been in touch with her sister, Mindy and her son, David.
The bungalows were changed to flower names when the Feders owned. They now have Korean names. Their 2 sons were Robert and David.
For Myra, your memories are especially meaningful to me. The winters spent sledding down the hill into the frozen swamp and the summers playing on the swings and the merry-go-round and collecting cattails.
For anonymous, Bonni Paff married a butcher's son named Steve Seligman.
For taste & amp sensibility, the apple pie was the best ever.
 

I'm not sure if anyone is still writing or reading here in August 2011 - but I just learned of this site this morning and all the wonderful memories have been flooding my mind all day. My family (me, my older brother Marc, and my folks Gloria and Bill Kurzman) along with 4 (and sometimes more) other families spent every winter break from 1953 (when I was 3) to 1963 at "The Farm" as well as many weekends throughout those years. I remember your family and the families that you were there with as we often were there at the same time. My family became good friends with the Feders for many years: Bert lives near my mom in Florida; Doris and Leon moved close to my folks so I saw them many times before they died; last I heard Robert was in Colorado, and David continued, very successfully, in the hotel management business. We have tons of photos and videos from those times - one of my favorites is a line of 'moms' all wearing red hooded sweatshirts they had just bought - and I'm certain that your mom is in those pictures. The general store full of penny candy; the bulls in the barn; the cats all over; staying 'off premises' at Mabel's or Bee's house; fearing and loving Nikki; the huge meals (my favorite was duck) and eating dinner with kids as the adults ate after us; Mrs. Rosenberg's cow bell and announcements and the apron she always wore; Albert selling bottles of coke for a dime from the chest cooler; sledding into the barbed wire fence; ice skating at the Creamery; picking corn - it was my favorite place when I was a kid, and all my times there are included in my most cherished memories. I can't wait to read your poems and see your photos. Thank you!!!!
 

Hi Michelle,
Wow!! After all these years, another lover of Rosenberg's Farm and Hotel finds my site and shares a flood of wonderful memories of a time long gone, yet still fresh in our hearts and minds. These are memories and experiences that helped to shape our lives and the paths that we chose.
I don't know if you have visited Bullville recently. Although the businesses are no longer the same and the dairy farms have been replaced by horse farms and large houses, many of the structures, including Rosenberg's, now a Korean Presbyterian Retreat and Bells general store, now just a post office, still remain. Because I lived in Middletown for 22 years, and now live in Woodstock, at least once a year I have visited Bullville for a necessary shot of nostalgia.
Is there any way that I can get Robert and David's addresses or telephone #'s.
I received an order for 7 books form your brother, Marc. I am so grateful. Once you have had the chance to read the book, please be sure to email me or place comments on the website blog.
Thank you so much.
Dennis
 

It's great to see that this blog is still active. One correction - Marc Kurzman is my brother, Michelle is his fiancee. I'm thrilled to hear that Marc ordered the books - can't wait to see it. I hope you meet up with them when they are in Bethel. I'll try to get you contact information for Robert and David Feder. I sure miss those days!!
 

I googled Robert and David Feder. Here's what I found: Robert is a clinical social worker at Westside Behavioral Care, Inc. in the Denver area - the number there is 303-986-4197; David is the managing director at the Fairmont Turnberry Isle - in Miami. I'm not sure how you'd get to him there, but you can try the main hotel number (866-840-8069) and they should be able to direct you. Let me know if you make contact.
 

Hi Ilene,
Thank you for the information about Robert and David.
I will try to contact them and get back to you.
Dennis
 

The 'Main House' is perfect ...
absolutely what I remember at the core of my soul!
 

Does anyone have photos? My family went every winter with at least 5 families. We shared a unit that had a common area and I think a kitchen, then knotty pine bedrooms with bunk beds. In reading the posts, I remember some of the same posts: sledding, ice skating, picking cattails even in winter and trying to light them as punks, the apple brown betty (wow, that was my favorite), a green salad with a vinaigrette type dressing that I always loved. We went every year in the winter in the 1950's until the kids got a little too old.
 

LMFAO... i just acquired a client up near there and saw Bullville on the map and started thinking my aunt Doris and uncle Leon...so after 5 minutes of deep thinking to remember the name of that hotel they used to run I finally go-ogled Rosenbergs in Bullville and your blog popped up first.
I have very few memories of Rosenberg's as they sold it when I was still quite young... but I do remember pushing the bus cart in the dining room and clearing up breakfast dishes.... I have been told that I LOVED doing that for some reason... funny at home I showed no interest in clearing up after a meal??? I guess it was because we did not have a cart, we had to actually carry the dishes to the sink??
Mostly I remember playing in the fields/woods behind their home which was only separated from the Rosenbergs property by one home. I would always find the kid next door home and ready for an adventure. I can not recall his name.. if anyone knows the asian family who lived there in the 70's please let me know.
** anyway, if you were unable to get in tough with my cousins David and Robert let me know.. I expect to see Robert in a few weeks at a wedding.I will tell him about your blog.
you can get me at ait90210@gmail.com
Brian
 

Some of the best times of my life were spent at Rosenberg's.Thanks Dennis.Seeing my father in one of your photos brought tears to my eyes. Andy
 

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Hi Andrew,
Thank you for your comment. I also think of the years we spent as children at Rosenberg's Farm. Those photos of you and your family bring back wonderful memories.
Thanks.
Dennis
 

I grew up in Scotchtown and worked at Rosenbergs one summer around 1970 or 71 as a waiter. I never knew the Woodstock crew was housed there during the "Walkill months." What a great anecdote. The Feders owned it in my era. The Swim Spot in Pine Bush was still a thing, what a great memory!! We served the same lunch every day at the hotel, the cook was a cantankerous older woman who was difficult and demanding. (I remember I quit suddenly one day--walked out in a fit of pique--because she constantly was on me and I couldn't take it) (shame on me). One of the Feders--I think it was Uncle Bert, nice man--introduced me to Wheatina which I've always loves since. It was also my introduction to Gefilte fish, a daily menu item. Hitchiking to work wasn't the least bit unusual in those days. Doris and the cow bell! Simpler times. I go back every few years to visit family, and Bullville, yes....it's one of the last places on earth that looks very much the same as it did back in the day.
 

We used to retreat to Rosenbergs to get away from the NYC heat. I have pictures of me as a newborn in July 1957.We went every summer from 1954 I think through 1963 or so. I remember almost drowning in the pool that seemed so big but was so small.
The dirt path we had to walk to get there. The salamanders we would catch after a summer rain.My brother ,1 years old at the time broke his leg after falling off the step as you came out of the cabin.I remember the general store &the candy.
About 40 years ago I was driving on 17k &something pulled me to Rosenbergs.I was a virtual baby at the time but I remembered how to get there from the general store.
It was a Korean property then but the memories flooded back of the cow bell.
If anyone remembers a halloween parade we had 1 summer please comment.
We took a picture on a hay truck I believe.
I am going to take a ride very soon there again. No doubt the memories will cause many a tear. Our names were Mendelson
I'm Amy, my sister is Marlene & my brother Jeffrey (deceased)
Thanks for the memories
 

My family and I were there during the times you were there :) Andy

 

Does anyone remember a kid nicknamed Whitey?
 

Do you remember me? I don't remember anyone named Whitey.
 

If you have the parade picture I'm the one dressed like a baby!
 

Such good memories of my family friend going to Rosenbergs for winter weekends. Walking between cabins and the dining hall as kids, sliding in icy drives and paths, going to square dances and listening intently to callers, and playing Milles Borne card games and chess on bunk beds while heat radiated at night after a day of sledding- the food seemed wonderful at the time and comforted on the cold weekends, felt so safe there with such simple but rewarding quality time shared with those who mattered most-
Thanks for the blog
Steve - originally from Paramus
 

Such good memories of my family friend going to Rosenbergs for winter weekends. Walking between cabins and the dining hall as kids, sliding in icy drives and paths, going to square dances and listening intently to callers, and playing Milles Borne card games and chess on bunk beds while heat radiated at night after a day of sledding- the food seemed wonderful at the time and comforted on the cold weekends, felt so safe there with such simple but rewarding quality time shared with those who mattered most-
Thanks for the blog
Steve - originally from Paramus
 

Katie and Albert Rosenberg were my great Aunt and Uncle. I spent 1960 thru1963 working there as a bus girl, waitress and Babysitter.My sister Lynne and I slept in the farmhouse next to the "rec room" where the Tv was.I was in charge of answering the pay phone in the hall and making the announcements over the loud speaker for mealtime.When I was little Uncle Albert used to take me into the barn and let me milk the cows, or attempt to. I actually preferred chasing the kittens or wading in the pond where the cows drank. Over the years I met so many wonderful kids who must share the same memories. Cousin Gary married a beautiful nurse named Shelia.
Sadly I last saw Gary at Uncle Alberts funeral in the late 60's Time and distances kept me from Bullville but the memories of summers @ Rosenberg Farm never left.
 

I remember you!! My name is Andy Braunstein !!
 

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Hi Andy, Please refresh my aging memory. Were you one of the little ones I babysat for or one of the teenagers I met.
 

In 63 I would have been 16. If you have Dennis's book there is a pic of him and I when we were younger. Those were the days.
 

I just came back from a very much needed nostalgic day trip back to Rosenbergs. The last time I was there was about 40 years ago. I would remember how to get there as long as I live but I can’t remember what I had for breakfast! LOL! It was still owned by the Korean Church last time I visited & was in relatively good shape
Not today😢 It was tremendously overgrown , dilapidated & was overrun with garbage. The Korean Church owners have abandoned the property & it brought tears to my eyes
My most cherished childhood memories would soon be just photos in my mind. I believe I remember the cabin we stayed inn& I wanted to step inside to look but it was so dirty & horrible I stayed outside. If anyone else has visited in the past few years please comment. The property was so overgrown I couldn’t even try to walk down to see if the pool was still there. It looked as if a new pool had been built in later years. I got gas at the old Lunneys & luncheonette(Sunoco now) & a smell filled my nose with the old luncheonette smells🥰
Rosenbergs will always be in my heart❤️
 

I apologize for commenting anonymously. It seems to be a default for some reason. I can’t wait to check out your website. All of this “stuff” is captivating to me. I visited Rosenbergs as a child and have some very fond memories.
 

Fascinating bit of information. Sorry I have to comment as anonymous it seems to be a default I Don’t know how to change.
 

I just want everyone to know that some people are still finding this blog. I just found it today its August 2022. I went to Rosenberg‘s as a kid when the faders owned it. I remember sledding down the hill with my cousins and brother. I remember the cowbell before meals. I remember the cabin I stayed in called the Daisy at that time. I remember the doors to our room that only locked from the inside. It was a time when no one would think of entering your room uninvited. I remember the knotty pine walls and the bunkbeds . I remember Luny’s Luncheonette.
I remember how my cousins and I used to make fun of the name loony in a childish way. The general store with the penny candy that I loved. And many other things mentioned previously in this blog. Yes, people are still finding this and anxious to read more.
 

My family and I spent vacations from Long Island in the mid-sixties. I loved the farm and have home 8mm films of the place. I ended up living within a couple of miles from Bullville for the past 32 years. Have revisited the place but, today, most of it is either overgrown or gone. Enjoyed the book.