New-York tribune. [volume], July 01, 1900, Image 12

About New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924

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THE NEW KNICKERBOCKER LODGE,
A RESTFUL HOME IN THE HIGHLANDS
FOR THE INVALID OR CON
VALESCENT.
"WHERE HEALTH ABOUNDS AND REOTWDP VIGOR
AWAITS ALL COMERS.
An ancient writer many years ago said. "Life
is not mere living; but the enjoyment of health,"
and probably no single sentenoe was ever writ
ten which so fully sums up the secret of life
as this one, for no greater boon was ever con
ferred on man than pood health. To people
In vigorous health every function of Ufa, ©very
Incident and every duty has its pleasure. and
cares are lightly met and as lightly disposed
of; unfortunately, however, no one Is blessed
with Immunity from sickness or disease, and
then It is of the greatest Importance that the
former state of health should be restored as
rapidly as possible, for every day that our dis
ability continues Is time lost from life. In the
process of restoring Impaired health modern
medical science prescribes many methods and
conditions, but the foundation of every regime
Is the place of living, Its climate, surroundings
and conditions. For dwellers in the large cities
FRONT VIEW, KNICKERBOCKER LODGE, VAN WYCK LAKE, FISHKILL, N. Y.
a removal from the noises and distractions, as
■wen as from the dusty and vitiated air, Is Im
perative, and even for those who live In the
smaller town or the country a change of scene
and air is essential, and it was with all of these
conditions in view that the Knickerbocker Lodge
was designed and located.
BEAUTIFUL DUTCHEBS COUNTY.
For many years Dutches* County has been
known for the beauty of its acenery and the
healthfulnees of Its climate, and It is only an
accident that It has not become a resort of
fashion, for it possesses all of the attractions
and advantaKeß of the celebrated Berkshire re
gion. Its scenery 1b similar and Its mountains
are a portion of the same ridge that adorns
the Berkshire country; in picturesque streams
and charming lakes It is fully as rich, while
in historic Interest Dutchess County, and es
pecially the vicinity of the Lodge, presents at
tractions equal to any section of our country,
for many of the ptlrring events of the War of
the Revolution occurred in this vicinity, and
a large portion of "Washington's army was quar
tered near by. Wealthy people from the city
have long been acquainted with the attrac
tions of Dutchess County, and many handsome
eetat^fi are p' att<rr*-<1 through !t. and howevtr
much their <<wner.« may visit the resorts of
fashion, here they spend a larjre portion of the
year, for both In Rummer and in winter this
region poeswwes attractions of which its resi
dent* never tire.
THE ROAD TO THE LODGE.
From the shores of the Hudson near Flshklll
Landing, the Flshkill Mountain* extend back
Into the country toward the northeast, later
on to be known as the Taconics of the Berk
shire*, and along their baea winds the modest
Flshklll Creek, a picturesque stream unknown
to fame, but possessing beauties that would at
tract wide attention and admiration In most
any other region. About seven miles from the
river is the old village of Fishkin, one of the
picturesque settlements dating from |h»» early
history of our country, and still possessing
many an old house that was built before
LAKE VIEW, KNICKERBOCKER LODGE AND COTTAGES, VAN WYCK LAKE, FISHKTLi; N. Y.
the Revolutionary times. The old church
prison, and the hospital, now occupied as an
Episcopal Church, which were used by
Washington's army while guarding the nearby
mountain pass, the gateway to the upper Hud
son region, are still here, and In a state of per
fect preservation, and the delightfully shaded
streets have all of the peace-fulness of bygone
days. A short distance beyond the village
stands the "Ppy House," which figures In
Ccoper*6 stirring tale of this region, and a mile
further, In a pretty clove In the mountains,
stands the Knickerbocker Lodge, with the
sparking Van Wyok Lake rippling at Its door,
wh'is just beyond Is the wonderful Knickerbock
er Spring. In all of this distance from the river
th« road has been gradually but continually as
cending, so that the Lodge stands fully five hun
dred feet above the Hudson, and far above the
mists of the low lands, and all dust, If there be
any in this fragrant country. On either side and
in the rear the mountains recede from the house,
so no chilling Influence oomes from their neigh
borhood, while in front the eye looks out over
a grand expanse of rolling country, the beautiful
valley of the Hudson, with the Boft purple out
lines of the Catsklll range and vhe Hhawangunk
Mountains delicately defining the far horizon
sixty miles away.
A DELIGHTFUL CLIMATE.
Clefts in ths mountains to the south and
southeast Induce pleasant currents of air from
those directions in summer, while the unbroken
range to the northeast effectually cuts off the
cold, damp winds from that side. Records
show that the a^eraKe climate at the Lodge is
at least ten degrees cooler in summer and the
same amount warmer in winter than the lower
lands tiear by, and this means a much mure
tuuuble averau<' tor ttiu j car, with lets sudden
NEW- YORK DAILY TRIBUNE, SUNDAY, JULY 1, 1900.
GENERAL VIEW, KNICKERBOCKER LODGE AND VAN WYCK LAKE, FTSHKILL, N. Y.
changes, a matter of moment where an all the
year residence Is proposed
WHOM THE LODGE WAS BUILT FOR.
The Knickerbocker Lodge is intended as a
home for the Invalid or oonvaleecent. or for
those whose health has baen Impaired by over
work, a place of thorough and complete rest
where every condition is favorable to restoration
of health and vigor. No person suffering from
tuberculosis or from any form of contagious
or Infectious disease will be admitted, nor Is the
INTERIOR VIEWS, KNICKERBO CKER LODGE, VAN WYCK LAKE, FISHKILU, N. Y.
VAN WYCK LAKE, FROM ROAD TO KNICKERBOCKER SPRING,
FISHKILL, N. Y.
Lodge a sanitarium in the general sense of the
term. No corps of doctors will be maintained,
but the Lodge is under the supervision of a com
petent physician of the neighborhood. Dr.
Howell White, of Fishkin, who haß for many
years enjoyed a wide reputation for his skill
and ability. A resident urof«seionul nurse will
also be in constant attendance, and her ser
vices will be available for those who require
them. The accessible location, the perfect cli
mate and the attractive surroundings make the
Knickerbocker Lodge an unusually desirable
residence, and as such it is believed will appeal
to a great number of people who require a place
for rest or recuperation, but who do not need or
desire the accommodations of a hospital or
sanitarium.
FOREST CLAD MOUNTAINS SURROTJTCD IT.
The mountains which surround the Knicker
bocker Lodge on three Bides are heavily wooded
to their tops, and every purifying: effect which
any mountain region can have on the air Is here
enjoyed to the fullest decree, while the eleva
tion of five hundred feet is sufficient to afford
moderate stimulating effects without 111 the least
Inconveniencing: even the moat delicate heart
action. This la a mutter of more than passing
Importance, tar, although it la not popularly
known, and frequently not recognized or sus
pected by visitors to mountain regions gen
erally, yet it is a fact that an altitude of over
a thousand feet very frequently causes consider
able discomfort even to many who consider
themselves robust, and headache?, nausea, short
ness of breath and other similar disturbances
that are usually attributed to diet are most fre
quently the result of a too rarefied atmosphere
in many localities that are regarded as especially
beneficial to the health. Even where the heart
Is practically In a normal condition, but the
person is otherwise ailing, a too rarefied and
KNICKERBOCKER LODGE DRAG, IN LODGE GROUNDS.
stimulating atmosphere Is often to be avoided.
THE KNICKERBOCKER SPRING WATER.
A question of the greatest importance in
every locality Is that of the character and quali
ty of the water, and in an establishment de
signed for those In impaired health this be
comes a very prominent consideration. The ex
istence of a particular spring was one of the
considerations for Its being placed where It Is,
for near at hand there bubbles from the rock one
of the purest and moat wholesome springs that
can be desired. Careful chemical analysis shows
that in Its low percentage of salts, and the ab
sence of any that are undesirable, the water
from this spring compares most favorably with
any of the celebrated spring waters now before
the public, while a bacteriological examination
has proved the absolute absence of any form el
organic life In flavor the water is pleasant, and
Its crystal clearness and brilliancy give it a
most attractive appearance. This water is used
not only for drinking but la wholly employed for
all culinary purposes.
The elevated location of the Lodge gives it
a perfect drainage^ and the sanitary conditions
have been carefully looked to. The surround
ing SOU Is of a gravelly nature, whtch quickly
absorbs all moisture, and the only standing water
in the neighborhood hi the pretty little lake in
the rear of the Lodge, which is supplied from
mountain springs with the purest of water. It
Is not extensive nor deep, but sufficiently large
to form an attractive feature of the landscape.
and it also affords moderate exercise in rowhsft
tor there are several boats for the nae of the
guests.
A COBET HOUSE.
The Knickerbocker Lodge Is not a large house
with all of the noise and bust!* that Is unavoid
able where a large number of people are oared
for, but Is more a quiet, dainty horn* where per
fect rest la assured with every comfort and con
venience that careful and intelligent foresight
can provide. The entire Interior of th« establish
ment Is finished In natural woods, ard presents
an unusually fresh and pleasing effect. There Is
no wallpaper anywhere to be found, and rugs
are used on the polished wood floors lns:ead"of
permanent carpets. The large assembly room
is especially cheerful and attractive, with Its
large open fireplace, and Its wans are tastefully
adorned with numerous engravings and photo
graphs, so that It has little of the character of a
public room. In the matter of pictures the en
tire house is noticeable, for there la not an
apartment that does not contain several which
pleasantly relieve the walls. The dining room,
too, is a bright and attractive apartment, and Is
arranged with email tables scattered about, at
which small parties may assemble as suits their
tastes.
The furnishing throughout Is of the best char
acter, and particularly selected lev comfort,
while every bed is provided with a superior hair
mattress. Another feature of Importance* es
pecially to the class of guests for whom the
Lodge Is Intended. Is that there Is a commodious
closet In every chamber. In a connected cottage
Is a quiet smoking room for the men, with a
wide porch that looks off on the gran! view to
the north, while a dainty writing ream adjoin
ing the parlor provides correspond}:*.*: accommo
dations for the other sex. T. - entire ise Is
lighted by gas. and a hot water system of heat
ing has been Installed, which wfil reads* •*■ •
house comfortable in any weather.
THE LUXURIES OF THE FARM.
Although the guests of the Knickerbocker
Lodge may not all enjoy the most robust health,
still their creature comforts at» ry no mean*
neglected, for on the farm, which contains over
two hundred acres, extensive provision has been
made for a most bountiful supply of vegetables
and small fruits !n great variety, while In
cubators are producing poultry on a large scale.
Special attention la also given to the dairy, that
the quality of Its products shall meet with
every requirement el the most delicate Invalid.
and In forming tha herd every BOW was sub
jected to a critical examination by a competent
professional expert before she was admitted to
the farm. Such examinations will b* continued
periodically, and every care will he taken tha:
the milk and cream used at the Lodge shall b«
of the most wkotassaM and nutritious character
MANY FINE DRIVES.
Driving will natural. be the principal di
version, and a well equipped stable is connected
with the house, and 5t has ample accommoda
tions for any horses and carriages guests may
desire to bring with them. The roads In every
direction are picturesque and well kept, and
there are such a number of drives that there
will be found no lack of variety. For those who
desire to stroll in th. woods there are ample
* nuu< on all *ldes and the artist or photos*
raphet will find a wealth of material such as
rapner «»"
caa hardly be found in any other single locality.
' MOST CONVENIENTLY ACCESSIBLE.
Knickerbocker Lodge is most conveniently ac-
C :; M , for travel,.^ New Y^n tak.
trains on the Central which connect at Dutches,
junction for FishkUl Village, from which place
etth.T tae train on — o» . con,.,
aocc from the Lodge will meet parties there.
From Boston the New Haven road may be taken
direct to FishkUl Village.
a handsome book descriptive of the Lodge has
,;,„ prepared, and this and any desired infor
mation may be obtained by writing to The
Knickerbocker Hotel and Spring Co,. Flshkill.
N. Y.