Turning the pages back...

August 3, 1997

Five years ago, in an editorial titled "Soyuzivka: an appreciation," we recalled a serendipitous discovery of a news clipping from the New York Herald Tribune of August 2, 1953: "... a search through our files revealed that it was exactly 45 years ago this week that the Ukrainian National Association purchased a large property in Ulster County, upstate New York. What was once the Foord Sanitarium, located off the Minnewaska Trail in the Catskill Mountains, became the Soyuzivka resort."

Now it is five years later, and Soyuzivka is about to begin celebrations of its 50th anniversary. (Stay tuned for more information about anniversary events both during this summer season and the off-season period.)

Five years ago we pondered:

"Speaking with guests at the resort recently, a pertinent question came up: Soyuzivka is such a great place, so beautifully situated and comfortable, but why don't more people use it? One of our interlocutors noted how wonderful it is to spend time there with one's own family and friends. Another asked: Why doesn't the resort do more 'theme weeks' to attract groups? And so it went, the result being that all agreed Soyuzivka is a true treasure and that it is not used enough by our community. Why is it that we do not appreciate what we have right under our noses? ...

"Soyuzivka, for example, was once a mecca for all Ukrainians. They would travel from near and far to enjoy concerts and other programs at the resort, send their kids to camps and cultural courses, or just drive up for a week of camaraderie and relaxation. The resort was booked solid during the summer season. Today, the weekends still are a draw, but during the week it is quieter, even though there are many activities, theme nights, etc."

We pointed out: "There's plenty to do at the resort - swimming, tennis, hiking, for example - and plenty more to do in the nearby area, as there are many historic sites, wineries, orchards, lakes and mountain trails in that part of New York state. One could go bicycling one day, rock climbing another, horseback riding the third, fishing the fourth, not to mention engaging in more esoteric pursuits like antiquing, scuba-diving or hang-gliding. ... The off-season offers an opportunity for various organizations' seminars, conferences and conventions, as well as private gatherings ..."

So, now, as our jewel in the Catskill region marks its golden jubilee, we repeat an invitation extended five years ago: "... come and visit an old friend. And, if you've never been there, consider stopping by ..."

Source: "Soyuzivka: an appreciation" (editorial), The Ukrainian Weekly, August 3, 1997, Vol. LXV, No. 31.

Copyright © The Ukrainian Weekly, July 28, 2002, No. 30, Vol. LXX

| Home Page |