Owen, a successful, black businessman from NYC & his wife decided to look into upstate NY (Orange County) for a summer home. At the time, there was one building and a swimming hole. They then purchased the farm across the road & 200 acres from the railroad shortly thereafter. The Owen's wanted a place for their family to enjoy the summers, but as more & more friends visited, they opened a guest ho
use. The summer resort grew out of the realities of segregation and the desire for upper-middle class blacks to cut loose & enjoy time off with family. Other Catskills resorts (Black, Jewish, etc.) declined in popularity after integration, however, two following generations continued to expand & keep the family tradition of providing friendly service, comfortable accomodations & excellent food a priority until Kings Lodge finally closed its doors in 2001.
