Sky Valley began in the late
40's when my Mom and Dad came to Bartlett from Chestertown, Maryland. The business
started as a fifties style motor court with little cabins. It was one of the first
cabin courts to have a radio and electric blankets in each unit. I remember
when TV's first became popular we had little black and white sets with a coin mechanism
that allowed about an hour of viewing for 25 cents. The cabins were
first-class for the time period.
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The photo below shows Sky Valley about 1952. The big Elm Tree
got knocked down by a big Hurricane in the mid 1950's, The current Apartment "A"
Sunshine Apartment, and The Homestead Kitchen Apartment "B" are visible in the
center of the picture, with what looks like a huge fence in front of it with a gate big
enough to drive a car thru. All the little cottages are gone except for the one at the
extreme right side of the page, currently used as a storage shed. The stone fireplace and
chimney on the cabin at the far left are still there today and used as a picnic spot. My
family lived in the house in the center of the picture. When I was about thirteen I
had a chicken coop in there someplace.
One striking difference is the TREES...The views of the
mountains were completely un-encumbered. My dad planted all the birch and maple
trees that decorate the property today. In 1951 there was no pool, no motel units and this
picture is taken from about where Chalet #3 is today.
Since the nearest restaurant was in North Conway in 1955 a
modern office, restaurant and gift shop were added to the business. A pool, the
likes of which had never been seen in the North Country, was also incorporated into the
design.
Here's my big brother, and his favorite swan dive, maybe 1961, (remember,?, that was the
upside down year....) As you can see, the pool had no filters in those days.
Perhaps 1960, looking west from the office building towards the
Apartments. Mt Carrigain in the center background.
There use to be a stream running along the front of the property.
In the spring it usually flooded..
It Looks like We had more snow in the "old days". Maybe
we just piled it up higher? This picture is from about 1955.
This is Alan Eliason, the founder of Sky Valley,
enjoying a warm day in March 1957. It may appear that he is not wearing a bathing
suit, but I can assure you that he IS! Hey, this is a family place you know!
When I showed my Dad this picture he said "he had no recollection of ever being so
foolish"
Sky Valley in November 1964 . I was a Sophmore at Kennett High
School in Conway at the time.
These Pics
taken in Feb 1969.
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I'm stuck in a time
warp, you'll have to go along on your own.
since August 1, 2004. just curious to see how many folks are
getting to this page.