History

Whether they are among the first houses constructed during the earliest development of Buck Hill Falls in 1901 or are more recently built, all the family homes — large and rambling or more modest — are called "cottages." All the cottages are built with family comfort in mind; most have cozy fireplaces, screened porches and open decks, well-planned grounds, towering trees and special views. Many of the cottages have four or more bedrooms so that several generations may comfortably share summer vacations and special holidays. Happily Buck Hill Falls is a place where friends and family gather to share experiences and build traditions.

It took less than a year from the time Philadelphia Quaker Samuel Griscom inspected the wild land he had just inherited to the development and sale, in 1901, of the first 43 lots in Buck Hill Falls. Griscom had sold the land to his friend, Howard M. Jenkins, editor of a Philadelphia newspaper, and to a group of prosperous Philadelphians, for their families and others. It was an opportunity enthusiastically seized and enlarged upon. And, it was not long before the families of well-to-do New Yorkers joined the community. It did not take long before the energetic Buck Hill Falls residents sought to improve their recreational options.

These early Buck Hill Falls residents were a sophisticated, educated and nature-loving group. They were devoted hikers and eager picnickers who relished the splendid forests and sparkling streams. But it was soon apparent that something must be available for those rainy or chilly days that may plague even a paradise such as Buck Hill Falls, so a library was established almost at once. This was immediately followed by the creation of an adult nature club, and another one for children where canoeing, hiking and nature lessons were given. Then, in short order, other facilities were built: a golf course (1907), a swimming pool (1908), and tennis courts (six by 1913). Also in 1913, Buck Hill Falls was one of the first resorts in the area to offer winter sports, such as skiing and tobogganing. By 1922, horseback riding was offered. Nine years later, lawn bowling — now a well-established tradition — was introduced.

Today, of course, all those early facilities have been upgraded and expanded, so that Buck Hill Falls is a true year-round resort and home community. It boasts a 27-hole golf course with a clubhouse, a tennis center with ten Har-Tru courts, an Olympic-size outdoor pool, and championship lawn bowling greens. And, many of the special and cultural activities begun by the early residents are also still popular. These include the Buck Hill Art Association, which sponsors painting and crafts classes and exhibitions; the Buck Hill Falls Conservation Foundation, a nature group that plans early morning walks and other activities; and the Fox-Howe Association, which, since 1925, has sponsored a fascinating series of weekly concerts, informative talks and other culturally-enriching presentations. Traditional celebrations, such as the 4th of July parade, are celebrated every year as well.

Today, just as they did more than a century ago, the Buck Hill Falls residents pride themselves on fostering family traditions and closeness. Whether they are full-time residents or use their homes for weekend and vacation getaways, the owners still enjoy and value the simple life first envisioned by Buck Hill Falls' founders over a century ago.