When I was asked to write about Working at Woodloch, I was honored. So many thoughts and questions came to mind. As a young teen, all of about fifteen years old, I knew that it was time to look for a job. I knew that down the line, I would want to purchase a car, go to college, and of course, buy some clothes, shoes, etc on my own. My Mom and Dad suggested that I look into Woodloch. We had been guests many times, enjoying Smorgasbord, and Sunday afternoon dinners with our family. There was something about Woodloch Pines that captured my interest, so I decided it was time to compose a letter, addressed to John Kiesendahl, applying to work at a Waitress in the dining room. A short time later, I received a letter in response, asking me to come for an interview, with John. I was excited to receive the letter, and yet somewhat apprehensive, not knowing what to expect. Would they hire me?? I was uncertain. My objective was to work weekends, and maybe a night or two during the week when I was able to. I was involved with sports all year long, and just hoped that it would all work out. When I came in for my interview, I was nervous, hoping to make a good impression. That was extremely important to me. The interview went well, and shortly after, I was hired, my first day being December 24th, 1974. And that is where it all began!!
I arrived that very morning, feeling a little apprehensive and excited all at the same. From the very first day, I was welcomed with open arms; The Kiesendahl and Kranich families, fellow staff members in all departments, and the guests. As the day went on, I was more at ease. We had been told from the very first day that our guests were to be treated with the utmost respect, treating them as if they were guests in our own home, Hospitality to the highest degree. Treating our guests how we would expect to be treated. That would be our objective. First and foremost, hospitality would be addressed by greeting our guests as they enter the Dining Room with a warm, heartfelt greeting and of course, with a smile!! Back then, our uniforms were Salmon pink and white uniforms with clinical white shoes highly polished no earrings bigger than a quarter and a neat appearance. Hair over the shoulder was to be tied back. That was the way it was to be, and rightly so! During this time, Uncle Harry and Uncle Don shared the responsibilities of the entire operation with the assistance of John (JK) who operated the dining room, with his assistant, Fred Gelderman, and Russ Kranich who ran the kitchen. Aunt Mary ran the front desk, and was always there to greet our guests as they would come into the dining room. Aunt Marge was in charge of housekeeping. Back in the day, no one was dismissed from the dining room until John or Fred would check the Pantry, the tables, the overall dining room to have it meet their expectations. This was the correct way, and overall, it taught us the highest level of responsibility, respect and dedication.
Here is a little history of Woodloch at that time. The resort was much smaller. The North Lodge was the Nightclub. There were no accommodations in Springbrook (no indoor pool or sports complex), Mt. Laurel, Country Store, Lake Estates, Southwoods homes, Inn, Country Store, or Boathouse. Woodloch Springs too was a dream for the future as well. What we did have was Family Cottages, Tallwood units, Rockledge Units, Split Rock, and Southwoods. Our housekeepers were picked up for work and brought home by Woodloch Vans driven by none other than our own Dennis Neenan and company!! The now Cottage Unit was our Bike Shop, The Bumper Car building, Forest, Keystone Room and Gymnasium were too, buildings of the future, at that time, it was the North Lodge Parking Lot.
The kitchen was a combination of pantry area, bakery and kitchen. There were signs on the wall posting the price of dishware, so staff was aware of the cost when something had been broken. If you are walking down to our Heritage Night Club, you will see some wonderful pictures of these times.
Our wait staff meetings were held on the Stairwell which now houses the Staircase Lounge. This was at one time, the original dining room. Our meetings are much like they are today; going over the menu, special diet information, celebrations such as Anniversaries, and Birthdays, then of course, any other important information was shared at that time.
At this point in my life, I was to begin my college life. I then was apprehensive, as I had gotten to know so many great friends within the staff. I knew that I had to move on, but I was not sure if I was ready. While I was in college, I was always thinking about my friends back at Woodloch, and could not wait to return to work for the summer months. I was so glad to return for my summer, as I knew of guests that I have gotten to know, and was looking forward to their return. That is the way it was and is at Woodloch Pines. When I returned after my second year, I had learned that a childhood friend was now employed at Woodloch, working in the kitchen. To my surprise, Dave Nordenhold was employed there!! We had a wonderful summer together. This time, I chose not to return to school with mixed emotions. I knew in my heart, that I wanted to remain at Woodloch, and spend time with Dave. Woodloch had always had a hold of my heart, and I was glad to be here on a full time basis. We celebrated with our annual Labor Day Parties, Staff Football games, Christmas Parties in the North Lodge, and Benevolent Parties too. I could go on and on.
Now, I have just a little more history for you. When going up the stairs in the original dining room (now Staircase lounge) when turning towards the right (now Human Resources) that was the eating room, and then one directly across the hall was another eating room. Anthony's office was then a girl's staff room, Jeanne's desk, was a closet which included all of the stainless steel dishware for Smorgasbord, the hallway to the now Executive offices, was another girl’s staff room too. The Executive offices were then the roof.
Dave and I were married in June of 1980. Along with many other Woodloch couples, we have watched our families grow. Time sure does go by quickly!! Our families have grown, our children have experienced their lives in the Woodloch world, and we have had some guests also become part of the operation throughout the years. I have watched families who once came here as guests with their small children where the children now come with their children. It is truly a wonderful thing!!
Dave and I did leave for a few years, from 1986 to 1990, opening our own restaurant. Our sons, Matt and Bill were so young at that time. Thankfully my Mom and Dad were so helpful assisting us in their care. As the time went on, we enjoyed the business, yet we had no time with our children and we made the decision to close, and return back to Woodloch. We were so glad we did!! Not only for the fact that when you are in business for yourselves, it is 7 day/24 hour job, and was too much. Returning to Woodloch, we were back where we wanted to be, connecting with fellow staff members and our guests that we missed. Again, being in our own business, we appreciated what Woodloch's operation was all about even more. All of these years, learning what is most important in life, the hospitality industry, and assuring that our guests were treated in the best possible way, as if they were in our own home.
What is truly magnificent about working at Woodloch is the love and dedication for one another. We have had some wonderful celebrations, through Marriage, Children, Graduations, watching our families grow, Our Crisis Fund group, where we have had some wonderful shows, raising money to help people within our staff in need. We also share in our sadness too. We have had people lose their homes, cancer, other illness, separations and divorce, but in any case, either happy or sad; we are always there for one another. Being part of the Woodloch family is such a wonderful experience!!
Who would have known, when applying for my first job that I would be here as long as I have. I am so thankful, so grateful!!
I have watched Woodloch grow in so many ways. When it comes down to the main objective, we still clarify that our first and foremost is to assure our guests that they are satisfied with every part of their stay at Woodloch. It brings so much joy seeing our guests return and bring people each time they return. What I love most about Woodloch is the dedication, the friendships, joy and love that is shared through our families and guests. No matter what the situation is at hand, we are always there for one another. I have learned many things here at Woodloch, hospitality, responsibility, respect, objective, what is truly most important in life then and today. One thing I know, I am, the lucky one!!
