Cliff Haven History:
Catholic Summer School

Timeline:

	1892: Catholic Summer School opens in New London, Connecticut.
	1892: Smith Weed opens Plattsburgh Theatre with seating for 1,000 (Clinton & Marion Streets).
	1892: Judge John B. Riley and Smith M. Weed obtain option on Armstrong Farm from D&H Railroad for permanent site of Catholic Summer School.
	1893: Catholic Summer School comes to Plattsburgh for its second session to last three weeks. Classes are offered at Normal School and Plattsburgh Theatre.
	1894: Summer session returns to Plattsburgh village and expands to four weeks. Pope Leo XIII blesses the Catholic Summer School efforts and encourages their continuation.
	1895: Six week session held in village. Major construction of buildings underway in Cliff Haven.
	1896: Cliff Haven campus opens with six week session. Trolley service from village available for 10¢.
	1897 & 1899: President McKinley visits Catholic Summer School while vacationing at Hotel Champlain.
	1899: Round-trip trolley service and admission to lectures costs 25¢.
	1902: Session expanded to nine weeks.
	1908: Session increases to 10 weeks

A century ago, Cliff Haven was home to the Catholic Summer School.  From 1896 until the start of World War II, a "refined Catholic life" was offered which included lectures and recreation for thousands of attendees.

The size and scope of the community were truly astounding.  According to Allan S. Everest in his article for the 1992 edition of The Antiquarian, "the Summer School had its own railroad and trolley stations, a dock large enough to accommodate the lake steamers, athletic grounds including a golf course, and its own post office, laundry, barber, telephone and telegraph services. An extensive program of sports included boating, swimming, golf and tennis."

In 1897, the School was visited by President McKinley while he was vacationing at the Hotel Champlain.  President McKinley returned to the School in 1899 while once again vacationing at Hotel Champlain to deliver a one-hour speech on the Constitution and the American flag.

Other public figures to visit the School included President Taft, Vice President Hobart, Congressional Speaker Joseph Cannon, and Theodore Roosevelt as Governor of New York.

	Read "Hallowed Heritage" from the February 24, 2002 Press-Republican.
	Read "Cliff Haven Catholic Summer School of America" by a son of John Cronin, the CSS Postmaster (author's full name is unknown).
	Read "History of Cliff Haven, PartI: A talk given to Home Dem by John Scully"
	Read "Catholic Summer School fondly remembered" by A. B. deGrandpre, from the 11/3/02 Press-Republican.

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