Village History

The story of Fleischmanns begins in the late 19th century, when the village—then known as Griffin Corners—began to attract the attention of city dwellers seeking mountain air and open skies. In the 1880s, the Fleischmann family, founders of the famous yeast company, built a grand summer estate here, complete with a private ballpark, racetrack, and a lavish mansion. Their presence turned the sleepy mountain town into a popular vacation destination for New Yorkers seeking a retreat from the city.

In 1913, in recognition of the family’s generous contributions, the village officially changed its name from Griffin Corners to Fleischmanns.

Throughout the early 20th century, Fleischmanns thrived as a resort town. Dozens of hotels and boarding houses sprang up, many catering to Jewish families escaping the heat and discrimination of city life. The village became part of what’s known today as the “Jewish Alps,” a vital chapter of Catskills history.

Though the boarding house era faded, Fleischmanns has never lost its spirit. Artists, immigrants, musicians, farmers, and entrepreneurs have all left their mark here. And today, a new wave of residents and visitors continues to rediscover the village, bringing fresh energy and creative vision to its historic streets.

From Victorian architecture to trails that wind through the mountains, Fleischmanns is a place where past and present meet—and where the best stories are still being written.