The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1889-11-22
A QUAKER SETTLEMENT.
Quaint Resort Near the Highlands Of
the Hudson.

Quaint Resort Near the Highlands Of
| the Hudson.
Full of interest and charm Ia this
early settlement of the Quakers ND
among the breezy Highlands. at an alti-
tude OF over thirteen hundred feet. We
had heard of Mizzen-Top Hotel, but,
like the mau in the story Admiral Wor-
den so cheerfuuy tells against himself,
didn't know but it was ''some old sailor
clearinghouse" Admiral Worden, one
OF the fathers" Of the place. called the
highest mountain, which is on his own
estate, "MaintOp," and when the ques-
ton OF naming the new hotel arose. he
suggested that if the other mountain
was main" this was certainly "miz-
zen." and more appropriate name
could hardly be found. Across the
broad piazzas and through the airy
halls blows as stiff and cool breeze as
plays through ships rigging; heat and
discomfort are entirely forgotten, and
the extended view of soft-rolling coun-
try reminds one of a summer sea- while
as far as the eye can reach stretches the
blue line of the Catskills.
Spots of historic interest are not
wanting in the neighborhood, for
twenty minutes walk brings us to the
door of the ancient meeting house of
the Friends. built in 1854, and used
eleven years after. during the war +
independence, as a hospital for Revolu-
tionary soldiers In the year 1873
General Lafayette had his headquarters
near by, and not far from the fountain
spring of the Croton, which rises Just
above the quaint and artistic summer
residence and studio of Mrs. E. M.
Scott, of New York City. We drove
over to the old Hicksite Church and
entered within its quaint doors, with
their huge iron locks. It has q large
seating capacity, although the modern
mind pauses in wonder at the narrOwness
of the benches. until the simple and UNI
obtrusive dress of the worshipers of
that long ago period is remembered.
Many story attaches to this editice,
built of Oaken timbers to withstand the
storms Of another century. According
to the records it cost to build f236.
and there is enough material used upon
it to erect four modern structures of
its size. Du. ing the year 1878 con-
siderable detachment of troops was
stationed at Pawling, and for time
General Washington had his head
quarters the e. There seems to be
good authority for the sta. ement that
he took up his residence at the old
Kirby House, at the foot of Quaker
Hill, and Mrs. Akin, mother of the late
Judge A Kin, used to tell the story of it's
occupation in this way:
"One day two aida-de camps rode up
to the door and inquiring for Mr. Fer
ris, informed him that General Wash
ington would like to make his home
there for few days. Mr. Ferris con-
sented and to notify all intruders that
this was the home of the Commander
in-Chief the officers fastened paper to
the front door reading thus: Head
quarters OF General Washington" Mrs.
Ferris and the girls at once set them
selves at preparing the best chamber
for the General and the second best for
the staff officers, and soon their illus
trious guest arrived and was shown TO
the south chamber, ever more to be
known as Wa ,hington'e room. Cor.
Chicago Journal.