In July 1919 when the first ten boys came to Tranquillity, there was only one small farm house on a little farm in Urlton, NY (notice the spelling). Little did anyone realize then that the curtain rose on a story that was to grow and grow and continue on and on.  

Now, in its 70th year; we salute the memory of the author of this remarkable story.  That man of great vision, who set the stage and planned the ground-work for one of the most unique and amazing stories ever told, was only 38 years of age at time. He was the architect of this dream, a great humanitarian. He was, of course our beloved founder, ELIAS A. COHEN.

The setting of this story was simple. By today's standards it was nothing but a small plain 6 room country house on a rugged farm in the backwoods of a hamlet in the foothills of the Catskills.

The idea was original, to select a small group of bright, worthy children from the inner city where they lived in crowded tenements with a lack of fresh air and play space and bring them to the country where there were trees and flowers and green grass and clean, fresh air and plenty of room to roam and play. There they would have an opportunity to spend a few weeks of fun and relaxation together away from the pressures of home and city life.

The characters in this story were the most important part. They were the guests of Elias A. Cohen, these energetic young people. First 10 boys for 2 weeks, then girls, then boys and girls came together. So it has been summer after happy summer, year after wonderful year.
Elias A. Cohen loved people. He had faith in youth. He wanted to give every child an opportunity to express himself, to develop his latent talents, to learn to live with one another harmoniously, His ideals and goals became our ideals and goals and they still are.

Within these 70 years, Tranquillity has opened its hospitable doors to countless thousands of deserving boys and girls who have developed into fine men and women, better citizens of this great country of ours. It has been a panorama of people - a passing on an off the stage of thousands upon thousands of happy boys and girls. There were also the young men and women and special adults whose sole functions have been to help, each in his own way, to embellish, to do his bit, to make life for the kids just a little better, a little brighter, a little more exciting.

• 1940's Because of the Second World War, our campers were principally little refugees from the war torn countries of Europe. Here they found peace and happiness and friends and plenty of good food. Here they learned English and became Americans.

• 1952 Our beloved Mr. Cohen passed away suddenly but Tranquillity continued on. In 1953 the present Alumni Organization was formed.

• 1950's brought our second generation children whose parents were campers in the 1920’s and 1930's. The T-Y House dining room was used - 2 sets of dishes and silverware were purchased so kosher meat meals could be served.

• 1952 Our beloved Mr. Cohen passed away suddenly but Tranquillity continued on. In 1953 the present Alumni Organization was formed.

• 1960's brought refugees from Hungary as well as more 2nd and 3rd generation campers. The camp grew. More dormitory buildings were needed, then a softball stadium, tennis and blacktop basketball and volleyball courts were built.