From the Catskills to TV: A Nostalgic Look-Back at Lou Goldstein and His "Simon Says" Game

 

If you spent any time in the Catskill Mountains of New York back in the twentieth century, especially if you were lucky to be at the Grossingers Hotel in Liberty, you must remember the Simon Says game that Lou Goldstein played with guests almost every day during the summer season.

 

Born in Poland in 1921, Goldstein performed his shtick at Grossingers from 1948-1986. He also did the half-time shows for NBA teams all over the country. Likewise the NHL and baseball games all featured his nationally known "Simon Says". He enjoyed doing these shows at all the Catskills Resorts, including the Pines, Concord, Nevele, Paramount, Granit, Swan Lake, and the Raleigh. 

 

Later, Goldstein brought the game to television and the ABC show Superstars. It was amazing to see how quickly he took control of the audience and used his rapid-fire instructions to get most of the players out.

We enjoyed watching this bit of nostalgia from the Borscht Belt era and hope that you will too.

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