#^ ""^t^- ■.■''»M^.: The Enchanted Land A Happy Week's Outing in the Ailirondaoks. A cozy little Tent can be bought as low as S5.00. WHM^ ^^^^B^^:^- :.\^^ 1 ;'\gl^ --.:'- .■^^.^,-,--w^-. fe"*. A 9 jIibJKbS^BR ^^ ^ggl^fti f ^m"-'"^^^^ M J^^^Mffljl^ ^Rhi^ All open Tent is a good healthy place for tlie children during the hot s-ummer nioiulis. A Tent like this under green trees is an inexpensive way for a summer outing for the entire family. (All oj the above photographs itere taken on the prop- erty of the Adirondack Development Corporation.) -4 1917 The Enchanted Land The Adirondack Mountains I OLD FORGE NEW YORK OLD FORGE 1750 feet above sea level at the foot of the famous Fulton Chain of Lakes, Adirondack Mountains, in the heart of some oi the most exquisite Highland scenery in the Great North Woods ADIRONDACK DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION '^ Old Forge, N. Y. r/z9 "1 come, I come, ye have called me long, I come o'er the mountains with light and song. Ye may trace my step o'er the wakening earth. By the winds which tell of the violet's birth By the primrose stars in the shadowy grass. By the green leaves opening as I pass." y )CLA4G7278 Copyright 1917 W. R. Stackhouse, Utica, N. Y. THE ADIRONDACKS The Adirondacks! A land of charms — and mystery. Marvellously beautiful — so fairy-like it seems unreal, a part and portion of another and better world. A land of mighty moun- tains, piled one upon the other with here a n d there lofty peaks, lifting; their mas- sive heads for tens of hun- dreds of feet above sea level. Vast stretches for miles and miles of dark forests of spruce and hemlock and fra- grant balsam. Broken here and there by great, forbid- ding rocks, which have endured since the Almighty laid the foundations of the world, and the morning stars sang together. Foaming silver streams, tumbling down the moun- tain sides, tiny water falls framed in everlasting spray, falling noisely into dark, deep pools, where silently lurks the wily trout, ever on the alert for the fisherman's fly. Hundreds of wonderful lakes of crystal waters, along whose surface glides the silent canoe — or darts the swift motor boat, or skims the fairy sail-boat ; on whose bosom reposes the exquisite water-lily and to whose banks the red deer comes down to drink the pure and limpid waters. It is a land of valley and upland — of sunshine and shade — of green grass and filmy ferns — of blue skies and fleecy clouds — of pure, balmy air, perfumed by ever- greens whose number none knows but One. And ancient Trails are here — trails under the great trees, along the streams and Lake-side trails, over green grass and golden brown moss, througii which now troop happy children where once wandered the red man in the dim-lit time of the primeval history of our country — flitting here and there bent on the hunt, or plunder, or the war-path. Indeed a land of charm — and mystery. The Enchanted Land! THE HOME OF HEALTH The Adirondacks are good old Mother Nature's Store-House where she keeps that much sought article we call "Health" — and keeps it in liberal, generous quantities. Thousands of people — almost, we might say, from every Nation and every clime — come here for pleasure or for health. First of all the little children. They come wan and pale and frail and in a few weeks' time Mother Nature paints those cheeks with tan and splashes roses upon them and fills out the thin little forms, making the older children sturdy and husky, and the babies little butter balls of wholesome fat. And there is the weary wife, worn-down, tired out by hot days and nights in built-up cities, without a breath of fresh-air. And here in the clear air of the great North Woods, in the cool, sun-lit days and quiet, star-lit nights she finds her lost youth and becomes once again the sweet, young girl you married. The man whose life in the great city has brought him to the verge of a nervous breakdown, comes up here to rest in the peace and silence and in a little while is able to go back refreshed, invigorated, oozing health at every pore. Health greets the new-comer here at every turn of the trail. VIEW OF LITTLE MOUSE KOAU, ULU lURGE, N. Y. CoUage Built Last Year on One of Our Camp Sites "Away from the chamber and dusky hearth. The young leaves are dancing in breezy mirth; Their light stems thrill to the wild-wood strain Aiid Youth is abroad in my green domain." THE FAVORED FEW THE ADIRONDACKS ACCESSIBLE The glorious Adirondacks niiglit well be called "The Land of the Favored Few." Miles of forest and mountain, even entire lakes witli their shores, belong to people of great wealth. Private Parks arc owned by those known by name to almost everyone. Clubs have taken up immense tracts, one Club alone owning upward of 60,000 acres — about 95 square miles of land ! New York State owns over 1,400,000 acres — 48 per cent, of the Adirondack Park — on which no privately owned buildings can be erected. The holdings of Nciv York State amount to about twice the size of the entire state of Rhode Island. The season of the Adirondack Hotel is short. The rates beyond the reach of many people who wish to spend the summer here with their families. A person of moderate means cannot afford to buy immense Pri- vate Estates — cannot afford to belong to exclusive Clubs here; but there is no reason why he shovdd not own a small Camp Site, upon which he can erect a tent, or in- expensive bungalow and enjoy the beauties of this won- derful Land of Nature. Why should not this Enchanted Land, which is at the door-step of tliousands — which is within a 24-hour trip of 20,000,000 people, about one-fifth of all the peo- ple in the United States — not be opened up for all? Vasts tracts of the great North Woods are inaccess- ible. Perhaps a very large part of it will always be so. The New York Central R. R. makes it possible to leave New York City and its sweltering heat at night and awake in the morning nearly 2,000 feet above sea level in a cool, refreshing air. Here is the magnificent State Road, for which tlie State is famous. Built through miles of Adirondack Forests, skirting the shores of crystal lakes — bridged over mountain streams, those owning automobiles and motor- cycles can now come here from all over the country. And they have come each year by increasing thou- sands. They will come each year in still greater num- bers. Many stay for a few days, perhaps a week — all they can afford. Hotel rates and the prices asked for furnished cottages make a long stay out of the question. They long for a bit of Mother Earth in the heart of some of the most beautiful scenery in the Adirondacks where they can build a charming camp and spend the long, hot Summer with their wives and families. The Adirondack Development Corporation has made the realization of these wishes possible — it sold over 1,000 camp sites last year. It has made the life- dreams of hundreds of people come true. This is a rich man's opportunity at a poor man's price. i^R^^^y - -c-'^'^-k ^^"^ J ^jrtfci|^^ar^^\^iiWC jS This is the Life! View of party on beautiful Camp Site at Old Forge bought from the Adirondack Development Corporation. "Away from the dwellings of careworn men. The waters are sparkling in wood and glen." $40,000 Modern School at Old Forge N. Y. State Fishery at Old Forge OLD FORGE— THE GATEWAY TO THE FULTON CHAIN Over 1,700 feet above sea level, in a clear, cool, bracing air is OLD FORGE, the Gateway to the Fulton Chain of Lakes — the Gem of the Adirondacks. This quaint Adirondack Village in the Northern part of Herkimer County, New York State, nestles around Old Forge Lake and is encircled by the picturesque Moose River. All around are dark green forests, and mighty Mountains, from which can be seen magnificent views. It is well supplied with splendid Hotels, Churches and Stores. A $40,000 School Building, where eight teachers enable the youngsters to acquire an excellent education — a Fire House — Village Library — and a num- ber of pretty camps and cottages make it a charming: place for those who move here for a permanent home. The Village has Walks, Water Works, Sewers and Electric Lights. It has a permanent population of over 600 people, while the Summer population of Old Forge and the Fulton Chain of Lakes is estimated at 10,000 people. Its beautiful streets, shaded with Adirondack Trees, its easy accessibility by both automobile and railroad, its well stocked stores, commodious hotels, doctors, church- es, garages, etc., make it an ideal place for those who wish to "dig themselves in the woods," close to Nature, and yet be within reach of civilization and its comforts. HOW IT CAN BE REACHED Old Forge is reached by the New York Central Railroad. The great State Highway passes directly through Old Forge. These magnificent State highways pass through some of the most beautiful mountain and Lake scenerv in the World. A Street in Old Forge HOW LAND HAS GROWN IN VALUE WHY LAND GROWS IN VALUE On Top of the World OLD FORGE is an incorpor- ated Villa<;e, located in t li e Town of Webb, Herkimer Co., N. Y. The word "Town" in New York State means prac- tically the same as "Township" in some other States. Probably not more than thirty years ago land in this Town could have been bought for a song. To-day the assessed value is near $2,- 000,000; although the taxes of small Lot owners are very tri- fling in amount. The growth in values of real estate, taken from the Abstract of Title of the Adirondack De- velopment Corporation which runs back to 1792 show the following prices: 18c an Acre in 1792. 39c an Acre six months later. 4.Sc an Acre in 1794. $2 an Acre in 1851. $7 an Acre in 1888. $2.50 a Plot in 1894. $500 a Plot in 1902. $1,000 a Plot in 1915. From 18c an acre in 1792 the increase in value to $1,000 a plot in 1915, is more than 175 per cent, a year for the entire 124 years. (We have roughly allowed 4 lots to the acre in this calculation.) We have only cited a few sales. The records show a large number of sales. Less than thirty years ago land in the village could have been bought for less than $10 an acre. When a plot brought as high as $1,000 in 1915 it was thought a good figure. Yet in 1916 a plot was sold for $4,000! There were Lots bought from this Corporation last year which could have been sold by the purchasers within a few months of their purchase at an actual in- crease of 25 per cent. — and this before the parties had completed their payments for the same. The offers at these increased prices were made and refused. ^'lllllhililH|i|||MII fflHW = ft^g^r=gr^ B HBIWIIPSpnP! iJ^MI^'' A Picturesque Bridge on Little Moose Road This vicinity is largely encircled on three sides by land that is the property of the State of New York. In- deed, the State owns Fisheries at Old Forge, and a Park within the Village. This State Land, of course, cannot be bought by private persons. They cannot put perma- nent buildings upon it. The Constitution of the State forbids the sale of State Lands. Therefore, 48 per cent, nearly one-half of the magnificent Adirondack Park — cannot be bought. Of the entire Adirondack Park there is only 6 per cent, of what is known as "Private" — that is property tliat can be bought by private individuals for Camping Sites; or is at present used by private individuals for that purpose. Great Clubs, Pri- vate Parks of people o f large wealth. Villages, etc., take up the rest. The Lands of the State of New York come down to within about 2 miles of Old Forge to the North, while about 2^ miles Southeast are the lands of the Adi- rondack League Club, embracing upward of 60,000 acres, or nearly 95 square miles, while within a few miles of our tract, are the Private Estates of some of the best known m en of wealth in America. Upon the wonderful Fulton Chain of Lakes are a luimber of magnificent camps of people of wealth, which probably cost all the way up to $125,000. This beauti- ful Land of Mountain and Forest and Lake has appealed to wealthy people, who spend their Summers here. Old Forge can furnish thein with their supplies. Oi'.e of the Beautiful Camp Sites on the Joy Tract sold by us in 1916 ".4nd the pine has a fringe of softer green And the moss looks bright where my step has been." One of the Beautiful Woodland Trails on Old Forge Lake Naturally it has "waxed fat" in its way. There are no slums here. Poverty, as understood in the great cities, simply does not exist in Old Forge. Among our successful merchants there is one who came here years ago with his pack on his hack, began business in a hotel basement and now has made his pile. He recently built a substantial building in Old Forge worth around $25,000. Still another man came here something like eighteen years ago. He, too, has found his fortune here and is reputed to be worth over $100,000. In our great cities how many men in eighteen years can accumulate $100,- 000 or any sum like it — and eighteen years soon pass over one's head. When you consider the vast areas taken over by the State, by wealthy men and Clubs and you remember the Adirondacks form our great Playground — one of the most beautiful sections of country on the Continent — a section that is constantly growing in popularity, tribu- tary to a population of over 20,000,000 — that is, within only twenty-four hours' travel of that number of people — you will readily see the reason for land values grow- ing here. It doesn't need much figuring to show the value of land here simply as an investment. The facts speak for themselves. Sometime ago a resident of Old Forge bought a Lot near the outskirts, about a four minute walk from Old Forge Lake, at a cost of about $150 for the Lot. He put up a house on it, which probably cost him $500 and in addition spent around $100 to partly furnish the cottage. His whole investment stands him in the neighborhood of $750. He rents that cottage for three months in the year at $30 a month and for the other nine months in the year at $10 a month. His taxes amount to about $6 or $7 a year. Figure out the annual return of his in- vestment for yourself. WHAT CAN I DO IN THE ADIRONDACKS? The Aflirondacks is one of our great Play-Grounds. You can buy a small Camp Site at Old Forge and put up a tent, or build a cottage to suit your taste and purse. During the hot, sweltering months of Summer you can send your family up here and when your own vacation comes you can spend it at Old Forge in the cool, clear, pure air, among the forests, looking out over the magnificent mountains. For the worn-out and weary man — whose nerves have gone to pieces and who is on the verge of a break- down to come up here and live the simple life in a tent, or a modest cottage, there is perhaps no better treatment in the world. Dr. Adirondack is a wonderful old Doctor. During the Summer season steamboats run daily from Old Forge up through the Fulton Chain of Lakes to the Head of Fourth Lake. They pass through some of the most beautiful scenery in our country — between wooded shores, with great forests sweeping up the mountains on both sides, dotted with camps of people of wealth that have cost many thousands of dollars. This trip is a de- lightful one, and the whole family will heartily enjoy it. If fond of bathing you can pick out some favorite spot of your own with a sandy beach, and here you can spend many a happy hour swimming and splashing in the delightful lake waters. STEAMER EXCURSIONS AND BATHING For those who love water sports thev can be had here in almost endless variety, and the nice thing about them is that no matter how modest your allowance may be for your vacation you will find some sport here that will be easilv within vour means. WHERE THE CANOE IS KING This is a great section of the country for the canoe. They can be rented by the day or week, or you can have your own canoe. The famous 100-mile canoe trip begins here. One can paddle in his canoe with carries from the St. Lawrence River to the glorious Fulton Chain of Lakes and on down to the beautiful Mohawk Valley. This is the Old Indian Trail and covers some historic spots of New York State. Or, you can go up tiie North Branch of the Moose River to Moss Lake, Dart's Lake, etc. Row boats can be rented at Old Forge and motor boats can be chartered. A trip up the Chain of Lakes in a high powered motor boat is one to be remembered with delight for years. Those with whom sailing is a hobby can also indulge in their favorite sport here. Canoeing on the Fulton Chain Bathing in the Fulton Chain "The Summer is hastening, on soft winds borne. Ye may press the grape, ye may bind the corn." He is Waiting For You Here "And the red deer bounds through the pasture free." THE LAND OF THE RED DEER Then for the hunt- er there is the red deer. A number of them are found on our Joy Tract. They have been killed dur- ing the season even in the Village itself. The woods are filled with them and if you are quiet and watchful hardlv a day will pass when you won't see one or more, doe, buck and fawn, from your own camp. WOODS FULL OF WILD LIFE The woods are full of wild life. In and around Old Forge the beaver has multiplied mightily in the last few years. You can't trap, shoot or hurt him — because he is protected at all times — but the children will delight to sit for hours and watch him and his dams and his houses, and gather some of the curious chips he has cut in "chop- ping" down his trees. There are otters and mink and the fisher and the fox and these are trapped at certain seasons for their furs. Of game there are rabbits and hare and raccoons; wild ducks, partridges, pheasants and woodcocks. This is a Sportsman's paradise. I„ ^1 'i^^Bs^^" I^B 1 ~'^~~ 1 A FISHERMAN'S PARADISE If an enthusiastic fisherman, here is fishing that will warm the cockles of your heart and delight your soul. This section is a veritable Fisherman's Paradise. New- York State takes particular pride in keeping its streams and lakes stocked and in one year over half a BILLION fish were placed in various waters by the New York State Fisheries. Big Salmon Trout are found here — the kind that "ive you a run for your money when you hook them. Salmon Trout 48 inches long and weighing 30 pounds The Enchanted Land — Old Forge Fishing at Old Forge "From the streams and founts I have loosed the chain They are sweeping on to the silvery main. They are flashing down from the mountain-brows. They are flinging spray on the forest boughs. They are bursting fresh from their sparry caves. And the earth resounds uith the joy of waves." have been taken out of these Lakes. There's more of them there awaiting the skillful fisherman. He is gen- erally willing to match his wits against yours and it is "Sport Royal" trying to outmatch him. Gamey bass— that will fight with all their vigor and they are some game fighters! The wily brook trout —speckled beauties that are as pretty to the eye as they are delightful to the palate— can be found pretty much all around here. Turn the boys out early some morning and let them get the canoe and steal up to some dark, cool hole in the Moose River, where they can angle for trout! A breakfast of trout is a dish for a king. Frying the Catch And then there's the white fish — that delicate dainty of fishdom — he deserves mention ahogether by his lone- some. The State Fisheries at Old Forge produced over 10,000,000 fry of this delightful food fish in one year. He's worth spending a day over — for that matter, a good many days — catching a string of hims — yes, and "hers," too. Bring home that gleaming string of fine white fish. Cook him — no, fry him over a wood fire, of spruce or balsam boughs, until he is coated with a rich, brown skin, through the steaming cracks of which you catch a glimpse of the firm white meat. Serve him up for break- fast and butter him — be sure and butter him — accom- pany the feast with good, strong coffee and rich cream, with some fresh, white bread from the village bakery and little cool pats of golden butter. In the whole length and breadth of the land you won't find anything more toothsome and appetizing. IF YOU HAVE AN AUTOMOBILE If you have an Automobile — come to Old Forge. Splendid Roads are found in this region. We believe a person can come from New York City directly to Old Forge over State Road all the way. This is probably true of the trip from Boston to Old Forge. The State Road also runs from Buffalo to Utica and from thence to Old Forge. Your trip will take you through wonderful scenery. Woodland Trails are found running in all direc- tions. You can wander through the great forests — and climb the mighty mountains and look down upon valleys The State Road Leaving Old Forge Trail in front of some Camp Sites of this Company "/ have sent through the wood-paths a gentle sigh. And called out each voice of the deep-blue sky." and crystal lakes and foaming streams — you can find little water falls and cascades, every bit as busy in their way as Niagara is in its way — and you can see gorgeous sunrises and sunsets, which almost persuade you that the angels have upset a celestial paint pot. The Adirondacks have something for everyone. They are Nature's great store-house of health and happiness. Beautiful beyond the power of pen to de- scribe — no pen has ever done them justice — no painting of the marvelous Adirondacks as they really are has ever been made. It IS the Enchanted Land! "As long as grass and earth exist you shall enjoy this land!" DO YOU WANT AN ADIRONDACK CAMP? Our Adirondack Camp Sites have been brought within the purse and to suit the taste of practically everyone. Do you know of ANYWHERE else in the Adirondacks where you can buy a Camp Site as low as $35? We do not know of any case where Adirondack Lots are being offered this low, on easy terms, to suit the pocket book of every one. The prices are so low, the terms of payment so easy, that no one need longer be without an Adirondack Camp of their own. Even if you do not care to use it this season, buy it, "salt it down." WHAT WE DID LAST YEAR This is not a new venture. It was new last year. It is not this year. In 1916 we began to offer small Camp Sites in the Adirondacks at moderate prices. We used our best en- deavors to get people to come here and look them over. They came. They came by the hundreds. Many of them bought by mail — and we sold in and around Old Forge over 1,000 camp sites! We do not believe this has ever before been done in the history of the Adirondacks. We do not believe such a number of Camp Sites at such moderate prices and upon such easy terms have ever before been sold. We made a success of it, because we were scrupu- lously honest. We tried to be fair to everyone. We did our best to please our customers. We didn't lie — mis- represent — nor distort the facts. We don't describe "proposed improvements" or give fancy artist sketches of "proposed buildings." We have really got the goods! We ask you to come here and convince yourself of these facts. WHERE THESE LOTS ARE LOCATED Some of these Lots we offer are laid out on perfect- ly level ground; others are on the mountain side and others on plateaus. The Lots we offer are located within the corporate limits of the Village of Old Forge and directly adjoin- ing thereto. The Map will show you exactly where these Lots are located. Of course, all of the Lots we sell are high and dry and fit to erect tents, or build thereon. Many of the Lots are in a Woodland Tract — remember this is the Great North Woods, and that the fragrant green wood- lands sweep right into the Village itself. We GUARANTEE these Lots to be exactly as represented. If you find misrepresenta- tion your money is refunded to you. If you do not like your particular lot after you see it, at any time within a year of its purchase, you can change it for any other you desire of equal value which remains unsold. The Lots are all accessible. Now read this carefully. The Map herewith shows the Streets as laid out on paper. In some cases roads have actually been cut through the property — but in the majority of cases we have avoided doing this. Suppose in the future Old Forge becomes a large City — and there are lots of Inland Cities — then your lot is actually on a street which can be developed. But, in the meanwhile, the charm and beau- ty of the Woodlands is not destroyed by unsightly streets. Instead of streets the Lots will be reached by Trails. We GUARANTEE every lot we sell to be accessible. You are coming to the Great North Woods — you are coming up to the Wilderness, over 1,700 feet above sea level — and you are getting away from the civilization of the great cities, from their dust and their heat and their dirt and their unhealthiness and their worries. You come up here and in the language of this sec- tion "you dig yourself in." Right in Old Forge you have all the civilization you want — Doctors, Drug Stores, Grocery, Clothing and Miscellaneous Stores, where you can buy everything from a postage stamp to a stuffed eagle, and all kinds of Woodland novelties and pictures. To those familiar with the Adirondacks this ex- planation is unnecessary — because possibly there is no better known place in the Adirondack Mountains than Old Forge and the Fulton Chain of Lakes. We are giv- ing these facts for those who know nothing about the wonders of this wonderful land— AND UNTIL YOU ACTUALLY SEE IT AND COME HERE IT REMAINS BEYOND YOUR DREAMS. Even if a person never intends to come here, by all means buy a lot as an investment. PRICES, TERMS, TITLES. ETC. In lavint; out this tract you will notice that the iiia- joritv of the Lots have a width of 25 feet and a depth of 100 feet. Owing to the formation of the land, some of the I^ots differ from these sizes, but the sizes are dis- tinctly and dearly mentioned on the Map together with the r rices. The purpose of laying out these Lots in this manner was to enable parties to buy on the unit plan and thus secure practically any size of Lot they desired. Suppose you simply desire to put up a tent, or builil a small Camp — ample for all your purposes — you can take one lot. If you and your family would like to have a little more width, so that in the future you can put up a larger Camp, take two or more Lots, and the terms of pay- ment will be made very easy and convenient. Or, per- haps you may want to buy some and later on sell them to your friends, and make a little more yourself and yet have your friends all around you. This simple unit system of adding a 25 foot lot to another makes all this possible for you. The Prices of these Lots Range From $35 Vpivards. There are NO restrictions as to cost of building or building lines. You can build anywhere on your lot and you can use your own taste in putting up your building. Building lines and restrictions as to the cost of buildings might destroy the beauty of the tract. You can't put Mother Nature in a Straight-Jacket and expect her to smile in all her natural beauty. Each one here uses his or her own taste and some of the prettiest Camps that nestle in the Woodlands have been put up by peo- ple of moderate means, very often the womenfolk of the family designing the same. So as to give each individual taste the widest play we have not cleared these lots off. It is impossible for us to decide for you just what trees you desire to cut down, or what clumps of bushes you wish removed. Peo- ple like to take their lot with its natural wildness and cut down certain trees, leave certain bushes stand and fix it up to suit themselves. It doesn't require expert labor. An axe and a rake will do wonders. Each in- dividual thus has full sway in carrying out his or her own ideas of development. There are certain restrictions in the Deeds as to the sale of liquor, or building other structures than Hunt- ing or Camping Bungalows, Houses, etc. — in other words, wise restrictions wliich prevent anybody conduct- ing an objectionable business next door to you. The Neiv York Central Lint's Run Directly Into Old Forge and the State Road Passes Through the Village. The Titles to these Lots in this Corporation are good. Our Abstract of Title goes back to 1792. A War- ranty Deed is furnished with each Lot. A Wedge Tent Coniplrft- with PuIpk, Stakes, etc., or with "Rnpe Itldge," .'> feet by 7 feet nnil (> feet IiIbIi. Price $U.e