Big
Moose, New York (April 21, 1924)
The groundwork for Covewood's
history begins with the Adirondack Great Camps and
the influx of tourists into the Adirondacks in the late Nineteenth
Century. Big Moose area tour guides like Henry Covey and Jim Higby did
much to open the region to interest from the "civilized world" ,
but the vision from which Covewood Lodge sprang belongs to Henry's son,
Earl Covey -- |
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The
vision of Covewood as a woodland retreat combining superb craftsmanship of native wood and stone with a harmonious
and relaxing atmosphere inspired the late Earl Covey
throughout his younger years. Here, amid his beloved
trees close to the clear waters of Big Moose Lake, he
dreamed of building his ideal structure - a dwelling as
faultless and handsome as human hands could fashion where
guests could come to play and enjoy themselves.
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This image was so
firm in Mr. Covey's mind that in 1924, after laying the
foundations of Covewood, he could proceed and complete the
building without a single blueprint. Plain brown wrapping paper
sufficed for rough sketches of arches, bedrooms and closets.
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Having
spent his boyhood days since 1888 at Camp Crag on Crag Point halfway
across Big Moose Lake, Earl Covey knew the woods intimately. There he
searched for posts, beams, slabbing, and other lumber needed to build the
main house.
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| Hand-colored
postcard circa 1930s |
The Main Lodge
after porch post replacement in the late 1990s |
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The graceful arch between the living room and foyer is a natural one found
after months of combing the forest. No steaming or processing was used to
shape it. At Covey's mill, then located by the Big Moose River outlet
south of the bridge, the trees were cut and proportioned. Stones for the
fireplaces, foundations, and road were obtained from around the river's
outlet.
The symmetrical round stone in the foyer's mantel came from the Covewood road
at the top of the hill. Only the stone for the living room hearth
came any distance -- hauled from White Lake at the southern edge of the
Adirondacks. It took four weeks to build this fireplace.
Just a note on some of the
buildings at Covewood -- Mary Alden -- the
honeymoon cottage -- was originally a playhouse for Covey's daughter, Mary
Alden. Outlet was once located near the
old mill on the river's bank to house the mill's foreman. Henry
Covey used to be Mr. and Mrs. Covey's house and later Mr. Covey's
father's. A farmer who attended the garden lived in the cottage Hill.
The Early Covewood Years . . .
Early guests at Covewood live the
life of simplicity and rustic nets. Electricity was provided by Delco
plant in a huge cooler and an icehouse Garden -- grown to produce fresh. Other
supplies had to be brought him by the pickle boat from the general store at the
far western end of the lake since the rotate Eagle Bay was treacherous and
difficult to travel. The train provided transportation in and out of the
Adirondacks. Water came from Mountain Springs, as it still does.
Social activities were numerous
despite the poor transportation, strict hours, and close surveillance. For
years, no lady was permitted to smoke at Covewood! Covey planned steak
suppers, camp-outs, songfests, moonlight walks, hiking, boating, and horseback
riding at Darts or Lakeview Lodge.
Church services, now held in the
beautiful Big Moose Chapel, were held right in Covewood's living room.
Best of all, were the weekly square dances with Covey calling the dances.
Mr. Covey never intended to part
with Covewood, but due to poor health he was forced to sell. Miss Gladys
Bourner took over the Lodge and carried on in Covey style. In 1952, Miss
Borner sold to C.V. (Major) Bowes, Jr., a postgraduate of the Cornell
University Hotel School.
Under Major's continuing care,
none of the natural beauty, serenity in congenial company has changed.
Apartments in the Lodge, a children's program, beach, modern kitchens in the
cottages, and new furnishings have been added. In 1964, Major purchased
the Buzz Point Estate just across the outlet. The cottages on Buzz Point
were remodeled for housekeeping and connected to the main Covewood property with
the footbridge. This picturesque point adds new beauty and dimensions to
Covewood Lodge.
Another big plus -- guests
can now enjoy Covewood in all seasons. Many cottages are insulated
and heated for winter living. From seeing the spectacular fall foliage to
cross-country skiing, photographing deer, or simply toasting in front of a
roaring fire, Covewood offers an incredible number of unforgettable
experiences. Covewood in the fall or winter can't be beat. Whatever
the month, the same charming hospitality are ready to welcome you to this unique
mountain resort.
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