The Archives

In 1991, Edward Cope “Ted” Jenkins—grandson and son of Buck Hill Falls founders—gave impetus to the Buck Hill Archives, a collection of community memorabilia. Delightful brochures, historical documents and photographs of a bygone era are among the printed matter filed by category at Barrett Friendly Library.

Three-dimensional items—or what librarians refer to as realia—are housed in Kerby Library in the west wing of the Buck Hill Tennis Club. One of the gems is a lantern that inspired the archives’ logo. Originally carried when walking to and from the Inn at night, the candle-lit lantern was donated by Betty Karge Jenkins in 2001.

At Cresco Station Museum, a collage and an 1882 painting of the lower falls by DeWitt Clinton Boutelle have been exhibited since the museum opened in May 1999. Loaned Buck Hill souvenirs can be seen in rotating exhibits, and a coffee grinder from the old company store has been set up on the counter of the “country store.” In other locations, trophies and photographs are displayed at the Buck Hill Falls Company office, and skis from the former Ski Lodge have been hung on the chimney at Paiste Pond Activity Center.

A book written for the settlement’s centennial in 2001 brings the early cottage community to life by making use of vintage post cards from the archives plus thirteen other collections. Check out the book from Barrett Friendly Library or purchase it from the Buck Hill Golf Club Pro Shop.