Saranac Inn - Revision history

MWanner: Text replacement - "Canaras" to "Canaras"

2026-04-27T12:20:53Z

Text replacement - "Canaras" to "Canaras"

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:20, 27 April 2026
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	The statement points out that two other large buildings "on or near this beautiful peninsula" had become "raging conflagrations and the adjacent structures were only saved by "the valiant work of the Saranac Lake and Tupper Lake fire departments."		The statement points out that two other large buildings "on or near this beautiful peninsula" had become "raging conflagrations and the adjacent structures were only saved by "the valiant work of the Saranac Lake and Tupper Lake fire departments."

	[[File:Pauline Dewey.jpg\|right\|thumb\|500px\|\|1932 ''[[~~Canaras\|~~Canaras]]'': [[Pauline Dewey Ryan\|Pauline Dewey]], "Puds", Saranac Inn, ''Canaras'' (3, 4); ''Red and White'' (4); Public Speaking Class Play (3); Girls' Glee Club (2, 3, 4); Basketball (3); Cantata (2); Chorus (2, 3, 4) ]]Taking issue with the Supervisor's claim that "Santa Clara is a very small town" with big city taxes, the four property owners maintain that local residents and a few wealthy long-time owners are favored in the assessments.		[[File:Pauline Dewey.jpg\|right\|thumb\|500px\|\|1932 ''[[Canaras]]'': [[Pauline Dewey Ryan\|Pauline Dewey]], "Puds", Saranac Inn, ''Canaras'' (3, 4); ''Red and White'' (4); Public Speaking Class Play (3); Girls' Glee Club (2, 3, 4); Basketball (3); Cantata (2); Chorus (2, 3, 4) ]]Taking issue with the Supervisor's claim that "Santa Clara is a very small town" with big city taxes, the four property owners maintain that local residents and a few wealthy long-time owners are favored in the assessments.

	The statement further says the property owners do not ask that the Town pay for the tearing down of the Inn but that it "serve notice on the titular owner (or owners) and if they fail to do so then tear it down, sue the owner and if the cost is not realized this way, sell the land."		The statement further says the property owners do not ask that the Town pay for the tearing down of the Inn but that it "serve notice on the titular owner (or owners) and if they fail to do so then tear it down, sue the owner and if the cost is not realized this way, sell the land."

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2026-03-20T12:22:52Z

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← Older revision		Revision as of 12:22, 20 March 2026
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	(Historic Saranac Lake Collection, TCR# 353, courtesy of Andrew Terhune)		(Historic Saranac Lake Collection, TCR# 353, courtesy of Andrew Terhune)



	'''See also:'''		'''See also:'''
	*		*

MWanner: Text replacement - "Great Camps" to "Great Camps"

2026-03-15T18:06:47Z

Text replacement - "Great Camps" to "Great Camps"

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:06, 15 March 2026
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	[[File:Aerial of Saranac Inn Postcard smaller copy.jpg\|right\|thumb\|500px\|\|Post card with an aerial view of Saranac Inn. TCR 302]]After the [[Great Depression\|Great Depression]], the hotel's business dropped sharply, and it changed hands several times. In 1946, it was purchased by a national hotel chain, who brought in large conventions, briefly improving finances. It changed hands again in 1957, but closed in 1962 as unprofitable. Finally, it was bought for $400,000 by auctioneers, who sold the property piecemeal, the golf course, the cottages, the hotel all going to different owners. In the mid-1970s, the hotel was partially dismembered for salvage materials. Finally, on June 17, 1978, a spectacular seven-hour fire destroyed what was left.		[[File:Aerial of Saranac Inn Postcard smaller copy.jpg\|right\|thumb\|500px\|\|Post card with an aerial view of Saranac Inn. TCR 302]]After the [[Great Depression\|Great Depression]], the hotel's business dropped sharply, and it changed hands several times. In 1946, it was purchased by a national hotel chain, who brought in large conventions, briefly improving finances. It changed hands again in 1957, but closed in 1962 as unprofitable. Finally, it was bought for $400,000 by auctioneers, who sold the property piecemeal, the golf course, the cottages, the hotel all going to different owners. In the mid-1970s, the hotel was partially dismembered for salvage materials. Finally, on June 17, 1978, a spectacular seven-hour fire destroyed what was left.

	The small collection of cottages that grew up around the Inn (the first dozen were built by the Inn owners) still exists, however, as do some of the [[~~Great Camps\|~~Great Camps]] built in the area. [[World War I\|World War I]], the Great Depression and the Income Tax combined to put an end to the Great Camp era, however; and like the Inn, many of the Great Camps were abandoned and/or lost for unpaid taxes, burned or left to crumble.		The small collection of cottages that grew up around the Inn (the first dozen were built by the Inn owners) still exists, however, as do some of the [[Great Camps]] built in the area. [[World War I\|World War I]], the Great Depression and the Income Tax combined to put an end to the Great Camp era, however; and like the Inn, many of the Great Camps were abandoned and/or lost for unpaid taxes, burned or left to crumble.
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2026-03-13T21:09:23Z

Text replacement - "]] i" to "]] i"

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	[[File:Prospect House.jpg\|right\|thumb\|500px\|\|Prospect House, undated. ''[[Adirondack Daily Enterprise]]'', April 25, 1987 ]]		[[File:Prospect House.jpg\|right\|thumb\|500px\|\|Prospect House, undated. ''[[Adirondack Daily Enterprise]]'', April 25, 1987 ]]

	The '''Saranac Inn''', originally called '''Hough's''', and then the '''Prospect House''', was a large, luxurious hotel located on a peninsula at the northern end of the [[Upper Saranac Lake]] in the town of [[Santa Clara]]. It was frequented by US Presidents [[Grover Cleveland]] and [[Wikipedia:Chester_A._Arthur\|Chester A. Arthur]] and New York Governors [[Charles Evans Hughes]] and [[Wikipedia:Al_Smith\|Al Smith]]. It closed in 1962, and burned to the ground in 1978.		The '''Saranac Inn''', originally called '''Hough's''', and then the '''Prospect House''', was a large, luxurious hotel located on a peninsula at the northern end of the [[Upper Saranac Lake]] in the town of [[Santa Clara]]. It was frequented by US Presidents [[Grover Cleveland]] and [[Wikipedia:Chester_A._Arthur\|Chester A. Arthur]] and New York Governors [[Charles Evans Hughes]] and [[Wikipedia:Al_Smith\|Al Smith]]. It closed in 1962, and burned to the ground in 1978.

	'''Saranac Inn''' is also the name of a small hamlet, also called [[Upper Saranac]], that grew up in the vicinity of the Inn, and of the public golf course that was originally part of the Inn. The par 72 [[Saranac Inn Golf Course]] was recognized by ''Golf Digest'' as one of four U.S. courses that are one hundred years or older that received four and a half stars.		'''Saranac Inn''' is also the name of a small hamlet, also called [[Upper Saranac]], that grew up in the vicinity of the Inn, and of the public golf course that was originally part of the Inn. The par 72 [[Saranac Inn Golf Course]] was recognized by ''Golf Digest'' as one of four U.S. courses that are one hundred years or older that received four and a half stars.

MWanner: Text replacement - "Adirondack Park Agency" to "Adirondack Park Agency"

2026-03-11T11:51:27Z

Text replacement - "Adirondack Park Agency" to "Adirondack Park Agency"

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	Over the years Vosburgh has sold off much of the land in sub-divided parcels, and, according to the county, records, he himself holds more than 300 mortgages on parcels he has sold.		Over the years Vosburgh has sold off much of the land in sub-divided parcels, and, according to the county, records, he himself holds more than 300 mortgages on parcels he has sold.

	In addition, Vosburgh, a colorful character, has been involved in numerous public squabbles with purchasers over such matters as rights-of-way and property lines. Vosburgh subdivided all of his property before the [[~~Adirondack Park Agency\|~~Adirondack Park Agency]] law took effect and therefore was virtually untouched by its restrictions on lot size.		In addition, Vosburgh, a colorful character, has been involved in numerous public squabbles with purchasers over such matters as rights-of-way and property lines. Vosburgh subdivided all of his property before the [[Adirondack Park Agency]] law took effect and therefore was virtually untouched by its restrictions on lot size.

	Over the years there have been numerous rumors and allegations by owners of nearby camps that Vosburgh himself was the real owner of the Saranac Inn itself. Those properly owners— fearful of fire — were trying to force the demolition of the inn.		Over the years there have been numerous rumors and allegations by owners of nearby camps that Vosburgh himself was the real owner of the Saranac Inn itself. Those properly owners— fearful of fire — were trying to force the demolition of the inn.

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2026-01-30T17:08:05Z

move Archie

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	SARANAC INN, N. Y., July 5.—The development of the resort at Saranac Inn has been interesting. The original building was a log affair now incorporated in the cabin of Thomas Blagden of Washington, who resides throughout the Summer and late Into the Autumn near Saranac Inn. When the people found the old log cabin no longer adequate for their increasing numbers, it was removed to one side and occupied for several seasons by Grover Cleveland, who was at that time President of the United States. Succeeding the log structure was a modest frame building which has been enlarged from time to time until now it slightly resembles a butterfly because of its many wings. Now it is proposed to add another wing to accommodate the many persons who desire to come here for the Summer, and this new edition will be constructed during next Autumn and Winter. The annex will not seriously affect the present form of the inn, which is considered very homelike and pleasant by a great many people who have been coming here regularly for many years.		SARANAC INN, N. Y., July 5.—The development of the resort at Saranac Inn has been interesting. The original building was a log affair now incorporated in the cabin of Thomas Blagden of Washington, who resides throughout the Summer and late Into the Autumn near Saranac Inn. When the people found the old log cabin no longer adequate for their increasing numbers, it was removed to one side and occupied for several seasons by Grover Cleveland, who was at that time President of the United States. Succeeding the log structure was a modest frame building which has been enlarged from time to time until now it slightly resembles a butterfly because of its many wings. Now it is proposed to add another wing to accommodate the many persons who desire to come here for the Summer, and this new edition will be constructed during next Autumn and Winter. The annex will not seriously affect the present form of the inn, which is considered very homelike and pleasant by a great many people who have been coming here regularly for many years.

	The steamer ''Saranac ''began its regular trips down the lake on July 1. [[Saranac Inn]], which is the Post Office as well as the hotel and supply store for the Upper Saranac Lake, arranges the mail for the campers along the lake, and it is delivered from the Saranac. There are three other Post Offices in this locality, one at [[Wawbeek Lodge]], one at [[Bartlett Carry]], and the other at [[Axton]], which is the home of the [[Cornell Forestry School]].		The steamer ''Saranac ''began its regular trips down the lake on July 1. [[Saranac Inn]], which is the Post Office as well as the hotel and supply store for the Upper Saranac Lake, arranges the mail for the campers along the lake, and it is delivered from the Saranac. There are three other Post Offices in this locality, one at [[Wawbeek Lodge]], one at [[Bartlett Carry]], and the other at [[Axton]], which is the home of the [[Cornell Forestry School]]. [''Note:'' In the 1950s, [[Archie Keese]] delivered mail on the lake by motorboat.]

	In speaking of post offices it might be well to call attention to the great confusion of Saranacs in the Adirondacks. There are three post offices and express offices all having the name of Saranac connected with, them, but as each is many miles distant from the other there is much delay and loss arising from unfamiliarity with these places. Saranac Inn is in Franklin County, on the northern end of the Upper Saranac Lake. The hotel and offices are two miles from Saranac Inn station on the Adirondack division of the [[New York Central]] Railroad. Saranac Lake, on [[Lake Flower]] and the [[[Saranac River]], is a village called the metropolis of the Adirondacks. The village of Saranac is reached via the [[Chateaugay Railroad]], and a drive of a few miles into the mountains from Cadyville. [[Saranac Junction]] is now called Lake Clear Junction, and in this manner some confusion will he avoided.		In speaking of post offices it might be well to call attention to the great confusion of Saranacs in the Adirondacks. There are three post offices and express offices all having the name of Saranac connected with, them, but as each is many miles distant from the other there is much delay and loss arising from unfamiliarity with these places. Saranac Inn is in Franklin County, on the northern end of the Upper Saranac Lake. The hotel and offices are two miles from Saranac Inn station on the Adirondack division of the [[New York Central]] Railroad. Saranac Lake, on [[Lake Flower]] and the [[[Saranac River]], is a village called the metropolis of the Adirondacks. The village of Saranac is reached via the [[Chateaugay Railroad]], and a drive of a few miles into the mountains from Cadyville. [[Saranac Junction]] is now called Lake Clear Junction, and in this manner some confusion will he avoided.

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2026-01-18T01:48:00Z

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Show changes

MWanner: Text replacement - "[Saranac River" to "Saranac River"

2026-01-18T01:35:15Z

Text replacement - "[Saranac River" to "Saranac River"

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:35, 18 January 2026
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	The steamer ''Saranac ''began its regular trips down the lake on July 1. [[Saranac Inn]], which is the Post Office as well as the hotel and supply store for the Upper Saranac Lake, arranges the mail for the campers along the lake, and it is delivered from the Saranac. There are three other Post Offices in this locality, one at [[Wawbeek Lodge\|Wawbeek Lodge]], one at [[Bartlett Carry\|Bartlett Carry]], and the other at [[Axton\|Axton]], which is the home of the [[Cornell Forestry School\|Cornell Forestry School]].		The steamer ''Saranac ''began its regular trips down the lake on July 1. [[Saranac Inn]], which is the Post Office as well as the hotel and supply store for the Upper Saranac Lake, arranges the mail for the campers along the lake, and it is delivered from the Saranac. There are three other Post Offices in this locality, one at [[Wawbeek Lodge\|Wawbeek Lodge]], one at [[Bartlett Carry\|Bartlett Carry]], and the other at [[Axton\|Axton]], which is the home of the [[Cornell Forestry School\|Cornell Forestry School]].

	In speaking of post offices it might be well to call attention to the great confusion of Saranacs in the Adirondacks. There are three post offices and express offices all having the name of Saranac connected with, them, but as each is many miles distant from the other there is much delay and loss arising from unfamiliarity with these places. Saranac Inn is in Franklin County, on the northern end of the Upper Saranac Lake. The hotel and offices are two miles from Saranac Inn station on the Adirondack division of the [[New York Central \|New York Central ]]Railroad. Saranac Lake, on [[Lake Flower]] and the [[[Saranac River]], is a village called the metropolis of the Adirondacks. The village of Saranac is reached via the [[Chateaugay Railroad\|Chateaugay Railroad]], and a drive of a few miles into the mountains from Cadyville. [[Saranac Junction\|Saranac Junction]] is now called Lake Clear Junction, and in this manner some confusion will he avoided.		In speaking of post offices it might be well to call attention to the great confusion of Saranacs in the Adirondacks. There are three post offices and express offices all having the name of Saranac connected with, them, but as each is many miles distant from the other there is much delay and loss arising from unfamiliarity with these places. Saranac Inn is in Franklin County, on the northern end of the Upper Saranac Lake. The hotel and offices are two miles from Saranac Inn station on the Adirondack division of the [[New York Central \|New York Central ]]Railroad. Saranac Lake, on [[Lake Flower]] and the [[Saranac River]], is a village called the metropolis of the Adirondacks. The village of Saranac is reached via the [[Chateaugay Railroad\|Chateaugay Railroad]], and a drive of a few miles into the mountains from Cadyville. [[Saranac Junction\|Saranac Junction]] is now called Lake Clear Junction, and in this manner some confusion will he avoided.
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MWanner: Text replacement - "Paul Smiths" to "Paul Smiths"

2026-01-16T18:26:33Z

Text replacement - "Paul Smiths" to "Paul Smiths"

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:26, 16 January 2026
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	[[File:Saranac Inn 1880s.jpg\|right\|thumb\|500px\|\|Saranac Inn in a year when [[Grover Cleveland\|Grover Cleveland]] was a guest, probably in the 1880s.<br>HSL Collection.]]Long recognized as one of the most attractive of Adirondack waters, Upper Saranac Lake has enjoyed a popularity due, in part, to its favorable location. During the 1850s, when boat travel was the only means of wilderness transportation, the nine-mile, north-south configuration of the lake provided a most convenient waterway to all points of the compass. Its many islands and verdant shores offered choice campsites to the early hunter and fisherman. Also, wherever a carry entered the lake, some sort of lodging was soon to follow. As early as 1859, [[Jesse Corey\|Jesse Corey]] had built [[Rustic Lodge\|Rustic Lodge]] at the extreme southern tip of Upper Saranac where the old [[Indian Carry\|Indian Carry]] came overland from the [[Raquette River\|Raquette River]] and the Fulton Chain. From the east, by way of [[Bartlett's Carry\|Bartlett's Carry]] came boats from the Middle and [[Lower Saranac lake\|Lower Saranac lake]]s, and from the west, over the [[Sweeney Carry\|Sweeney Carry]], arrivals from the Tupper Lake region could bed down at the [[Wawbeek Hotel\|Wawbeek Inn]].		[[File:Saranac Inn 1880s.jpg\|right\|thumb\|500px\|\|Saranac Inn in a year when [[Grover Cleveland\|Grover Cleveland]] was a guest, probably in the 1880s.<br>HSL Collection.]]Long recognized as one of the most attractive of Adirondack waters, Upper Saranac Lake has enjoyed a popularity due, in part, to its favorable location. During the 1850s, when boat travel was the only means of wilderness transportation, the nine-mile, north-south configuration of the lake provided a most convenient waterway to all points of the compass. Its many islands and verdant shores offered choice campsites to the early hunter and fisherman. Also, wherever a carry entered the lake, some sort of lodging was soon to follow. As early as 1859, [[Jesse Corey\|Jesse Corey]] had built [[Rustic Lodge\|Rustic Lodge]] at the extreme southern tip of Upper Saranac where the old [[Indian Carry\|Indian Carry]] came overland from the [[Raquette River\|Raquette River]] and the Fulton Chain. From the east, by way of [[Bartlett's Carry\|Bartlett's Carry]] came boats from the Middle and [[Lower Saranac lake\|Lower Saranac lake]]s, and from the west, over the [[Sweeney Carry\|Sweeney Carry]], arrivals from the Tupper Lake region could bed down at the [[Wawbeek Hotel\|Wawbeek Inn]].

	The hotel we're concerned with was situated at the northern head of the lake where the "[[Seven Carries\|Seven Carries]]" route ended. To this spot guides brought their parties from the [[~~Paul Smiths\|~~Paul Smiths]] and [[St. Regis Lakes\|St. Regis Lakes]] area. Here, in 1864, a former [[Paul Smith's Hotel\|Paul Smith's]] patron by the name of Hough decided to build a hotel of his own. He chose an ideal site on a promontory extending into the lake. It boasted an excellent vista down the water to the distant mountains. Although he was most astute in his site selection, he apparently lacked that rare ability attributed to such men as Paul Smith and others: the necessary shrewdness to operate a remote hotel. The place was simply called Hough's, surviving for nine years of rather rocky operation before failing.[[File:Saranac Inn Cottage.jpg\|right\|thumb\|500px\|\|One of the original Saranac Inn cottages, on the site of the old hotel. This cottage is known as the [[Riddle Cottage (Saranac Inn)\|Riddle Cottage]]. ]]		The hotel we're concerned with was situated at the northern head of the lake where the "[[Seven Carries\|Seven Carries]]" route ended. To this spot guides brought their parties from the [[Paul Smiths]] and [[St. Regis Lakes\|St. Regis Lakes]] area. Here, in 1864, a former [[Paul Smith's Hotel\|Paul Smith's]] patron by the name of Hough decided to build a hotel of his own. He chose an ideal site on a promontory extending into the lake. It boasted an excellent vista down the water to the distant mountains. Although he was most astute in his site selection, he apparently lacked that rare ability attributed to such men as Paul Smith and others: the necessary shrewdness to operate a remote hotel. The place was simply called Hough's, surviving for nine years of rather rocky operation before failing.[[File:Saranac Inn Cottage.jpg\|right\|thumb\|500px\|\|One of the original Saranac Inn cottages, on the site of the old hotel. This cottage is known as the [[Riddle Cottage (Saranac Inn)\|Riddle Cottage]]. ]]

	[[Ed Derby\|Ed Derby]] became the next owner. Among other changes, he rechristened his purchase The Prospect House. Living up to the new name, the hotel prospered until Derby's death in 1884. Two years later his widow sold out to a group headed by Dr. [[Sam Ward\|Sam Ward]] of Albany, who had a camp on [[Markham Point\|Markham Point]]. This transaction proved to be the turning point not only in the destiny of the hotel but for the entire area as well.		[[Ed Derby\|Ed Derby]] became the next owner. Among other changes, he rechristened his purchase The Prospect House. Living up to the new name, the hotel prospered until Derby's death in 1884. Two years later his widow sold out to a group headed by Dr. [[Sam Ward\|Sam Ward]] of Albany, who had a camp on [[Markham Point\|Markham Point]]. This transaction proved to be the turning point not only in the destiny of the hotel but for the entire area as well.

MWanner: Text replacement - "Lake Clear" to "Lake Clear"

2026-01-16T18:18:53Z

Text replacement - "Lake Clear" to "Lake Clear"

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	Another prominent guest and frequent visitor was New York Governor Charles Evans Hughes, who chose to vacation here between 1907 and 1910.		Another prominent guest and frequent visitor was New York Governor Charles Evans Hughes, who chose to vacation here between 1907 and 1910.

	D.W. Riddle died in 1913, and Dr. Ward passed away two years later. Both of these men played a very important role in the hotel's prosperity and in the general development of the entire area. The next major phase in the growth of the Inn took place when the property was purchased by [[Harrington Mills\|Harrington Mills]]. Owner of the Harrington Hotel in Washington, D.C., Mills brought considerable management expertise to the resort. Under his administration the plant was enlarged and many attractive features added. Over the years an 18-hole golf course was built, a hydro-electric generating station on [[~~Lake Clear\|~~Lake Clear]]'s outlet furnished power to the Inn, and a steamboat left the front dock to deliver passengers and mail around the lake. Riding stables and aquatic sports amused guests outdoors while music and dancing combined with a fine menu satisfied indoor appetites. At its zenith, the hotel could accommodate 700 guests with the addition of lakeside cottages and platform tents to house the overflow from the main building. A huge work force found employment on the premises; the payroll brought a welcome boost to the community's economy.		D.W. Riddle died in 1913, and Dr. Ward passed away two years later. Both of these men played a very important role in the hotel's prosperity and in the general development of the entire area. The next major phase in the growth of the Inn took place when the property was purchased by [[Harrington Mills\|Harrington Mills]]. Owner of the Harrington Hotel in Washington, D.C., Mills brought considerable management expertise to the resort. Under his administration the plant was enlarged and many attractive features added. Over the years an 18-hole golf course was built, a hydro-electric generating station on [[Lake Clear]]'s outlet furnished power to the Inn, and a steamboat left the front dock to deliver passengers and mail around the lake. Riding stables and aquatic sports amused guests outdoors while music and dancing combined with a fine menu satisfied indoor appetites. At its zenith, the hotel could accommodate 700 guests with the addition of lakeside cottages and platform tents to house the overflow from the main building. A huge work force found employment on the premises; the payroll brought a welcome boost to the community's economy.

	Under Mills, [[Willard Boyce\|Willard Boyce]] served as superintendent for 42 years until he retired in September of 1928. Still not quite ready to take life easy, he moved to the Village of Saranac Lake and, with the firm of [[Boyce and Roberson\|Boyce and Roberson]], furnished the village with coal, wood, and feed products for many more years. After Mills died his son-in-law, [[Lawrence A. Slaughter\|Laurence Slaughter]], managed the Inn while [[James Gillmett\|James Gillmett]] took over Boyce's old position of superintendent. By now the popularity of the large summer hotels had begun to wane as a more mobile public no longer wished to spend an entire season in one place. Taking this adversity in stride, the Inn concentrated on attracting conventions. The move paid off.		Under Mills, [[Willard Boyce\|Willard Boyce]] served as superintendent for 42 years until he retired in September of 1928. Still not quite ready to take life easy, he moved to the Village of Saranac Lake and, with the firm of [[Boyce and Roberson\|Boyce and Roberson]], furnished the village with coal, wood, and feed products for many more years. After Mills died his son-in-law, [[Lawrence A. Slaughter\|Laurence Slaughter]], managed the Inn while [[James Gillmett\|James Gillmett]] took over Boyce's old position of superintendent. By now the popularity of the large summer hotels had begun to wane as a more mobile public no longer wished to spend an entire season in one place. Taking this adversity in stride, the Inn concentrated on attracting conventions. The move paid off.

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	[[File:Saranac Inn 1880s.jpg\|right\|thumb\|500px\|\|Saranac Inn in a year when [[Grover Cleveland\|Grover Cleveland]] was a guest, probably in the 1880s.<br>HSL Collection.]]Long recognized as one of the most attractive of Adirondack waters, Upper Saranac Lake has enjoyed a popularity due, in part, to its favorable location. During the 1850s, when boat travel was the only means of wilderness transportation, the nine-mile, north-south configuration of the lake provided a most convenient waterway to all points of the compass. Its many islands and verdant shores offered choice campsites to the early hunter and fisherman. Also, wherever a carry entered the lake, some sort of lodging was soon to follow. As early as 1859, [[Jesse Corey\|Jesse Corey]] had built [[Rustic Lodge\|Rustic Lodge]] at the extreme southern tip of Upper Saranac where the old [[Indian Carry\|Indian Carry]] came overland from the [[Raquette River\|Raquette River]] and the Fulton Chain. From the east, by way of [[Bartlett's Carry\|Bartlett's Carry]] came boats from the Middle and [[Lower Saranac lake\|Lower Saranac lake]]s, and from the west, over the [[Sweeney Carry\|Sweeney Carry]], arrivals from the Tupper Lake region could bed down at the [[Wawbeek Hotel\|Wawbeek Inn]].		[[File:Saranac Inn 1880s.jpg\|right\|thumb\|500px\|\|Saranac Inn in a year when [[Grover Cleveland\|Grover Cleveland]] was a guest, probably in the 1880s.<br>HSL Collection.]]Long recognized as one of the most attractive of Adirondack waters, Upper Saranac Lake has enjoyed a popularity due, in part, to its favorable location. During the 1850s, when boat travel was the only means of wilderness transportation, the nine-mile, north-south configuration of the lake provided a most convenient waterway to all points of the compass. Its many islands and verdant shores offered choice campsites to the early hunter and fisherman. Also, wherever a carry entered the lake, some sort of lodging was soon to follow. As early as 1859, [[Jesse Corey\|Jesse Corey]] had built [[Rustic Lodge\|Rustic Lodge]] at the extreme southern tip of Upper Saranac where the old [[Indian Carry\|Indian Carry]] came overland from the [[Raquette River\|Raquette River]] and the Fulton Chain. From the east, by way of [[Bartlett's Carry\|Bartlett's Carry]] came boats from the Middle and [[Lower Saranac lake\|Lower Saranac lake]]s, and from the west, over the [[Sweeney Carry\|Sweeney Carry]], arrivals from the Tupper Lake region could bed down at the [[Wawbeek Hotel\|Wawbeek Inn]].

	The hotel we're concerned with was situated at the northern head of the lake where the "[[Seven Carries\|Seven Carries]]" route ended. To this spot guides brought their parties from the [[~~Paul Smiths\|~~Paul Smiths]] and [[St. Regis Lakes\|St. Regis Lakes]] area. Here, in 1864, a former [[Paul Smith's Hotel\|Paul Smith's]] patron by the name of Hough decided to build a hotel of his own. He chose an ideal site on a promontory extending into the lake. It boasted an excellent vista down the water to the distant mountains. Although he was most astute in his site selection, he apparently lacked that rare ability attributed to such men as Paul Smith and others: the necessary shrewdness to operate a remote hotel. The place was simply called Hough's, surviving for nine years of rather rocky operation before failing.[[File:Saranac Inn Cottage.jpg\|right\|thumb\|500px\|\|One of the original Saranac Inn cottages, on the site of the old hotel. This cottage is known as the [[Riddle Cottage (Saranac Inn)\|Riddle Cottage]]. ]]		The hotel we're concerned with was situated at the northern head of the lake where the "[[Seven Carries\|Seven Carries]]" route ended. To this spot guides brought their parties from the [[Paul Smiths]] and [[St. Regis Lakes\|St. Regis Lakes]] area. Here, in 1864, a former [[Paul Smith's Hotel\|Paul Smith's]] patron by the name of Hough decided to build a hotel of his own. He chose an ideal site on a promontory extending into the lake. It boasted an excellent vista down the water to the distant mountains. Although he was most astute in his site selection, he apparently lacked that rare ability attributed to such men as Paul Smith and others: the necessary shrewdness to operate a remote hotel. The place was simply called Hough's, surviving for nine years of rather rocky operation before failing.[[File:Saranac Inn Cottage.jpg\|right\|thumb\|500px\|\|One of the original Saranac Inn cottages, on the site of the old hotel. This cottage is known as the [[Riddle Cottage (Saranac Inn)\|Riddle Cottage]]. ]]

	[[Ed Derby\|Ed Derby]] became the next owner. Among other changes, he rechristened his purchase The Prospect House. Living up to the new name, the hotel prospered until Derby's death in 1884. Two years later his widow sold out to a group headed by Dr. [[Sam Ward\|Sam Ward]] of Albany, who had a camp on [[Markham Point\|Markham Point]]. This transaction proved to be the turning point not only in the destiny of the hotel but for the entire area as well.		[[Ed Derby\|Ed Derby]] became the next owner. Among other changes, he rechristened his purchase The Prospect House. Living up to the new name, the hotel prospered until Derby's death in 1884. Two years later his widow sold out to a group headed by Dr. [[Sam Ward\|Sam Ward]] of Albany, who had a camp on [[Markham Point\|Markham Point]]. This transaction proved to be the turning point not only in the destiny of the hotel but for the entire area as well.