Bald Mountain House is no more. It was one of the great Adirondack hotels filled with visitors from around the world. Unfortunately, what replaced it is a collection of trailer homes that have not surprisingly failed to live up to the standard set by the grand old Bald Mountain House. There was an iron archway that stood at the lakefront welcoming guests to the Bald Mountain Colony. The iron archway is still there, but there is nothing much beyond it to remark on. Tuesday, December 05, 2006
Bald Mountain House
Bald Mountain House is no more. It was one of the great Adirondack hotels filled with visitors from around the world. Unfortunately, what replaced it is a collection of trailer homes that have not surprisingly failed to live up to the standard set by the grand old Bald Mountain House. There was an iron archway that stood at the lakefront welcoming guests to the Bald Mountain Colony. The iron archway is still there, but there is nothing much beyond it to remark on. 
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What is funny is that for each time I've been there, I've had nothing but the best time. Almost every single person I've met over the last couple of years has been nothing but enjoyable and gracious. Whether I'm hanging out on someone's deck or just laying in the hammock, I have nothing but nice words to say about the Bald Mountain Colony.
ReplyDeleteWhat is funny is that for each time I've been there, I've had nothing but the best time. Almost every single person I've met over the last couple of years has been nothing but enjoyable and gracious. Whether I'm hanging out on someone's deck or just laying in the hammock, I have nothing but nice words to say about the Bald Mountain Colony.
ReplyDeleteI am a member of the barret family, whom founded the hotel. I have wonderful memories of growing up there. my home is furnished with many pieces of original furniture from the hotel. Pieces of of still exist. The dance floor and bowling hall are still there in the current colony, as are a few of the out cabins offered. A few of the original sheds and boathouses are there also. The bowling hall is now my personal bar, and arcade. My home is on the property, as i own the current bald mountain colony as my great great grandfather had. The colony is full of nice people, however nothing can top our place. sadly, it had to be sold due to the fact that people did not want to be in a hotel anymore, they wanted separate homes that they could leave their stuff in, and come and go. For those of you who read this, thank you.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, the USHMM has a photograph of an ad for the house which explicitly says: "Applications from Hebrews mot desired"
Deleteme again from the barrets, its tagged as first lake, its on 3rd.
ReplyDeleteMy family has a nice little trailer in Bald Mountain Colony. It is a area that is rich in history and a place where we make memories every summer. My children look forward to it all winter long and it is the topic around our dinner table every night. What a place to have grown up in. The view is priceless and the other camp owners are like family. The Barrett's are the nicest people and love the history that has surrounded their family for generations. I have had the pleasure to live all over the country but I must say that there is no place on earth like the Adirondacks. It was Gods gift to show us that unbelievable beauty can emerge out of a long bitter cold winter. Third lake is quaint, Bald Mountain Colony is quaint, and the hamlets of Old Forge,Inlet, and Eagle Bay are quaint. Please don't miss a visit to Old Forge, treat yourself to a slice of heaven.
ReplyDeleteThe author of the website has got to understand that the Bald Mountain House served a huge void during a time when big city families longed for an upscale vacation in at beautiful adirondacks. But today the Barrett family gives working families that same excitement through a campground camping experience. What a brilliant idea to remind everyone of the Barrett families tradition...an outdoor setting where families can get away from the hustle of the cities. It seems to be one big family amongest the camp owners. Friendships and lifelong memories are made every day. This is what the Bald Mountain House offered in its "hay Day" and it is exactly whay the Bald Mountain Colony offers today. Times change but the clean air and cool waters at the Bald Mountain getaway stayed the same.
DeleteDon't judge a book by its cover. Bald Mountain Colony has a tired old Recreation Hall, a small beach area, little to no amenities for children, but the most breathtaking view that you could ever imagine. I have found that the neighbors are friendly and helpful. I found that the owners are kind and accommodating. Its a place to read a book on a rainy day, plant some flowers in the spring, take an early morning canoe trip in the fall, or do a little fishing. A great variety of restaurants surround the colony and you are center to everything. For the last 3 summers a pair of loons called trird lake home. The giggling loons, a family of fox, geese, mallards, and deer that will eat out of your hand are simply things that you can't get in the city. Bald Mountain Colony must have been incredible in its day, but its charm and character has never left. See for yourself....you will be amazed what God has given us and how he tucked it away in a mountain.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great place to enjoy the best view in the adirondacks. Bald Mountain Colony doesn't have a lot of amenities but is a great place to relax and make some memories. The residents are helpful and friendly. Watching the antique boats go by is worth the trip. The weekends are busy with people who need a break from city life. Truly a gift from god!
ReplyDeleteMark Twain once wrote that the coldest winter he ever spent was a July in the Adirondacks. The cool mornings , beautiful days, and crisp nights at Bald Mountain Colony is a perfect way to spend a summer. I love the quiet weekdays but look forward to the busier weekends. What a wonderful place to spend a summer, The campground is situated perfectly between Old Forge and Inlet. And is an hour and a half from Lake George or Utica. The adirondacks is the most beautiful place to be in the summer & fall.
ReplyDeleteI love Third Lake! Truly the gem in the Fulton Chain of Lakes. The lake is like glass in the morning and it seldom has rough waters. Bald Mountain Colony is an ideal location to enjoy the adirondacks. It features a great view of the lake and mountains. The air is so clean and the evening sky shows thousands of stars. We spent many summers and have had many wonderful family memories. Even the rain has a soothing way of relaxing everyone. Nothing like listening to the rain hit the camp roof while staring at the lake. The Barrett's truly enjoy the campers and carry the adirondack tradition on as their family has for years. The Fall on Third Lake might be the most beautiful place anywhere. The colors, the cool mornings, and the smell of the leaves is perfect for a scenic boat ride. Where else can you get your mail delivered by boat:>)
ReplyDeleteThird Lake is beautiful this time of year. Fall is bringing the brightest colors. You should see the fall leaves from a boat. Then you'll appreciate the adirondacks.
ReplyDeleteWe enjoy Bald Mountain Coloney every summer. Really nice views of the Lake and mountains. A perfect place to relax. Not a very kid friendly campground but thats what the Enchanted Forest is for I guess.
ReplyDeleteIt's October 1st. Sure do miss the beautiful colors of fall in the Adirondacks. I had the pleasure for several years to wake up and see the early morning reflections of the leaves on a mirror like lake. Time to get ready for winter after a great summer. See you next summer:)
ReplyDeleteThe Adirondack Park is god's Country. Simply, God's ountry. I love the smells of the Adirondacks. The smell after a rain. The smell of a campfire. The smell of the leaves changing as fall arrives. The smell of the lake as the sun comes up. The smell at sunset as the air cools off.The scent of pine. The smell of the lake as the ice melts in the spring. The smell of the camp as you step in it after a long cold winter. God blessed NYS with a little piece of heaven.
ReplyDeleteFunny how quickly we forget about the below zero winters as soon as the first warm day comes along. That six week summer is worth anything. It is God's Country.
ReplyDeleteIs there a bad view anywhere in the Adirondacks? I dare someone to find one. The prettiest place on earth.
ReplyDeleteThe mornings are getting colder and colder. Fall has quickly passed through. Here comes winter.The summers are so short and every year I tell myself that I am going to make it a point to enjoy every summer day.To listen to the rain hitting the roof top.I just forget to stop and smell the pine. take those early morning canoe rides. count the stars in the sky. Watch the fish jump at the fireworks over first lake. Maybe next year.
ReplyDeleteFrom what I understand the Bald Mountain House was one of the jewels of the Adirondacks. The Barrett family is continueing the tradition set forth by their family. We enjoy our visits to Bald Mountain Colony and Third Lake. Where tradition makes memories....
ReplyDeleteI challenge anyone to take a drive through old forge, through Eagle Bay, and to the Woods Inn for dinner while viewing the water. After receiving fabulous service, a fantastic meal, a chilled glass of wine, a picture perfect view, and that adirondack peacefulness, you we want to sell everything and live the content lifestyle that God offers. I have sat for hours on the dock of my Third Lake home and felt those stress levels drift into the tall pines. God must have really fely generous the day he painted the adirondack. Flawless!
ReplyDeleteIf you love hiking, fishing, biking, canoeing, skiing, water sports then get to the Adirondacks. Its what your body is calling for, what your spirit needs, and your heart desires to calm the soul. At any age...
ReplyDeleteWe went to Orlando last week. Walking around Disney World we saw a flock of mallards. My daughter yelled out, " those are the ducks from camp" I said how do you know? She said she recognized them by the purple marks on there neck. We are already saving oul bread, bagles, buns, cereal,crackers etc fot camp season 2011. Our lakeside duck diner will be open in June this year. We are counting the days. And I'll have the boat filled up and ready to cruise.My children will alway remember the endless fun at 3rd lake and our little lake getawy.
ReplyDeleteGoing to camp reminds me that life can be simple. Sleep late, eat a stack of pancakes from Keyes Pancake House . Roll into your boat and dock at an Island on 4th lake. Swim hike and BBQ on that Island. Across the lake to Dakersfor or the Northwoods Inn for the special of the day. No rushing to 10 meetings in a 14 hour day. No employee relations problems. No facility needs. no...nothing! Just nice friends, affordable food, clean lakes, tall pines, wildlife , clean fresh air, and a slower pace that lets you fall fas asleep. Summer, hurry up and get her.
ReplyDeletewe enjoy our summer up at bald mountain on third lake. we love the enchanted forst water safari. We love to have visitors and see our family. We love to take a boat ride, feed the ducks, have a campfire, and go fishing.My brother and I love to watch the fireworks in Inlet. I can't wait for next summer.
ReplyDeleteDMB Age 7
I have always found the Adirondacks to be the most peaceful place in the country or maybe even on earth. Have you ever sat in a comfortable chair, looking out over the lake and watching the snow fall? How about listening to the rain hit the roof in the spring? Watched the lightning and count the thunder in a summer storm? I can't leave out the unmistakable giggle of the loons in the early morning.Or starring into a campfire after a day on the lake? I sit in my favorite adirondack chair and watch the people on the lake, wait for the mailboat, or watch the folks on the tour boat go by. And I can't help but feel so thankful for the blessings the lord has given me. The adirondacks makes all your troubles disappear into the mountain range. Enjoy it any Ol' season.
ReplyDeleteIt is very cold this time of the year but the snowmobiling is great.
ReplyDeleteI,too, am a member of the Barrett family (our name is correctly spelled with two t's at the end). By the early 1960s, the demographics of the Adirondacks had changed, as air travel to Europe had become popular as an alternative summer vacation choice. One by one, most of the grand old central Adirondack hotels folded, including the Bald Mountain House.
ReplyDeleteIn that era, tent and RV campgrounds such as KOA were becoming popular, so as an alternative livelihood for the family, it was decided to go the campground route.
My grandmother, Lillian Barrett--an elegant, gracious and well-educated lady--was alive to witness the hotel's demise. When people asked her if turning the hotel grounds into a campground troubled her, she said she was gratified that ever-more people would be able to enjoy the beauty and tranquility of the location. And that's exactly what has happened.
I remember your grandmother and your grandfather Earl both were very nice people. I loved my time spent at the hotel. I used to hang with Chuck and we had a great time swimming boating and loving third lake. Great memories I'll never forget Barrett's Bald Mt. House. Thank you Barretts..
DeleteLess than 4 more months to Bald Mountain Campground opens.....Im ready! Boy can I go for a nice boat ride with the best view on the planet.Of course, my evening will end with a campfire and something cold to drink.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to a beautiful summer on Third Lake. Hope mother nature feels the same way.
ReplyDeleteThe Adirondacks,Old Forge, Third Lake and Bald Mountain Colony lost a great friend this week in Chuck Barrett. When I think of Bald Mountain Colony I think of Chuck & Sandy Barrett. The memories that Chuck, Sandy, and the whole Barrett family has provided will carry on for generations. Our prayers and thoughts go with Chuck and his family. On behalf of my family , thank you Chuck you will always have a place in our hearts.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful summer we are having in the adirondacks this year. Bald Mountain Colony has never looked better. Everyone feels the loss of our friend Chuck but we are fortunate to enjoy the campground that he his family have built. Sandy is carrying on the traditions of the Barrett family.
ReplyDeleteThe Families that make up the community of Bald Mountain Colony have been the cement that built the foundation for future generations. Friendships have blossomed and created new family links. A truly unique environment. Kids and Grandkids of original families that have patronized the park over the years all embrace growing up Adirondack. New generations will continue to come to the colony to experience the same experiences that help to influence their parents lives. Wealth and riches are often perceived differently by those who have been deprived the opportunity to stop and see, smell, hear, taste and just plain love..... Who are you and what will define your quality of life? I already have a great insight on my life. Thank you ADK..... I love it all!
ReplyDeleteA special heartfelt thank you goes out to Sandy Barrett for all she does and her continuing support of our special community. She truly is preserving and continuing the Legacy of the Barrett name as well as Bald Mountain Colony! God Bless Chuck Barrett you are missed and will always be loved.....Amen.
perfectly stated! The Barrett family can be proud that they continued a tradition that their family has promoted for many years.
DeleteThe previous post was so well written. Thank You for sharing your thoughts.
ReplyDeleteI was not around during the "hay days" of the Bald Mountain House. So much is given to these great camps & hotels. So little is given to recognize the families who owned and managed them. I have had the pleasure of knowing Chuck Barrett and his father. Nicer folks you will never find. They truly loved the area the lived in and the seasonal families that come to the colony to relax and escape the busy cities. Residents come from all over the country to experience the magic of the Adirondacks , the beauty of the lake, the friends made over the years, and to get back to what was once a simplier lifestyle. I commend the Barrett family for preserving a little slice of history and heaven.
Our friend Chuck is gone but Sandy continues to keep the longtime tradition as a tribute to Chuck and the family. Many thanks to Sandy.
Another beautiful fall. The colors were perfect. BMC is closed for the season. Enjoy the hoidays everyone and we will see you in the spring.Stay warm over the next 7 months. May can't get here soon enough....
ReplyDeleteGetting ready to open the camp for the season. To catchup with friends that we look forward to seeing every spring. BMC is a part of our lives ,and the memories that we have are priceless. Getting ready to enjoy everything that the lake & mountains have to offer.
ReplyDeleteBeen a resident of the Colony for 46 years. I know the
DeleteBarrett family well, and am especially fond of the job that Sandy is doing. Many friends there and can't wait to open camp again. Nothing like a summers day at camp, finished by a relaxing campfire. Old Forge summers are great!
Caution Suggested. Although the Barrett family still owns the property and the residents are great, this is not the same Colony as described in other posts. Dick left us many years ago and now that his son Chuck also passed on, there is a notable transition in progress. Management under Chuck's wife Sandra has been an complete failure and she is absolutely the worst host there could be. Recently a new part owner has taken over the Colony and it does not look good for residents who purchased the rights to sites/camps involving significant capital. The new part owner/manager William Barnes presenting himself to be an attorney is not registered in New Your State. He is in the process of evicting tenants through not renewing yearly leases. Only select tenants will remain. The transition that you will see is an attempt to reduce the scale of the camp, remove water access to docks owned by residents and create a marina on 3rd Lake. This will require significant legal action by residents and a restraining order should be placed on these actions as legal action is processed, environmental impact is completed by the EPA/DEC and other organizations provide input. New York State, Herkimer County and the Town of Old Forge also have a stake in these actions identified by Barnes. ADK and any active members should be very wary of this attempt to develop this property. I post this from the position of concern for the impact this will have on the beauty and accessibility of all the Fulton Chain Lakes.
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ReplyDeleteCaution IS suggested - in believing blog posts containing mostly misinformation. I am William Barnes, and thank you for getting my name correct. I have included my name, as this is how a post starts if you are going to write truths and are willing to discuss them. It would appear my name and the references to Dick and Chuck are about all the correct information that is here. I knew Dick, was a close friend of Chuck for over 20 years, been coming to BMC for almost 30 years and I am Sandy's cousin. I am not an attorney and have never suggested that I am. I have partnered with Sandy to help be sure that BMC remains a campground for many generations to come. For anyone that thinks this running a campground is easy, you are mistaken. Sandy took on the role of 2 people when Chuck died and the campground is still here because of her work. I have spoken with some of Barrett family and they are also aware of our plans. Nobody has been evicted, no leases terminated. I am reviewing the campground and the amenities to improve it and keep it functioning as a campground while trying to keep as much of the historical feel as possible. Through this I will review all aspects of the business and will review the campground with all governing agencies to ensure longevity. So far it has only been zoning, and we have not been given any direction to do anything now. My first area will be to improve safety and then on to several improvements in the campground including infrastructure and more kid friendly areas and activities. I have spoken with many of the people in the campground and explained directly what the vision is and how we get there....together. My email is bill@baldmountaincolony.com ... Feel free to contact me with questions, comments and constructive ideas. It is encouraging to see so many positive posts and fond memories from all the different generations of operation. It is discouraging that one misinformed person with a libelous post (I am still not an attorney) is getting so much attention. I normally would ignore this type of thing, but it has been pointed out to me that some have become concerned because of it. I hope to keep all the positive people in the campground for many years to come!
ReplyDeleteThank you! Bill
Boo to you for having the Testa family remove The Blues Brothers statues! Sick and tired of people like you. Sell the place to someone who will appreciate said statues and leave them be!
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