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copyright by Cornell University
Library 1994.MINNEWASKA
MOUNTAIN HOUSES
E. A. & G. H. SMILEY
PROPRIETORS
THE WILDMERE HOUSE
Opens June 13th
Closes October 1st
THE CLIFF HOUSE
Opens June 27th
Closes about September 10th
MINNEWASKA
ULSTER COUNTY, N. Y.W I L D M E R ELAKE MINNEWASKA
RY to imagine, if you can, within only four or
five hours of the most crowded precincts of
New York City, an estate of six thousand
acres on the summit of that part of the Appa-
lachian range known as the Shawangunk Mountains,
one thousand eight hundred to two thousand feet above
the sea, and commanding the most magnificent views of
the valley of the Hudson, its tributaries and surroundings,
from Storm King to Lake George.
Covered largely with the health-giving resinous mountain
pine and primeval hemlock, it includes lakes, falls and
cascades of as pure and sparkling water as ever bubbled
from mountain springs — secluded glens thick with ferns
and strewn with mighty boulders—lofty cliffs and towering
crags — strange crevices and fissures riven deep into the
solemn hills—not the gentle contours of the neighboring
Catskills, but much more ragged scenery, giving the
impression that although all is now so exquisitely peace-
ful and serene, far back in distant ages something terrible
had taken place.
Held aloft on the very crest of this great eminence as
in a rock-bound chalice the rim of which rises above it
from sixty to one hundred and fifty feet, then tumbles
precipitously on either side to the valleys far below, lies
the beautiful Lake Minnewaska,
—“there fastened by the glacier’s hand,
The glacier’s parting gift.’’W O L F ’ S
J A WOverlooking this delightful lakelet, and at the same
time some of the most charming and comprehensive valley
and mountain scenery in the Empire State, are two hotels,
the Cliff and the Wildmere Houses, with accommodations
for five hundred guests.
Far above the dews and dampness, the high tempera-
tures and enervating influences of the lowlands—away
from the “tumult and the shouting”—at liberty either
to commune alone with nature, or mingle in gentle and
refined society — surely nowhere can repose, rest and
recreation be more hopefully sought than here.
For a quarter of a century it has been a favorite resort
for a limited class of people, many of whom return
regularly year after year.
The management has never sought to attract patrons
indiscriminately; and while there is none of the exclu-
siveness that admits only the wealthy to recognition, the
loud, the coarse, the vulgarly ostentatious would be so
manifestly out of place at this resort that naturally they
go elsewhere.
In both houses the rooms are all unusually large, the
single rooms being double the size of those generally
found in summer hotels. 'Very many of the rooms have
private balconies. Both houses are lighted with gas—the
Welsbach burners being used. From both houses the
drainage finds outlet far down the mountain side, the lake
being left uncontaminated.
A better idea of the situation, surroundings and
general appearance of the two hotels at Minnewaska can
be obtained from the accompanying reproductions than
from detailed description. Both are under one manage-
ment, which is strictly temperance.
CLIFF
HOUSETHE CLIFF HOUSE
The Cliff House, opened in 1879, was enlarged in 1881,
and has room for about two hundred and twenty-five
guests. Its season begins June 27th, and closes about
September 10th. It is situated on the east side of the lake,
at an elevation above tide water of one thousand eight
hundred feet. Nearly every room in the house affords a
magnificent view, while from some parts of the building
mountains in six states are visible. These include the
Highlands of the Hudson, the Berkshire Hills, the Green
Mountains of Vermont, the Helderbergs and Catskills, the
Shandaken Mountains; also many river valleys—altogether
a most comprehensive and inspiring spectacle. No one
who has not passed many days and weeks here can have
any adequate idea of the limitless variety of effect which
light and shadow, storm and sunshine, mist and moon-
light have upon this matchless picture.
THE WILDMERE HOUSE
The Wildmere, opened in 1887, is situated on the
northern end of the lake—is larger than the Cliff House;
opens two weeks earlier (June 13th) and does not close
till October 1st. The halls are heated by furnaces, and
most of the rooms, both public and private, have open
fireplaces for burning the resinous mountain pine. The
views are similar in character to those from the other
house. West and north for fifteen to thirty miles the
Rondout Valley is spread out like a map, on which the
farmers’ fields look like a patchwork quilt.W I L D M E R E
HOUSEA W O S T I N G
FALLSB A T T
LEM E N
T
TERRACEAWOSTING LAKE
Awosting Lake, three and one-half miles from Minne-
waska, has four times its area; it is also probably of glacial
origin, and has much the same characteristics. On the
north side, conducted by Ralph Woodward, is a thriving
little camp, with attractive play-grounds and a new dormi-
tory. It is proposed to form on the borders of this lake
a colony of cottages for such people as appreciate and
approve of the methods on which the estate is conducted,
and who would like to “keep house by themselves” during
the summer months. Two thirteen-room cottages with
hot and cold water under pressure, are already for rent,
furnished; and others will be built in accordance with
the plans of tenants who may desire to rent for a term
of years.
RECREATIONS
Aside from its value as a scenic feature, Lake Minne-
waska itself is the source of much pleasure. Very deep
and very clear, it is fed entirely by springs. The water
is soft, and becoming warm early in the season, affords
delightful bathing. There are four bathing houses, two
for men and two for women, with a bathing master and
life-guard always in attendance. Boating is also much in
favor, and can be enjoyed with safety by the most
inexperienced. St. Lawrence skiffs and flat-bottomed
boats are for rent at reasonable prices, either by the day
or season.
Tennis courts, ball ground, bowling alleys and shuffle
boards are provided.PETERSKILL
FALLSWALKS AND DRIVES
The walks and drives are a special feature at Minne-
waska. The roads are excellent, paths have been
constructed to the most interesting points, and there are
some ninety covered seats and summer houses.
To Beacon Hill, a magnificent view-point—three-fourths
of a mile.
To the Palmaghatt, a delightful glen and primeval
hemlocks—two miles.
Around Minnewaska Lake—one and three-fourths miles.
To the Millbrook Mountains, with great perpendicular
and overhanging cliffs—three and one-half miles; by foot-
path—one and three-fourths miles.
To Ellenville, with views of Catskill Mountains and
the Rondout Valley, ten and one-half miles.
To Stonykill Falls, ninety-five feet high, with lofty
overhanging rocks—six miles.
To Mohonk, passing Awosting Falls, sixty feet, and
Peterskill Falls, to the top of the Trapps Mountains,
thence by the new Undercliff road, sixteen feet wide,
nearly level, and one thousand feet above the Wallkill
Valley. A new road under Beacon Hill also connects with
the Undercliff road.
Besides the new road to the summit of Murray Hill
and another around the rim of Overlook Bluff, a third
has extended the Palmaghatt drive through that glen to
Hamilton Point, connecting with the Castle Point drive
near Battlement Terrace.
The Awosting Drive:	First, two miles through a
pleasant wood, with occasional mountain views ; then oneTABLE
ROCKand one-half miles through Huntington Ravine, with its
lofty cliffs and charming Rainbow Falls, consisting of a
number of streamlets falling sixty to eighty feet upon
fern-carpeted rocks and boulders; then for four miles around
Awosting Lake, sometimes high on the bluffs, then close
to the shore following out the beautiful points that jut
into the crystal water; then under Battlement Terrace
one hundred feet high, and so to Castle Point, two thousand
one hundred and twenty-five feet above the sea; thence
returning to Minnewaska along Castle Road, and Kemp-
ton Ledge, with ever varying views of Sam’s Point and
Gertrude’s nose — altogether thirteen miles of such scenery
as is only found in this vicinity.
A branch road from Awosting Lake leads (one-half
mile) to a beautiful Spruce Glen at the foot of Margaret’s
Heights, and to Margaret’s Stone Parlor, and Jacob’s
Ladder, two curious freaks of nature.
CHARGES FOR ACCOMMODATIONS
June:	Single rooms, $12 to $15; double rooms, $25
to $30. Day rate, $2.50 to $3.00.
July, August and September:	Single rooms, $15
to $28; double rooms, $28 to $45. Day rate, $3 to $4.
During the crowded season somewhat higher rates may
be charged for the more desirable rooms. Maids $12,
July, August and September, upper floor.
Liberal terms to families coming early in the season.
Rooms may be inspected in May, during which month
parties will be met at Kerhonkson by appointment, and
entertained over night at one of the hotels, if desired.I
R A
N B O W
FALLSMILLBROOK
■ MOUNTAINSCLIFF
H O U S
E
FROM
W I L D M E R EGENERAL INFORMATION
Both houses have well-lighted reading rooms stocked
with current literature, newspapers, periodicals, and books
of reference. Post and telegraph offices are open , at the
lake during the season. Letters should be addressed to
Minnewaska Postoffice, Ulster County, N. Y. Telegrams
to Lake Minnewaska, N. Y. Send all express via Adams
Express, Kerhonkson, N. Y.
The arrangements in relation to meats, fruit, vege-
tables and products of the dairy which have made the table
so satisfactory in the past, will be continued.
A good physician resides at the lake. All the
surroundings are sanitary; all the influences restorative ;
and in order that they may remain so beyond the shadow
of a doubt, persons who are suffering from tuberculosis
are not received.
The main approach to Minnewaska is now less than
six miles of stage ride from Kerhonkson, a station on
the new extension of the New York, Ontario & Western
Railway, one hundred and nine miles from New York
City. From the north the way is by Kingston over the
same railroad to Kerhonkson (twenty-two miles). The
stage ride takes about ninety minutes. Guests are no
longer met at New Paltz, except by appointment and
payment of an extra charge for transportation. The
summer time-tables will be sent on application, as soon
as issued. Tickets can be bought in New York, Phila-
delphia and Brooklyn, direct to Minnewaska, and baggage
checked through.
It is assumed that visitors will neither arrive nor
depart on Sundays. No dogs taken.^/Uhlntbeck
Sunectiff