We used to head over there after skiing at Vernon Valley across the road. They had this chair lift with bubble canopies like the old helicopters. Great for sparking up a joint on the way up. The 70's were a lot of fun.
Many great memories at the playboy club! In 1980, Italian cousins were visiting. The youngest was just 16. With nothing to do on a Saturday night, we went to the club. He didn’t speak any English, and we didn’t speak any Italian, we communicated via sign language, and an Italian English dictionary. We grabbed a table in the bar area, the bunny came to take our drink order. I told her cousin didn’t speak English, and he was just 16, so I got him a coke. She asked where he was from, I said Italy. Believe it or not, she spoke fluent Italian! I never saw a kid so happy as him that nite, having a conversation with a very beautiful, leggy bunny. Thanks PBC for the memorable times!
I was a busboy at the Sidewalk Cafe and my Cousin Tom Brancato was the Food and Beverage Manager back then (1981-82). He got me in! It was glorious time to be 15/16 and working at the club!!!
I worked at the Playboy Great Gorge from 1980 untill it closed its doors as "Bunny Linda"..Your video was a great walk thru memory lane for me..soo bittersweet..To see such an elegant, beautiful resort turn into something run down and overgrown made my soo sad..Those were the best days of my young life..I will never forget being one of "Hefs" bunnies for a long as I live..I have a couple of remnants of the club..a coffee mug, some stirrers and my treasured pictures..Thanks for the memories!!
I remember you. I was a manager there too! Worked all the restaurants and have some pictures from the Camera Bunny. It was an honor to work there, right.
Stayed here for a long weekend sometime between Thanksgiving and Christmas ‘75. I’d received my first American Express Card in the mail and decided to treat myself and three frat brothers to a trip to see the local wildlife here. We were four stupid kids escaping the college dorm for a few days with little idea of what to do here, but we knew we wanted to see and experience it. Don’t remember much of that weekend, such were the times I suppose. I remember the bill when my AmEx statement arrived though. I watched this video to see what had happened to this place and maybe trigger some foggy memories. I vaguely recall the valet area, the building exteriors, view of the ski area from within, main restaurant, VIP room and the room where boxing occurred . The rest is a blur. I survived those years and navigated to senior citizenship only by the Grace of God.
Thank you for leaving that video. If I remember correctly there was a two tiered gameroom off of the pool. It was the largest arcade this wide eyed 11 year old had ever seen. But my favorite memory you brought back was eating in the resturaunt and getting a chance to take a pic with the prettiest little bunny you ever did see, Nadiya...then waiting an eternity for those same pics at the Playboy gift shop. I couldn't stop smiling for a month. Thanks for giving me a few more moments back from 1981
I worked in the V.I.P. room up until it closed in 1982. Louie Dragone, Edouard Van Geisen, George W., J.P Murad, Bunnies Cathy, Kelly, Marie, Nina, Patti C. and Diana. The chef"s Steve, Todd and Reggie. So many others that came and went. It was a first class place to work. I went to the 50th Great Gorge reunion, then more recently one held at Hef's Hut on the grounds of the resort. Great times. I hope Bunny Diana Peterson, who faithfully puts PB reunions together around the country, holds another real soon. Tom N
I ride up there once in a while, just to see whats going on, and read the local paper , and they say that , they don't know what to do with it . I say bring back the 70's vibe and the beautiful Bunnies and the place would rock !
Do you remember the names of the girls you worked with? My older sister put her self through college by working there as a bunny. Her name was Karen. I think she worked there maybe 1976 - 1979?
Thanks for posting this. I was the leader of a band that played in the Playmate in March of 1977, then came back in (I think) 1982 to play as the last band (Playmate again) before Americana took over. It was a sad time, because a lot of the resort employees didn't know if they were staying or not. I can remember that the stage in the Playmate had a motorized curtain and the dressing room was just to the right, off stage. We would take our breaks, and run as fast as we could all the way to to opposite end of the concourse to the arcade to play "Berserk," the old video game. I have great memories of the huge hot fudge sundaes and cheese burgers in the deli, next to the gift shop. I had seen the video where the place was totally a relic, which was really sad to see. This tour was really great, because I got to see the place pretty much as I remember. BTW, it was especially fun to watch with my wife, whom I met the first time I played there. She was a bunny (Playmate & Sidewalk Cafe, mostly), and I stole her away from Playboy. Good memories.
Ah, the good old days. Yeah, there was a small office to the right of the stage. It was my office for a while, and it was shared with the entertainment when they were performing. I don't recall the last band before Americana, but I was there that night running the Playmate. The hotel literally changed overnight. I had a piece of the lobby carpet (with bunny heads) but it's been long lost. Was able to get lots of memorabilia, as me and others were somewhat ransacking the place for Playboy stuff. Even had pewter plates, goblets, stir sticks, shat glasses, ashtrays...anything with Playboy on it. Still have some of that stuff. Anyway, glad you stole your bunny and made a happy life!
@@johnnymoretti Thanks for the reply and reminiscence. I should have had the foresight to grab some of those things. My wife still has her bunny ID card, after all these years. I'm glad to hear that you guys at Playboy are doing well. You were great to work with (at all the locations where I played--I was house pianist in Chicago, before hitting the other locations). Stay well.
@@johnnymoretti No trumpet, but reed player (Alto, Tenor, Flute)--at least the final time we played there. Previous times, we had Trombone and Reeds (Jazz Crusaders style). We had the usual rhythm section Keyboard, Bass, Drums & Guitar, with guy & girl singer fronting. I was the leader/arranger/keyboards. Our favorite off-premises hangout was at the George Inn, down the hill--especially "all you can eat steak night" on Tuesdays. A lot of you guys (and bunnies) were always there. We hungry musicians probably broke the place. We also played the Playboy Casino in Atlantic City (Tahitian Room on the top floor). Easiest gig, ever--3 sets and done. I don't remember Tony Moretti, but probably wouldn't, because we would hit the road to another location immediately after the booking, and never got to interact with many other bands. The only guy I came in contact with was the Monday night piano player for the Playmate, who usually had a bass and drums with him. I think that he came up from NYC... My wife just reminded me that when she was working in the Sidewalk Café, a guy got a bit too tipsy, and tipped into the pool, next to what she called the "odd tree" in there. Good times.
@@hartzell7407 Thanks for the reply! It's likely we ran into each other. that "old tree" at the Sidwalk Cafe is still there. It is near that cascading waterfall along the wall and small 'river' that ran through the cafe. I'm sure a few others got tipsy over the years and slipped in. I got an autograph from Joe Frazier at that Sidewalk Cafe bar. Oh the memories!
i worked here too! Sidewalk cafe, living room, playmate restaurant. 1977-1982 from playboy to the americana (i think that was the name) Paid in part for college and law school. Good memories. Notwithstanding the nefarious implications from its name, it really was oddly a family resort. It reminds me of better days when my mother and father were still alive,
Back when movie stars and famous athletes would think nothing of walking into a bar, or a resort, and mix with the little people. I don’t believe they do that anymore. The good old but gone days.
Amazing! Can't believe I found this video of the G.G. Playboy Club! I was looking this up in hopes of showing my youngest son what it looked like back in the 70's when I worked there in '76....I worked downstairs in the beauty salon. Its was the first job I had as a hairstylist right after getting my license. Worked for "Eddie" and his brother "Moisha", who were from Isreal if I remember correctly. My only close brush with celebrity was; I was called at home on a Saturday night, by Eddie, to tell me to come in to work the next day, a Sunday, my day off, because he wanted me to come in and give Goldie Hawn (Hudson) a manicure. To say the least, I hardly slept that night. Unfortunately, as I waited in the salon, to be called up to do Goldie's nails ( and I would have to do her nails by the pool because she was going to ne lounging there)( She was pregnant at the time in '76, so I don't know if she was pregnant with Kate or not)...idk, but, what a let down, she had someone call to cancel because she wasn't feeling well. But, the only time I ever hung out after work to catch some of the happenings was at the "Bunny Hutch". Some friend and I went there one night, when this guy sat down in our booth with us, uninvited, and kind of annoyed us, only to find out several years later, that that annoying guy was David Brenner. I happened to see him on Johnny Carson one night, after I was married with kids, and there he was! That's my only brush with celebrities at the Great Gorge Ski Resort and Playboy Club. I was a sophomore at High Point Regional H.S. when it opened and about ten of us went there just for fun to get a look at this world renoun brand in our backyard. Its truly was stunning when brand new. I remember the smooth "sea" pebbles, like down the shore, were on the floors and walls in the main foyer entrance of the club...of course these pebbles were sealed, like solid pieace of masonry, and made a distinct memory, because I had never seen anything like this before or since. I moved to Tucson, Az. in '93, so its really sad to see how run down and abandoned it is now. The place called "The Playboy Club" in McAfee N.J. did leave an impression for a lot of us locals. Even though Sussex County is only an hour away from N.Y.C., it is the furthest thing from city. And I hope Sussex County stays like that! Thanks for the memories😂
Glad you found my video! David Bremmer performed there as a standup comic many times. And I know exactly what you mean by those pebble floors!! I remember Eddie and the Bunny Hutch. Went there many nights after my shift in the Playmate Restaurant. Good times!
I used to wait tables in the main banquet restaurant you first walked into & the am breakfast cafe in 1999 & still worked there until late 2001. I actually worked there when you filmed this but it must've been off hours. It appears we were not open when you walked through. During my breaks I used to rock those arcade games (set the high score on the ms pacman machine multiple times), feed the coy fish in the lobby & take the elevator up to that 5th floor kitchen (which was empty & abandoned as your video documents) to smoke some weed with whomever I considered the hottest bartender on duty during that particular shift. The place was not very well managed at the time this vid was shot. Pay was lousy. Tips were generous from some who stayed there so that helped. But many corners were cut by the powers that be & it really affected the quality of the hotel. However, I grew up in Vernon & have great memories of that establishment. Had a lot of fun there in my early 20s. Thanks for posting.
Wow! It's funny watching this video recorded in 2001. After 9/11 my family and I moved out of Brooklyn to Vernon in November 2001. The following spring we toured Great Gorge (or Legends) and were thinking about purchasing a timeshare. So many promises, plans, renovations for that place... anywhere from indoor water-park to casino, all denied by Vernon. Made it even more impossible to compete with the Mulvihill's Crystal Springs Resorts. Summertime as a teenager my friends and I would ride our bikes here and jump in the outdoor Olympic pool while the diving board was still intact. I don't know if you visited the resort in-between 2003-2006 but there were constant billboards and posters all over the resort, promising renovations to the indoor swimming pool (never happened). Got to give it to Legends though, they've tried gym memberships, swimming pool access, ski hotel room discounts.. you name it. Talking to Legend's director in 2010, said its more cost effective to keep these venue areas abandoned then running. Unfortunately with the prices people pay to vacation today, allot of New Yorkers find it more valuable in traveling to beach getaway Florida or skiing resorts in Colorado, then McAfee, NJ. Sussex County doesn't comprehend what type of entertainment this structure can provide, it could easily be a town center. Even though this place operates housing for the needy in Sussex County, its still a landmark for the area. Working/living in Orlando, people ask me, "where you from?" I just say "Great Gorge." They automatically recall the scene from See No Evil, Hear No Evil. lol
I remember going to the Cabaret Disco there in 1979, it was in one of the banquet rooms, it was great, bunnies dancing on each side of the stage, etc etc. The smaller disco was called the Bunny Hutch.
Wow! Thanks for posting this! I lived in Highland Lakes from 79 to 84. Fantastic place to grow up! I was a kid but still remember going to the Playboy club on occasion with my Mother, Father and sister for a nice dinner out and to see one of the musical reviews that was playing. I only remember doing that twice to be honest but it was fun. What I remember most, outside of the bunnies walking around was the arcade! That arcade was one of the best! After my grandmother got a job in housekeeping I would always volunteer to keep my mother company when she picked her up knowing I would usually get a dollar or so to play some games while we waited for the shift to end. Video games and Playboy Bunnies! What else could a growing and confused 11 year old ask for! I miss the 80's!
I went to work there in 1971 prior to the official opening in 1972. I helped set up many of the rooms in the hotel, and later the bunny dorms. When Governor Cahill came to visit before it opened, I had to drive to a local store to buy a shower curtain for his room as that was something not yet in stock. It was originally designed to become a gambling destination (there were slot machines in a storage room) and the state's decision (in 1976?) to allow gambling in Atlantic City only was the beginning of the end. The contractor at the time took advantage of how the construction contract was worded and caused the project to go well over budget and eventually had to be forced out by the Playboy organization. Met a lot of famous people and saw some spectacular performances in the Penthouse. Watched them shoot a pictural session of Barbi Benton for the magazine and traded punches (play/joke) with Joe Frazier (he was supposed to be training for his fight with Forman). Had a late night snack with Bill Cosby in the Deli and dinner with Joey Heatherton in the VIP room. Ann Margret was nice and an 18 year old Chris Evert made the tennis pro look old. The Bunny Hutch with its stainless steel dance floor and the Man at Leisure Bar. A lot of good memories, a few not so good. That was a lifetime ago.
Hey Ed...that's cool stuff! I was also able to meet many celebs during that time. I remember walking up to George Foreman and asking for his autograph. He said "no" and then I turned to walk away and he called me back and laughed and said "of course, where do you want me to sign?". I still have it in my collection. Also met many of the heavyweights in boxing...Sugar Ray Leonard, Ali, Spinks brothers, Ernie Shavers, Jersey Joe Walcott, and others. Waited on Joey Bishop and Jimmy Buffet. Lots of others, too many to mention. Was a golden era!!
This just broke my heart. In the early 70"s I worked in housekeeping. My best friend was the housekeeper for the entertainer's suite. I loved the weekends when the entertainers would come, and Employees Night. No cover charge and half price drinks. I met, Ricky Nelson, Chubby Checker, Frankie Avalon, Bobby Rydell, Dion, and so many others. It was such a beautiful place, and I enjoyed my job. I can't believe it is in such deplorable condition. My kids went swimming with Chubby Checker's kids in the indoor pool. My family and I moved to PA and rarely visit NJ. But I would have never thought such a "grand hotel" would end up like this.
This is really great to see and brings back some great memories. My Dad was the photographer for Don King and Don's son, Carl King was like a big brother to me. When I was about 12, I stayed for two weeks while heavyweight champ Michael Dokes was training for a rematch with Ossie Ocasio. I remember spending a lot of time with Bunny Stevie who worked some sort of gift shop, and I also spent time with Bunny Libra. Being 12 and spending two weeks at the PC was the highlight of my young life. Thanks for sharing.
My father was stationed at Ft Dix and he took us to Great Gorge. I was surprised to see women dressed like Bunny’s but thought it was cool! I was busy busy all the shops, restaurants the indoor pools. But I remember when we pulled up to valet to the left it was the entrance to the toboggan’s or am I missing something? It was 1978 I was in the 7th grade. Beautiful place so sad to see it like this! I actually thought about one day going back! Oh well Great Memories!! 👏👏👏👏👏
When you pulled up to the valet, to the immediate left was a large building (under the overhang at valet) that lead to the indoor tennis courts. The also held professional boxing matches there. The 'toboggans' you mentioned maybe actuall further away near the golf course. They used to have some for guests to use when the golf course was closed in winter. Or...you meant over at Vernon Valley ski resort. Thanks for watching!
@@johnnymoretti nope I guess I’m mistaken but I remember that there was something there if not a sign saying “toboggans” hey at 56 I’m lucky to remember yesterday so remembering good times is a plus lol 😉😉❤️
I worked in "The Living Room", the buffet next to the Playmate lounge. I even have a picture from June 1979 in raised rear portion of the restaurant that was at the fireplace that looked across in to the Playmate Lounge. It was my 17th birthday and the waitresses and staff had a small BD party for me! I can share a pic if interested. I got booted in 1981 for walking out like a idiot taking the elevator down instead of the driveway to employee parking with a coworker that was stealing some stuff from the gift shop that i did not know he was doing. Still lots of great memories!
I still remember the smell of this place. Cigarette smoke and chlorine from the pool. I can still remember what the walls felt like with the small round stones. I grew up right across the street from this place.
Yeah...those cobblestone walls. Funny, I haven't thought about those in decades until you mentioned them. And the heavy dark wood. And the sound of the waterfall wall at the Sidewalk Cafe.
Hah, i looked like a great place but when you mention the smell of smoke it brings back memories not wanting to take a full breath indoors. So glad we don't allow that anymore!
Omg the George Inn! I worked at PB Club too there, too. Lived right opposite the george inn, Pleasant Valley Lake upon that hill. Got a hug and a kiss from Tony Bennett and autograph just me and him walking down the hallway to an elevator, and in the coffee shop having coffee after work who sits at my table with me Al Martino.❤ Also got a autograph and picture with David Brenner, In fact, my three kids got baptized at the little church off 94 and 517. Father Busch.
I worked there from 1976 til about 1980. Deli and Roomservice. Worked with Matt, George and Mike Mancuso(wen to middle school with Mike) also worked with Dana Ross, Eric Vonsuskil. Long time ago
Not sure who you are, but George is a good friend even today! Matt...love the guy! Mike would take lots of vitamins (he was a bodybuilder) and I remember he was proud of his flatulence! I vaguely remember Dana, but I knew Eric. I also was friends with Heidi. Small world!!
I was just a litle kid when we vacationed there with family friends. Such great memories... I recall that I took the brown folder that held the resport information and I had all the bunnies sign it. I still have it somewhere, maybe at my mom's house. Well, my favorite bunny was Bunny Dandi. She never spoke to me like I was 11, which I was, and didn't hesitate to sign my folder, lol.. When we were ready to depart I asked her if she would be my pen pal she said yes. So we wrote back and forth a couple times. Such a sweet gesture. Her letters were selfless, multipage compositions filled with bubbly fun - I recall that she made circles over her lower case I's and put all those mushy X's and O's at the end of her letter... I laugh a bit when I realize that she had to put up with my 7th grade vocabulary and penmanship. I have no idea where she is today but, I sincerely hope that her life has been a filled with all things good in this world. In closing, I have imagined how cool it would be to be able to exchange the - nearly - 40 years of highlights and adventure stories... of how our lives, like everyone's, became unpredictable journeys that unfolded since the days spent at Great Gorge (I would have never guessed I would be part of an engineering team aboard a missile tracker, I wanted to be a life guard at Action Park, lol). I guess that is just going to be one of those things that gets left as a mystery that I will revist via my ponderings of 1977/78 when I watch videos like this one. Johnny M: I thank you for your time. I know this was no easy task. Your effort was more than appreciated. Best to you always, ~CJ~
Hey John, I may have worked with you back in the day. GOSH, Brings back a lot of memories. Had a great time both working and partying. Worked in the Playmate Lounge and Helped set up the Deli at times. Thanks for sharing this...
Very likely we crossed paths! Remember the guy that sat out in the main walk in front of the sidewalk café and used draw people's likeness in pastels. I think he was near the Bunny Hutch during the daytime and early evenings.
I worked there too! I remember Dave the maitre'd, Jim Lemma, Bunny Dusty, Bunny Daphy, all the Bunnies. I remember I had a check list, and had to look them over when they came on. No jewelry, matching shoes, costumes on right. They had to be positioned in the room before we opened the big metal gates. I used to look forward to going to work everyday!
What years did you work there? Was it in the Playmate Restaurant? I was there for awhile until it turned to Americana. Was the Playmate manager for a bit until closing. :(
I lived right across the street on 517...spent plenty of nights hanging out there...my mom worked there for years...she worked the golf course clubhousr for a few years too before my parents moved in 2005.
Wow! Thanks for the memories. I spent part of the summer of 1980 working in the band at the Playmate Restaurant. I was the bass player for the Eileen Valentino Show, then Bobbi Jordan, the jazz singer from Chicago. I still have my Playboy matchbook collection that I got from the store room, next to the stage I think. I also have a Playboy Silver Anniversary T-Shirt that I bought at the gift shop. We used to eat at The Gnosh. Was that the name? One of the Bunnies used to hang out with us. I think her name was Brenda. Nice girl. I have a bunch of photos from that summer [somewhere in a box], including one on the stage with Brenda and a couple more staff, whose names I forget. We spent the rest of the summer working in Atlantic City, before we came up to the resort, as I remember. That was a formative time for me musically. The resort was beautiful, and I had time to work on my craft during the day in room, which faced out to Vernon Valley. That was an amazing summer. Thanks!! Paul Beach, San Diego, CA
If you were here in or around its hayday of The Playboy Club, Then to The Americana or even in its later years as Seasons or 4 Seasons Resort (Cant remember the actual title) But you always had a feeling of this resort being a well oiled machine and it really was an incredible place to stay and from the many posts from former employees, Nothing but great memories to work for and ... I know these resorts are of a by gone era for many different reasons BUT I truly feel it has direct correlation to the work force becoming more and more lazy as years have gone by... Especially when these places were in operation the work force might of been very young but they were very eager to learn and do what was expected of them as young people starting out in the workforce in this country... They understood and respected the fact that they had a very long ladder to climb and these were the 1st steps to climbing that ladder so they worked hard and had fun doing it... The young people in the workforce today want to be at the top of that ladder in a months time and really feel that they deserve it without ever really knowing how it all works.... Ive seen it in every industry and sector of business and its a FUCKIN Shame... Who knows, If someone came in that was truly competent in the very early yrs when it started to go downhill it might of been the difference from being an abandoned wreck to maybe as good or even better then Hefs vision
Wow! This video really took me back. I worked at the hotel from 1979 to 1987. Started in the Cabaret at 16 then after a year or so transfered to the Deli. Was there during the changeover to Americana when they let about half of the staff go and transferred to Room Service when they started reopening departments. An amazing hotel at one time, what a shame to see what is has become.
Thanks for posting...Great memories...I remember Roberto Duran training there. They also had a baseball card shop there one year I went back in 70s. Oh yeah and the Prettiest Playboy Bunnies around
Fascinating trip back in time, i was a Freshman in upstate NY during Fall 2001, I wonder if this building still stands today (2022) i live in central NJ now, might drive up just to enjoy the fall foliage and see this hotel (if its still there).
@johnnymoretti I understand, but I figured I'd give it a shot to see if there was a little something you might want to donate for display. If you know anyone still in the area who may be willing to part with a little something, please have them contact me.
I'm talking as I'm watching the video I hope you went in what did they do with the big big empty rooms that they had the ballrooms in that they had the Christmas party is the New Year's party I used to love to walk around the vow inside the guts behind all the restaurants down. It's always funny I never got kicked out of walking around back there I use no oil the tricks and trades in the back I had a blast day I met so many girls so many guys that was the place to be we used to have gangs of people we used to have about 50 people in our group never had to fight always everybody got along from all over Long Island New Jersey Connecticut New York City that's when it was a great time life kids of today don't know those times I miss going the only two brothers and my parents
Hey Rob, thanks for your comment. It was quite the place to work. That was back when Playboy and America still had some class and posh. It was a great place to work. You felt like you were at the top of the entertainment and hospitality world. After all, my boss was Hugh Hefner! I also have another video of this place I recorded in 2011. Its only fallen apart even more. A shame. A lost legacy.
I Worked There in 1974 After school In Housekeeping. I still have my last pay check stub And Union Dues Book. I made 2.45 Per hour. My biggest Net Pay For The week was $90.00. I only worked 9 Their months.
Don't know if you will see this before I leave, but, I have a gig tonight nearby and wanted to drive over to see what is left since I have never been there. Is the address I need for GPS the Great Gorge CC?
holy crap, you were the manager at the playmate lounge? What year was that? I was a waiter in the playmate lounge when I was 15. Of course I lied about my age. It was my first job. I worked in this hotel in different jobs, for probably 15 years. I was also the manager and repair technician of the arcade in Vernon Valley ski area for about six years.
78-1980. Started in Room Service as a waiter, then Maitre 'D in the Playmate, then Playmate Manager. Sergio Leoni was GM, Joseph Bieri was F&B Mgr and Carl Zitelli was Storeroom Manager. When did you work there?
@@johnnymoretti Well my name is Jacob Baas, I started the job with my best friend Eric Colgan. His sister was a Playboy bunny that worked in the playmate lounge she went by the name of Donna Ray. I was born in 1962, I think that was my first job at 16. Which I mean It was 1978 ish. My father was the head of maintenance, and my mother worked several jobs from switchboard operator to night auditor. I spent six or more years at action Park being the manager, repair technician for all the arcade games in the park until the job became too dangerous. I then came back to work at the Playboy club in the mid-80s, and was part owner of Gone with the Wind kite shop directly in front of the playmate lounge. I also have Photographs of me working at the playmate lounge, and a whole photo album of photographs of the Playboy club. I am just beginning Learning photograph restoration and am digitizing every photograph my family owns. I would be willing to share these photographs once I get them digitized. I have my own discord if you would like to speak on the subject, discord.gg/TX5mDCY Also at the end of your video, you showed your face, you look very familiar to me. I'm pretty sure we knew each other, possibly just in passing.
Its a small world, Jacob! Eric Colgan and his sister Rae are some I knew well. I was working there when Eric was a waiter. My brother Marc was a waiter there, too. Also Malcolm Maccherone and many others. The Playmate manager before me was Tom Gargano. You might check out the Playboy Club Great Gorge Bunnies, Employees & Friends on Facebook. Lots of photos of the past years a GG. Great to hear from you!
@@johnnymoretti Then you would have known me. I was a busboy with Eric. We started the job together, and quit together. I'm a disabled veteran now, coming back from a severe stroke, learning to walk again. I live in South Carolina now, but plan on hiking the Appalachian Trail in a few years. I want to see if Eric and his sister are still alive, We were best friends as Teens, as I have not been back for 30 years. I also plan on visiting Action Park and what's left of the Playboy club to take photographs.
@@glendinthepackrat7108 Sorry to hear of your stroke. And good luck on your hike!!! That's awesome! Well, yes, Eric and Rae are still around. They are sometimes active on the PBY Facebook page. Lots of photos to see there if you chance. I have another video here from 2011. Check it out. The hotel has gone downhill fast!
I think they are considering tearing it down. It's become a rat haven and the building is literally rotting away. Such a shame. Would take millions upon millions to save it.
Hi Linda. Thanks for your comment. I was there, also, up to the closing day. I was they Playmate Restaurant manager. I, too, have some memorabilia I've saved...cups, shot glasses, stir sticks, pewter plates from the VIP Room, and some various Key Cards. What room did you work in??? Did you know George Wisniewski, the waiter in Room Service and VIP Room? He was my best friend and I still keep in touch.
Damn bringing back memories I used to go to the Playboy club my parents at timeshare in there we had a panic that was the best place we used to drive that road one time we drove it in the snow storm I remember most of the cause couldn't even get up the hill or down the hill Thanks for the Memories
Hey Johnny, any plans on going back for another updated video? I went there right after the new year and took some pictures of the interior west wing. I'd like to go back again soon.
I will again, for sure. I live in California but have family all over the NJ/NY area. Likely will go up there again sometime within the next couple of years. If they don't tear it down before then!
glad I could bring back some memories! There was, in fact, a two-tiered gameroom just off the pool. I remember people could be eating and look through the large windows into the indoor pool. You may have eaten in the Playmate Restaurant (which I managed until its closing) and the Photo Bunny came around and took your photo with a large camera. You then visited the Playboy Studio to pick up your black & white 8x10 glossy in a Playboy paper frame folder. You still have it??
Hey Johnny, loved this video. I'm doing some research on the playboy club, would love to get your input on how the whole operation worked and your take on it.
Hi Im Bunny Pearl ( Davidgartner.com has pics of me from his photo days at GG) I worked there 79 til the very last day in the Bunny Gift Shop in May 1982 in May when the new oeners Americana tore up all the Bunny Head carpeting. I grew up in Sussex Hills /Vernon but had moved to Warren Cty in the 70s. I lived in the Bunny dorms, Bunny Brenda was my suite mate, next to Bunny Daffy. I knew Bunny Rae and we reconnected on FB a while back. I was frequently the entry gate bunny while working for Bunny Mother Sandy Schiffer. George W will recall me because we dated briefly when i worked the Playmate Bar with Bartenders Pauly and Maverick and went to his moms all pink house in his vintage yellow chrysler (?) w the black top. I believed he married a fellow bunny pal. I left NJ by 83. Its sooo sad to know this place is now abandoned. Btw all you guys in the wait /chef staff were all just the best. Thankyou for posting this. 💟☮️
It was called the Bunny Disco across from the banquet dining next to Sidewalk Cafe. I worked the Big Disco Cabaret Showroom too. Those stairs in the dark were treacherous. Disco visitors stiffed on their bills all the time lol.i dated Head Chef Ofin and dated then I married (divorced too. Oops) catering/Conventions mngr Manage Birney B ..i do recall you! Do recall Steve Cunningham in management.. I think there is pic of you and all the managers on David Gartners site.
I was there until closing. They also had the ABC Wide World of Sports boxing. Watched many a fight. Met Howard Cosell, Leon Spinks, Michael Spinks, Sugar Ray Leonard and others. Was pretty exciting.
I used to love are you sneaking all those back always all those back rooms I used to hang out all the boxes that used to come up there that was one of the best places the game room. What did you do in the hotel you guys I used to love to indoor pools outdoor pool I used to love up in the hill my brother's car actually got all those windows broken up that hill the little parking lot we used to love the snowboard down the hills over there great great times miss that place we actually tried to get in there years later when it became that new whatever it is and they wouldn't let us in
It would be helpful if you used periods in your message. No way of knowing when your sentences begin or end. Very confusing. But thanks for the replies!
I am Tibetan Buddhist monk. we 8 monks from Tibet participate ' Assembly of World Religion " which organized at this Hotel from November 15-21 Year 1985 my first visited in USA. very nice memory. right now I live in Orlando Florida. it was very nice 7-8 floor big Hotel. it looks now no any more. sad...…...
My aunt was a Bunny at this resort...she told me so much horrible stuff happened there that they weren't allowed to talk about...she was glad it closed
The peep holes on the hotel doors (ya know to see who is knocking on your door) were looking inside the room not out in the hall way: I saw rooms covered in shaggy carpet different themed rooms . Place looked pretty eerie, in 2005 when I had my daughters bday there at the indoor pool.
How the heck did you guys get in there they wouldn't let me and my brother walk around in there that's funny how they have the same exact stuff I guess it's doing very bad business since it's not the Playboy club I'm surprised it's not just a abandoned
+braksator don't judge America as a whole off this video. I grew up in the town this is in and it's very rural, and not very close to anything except for farmland. America is the greatest country in the world and definitely worth a visit
+Njkalashnikov The Playboy Resort closed in the early 1980s and was sold to Americana Hoteliers since there were financial issues with Playboy's gambling casinos in London. I was there the day it closed and then it immediately transitioned into Americana the next day with guests waking up to a whole new place. Carpets, signs, menus, costumes, everything changed overnight. Was an amazing task.
