The Last Bathing Beauty

to read more about the history of Jewish South Haven and the resort era, or South Haven in general, I recommend the following books: A Time to Remember: A History of the Jewish Community in South Haven by Bea Kraus; Jewish Resort Era in South Haven Driving Tour: Catskills of the Midwest by J. Ollgaard; Cottages and Resorts on the North Beach: Historic L. S. Monroe Park, South Haven, Michigan, 1890–1960 by Helen B. O’Rourke, Ken Hogan, and Lynda Hogan; and A Place to Remember: South Haven—A Success from the Beginning by Bea Kraus. While writing, I also referred to Betty Cornell’s Teen-Age Popularity Guide by Betty Cornell.

Essential to the writing of this novel were the countless contributions of the Historical Association of South Haven, namely its director, Sue Hale. When I couldn’t find a fact in a book or a newspaper, or online, she was always helpful. Sue had welcomed me to the reopened Catskills of the Midwest: The Jewish Resort Era in South Haven exhibit in June 2016. I stepped into the room and back in time, as it had been filled with murals, photos, interviews, memorabilia, and stories. I pulled out my laptop and sat on the floor to take notes and write. After that, Sue introduced me to Charlene.

The rest, as they say, is history.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Photo © 2019 Zach Gropper

Amy Sue Nathan is the author of four novels and the founder of the award-winning Women’s Fiction Writers blog, named a Best Website for Writers by Writer’s Digest. She is a frequent speaker and workshop leader, a member of Tall Poppy Writers, and a writing coach for aspiring authors. Amy lives near Philadelphia and is the mom of two grown children and a willing servant to one geriatric dog. For more information, visit www.amysuenathan.com.