History

History information is some background and history about the location. This is meant to be a basic summary. Below the history records you will find sources in which you can click on to find out more information. There may be multiple history records per location.

A post-card setting of the Shawanugunk Mountains views from the distance, in a sleepy little hamlet of the historic Hudson Valley, exists Napanoch's "follies"; the Shanley Hotel. No matter where you seem to go, someone had a great time at the Shanley's and would be no stretch of one's imagination as to say " it was the Hudson Valley's hot spot too!"

From the late 1800's to the early 1900's the Shanley Hotel was a summer vacation destination and had been the resting stop on the railroad for many a weary traveler. It was the towns favorite watering hole and home for the hard workers during the D&H Canal to the Industrial age.

The original hotel was first built by Thomas Rich in 1845, claiming in the local newspaper to be 'one of the area's best with fine food and new furnishings.

In 1851, it became Hungerford's Hotel, rending that their hotel was "one of the most beautiful and commodious public houses to be found in any section of the country".

Several owners later, Adolgh Wagner, a popular landlord, bought the hotel in January of 1887. On March 18, 1895 trouble came. A house nearby caught on fire; it spread to the hotel, burning it down to the foundation. Diligently, by September, the new frame was up and in November, it was open to the public once again.

There had been many owners since than but the one who seemed to have placed The Napanoch Hotel on 'the map', was James Louis Shanley. He was born in Ireland on October (Halloween) 31,1874; and moved with his family to New York City. James and his brothers were successful business men, opening many elegant restaurants and Hotels across the country. For health reasons he moved upstate and purchased the hotel on October 1, 1906.

James Shanley was a gallant man and well loved in the community. On April 26,1910, James married Beatrice Rowley. The town turned out for an 'good old time skimmer-ton' ,with a grand parade welcoming back the honey-mooners from Washington D.C..

The Shanley's welcomed everyone, with entertainment, card and domino torments, as well as glorious parties and holding special events. In 1908 he added on a bowling alley to the building along with a billiard room and Barber Shop.

The rich and famous were also fans of the Shanleys. Thomas Edison and Eleanor Roosevelt were frequent guests and close friends. The Shanley's attended the Inaugural Ball in Washington for President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Eleanor Roosevelt took particular care on making the arrangements. In 1933, Eleanor and her friend motored from Rosco to Hyde Park, stopping at the Shanley's for a social visit.

Cheerful times were without it's hardships and the hotel had their share. Mrs. Beatrice Shanley borne three children, all of which die within nine months of birth. Beatrice was known for her high-tea's and social card parties. Extravagant perfumes, priceless jewelry, and fancy clothing adorned her petite figure. Garnished on her Victorian bed were sheets made of satin and silk. "A Lady" they would call her. Apparently, she adored children, allowing them to take their afternoon naps on her bed.Mrs. Shanley's sister, Esther Faughman, and brother in-law, John Faughman, lived in an adjoining apartment. Esther was a beautiful women with a big heart. She had existed a lonely life, yearning for her friends and family back home in New York City. Patiently she waited by the mahogany telephone booth each day wishing the phone would ring. Sadly, she died giving birth to the third child leaving her precious little girls for Beatrice and James to raise.

The hotel's Barber suffered tragedy likewise, when his 4 year old daughter drowned in the well. There were several other accidental deaths, missing persons and rumors of murder through out the years.

In 1937 the community had suffered a great lost. James endured a heart attack and died August 26th. He was an willing supporter and a generous contributor rendering a strong benefit to his town. Several priest attended to his funeral services. Among the many expressions of sorrow and sympathy sent from far and near to Mrs. Shanley, was one from Mrs. Franklin D. Roosevelt, wife of the President of the United States. Mrs. Roosevelt sent flowers to Mrs. Shanley and in a accompanying letter expressed regret that she had not known of Mr. Shanley's death in time so that she might have attended the funeral.After James death, the establishment seemed to be too much for Mrs. Shanley to handle. In 1944, she sold the hotel to Mr. Al Hazen and moved back to NYC. Strangely astonishing, Al Hazen was born and had died the same days (different years) as James Shanley.The owners of the hotel where mostly family oriented. If the hotel wasn't your home, it was definitely your second home.

Ownership has changed hands repeatedly soon after, leaving the hotel in distress. Presently, in the HISTORY BOOK OF THE SHANLEY HOTEL, are the new dedicated pioneers & family, Cynthia and Salvatore Nicosia salvaging it's glorious memories and atoning it's noble history. After a one night stay, visitors feel the same, it is their home too.

Added by: lmizenko on 01/31/2015 DB#:202
Source(s):
http://www.massparanormal.net/shanleyhistory.html