With the loss of New York City youth, Greenwood Lake was the recipient of the traffic created by the difference in the drinking age between New York (18) and New Jersey (21). Many of the local bars faded from the scene but those that remained survived on disco, topless dancers, and rock bands catering to the 18-21 year olds who descended on summer weekends. It was a difficult time as the growing community now longer dependent on vacationers did battle with the bars that brought young drinkers. By the late 1970s the community had discouraged such large drinking groups, and had become independent of the dollars they brought. By the end of the 1970s, Greenwood Lake had become a solid year round community while retaining substantial tourism for fishing, country vistas, and water sports.
Source: https://greenwoodlakeny.tumblr.com/gwl1960to1980
Greenwood Lake News
Sep 30, 1970
