Although its natural stonework appears to have shared its origins
with the ancient mountains that surround it (an image which was
visualized by the original planners), Skytop actually began as
the idea of a few farsighted individuals in 1925. In the days
of the "roaring twenties," our nation's prosperity following World
War 1 was still at its height. There was optimism for the future,
and big plans and ideas were common.
Four men, John Stubbs, Frederic Smith, Earl Mayne, and Sam Packer
- conceived the idea of building a grand resort in the Poconos,
on a high plateau 3 miles north of the village of Canadensis.
Eight contiguous tracts of land, totaling 2,500 acres, much of
which was farm land covered with brush and stunted trees, were
purchased from local residents. A landscape architect was hired
to decide on the location of the lodge and golf course. The decision
- with the lodge overlooking Skytop Lake, picturesque West Mountain
rising intimately and clearly visible in the background, and the
grounds right outside the lodge remarkably level and free of large
trees for the construction of the golf course - proved to be perfect.
To this day, all these elements continue to provide the highest
degree of sublime scenic beauty and natural balance.
The construction of the golf course began in March 1926, and
about a year later, ground was broken for the lodge. Both were
open in June 1928. The full story of financial hurdles, construction
problems, personal doubts, dogged determination, and eventual
successful completion of this venture is related by Frederic Smith
in his book, Skytop - An Adventure, available in the Tea Room.
In this account, Mr. Smith also tells of additional Skytop projects,
such as the construction of cottages and the acquisition of the
2,000-acre Goose Pond area. This tract was added not only to enlarge
the estate, but "to provide extensive facilities for hiking through
a mountain wilderness area during all seasons of the year" and
to "foster the increase and growth of large and small game for
which Pike County is famous".
It is interesting to note in Mr. Smith's historical account that,
although golf was considered by the planners as the primary outdoor
recreational activity, hiking was also given great emphasis from
the very onset of Skytop's development. Trails to all of Skytop's
scenic areas were laid out and maps were drawn to enable the lodge's
guests to visit "places of quiet beauty and restful charm." Today
Skytop continues to invite its guests to enjoy the estate's incomparable
beauty and natural diversity.
The preceding article was taken from the book Scenes of Skytop,
The Natural History of a Pocono Treasure, which was written by
our naturalist John Serrao and published by Skytop Lodge. You
can learn more about our nature programs by visiting our nature
programs page.
