NEWSLETTER
Saratoga Springs, N.Y. - To celebrate Women’s History Month, the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation will present an evening virtual program "Sarah Smiley: From Mohonk to Saratoga" on Thursday, March 27 at 7pm, with Louisa Finn and Nell Boucher. Learn more about Sarah Smiley, a trailblazing 19th-century Quaker preacher and abolitionist, who was the most famous member of the Smiley family and built a seasonal residence at 166 Excelsior Avenue, a designated Local Landmark.
Sarah Smiley was an evangelist who made news across the country when in 1872 she spoke before a mixed congregation of men and women. She insisted that women could study and interpret the scriptures independently of men. Her preaching took her across the United States and Europe, and she authored three books. She also participated in conferences, including the prestigious Mohonk Conferences on International Arbitration, which sought to promote world peace. Presenter, Louisa Finn’s Smiley ancestors took stewardship of a ten-room inn on Mohonk Lake, 100 miles south of Saratoga Springs, in 1869. They enlarged the business to what is today a 262-room historic resort nestled in the Shawangunk Mountains near New Paltz, New York https://www.mohonk.com/ .
Sarah Smiley built her seasonal residence at 166 Excelsior Avenue in Saratoga Springs in 1872. It is a rare example of Gothic Revival architecture that reflects the picturesque designs promoted by Andrew Jackson Downing in The Architecture of Country Houses (1844). The cottage is an example of its architectural style and a significant historic resource in Saratoga Springs, and it helps to share Sarah Smiley’s story. Her cottage was later owned by Charles Brackett, an award-winning film producer and screenwriter, who frequently collaborated with Billy Wilder. Their collaborations include “The Lost Weekend” and “Sunset Boulevard.”
Louisa Finn is a fourth-generation Smiley family member. She grew up in the Hudson Valley, frequently visiting Mohonk where her grandmother lived. She is committed to preserving the land, philosophy, and ideals of her Smiley ancestors. She is a practicing speech/language pathologist, a reading tutor, and a published poet. Louisa will be talking about her great-great aunt, Sarah Frances Smiley, who arranged to build the cottage at 166 Excelsior Avenue in Saratoga Springs. She will be joined by Nell Boucher who is the in-house historian and archivist at Mohonk Mountain House who is knowledgeable about the history of Mohonk Mountain House, including its architecture, past events, and historical records. Nell plays a vital role in preserving and sharing the rich history of the Mohonk Mountain House.
“I'm excited to highlight Sarah Smiley's history, especially with the help of her own family member. Their connection makes this program even more meaningful for everyone involved. It is our hope that this program raises awareness for the need to preserve this important landmark,” said Samantha Bosshart, Executive Director of the Foundation.
The virtual program will have a suggested donation of $10 and will be hosted via Zoom. To register, please visit www.saratogapreservation.org or call (518) 587-5030. All registrants will receive a Zoom link in advance, as well as access to the program recording.
Founded in 1977, the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation is a not-for-profit organization that promotes preservation and enhancement of the architectural, cultural, and landscaped heritage of Saratoga Springs.
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CONTACT:
Sydney Hedge, Preservation & Programs Coordinator
Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation