A short history

Lansman's Bungalow Colony was founded by Irving and Diana Lansman in 1945. Starting with just 16 units and a main house (a kuchaleyn), Lansman's grew to become one of the premier bungalow colonies in the Catskills.

Marty Lansman was discharged from the Navy in 1945 and, while attending college, joined Irving in building and running Lansman's. As the years went on, Marty became fully involved in the colony. Harriet Lansman was the first camp director in 1948, when there were only 45 campers and no camp buildings — just army tents. Later, Harriet and her husband, Mark Wiesen, ran the concession and grocery store, and Mark was the master of ceremonies for the shows.

When Marty married Florence in 1957, Florence became very involved in Lansman's, including the general finances and the day camp. Lansman's was Irving's life. He was proud of the number of lives Lansman's touched in a significant way, and he treated it like a child. As Irving's health waned later in life, the responsibilities fell more on Marty, and Marty and Florence eventually took over the full operation and ownership of Lansman's. The Lansman and Wiesen families take great pride in the longevity and rich history of Lansman's Bungalow Colony.

Lansman's became a co-op in 1985, and is now the finest summer co-op and day camp in the Catskills.