[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 12 (Wednesday, January 21, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E112]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  A TRIBUTE TO THE MOHONK MOUNTAIN HOUSE, A NATIONAL HISTORIC LANDMARK

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                        HON. MAURICE D. HINCHEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 21, 2009

  Mr. HINCHEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the Mohonk 
Mountain House, a National Historic Landmark located in Ulster County, 
New York, which is part of the 22nd Congressional District that I 
proudly serve. This year marks the 140th anniversary of the founding of 
the Mohonk Mountain House, and I am delighted to have the opportunity 
to recognize the resort's rich historical heritage, continued vitality, 
and its many important contributions to our local community.
  Founded as a modest retreat in 1869 by Albert Smiley with his 
purchase of 280 acres of land and a 10-room tavern, the Mohonk Mountain 
House has grown into a world renowned resort with over 2,200 acres and 
265 guest rooms. Adding to the splendor of this mountaintop resort are 
an array of award-winning amenities including a state-of-the-art, eco-
friendly spa, an outdoor ice-skating pavilion, and a warm and welcoming 
professional staff. The Mohonk Mountain House is also acclaimed for its 
many charming attributes such as the numerous and stately wood-burning 
fireplaces, balconies with glorious views and the 19th Century 
tradition of afternoon tea. Also, during a stay at the Mountain House, 
guests can get a glimpse of the resort's historic past in the enhanced 
museum located in the National Historic Landmark Barn.
  Not surprisingly, some of the most remarkable attributes of this 
Victorian castle retreat are not inside the resort but surrounding it. 
The Mountain House is situated at the heart of a 26,000-acre natural 
area which is comprised of private preserves, a state park preserve and 
the resort property, all within the majestic Shawangunk Mountain range. 
Equally beautiful during all four seasons, this extraordinary landscape 
affords resort guests the opportunity to swim in a glacial lake, 
horseback ride on miles of natural trails, enjoy the bountiful gardens 
and hike the many and varied trails, both on the resort property and 
throughout the surrounding preserves. In addition, guests and local 
residents alike can enjoy opportunities to participate in rock 
climbing, caving, golfing, cross-county skiing and snowshoeing.
  Since its inception, Mohonk Mountain House and its owners, the Smiley 
family, have been active stewards of the land. In 1963 the Smileys, 
working with Mohonk Mountain House guests, established the non-profit 
Mohonk Trust. The goal of this trust was to protect and manage the land 
for public use. Renamed in 1978 as the Mohonk Preserve, the mission of 
the Smiley family has continued, and, in fact, sets the standard for 
mountain stewardship by using science to guide land management. These 
efforts have helped to ensure that this remarkable landscape is 
preserved for generations to come.
  Madam Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to recognize the Mohonk 
Mountain House as it enters its 140th year as a family owned and 
operated resort. I am confident that the Smiley family will not only 
continue to be outstanding stewards of the land, but also leaders in 
the hospitably industry and in the management of this National Historic 
Landmark.

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