Pieces of the Past
Artifacts, Documents, and Primary Sources
from Letchworth Park History

1930's Brochure for the Glen Iris Inn

Harry A. Beardsley was the Inn Keeper for the Glen Iris from 1932 to 1947. During that time he had printed this advertising brochure for the Glen Iris Inn and Letchworth Park. The image to the right is taken from that brochure and is shown in the original color. Be sure to note what it would cost to eat or stay overnight at the Glen Iris in those days!

The complete brochure is shown below. The text is reproduced under each image.

 

Caption and text for the above image, clockwise from top right: Glen Iris Inn, stately home of William Pryor Letchworth, Donor of the Park; Roadway in Letchworth Park; Great Gorge Suggesting "The Yosemite of the East"; Indian Council House, moved from Caneadea to the Park. It was here that the last council fire of the Senecas was held; Middle Falls, From whose vari-colored spray, Glen Iris takes its name; Lower Falls of the Genesee at Letchworth State Park.

Caption and Text for the above image: Main Text: Beautiful Letchworth Park with its waterfalls and canyons is the scenic gem of the Genesee Country. Here will be found a diversity of scenery to fit every mood- mad plunging falls, deep cut gorges where the ages have written their history, great trees with their "leafy nests", and quiet secluded spots where all the world is akin.

This park, which is under the jurisdiction of the Genesee State Park Commission, was presented to New York State in 1907 by the late William Pryor Letchworth who resided for many years on the brink of the forested gorge, his home, Glen Iris, having derived its name from the rainbows often seen in the mists rising from the falls.

The park has an approximate area of 6,000 acres and is steadily being enlarged. At present it is some fifteen miles in length extending from the Portageville entrance to the Mount Morris Highbanks.

Old Indian trails lead to the resting place of Mary Jemison. "The First White Woman of the Genesee". Every hedge and by-ways breathes the lore and legend of those long ago days when the Indians called the spot home and where the last council fires of the Iroquois embered a requiem. (The rates listed below this text is shown at the beginning of this page.

Scenes at Beautiful Letchworth Park: (Top View) Denton Point. View from Archery Range; (Middle Text) An ever changing vista greets the eye, typical of virgin forests, hill and dale, flashing, foamy white waterfalls, and the Genesee river, a silver ribbon, shadow-flecked and glimmering. (Bottom Row) South Entrance to Park; Gorge View; Mary Jemison Statue.

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