View of Locust Grove House, Arkville, Catskill Mountains, N.Y.
The Locust Grove House was a popular boarding house at the small hamlet of Arkville in Delaware County. According to a 1915 advertisement, the Locust Grove was described as “delightfully situated in Catskill, ½ mile from depot; ideal refined Summer home; beautiful grounds, large verandas; abundant shade; fine trout fishing and bathing on premises; pure spring water; sanitary improvements; hot and cold baths; no mosquitoes or malaria; pleasant drives; piano; organ; telephone; croquet, tennis; good State roads; accommodates 70; unexcelled table; $10 up.”
A 1938 advertisement described the Locust Grove as “beautifully located in Catskill Mts. On main highway. Elev. 1800 ft., modern, hot and cold water every room. Excellent table. Own Dairy, farm products. Dancing, bathing, fishing on premises. Bus stop front of house. Rates $16-$18. Special for June.”
In 1950 a long-time owner of the Locust Grove House passed away. “Gracious Hostess of Former Days Dies. Mrs. Katherine Clancy Kelly, widow of Hiram B. Kelly, one-time owner of Locust Grove house at Arkville, died last week Wednesday at the age of 102. Her funeral was held Friday at the Gormley funeral home in Phoenicia, thence to the St. Francis de Sales church in Phoenicia where a high Mass of requiem was offered for the repose of her soul. Interment was made in St. Mary’s cemetery. Her death took place at the home a niece, Mrs. Thomas McGrath in Albany, where Mrs. Kelly had made her home for a few years.
Her husband died more than half a century ago. He was proprietor of the Locust Grove house. After his death his son by a former marriage, Eldridge Kelly, took over the property. It was operated by Mr. and Mrs. Eldridge Kelly, and Mrs. Katie Kelly as the subject of this obituary was familiarly known.
The two ladies and Mr. Kelly operated one of the most hospitable winter homes and summer boarding houses in this part of the Catskills. Parties, teas, dinners, cards were a constant round. An invitation to the Locust Grove was much sought because the hospitality of the three Kellys was known over a wide area.
Mrs. Kelly also took part in community activities. She was a Rebekah, member of the Eastern Star and other organizations. After the death of Eldridge Kelly, the two ladies spent considerable time in travel. They passed the winters in Florida and visited many interesting places. They were called by their friends, “the travelling Kellys.” The advent of their return was an anticipated event.
After the sale of the Locust Grove in 1921 the two Mrs. Kelly moved to a bungalow in Kelly Corners and lived there until the fatigue of declining days made them seek care at the homes of relatives. Mrs. Eldridge Kelly lives with a sister, Mrs. James Schanck, in South Orange, N. J.” (“Gracious Hostess of Former Days Dies.” Catskill Mountain News. August 4, 1950.)
The postcard was published by Mrs. H. D. Todd of Arkville. The postcard was never mailed.
