LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 145th Anniversary of the Mohonk
Mountain House

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend those prominent businesses of the State of New York whose focus
and intent have made a substantial impact on the quality of life in
their community; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the 145th Anniversary of the Mohonk Mountain House; this auspi-
cious milestone was celebrated on January 29, 2014 at the Ulster County
Regional Chamber of Commerce's Annual Breakfast held at Garden Plaza
Hotel in Kingston, New York; and
WHEREAS, Nina Smiley, current Owner and Marketing Director, and Jackie
Appeldorn, Mohonk Mountain House General Manager both were Guest Speak-
ers at the celebration; 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 confer-
ences 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 distin-
guished 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, Ruth-
erford 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
spa, and an outdoor ice-skating rink for winter use; 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 TRAV-
ELER 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 Consulta-
tions to confer on issues related to the environment; and Ruth Smiley
was tireless in her efforts to interpret nature for guests; and
WHEREAS, 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 effec-
tively 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, Nina Smiley, whose husband's family started the resort, has
managed to maintain its 19th Century charm while introducing numerous
luxurious amenities of the 21st Century; and
WHEREAS, A true asset to society, the Mohonk Mountain House's distin-
guished record merits the recognition and respectful tribute of this
Legislative Body; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 145th Anniversary of the Mohonk Mountain House; and be
it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Nina Smiley, owner, Mohonk Mountain House.