MOUNTAINDALE — History comes alive with the exhibition Day & Night: Return to the Borscht Belt, which opened its doors in Mountaindale on August 19, inviting visitors to step back in time and relive the glory days of the Borscht Belt through photographs by Marisa Scheinfeld and Isaac Jeffreys and through artifacts from the many hotels that once dominated Sullivan County. 

With its once illustrious resorts and vibrant entertainment scene, the Borscht Belt has left an indelible mark on American culture. 

Day & Night shows what captures what is left of this era; while it shows the decay of the hotels and many sites of this era, each photographer does it in their own way. 

Scheinfeld’s photography focuses on capturing the hotels’ deterioration during daylight hours. Her approach is documentary in nature, as she portrays the existing conditions. She visits these grand hotels’ locations to provide a visual account of their current state.

Jeffreys takes a unique approach by documenting the decay exclusively during nighttime and within dimly lit interiors. Using natural nocturnal lighting alongside an array of colored lights and spotlights, he skillfully recreates the ambiance of the vibrant nightlife that once thrived within these hotels. 

Through his narrative and photography, he transports viewers into the atmosphere of experiences such as sitting in the nightclub at The Pines Hotel in Fallsburg, where they can almost feel the presence of the past, like witnessing Tony Bennett passionately perform “Rags to Riches.”

Day & Night isn’t just a photographic showcase; it’s a celebration of diverse perspectives. The harmonious interplay between Scheinfeld and Jeffreys’ work brings the Borscht Belt to life in a multifaceted manner. 

Scheinfeld, after the gallery opening said, “We were absolutely thrilled with the days turnout - it was better than we could have ever anticipated. The day was celebratory; fun, joyful, and brought together community - all elements that defined the Borscht Belt era.”

Beyond the photographs, Day & Night offers a rare glimpse into history through an assortment of curated artifacts and previously unseen memorabilia. These artifacts transport visitors to the height of the Borscht Belt’s popularity, offering a tangible connection to the past.

Scheinfeld added, “People have applauded both the dedication and the exhibit - from the quality and look of the marker itself to quality of the exhibit, images, ephemera and the overall vibe.”

Day & Night: Return to the Borscht Belt is now open to the public at the Grocery Store Gallery in Mountaindale.