This is an interesting question. I'm guessing that the chain of lakes is probably what is now known as the Essex Chain of Lakes, recently acquired by the Nature Conservancy  from Finch, Pruyn and soon to be bought by New York State and added to the Forest Preserve.  I did not know there had once been a hotel there; I have seen references to a hunting camps. At the time TNC bought the parcel from Finch, Pruyn, it had been under lease to the Gooley Club for about 60 years, with similar arrangements going back the late 19th century. Members of the Gooley Club have been bitterly opposed to state purchase because this means their camps will all be demolished and what had been their exclusive preserve will be open to the public. 

The quoted description sounds like it's from a period guide book or perhaps a guide published by a railroad co. I'd try the series of guides published by E. R. Wallace (all my books are still in boxes after a recent move). Or the guides published by the Delaware and Hudson RR, which operated the line from Saratoga Springs to North Creek.

cheers,
phil

Philip G. Terrie
Professor Emeritus, American Culture Studies and Environmental Studies
Bowling Green State University

115 Northview Rd.
Ithaca, NY 14850
810-300-5311
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Sent: Saturday, December 01, 2012 9:55 AM
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Subject: [NYHIST-L] Chain Lakes question

Hi Everyone,

I have a friend looking for the source of this article. I don't know where it came from and thought perhaps one or more of you might recognize it.

Les Buell
Buell's Educational Consultants
Programs for schools and adult groups on Civil War/19th Century medicine

Remember when we talked about the article about my great grandfather's hotel in Chain Lakes? I have copies of an article about the prices, dates, and menus at the hotel, but I cannot find out what magazine or book the info is from.

It states:  "Tucked away in such a remote part of the Adirondacks, that few persons know of its existence is one of the most beautiful and picturesque places in the mountains.  "Seven Chain Lakes" is situated in Hamilton County nine miles north of tIndian Lake village, and twenty-seven miles from North Creek, the nearest railroad station, consisting of, as the name implies, a connecting chain of lakes, and within from 1/4 to 3 miles of which ten other lakes and ponds all accessible by mountains".  '
The article goes on to talk about the seasons for hunting and fishing, and ends with: "The rarity of the atmosphere insures absolute freedon to hay fever patients, but special request is made that no one suffering from pulmonary trouble apply for accommondation."
There is also a page listing a menu, camp prices and boat rentals.
AW