Jews as Mainers: Jewish Contributions to Maine's Culture


Dave the Guesser with kids, Old Orchard Beach, 1964

Dave the Guesser with kids, Old Orchard Beach, 1964
Item 146   info
Maine Historical Society

Dave Glovsky, in the center of the photo with glasses, is one of the most interesting examples of a Jew who not only fit into the Vacationland culture successfully, but also added to it in a totally unique way.

Located on Old Orchard Beach, Glovsky’s Guessing Booth attracted thousands of tourists every summer. Guessing (often correctly) everything from weight or age to marital status, Glovsky offered prizes to patrons who stumped him.

Signs around his booth advertised his various games and prompted people to improve their lives by quitting smoking and promoting a "focus on fun."

His guessing games and messages of self-improvement, coupled with his skill as a ventriloquist, served Glovsky well as his stand quickly grew to be a very popular source of entertainment for beachgoers.

His business was not distinctively Jewish, but serves as an example of how Jews could fit into Maine’s culture and expand it in their own ways.

Item 4 of 6