The Last Bathing Beauty

by Nathan, Amy Sue

  This was the first book I’ve written since moving back to Philadelphia and it often kept me sequestered. My parents, Sarah and Mike Nathan, were enthusiastic and understanding even when I cut our visits short to continue writing. Hugs to my children (the best adults I know)—Zachary, Chloe, and Taylor—for always asking about the book (and listening when I answered), for being proud, and for tolerating my Bitmoji habit. I love you all.

  For historical insight and accuracy, I relied heavily on local newspapers, clothing catalogs, magazine covers, interviews, advertisements, menus, and cookbooks. I used great care to remain true to 1951 South Haven when, for the sake of the story and character development, I took creative license with details, as novelists are prone to do.

  I built the fictional Stern’s Summer Resort on a foundation of facts from the time, along with my vision for the story, and two overnight visits to the Victoria Resort (formerly Glassman’s Resort, popular in South Haven’s heyday). Jan Leksich, the owner at the time of my first visit, was kind enough to allow me to stay in a cabin typically reserved for her family, and to give me a tour of the property, while sharing its facts and folklore.

  Stern’s Summer Resort’s fictional location on North Beach is the approximate site of the original Mendelson’s Atlantic Hotel, to where Charlene would walk from her childhood home, just like Betty. Unlike Betty, Charlene lived not only with her grandparents, but also with a twin sister, an older sister, and her parents, who owned a local restaurant. While Mendelson’s no longer exists, Charlene spends every summer in the house where she grew up. I’m fortunate to have visited her there, spent time on her porch, and soaked in the beach, lake, and lighthouse views. It’s my privilege to call Charlene a friend.

  If you’d like 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.