I have glorious childhood memories
of Orchard Mansion. As a nine-year-old kid from the Rockaways, NY, it was imperative
that I learn to swim, with the Atlantic ocean at my doorstep. My parents
paid the lifeguard/swimming instructor, Hank (yes 50 years later I
remember his name) to teach me to swim. And teach me he did, I will always be
grateful.
I remember going on real hayrides in the evenings with the other kids (real hay in the horse drawn wagon). My date was a girl named Frolic and frolic we did. We had movies in the evenings as well. I remember watching 'Oklahoma', 'Requiem for a heavyweight', and 'Gidget goes Hawaiian'.
Breakfasts were my favorite meal, French toast every day! Kids had their own tables and ordered what they wanted. I spent most days by the pool especially after learning how to swim.
One afternoon my parents took me to Gillette's castle, that wild-looking home
turned into a museum. My friend Ivan's parents bought me a small wooden
cufflink box there in the gift shop for my birthday. I still have it, use it for coins to this day.
There was horseback riding, square dancing, so many things to keep everyone busy. It was a fun place, cherish the memories.
--Barry Weber
