The Forward Vacation Follies
1931-1940

On one night every year, in the 1930s and early 40s in a Yiddish theatre located in Lower Manhattan,
there was given a great "Vacation Follies" production, which was sponsored by the Forverts, the Jewish Forward newspaper.

The hottest stars of the Yiddish theatre, prominent writers, and famous actors from Broadway, participated in these productions.

Every cent of the income gained from these marvelous productions went to the "Forward" Vacation Fund, which sent hundreds of
poor children from New York City's Lower East Side to "Camp Vacamas" in Kingston, New York for a two-week, summer vacation.

This time at the camp, in the fresh air and the sun, by a lake, provided a different experience, a new environment that hopefully would be a great benefit to the children.

During those evenings there was music, singing, drama and humor, all played to eager, sold-out audiences who were looking to be entertained late into the night.

The evenings were filled with jokes and seriousness and were prepared and performed by the best Yiddish writers, artist-actors, and radio singers and entertainers.
 

Exhibition Entrance >>