The 90’s
The Viking Annex was removed, but replaced by the new Austland Motel. It was so named for the farm that Gurine Nicholsen came from so many years ago. This pride of Sunny Hill boasts 2 queen size beds, 25" color TVs and each unit has it's own refrigerator. The motel also holds a work-out room and laundry facilities for the convenience of our guests.1994 ushers in the 75th Anniversary of Sunny Hill Resort. We are very proud of the long standing traditions, the many guests, old and new. We will endeavor to keep up the standards to which our guests have become accustomed and feel that the summer vacation business is not really a business, but the care and entertainment of a large family.
Personal Notes About the Nicholsens
At the age of 17, Arnold assumed the ever increasing responsibility in the management of Sunny Hill due to Gurine's ill health. He spent many hours of careful planning and thoughts in laying out the various buildings and sports facilities from a point of beauty, practicability, and enjoyment to the vacationist. In addition to making the plans and layouts for the various Buildings and sports plus the golf course he has also planned the landscaping and layout of shrubbery and tree planting.
During the period of 1933-38 he attended the University of Alabama and Columbia University, obtaining B.S. and M.S. degrees in Health and Physical Education and History and minored in social science and psychology. He taught in the field for seven years which included work at high school, Y.M.C.A., Delehanty Institute and three years at Bethany College, West Virginia where he taught Physical Education courses and headed the physical training for Navy V-5 and V-12 men as well as Army Glider-Pilots in training. With the end of World War II Arnold resigned from the teaching field to devote more time to Sunny Hill and the resort business.
He became very active in community affairs, serving as president of the Chamber of Commerce for 7 years, as President of the Fire Company, an officer and worker in many local organizations and activities. From 1954-1964 he ran for office, was elected and served for ten years as Town and County Supervisor and was Chairman of the County Board of Supervisors for two years. During his ten years in office Arnold headed or was a member of almost all of the regular and special committees on the Board. During Arnold's time in office as Supervisor of Greenville this town which is one of the smaller of the 932 towns in New York State at the time received "State Wide Recognition" on at least five occasions for making exceptional progress in modernizing town highways, in equalizing assessments and utilizing business practices which led to saving of many thousands of tax dollars.
As a resort owner his many activities in an average work day of 18 - 19 hours included typing many thousands of letters each year; booking and planning large recreation programs for 6-7 days a week during the five month resort season; square dance calling and piano playing for group singing; hiring and coordinating of staff personnel; guided tours of the local and surrounding areas and other duties too numerous to mention.
Mae had been an invaluable part of the Nicholsen team. Adjusting very rapidly from city life to life in the country, she had stepped into the large responsibility of buying food, planning meals and seeing that meals are served on time to hundreds of guests and employees. In addition, she planned room decorations and took charge of linen purchase and maintenance, made many bookings; treated first aid cases and did countless other chores in her 17-18 hour days - plus brought up three youngsters and maintained a home.
Gary Nicholsen; was born in 1945; Gary attended Albany Business College which has provided him with the valuable education necessary in overseeing the business aspect of the company. His many years of experience as contractor working with heavy equipment and excavation provided valuable input to the many projects which have been a part of the development and evolution of the business. Gary maintains the title of Corporate President.
Wayne Nicholsen; was born in 1952, and holds the title of Corporate Vice President. Wayne's dedication to grounds keeping and golf course maintenance has been a key factor in the appearance of the operation. Wayne is heavily involved in the planning and execution of guest entertainment and activity. That being activities on the premises or and ventures off the Sunny Hill Grounds.
Gail Nicholsen; was born in 1953, and holds the title of Corporate Secretary. Gail was educated at HVCC, Univ. of Mass and at SUNY- Albany. Gail's education has been an asset to her and the company as she is responsible for the day operation of the Sunny Hill Office. The Office is another key factor in the operation. Open year round, dealing with reservations, billing, personnel issues, and the personal contact with all the guests as they are booking, arriving or departing or enjoying a stay at the Sunny Hill Resort.
What they have in common is a remarkable dedication to the company and the family. They have all been part of Sunny Hill as far back as any one of them can remember. This tradition is again being passed down to the fourth generation of the Nicholsen family where several family members are involved in the operation. As new generations are added, the children become a natural part of the family operation which makes Sunny Hill.
