In 1869, Albert Smiley, a nature-loving Quaker schoolteacher, bought a property at a good price – 300 acres surrounding a lake and a tavern in a spectacular natural setting in the heart of a 26,000-acre area in the Shawangunk Mountains, New York. Soon to be built would be Mohonk Mountain House.
Alfred and Albert Smiley, devout Quaker twin brothers, created the resort in 1869 when they bought Mohonk Lake from John F. Stokes.
As the Smileys expanded the Mohonk Mountain House hotel, they operated in accordance with their Quaker beliefs: no alcohol, dancing, smoking or card playing.
The hotel offered concerts, prayer sessions, lectures as well as swimming, hiking and boating.
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