Season of 1918 
 May 29 to October 1 
 
 The Wildmere House The Cliff House 
 
 May 29 to October 1 June 28 to about September 10 
 
 Minnewaska 
 
 Ulster County, New York 
 
 J 
 
fill 
 
 

 Lake ninnewasiia 
 
 Mountain Houses 
 
 May 29th to October bt 1918 
 
 HERE shall I spend my summer vacation?' 
 I What a host of considerations crowd themselves 
 into your mind as you ask yourself this question! And 
 yet, when you have carefully analyzed them, how few and 
 simple are your requirements — if you could only he assured 
 of satisfying them. 
 
 You are perfectly right in using nice discrimination. Quite 
 naturally you select the place that has distinctive features 
 appealing to your own personal good taste and judgment. 
 
 Preference seems to direct you to the place that is totally 
 different from your all-year-round environment. Mother 
 Nature, wild and rugged, seems to call you as to an annual 
 Mecca — away from the "tumult and the shouting," where 
 one can live a life less complex and once more get in harmony 
 with all that is beautiful in nature. This primeval instinct, 
 manifested in so many unmistakable ways, good naturedly 
 lures us away for the change that brings rest and recreation 
 in fullest measure. 
 
 Yet there are considerations of accessibility, lest the trip 
 there and back mar the harmony of an otherwise perfect out- 
 ing. While you seek an entire change, you feel sure you can 
 enjoy it the more if with it come comfortable surroundings, 
 congenial, refined companionship, good food in plenty of va- 
 riety and a thorough satisfaction of your ordinarily simple 
 wishes. Yes, you seem to desire a place that is different from 
 home, but with all the comforts and the atmosphere of a real 
 home. 
 
 Perhaps it is the fulfillment of all these requirements that 
 makes Lake Minnewaska Mountain Houses so all-satisfying. 
 
so complete. Certain it is that the wonderful scenery, beau- 
 tiful, lofty situation of the houses and commanding views of 
 broad vistas of distant mountains and valleys have never 
 proved monotonous or tiring. Year after year the same 
 guests, who contribute so much to the harmonious surround- 
 ings, seem to indicate beyond doubt that Minnewaska has a 
 never-ending attraction for one, who with discriminating 
 taste seeks a perfect summer vacation. 
 
 Since 1879, when the first of the Minnewaska houses was 
 opened, thousands of guests have been entertained and a 
 large number of these return year after year. For them, 
 Minnewaska brings anew inspiration, new pleasures, renewed 
 friendships. Revived and invigorated in mind and body at 
 the close of each season they look forward to the next year 
 with the same enthusiastic spirit of pleasurable anticipation. 
 
 The proprietors of the Lake Minnewaska Houses devote 
 untiring attention to the fulfillment of their ambition to 
 make each guest entirely pleased and to make of each one 
 a lasting friend. No inquiry, no request is considered too 
 trivial to have their personal attention. Whether you are 
 laying plans for the summer, for week end, or only a day, 
 they invite your correspondence in order that your every 
 wish may be anticipated. 
 
 Even though endowed with the most vivid imagination, 
 if you have never seen Lake Minnewaska, you have a de- 
 lightful surprise in store for you. No elabo- _,, „ 
 rate description is suflficiently satisfying or 
 fitting for this region so heavily endowed with Nature's gifts. 
 Here, within only four or five hours of the most crowded pre- 
 cincts of New York City and its suburbs, on the very summit 
 of that part of the Appalachian range known as the Sha wan- 
 gunk Mountains, lies this vast estate of over seven thousand 
 acres. Situated eighteen hundred to two thousand feet above 
 the sea, nature has not only wrought out of her own rugged 
 elements wonderful combinations of lakes and woods, flowers 
 and foliage, but has also provided rare vantage points from 
 
 ■m 
 
CLIFF HOISF 
 
which one may get some of the most magnificent views of the 
 great Empire State. These views include the neighboring 
 mountains and the valleys of the Hudson and its tributaries 
 from way below Storm King to Lake George, as well as the 
 more distant outlooks into five other states. 
 
 For the most part covered with a health-giving resinous 
 mountain pine and primeval hemlock, this estate, privately 
 owned, and therefore shutting off undesirable intruders, in- 
 cludes lakes, falls and cascades of water as pure and sparkling 
 as ever bubbled from mountain springs, secluded glens thick 
 with ferns and strewn with mighty boulders, elevated cliffs 
 and towering crags, streams and mighty crevices, fissures 
 riven deep into solemn hills. Here you find not the gentle 
 contours of the neighboring Catskills, but large vistas of 
 more rugged scenery, leaving the impression that, although 
 all is now so exquisite, peaceful and serene, once, far back in 
 the distant ages, mighty forces had wrought havoc and left 
 all this in the wake of its terrible course. 
 
 As if in an enormous bowl, serene in its security from any 
 disturbance from without, lies beautiful Lake Minnewaska. 
 The rim of this bowl rises from sixty to one hun- 
 dred and fifty feet above the surface of the lake. 
 Like a rare gem, in a perfect, secure setting, the lake is the 
 center of attraction. Surrounding it, lie many opportunities 
 for pleasurable experiences that may be had on the estate. 
 
 Overlooking this delightful lakelet, on the summit of 
 the highest vantage point, affording a view of some of the 
 most charming and comprehensive valley and 
 mountain scenery are the Cliff and Wildmere 
 Houses, with accommodations for five hundred guests. 
 
 Far above the high temperatures, the dews and damp- 
 ness, and enervating influences of a lowland summer — serene 
 and secure — away from the harsh discordant tumult of the 
 city — you find yourself here in perfect harmony with gentle 
 and refined society that surrounds you, or alone, free to do 
 that which most suits your fancy at the moment. 
 
UNDERCLIFF 
 
For nearly forty years this has been a favorite resort of 
 a limited class of people, season after season. While it has 
 never been the aim of the management to attract guests in- 
 discriminately, there is none of the exclusiveness that admits 
 only the wealthy to recognition. Naturally, the loud, the 
 coarse, the vulgarly ostentatious realize how manifestly they 
 would be out of place, and go elsewhere. 
 
 Resembling very much the large, comfortable, country 
 homes one sees, rather than hotels, both houses are arranged 
 with utmost care for the comfort of guests. The rooms are 
 of unusual size, almost double the size of those one generally 
 finds at summer hotels. Each is arranged to afford a view of 
 part of the beautiful scenery and many of them have private 
 balconies large enough for easy-chair lounging. 
 
 Great tanks which supply the buildings with water, and 
 pumps operated by specially-installed gasoline engines, keep 
 guard against any possibility of fire. Standpipes with hose 
 connections reaching all parts of the buildings are conven- 
 iently located in each house. 
 
 Both houses are lighted by gas and Welsbach burners. 
 The drainage from each house is far down the mountain side, 
 away from the lake, leaving it pure and uncontaminated. 
 
 Each house has a separately conducted dining-room, each 
 overlooking a magnificent view. Minnewaska gardens sup- 
 ply some of the vegetables and fruits, while nearby dairies 
 and metropolitan markets provide everything that could be 
 desired for good food in plenty of variety. That Minnewaska 
 "sets a good table," goes without question. 
 
 Built in 1879 and enlarged in 1881 the Cliff House, situated 
 on the east of the lake 1,800 feet above tide water, opens the 
 season of 1918 June 28th, and closes about Sep- ^..^ „ 
 tember 10th. It accommodates two hundred 
 and twenty-five guests. In some parts of the building the 
 mountains of six states are visible, including the highlands 
 of the Hudson, the Berkshire Hills, the Green Mountains of 
 Vermont, the Helderbergs, the Catskills, and the Shandaken 
 
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 WILDMERE HOUSE 
 
CLIFF HOUSE 
 
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Mountains as well as many river valleys; all blending into 
 one most comprehensive and inspiring view. From up here, 
 high above the lowlands, one gets a limitless variety of beau- 
 tiful effects which light and shadow, storm and sunshine, 
 mist and moonlight have upon this matchless picture. 
 
 In response to the popularity created by the Cliff House, 
 Wildmere, on the northern end of the lake, was opened in 
 1887 and in 1911 a considerable addition to it 
 was built. It accommodates three hundred and ^ mere 
 fifty guests and for the season of 1918 will open 
 May 29th and close October 1st. Here, as in the Cliff House, 
 the halls are heated by furnaces and the public rooms by 
 open fire-places. In the Wildmere also nearly all of the 
 private rooms have open fire-places for burning the resinous 
 mountain pine. Here, too, the view from each room in 
 the house is magnificent. To the West and North for fif- 
 teen to thirty miles one sees the Rondout valley spread out 
 like a map. 
 
 In the new addition, which is more than one hundred and 
 fifty feet in length and has four sleeping floors, each of the 
 rooms is heated by steam and connected with the office by 
 telephone. A large number of the rooms in this portion of 
 the house have private bathrooms. 
 
 Three and one-half miles from Minnewaska is beautiful 
 
 Awosting Lake, which has four times the area of Minnewaska. 
 
 Being of glacial origin, it is very similar in 
 
 characteristics. Here two thirteen-room f' lages on 
 
 ^^^ n 1 1 • Awosting Lake 
 
 cottages, with open fare-places and spacious 
 
 verandas, are for rent, furnished. They are both located on 
 
 high ground overlooking the lake and have running cold 
 
 water. They may be rented with or without a stable. 
 
 On the north side of Awosting Lake is the thriving boys' 
 
 camp under the management of Mr. Jerome F. Kidder. 
 
 This camp, in existence for several years, _, ^ . 
 
 , ^' XX X- i? u » Camp Awosting 
 
 has proved very attractive tor a boy s -^ 
 
 summer vacation. The dormitories and other buildings in 
 
AWOSTING FALLS 
 
 PETERSKILL FALLS 
 
 STONYKILL FALLS 
 
 RAINBOW t \LLS 
 
 =J 
 
Laurel Inn 
 
 connection with the camp are substantial structures. Pro- 
 vision has been made for all sorts of recreation of which 
 boys are fond, including boating, bathing and a large at- 
 tractive playground provided with baseball diamonds and 
 tennis-courts. 
 
 Three quarters of a mile from Minnewaska, on the Ker- 
 honkson turnpike, is the Laurel Inn, a small country board- 
 ing house with accommodations for twenty 
 guests. The Inn has an elevation of 1,200 feet, 
 and is within easy walking distance of the most attractive 
 scenery of the Minnewaska estate. The building is in good 
 repair and has bathroom and toilet accommodations. The 
 rates per week vary from $10 to $14. For further information, 
 address Manager, Laurel Inn, Minnewaska, Ulster Co., N.Y. 
 
 There is perhaps no location more accessible, more de- 
 lightful and more healthful than Minnewaska. But its un- 
 usual scenic attractions and its comfortable „ 
 home-like accommodations are not all that it 
 affords. The management has succeeded in providing every 
 opportunity for a well-rounded, complete vacation, no mat- 
 ter what the individual tastes of the guests maj^ be. Lake 
 Minnewaska 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 so that women 
 and children may enjoy it to the fullest extent. 
 
 St. Lawrence skiffs are for rent at reasonable prices, 
 either by the day or season. Boating is a favorite recreation 
 at Minnewaska and, because of the land-locked position of 
 the lake, the most inexperienced can enjoy it with absolute 
 safety. 
 
 A garage is maintained at Laurel Inn, three-quarters 
 of a mile from Minnewaska. The roads on the estate are 
 winding and many are on high cliffs. For 
 this reason, to avoid danger of accident, " 
 
 automobiles are not allowed on the estate. The best road 
 
BVTTIFMFNT TERRACE 
 
to Laurel Inn, where the garage is located, is by the way 
 of Kerhonkson where carriages and accommodations at 
 Minnewaska Houses can be engaged by telephone. 
 
 Excellent tennis-courts, ball grounds, bowling-alleys and 
 shuffleboards are provided. 
 
 Provision is made for baseball and many spirited con- 
 tests are held on the Cliff House grounds. These have 
 proved popular attractions for many of the guests, for the 
 rivalry between the houses is keen. 
 
 Walking and driving are among the most popular of rec- 
 reations at Minnewaska. The unusually beautiful paths 
 and roads, from which automobiles are exclud- ttt jy j 
 ed, are kept in excellent condition. The estate rj-.-^g^ 
 abounds in beautiful trails each leading to some 
 vantage point of this romantic region. One can explore 
 great crevices and the ice caves, and find pleasure in the 
 laurel in June and rhododendron of early July and an endless 
 succession of beautiful flowers and ferns. Distributed at 
 various attractive places are quaint, rustic summer-houses 
 where one may break a walk by a rest or enjoy the scenery 
 in solitude and be invigorated by the tonic of mountain air. 
 
 So numerous are the walks, and so great their popularity, 
 that regular walking clubs are formed each season. The at- 
 tractions are so many, that even a spirit of exploration can 
 be indulged on the Minnewaska estate. There is provided a 
 good livery with comfortable carriages and careful drivers. 
 Saddle horses may be hired by the hour or day, while guests 
 who bring their own horses and carriages will find ample ac- 
 commodations for them. 
 
 There are a dozen different drives which one may take 
 on the estate, each leading to an unusually beautiful view 
 point and each attractive along its entire route. 
 
 Further information as to the route and direction of each 
 drive may be obtained at any time. 
 
 For rates and accommodations, apply to E. A. & G. H. 
 Smiley, Minnewaska, Ulster Co., N. Y. Special rates made 
 
for the early part of June and the latter part of September. 
 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 en- 
 tertained over night at one of the hotels, if desired. 
 
 Both houses will be conducted on a strictly temperance 
 plan. Both houses have well-lighted reading-rooms, stocked 
 with current literature, newspapers, periodi- 
 cals, and books of reference. Letters shotdd . , 
 be addressed to Minnewaska, Ulster County, 
 N. Y. There are three mails each way daily. The Western 
 Union Telegraph Company has a direct line to New York. 
 Telegrams should be addressed to Lake Minnewaska, N. Y. 
 
 Send all express via Adams Express to Kerhonkson, N. Y. 
 
 Long-distance telephone in each house. 
 
 A good physician resides at the lake. All the surroimd- 
 ings 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. 
 
 It is assumed that visitors will neither arrive nor depart 
 on Sundays. No dogs taken. 
 
 The main approach to Minnewaska is less than six miles 
 of stage ride from Kerhonkson, a station on a branch 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 rail- 
 road to Kerhonkson (twenty-two miles). The stage ride 
 takes about ninety minutes. Guests will be met at other 
 points only by appointment and payment of an extra charge 
 for transportation. The summer time-tables will be sent on 
 applicat on as soon as issued. Tickets can be bought in New 
 York, Philadelphia and Brooklyn, direct to Minnewaska, 
 and baggage checked to Kerhonkson. It is advisable to 
 place upon each piece of baggage a tag with the owner's 
 name and the hotel at which he intends to stop. 
 
 js^ass^s^". 
 
The MorrlU PrǤs, Fulton, N. Y. 
 
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 
 
 014 432 787 1