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(click here
for directions)
Stella Maris is Latin for "Star of
the Sea" - an appropriate name for a spiritual landmark
located on beautiful Skaneateles Lake. It is Tudor English
architecture surrounded by almost 11 acres of lakefront property,
and is walking distance to the lovely village of Skaneateles,
New York.
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| Aerial
view of Stella Maris and Skaneateles Lake |
The mansion was built in 1879 by Frederick
Roosevelt, first cousin of President Theodore Roosevelt. Designed
by the well-known architect Stanford White, it was built in
New York City and brought to Skaneateles and assembled there.
In 1945 it was acquired by Bernice Smith from the estate of
her brother, the late Lyman Smith of the Smith Corona Typewriter
Company.
The Sisters of St. Francis acquired the property in May of
1952. They have owned and operated this property as a spiritual
retreat center for over 50 years. In 1978 the center evolved
to become a center that welcomed ecumenical groups and business
groups for conferences and workshops, as well as individuals
who sought solitude, reflection, and inspiration.
Major renovations have been implemented
over the years, with the ultimate goal of creating a space
where people can renew themselves spiritually, mentally, physically,
and professionally. The dedicated staff and volunteers who
maintain the house and grounds have remained focused on the
mission of fostering the values of hospitality, peace, and
unconditional love and acceptance to those who visit. People
of all faiths and backgrounds are always welcomed at Stella
Maris. (www.StellaMarisRetreat.org)
The Skaneateles area in central New York is home to a thriving
residential and business community, and host to thousands
of visitors and vacationers each year.
Skaneateles (pronounced Skan-ee-at'las)
is an Iroquois word meaning "long lake." It is a
16 mile stretch of one of the cleanest lakes in the country.
William Seward, a former resident of nearby Auburn and world
traveler as well as secretary of state under Abraham Lincoln,
paid Skaneateles high tribute when he called it the most beautiful
lake in the world. It's an arguable claim, as the crystal
clarity of its water is unparalleled among the central New
York Finger Lakes, and with few exceptions, the lakes of the
world.
At the lake's northern end is the picturesque
village of Skaneateles. (www.Skaneateles.com)
For generations, its town fathers have protected this lovely
village from brash commercialism, opting instead to preserve
its turn-of-the-century charm. In the historic downtown district,
shops and galleries are housed in restored buildings dating
back to 1796. Former President Bill and Senator Hillary Rodham
Clinton have been known to vacation in Skaneateles, which
is also home to the internationally famous Mirbeau Inn &
Spa. Inspired by the French countryside, Mirbeau has earned
AAA's prestigious 4-Diamond rating, as well as the Mobil 4-Star
rating. It has also won accolades across the country in consumer
and trade magazines. (www.mirbeau.com)
In nearby Seneca Falls is the National Women's Hall of Fame,
(www.greatwomen.org)
which houses exhibits honoring notable American women. The
stories of its honorees are told through portraits and photographs,
biographies, memorabilia, and soundtracks. Also in Seneca
Falls is the Women's Rights National Historic Park, which
chronicles the development of the women's rights movement.
The address for Stella Maris is 130
East Genesee Street, (lakeside of Route 20) Skaneateles.
Phone number is 315-685-6836.
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