Tamiment Resort, located in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania, was once a thriving vacation destination known for its luxurious amenities and entertainment offerings. However, over the years, the resort experienced a decline in popularity and eventually closed its doors. In this article, we will explore what happened to Tamiment Resort and why it is no longer in operation.
The History of Tamiment Resort
Tamiment Resort was founded in 1921 by Arthur Howey and his wife, Belle. The resort was initially intended as a summer camp for socialists but quickly grew into a full-fledged vacation destination that catered to families and individuals looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
Over the years, Tamiment Resort expanded to include various amenities such as a golf course, swimming pools, tennis courts, and a theater that hosted performances by well-known entertainers such as Milton Berle and Jerry Lewis. The resort also became known for its progressive values and was one of the first vacation destinations to integrate both staff and guests.
The Decline of Tamiment Resort
Despite its early success, Tamiment Resort began to experience a decline in popularity in the 1960s due to changing cultural attitudes towards vacations. As air travel became more accessible and affordable, people began to seek out more exotic destinations for their vacations.
In addition to this shift in cultural attitudes towards vacations, there were also economic challenges facing Tamiment Resort. The resort was heavily dependent on union workers for both staff and guests, but as unions began to lose power over time, so too did Tamiment’s customer base.
The final blow for Tamiment Resort came in 2005 when it was purchased by private developers who intended to turn the property into luxury condominiums. However, these plans failed due to opposition from local residents who wanted to preserve the natural beauty of the area.
The Legacy of Tamiment Resort
Although Tamiment Resort is no longer in operation, its legacy lives on. The resort played an important role in the history of the Pocono Mountains and was a symbol of progressive values and inclusivity.
Today, visitors to the area can still see the remains of Tamiment Resort, including the theater that once hosted performances by some of the biggest names in entertainment. The resort’s legacy also continues through various cultural institutions such as the Tamiment Library and Robert F. Wagner Labor Archives at New York University.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Tamiment Resort was once a thriving vacation destination known for its luxurious amenities and progressive values. However, changes in cultural attitudes towards vacations and economic challenges eventually led to its decline. Despite this, Tamiment’s legacy lives on as a symbol of inclusivity and progressivism in American culture.