Leisurama Homes: A Snapshot of Mid-Century Vacation Living

In the mid-1960s, the picturesque Culloden Shores in Montauk became home to a unique brand of vacation residences known as Leisurama. These prefabricated homes, with their charming mid-century aesthetics, offered a slice of summer bliss to middle-class families looking for a getaway.

The Allure of Leisurama

With a playful logo and a promise of affordable leisure, Leisurama homes were designed by renowned architect Andrew Geller and celebrated designer Raymond Loewy. The homes were sold through Macy's department store, where prospective buyers could actually walk through a model home set up as a showroom. Mia Certic, Executive Director of the Montauk Historical Society, shares fond memories of her family's experience purchasing one of these homes, highlighting a community spirit that was fostered as families moved in and furniture was delivered simultaneously.

A Community Built on Memories

Certic, who has lived in her Leisurama home for years, reflects on the joy and camaraderie it brought to her childhood summers. Despite its modest size, the home managed to accommodate extended family and friends, creating cherished memories of outdoor activities without the distractions of modern technology. She emphasizes that Leisurama’s success lay in its ability to cultivate a community among families seeking affordable vacation homes.

Reviving a Legacy

The Montauk Historical Society is set to showcase the legacy of Leisurama with an exhibition featuring original furnishings donated to the museum. Certic aims to recreate the showroom experience of the 1960s, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the nostalgia of this unique housing development. As graphic designer Paul Sahre notes in his book "Leisurama Now: The Beach House for Everyone 1964-", the evolution of these homes over the decades reflects the changing landscape of Montauk, yet their essence as a symbol of affordable summer living remains intact.

Source: www.designboom.com