Jews by the Seaside The Jewish Hotels and Guesthouses of Bournemouth

by Fox, Pam

• ISBN13: 9781912676927
• ISBN10: 1912676923
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2021-11-11
• Publisher: Vallentine Mitchell

Summary

This book describes the rise and decline of Bournemouth’s Jewish hotels and guest houses within the context of Anglo-Jewish history, the growth of Bournemouth as a premier resort, and the evolution of its Jewish community. It explores the decline and changing nature of Bournemouth’s Jewish holiday trade before examining different aspects of hotel and guest house life—the food, religious activities, and entertainment. It concludes with a detailed analysis of the historical significance and many legacies of the kosher establishments, illuminating the hopes, achievements, and sorrows of generations of British Jews as they attempted to balance the goal of assimilation with the desire for a world of their own. Throughout the book, the focus is on those who ran, staffed, and stayed in the kosher establishments, shedding light on the dynamics of the mainly family-run businesses. Based largely on interviews, the text is replete with humorous and poignant memories and stories that enliven the text.

Author Biography

Pam Fox is a full-time author specialising in Jewish history. Several of her books published in the last ten years have been based largely on oral history interviews that have produced rich and engaging narratives, including her highly successful book on the history of the Jewish community of Golders Green.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements vii
Glossary x
Foreword xvi
Introduction 1
     Part One The Rise and Decline of Jewish Hotels and Guest Houses in Bournemouth
1. The Early History of Jewish Holiday Accommodation in Bournemouth 11
2. Jewish Hotels in Bournemouth, 1914-1945 28
3. The Golden Era, 1945-1975: The Larger Hotels 55
4. The Golden Era, 1945-1975: The Smaller Hotels and Guest Houses 100
5. Holidaying in Bournemouth: 1975 to the Present Day 122
     Part Two Aspects of Life in the Hotels and Guest Houses of Bournemouth
6. Food and Catering in the Bournemouth Jewish Hotels and Guest Houses 149
7. Religion in the Jewish Hotels and Guest Houses 192
8. Entertainment, Recreation and Relaxation 228
9. The Hotels and the Town of Bournemouth 284
10. The Jewish Hotels of Bournemouth: Their History and Legacy 306
Appendix 1: The Big Eight Hotels and the People Who Ran Them 330
Appendix 2: The Smaller Hotels and Guest Houses 356
List of Photographs 362
List of Illustrations 368
Index