Senate Resolution No. 1113

BY: Senator METZGER

COMMENDING the Mohonk Mountain House of New Paltz,
New York, upon the occasion of celebrating its 150th
Anniversary

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to take note of
and publicly recognize those businesses within the State of New York
which have positively impacted their communities and to commemorate
those events of historical significance which add strength, vigor and
inspiration to the cultural diversity and quality of life in the
communities of the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend the Mohonk Mountain House of New Paltz, New York, upon the
occasion of its 150th Anniversary to be celebrated with a myriad of
events throughout the year including four special anniversary weekends,
one for each season; and

WHEREAS, Visitors can also view an exhibition of the evolution and
history of Mohonk Mountain House at the Samuel Dorsky Museum on the SUNY
New Paltz campus, take a House History Tour, complete a list of 150
Things to Do during their stay, eat a Mohonk Mountain Crunch ice cream
cone, watch "Mohonk Stories", and contribute to a time capsule at the
end of the year; and

WHEREAS, Founded by Albert Smiley in 1869, The Mohonk Mountain House
is a national historic landmark resort located along the Shawangunk
Ridge in Ulster County, New York; its prominent location in the Town of
New Paltz is just beyond the southern border of the Catskill Mountains
on the western side of the Hudson River; two important policy
conferences of domestic and international significance have taken place
at the hotel; and

WHEREAS, Over the years, the 10-room inn and tavern evolved into the
grand Mohonk Mountain House it is today, with gracious accommodations
for 600 guests, and has hosted more than a century's worth of
distinguished guests, some of which include: naturalists, theologians,
and business leaders, as well as award-winning actors, artists, authors,
and musicians; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, five Presidents of the United States have been
guests at the Mohonk Mountain House, including: Chester A. Arthur,
Rutherford B. Hayes, William Howard Taft, Theodore Roosevelt, and
William Jefferson Clinton; and

WHEREAS, This legendary Victorian castle resort stretches nearly an
eighth of a mile along sweeping lawns and vivid, award-winning gardens;
it has 266 guest rooms, including 28 tower rooms, an indoor pool, and an
outdoor ice-skating rink for winter use; and

WHEREAS, The latest addition to the property is Grove Lodge, which
was Mohonk Mountain House's first new accommodations in more than 100

years; this spectacular accommodation for large groups features
sustainable design and modern luxury; and

WHEREAS, The crown jewel of Mohonk is its award-winning spa, which
has been honored by several prestigious travel publications each year;
the Spa was named No. 1 Resort Spa in the United States by Conde Nast
Traveler Magazine, and No. 2 Spa in the United States by Travel and
Leisure Magazine; among its many auspicious awards, Mohonk was named one
of the World's Best Places to Stay by Conde Nast Traveler Magazine in
2012; and

WHEREAS, The property has been owned and operated by descendants of
the Smiley brothers since its inception; throughout the years, members
of the Smiley family have found notable ways to contribute to the goals
of Mohonk Mountain House; Daniel Smiley established a natural science
research center on the property; Keith Smiley convened Mohonk
Consultations to confer on issues related to the environment; Ruth
Smiley was tireless in her efforts to interpret nature for guests; and
Albert "Bert" K. Smiley, III oversaw various capital improvements such
as the addition of the Ice Skating Pavilion, Spa Wing, and Grove Lodge;
and

WHEREAS, Today, the Mohonk Mountain House continues the tradition of
promoting conversation and environmental awareness with Mohonk
Consultations, a not-for-profit group supporting the appreciation of all
relationships of life on earth, and connecting people and the planet
through public awards, forums, conferences, and other public meetings;
and

WHEREAS, Since its beginning, the Mohonk Mountain House has
effectively carried out its mission to provide opportunities for
recreation and renewal of the body, mind, and spirit in a beautiful
natural setting; in doing so, the resort created a class titled,
Mindfulness in Minutes, which offers simple techniques for building
mental muscle, which reduces stress and enhances the well-being of the
participants; and

WHEREAS, Under the luminous leadership of President Eric Gullickson
and CEO Tom Smiley, both 5th generation Smiley family members, the
Mohonk Mountain House continues to maintain its 19th Century charm while
introducing numerous luxurious amenities of the 21st Century; and

WHEREAS, It is with great pleasure that this Legislative Body
acknowledges the Mohonk Mountain House's success, recognizes its
contributions to the local and State economies, and extends its highest
commendation to the management and its employees, fully confident that,
in its future, it will enjoy the same success which has so characterized
its past; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the Mohonk Mountain House of New Paltz, New York, upon the
occasion of celebrating its 150th Anniversary; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Eric Gullickson, President, and Tom Smiley, CEO, Mohonk
Mountain House.