By Louisa Finn, fourth generation Smiley family member
Episode #5: Testimonial Gateway
Quaker testimony is best understood as the public witness of an inward faith of both individual and community. It is the consequence of one’s relationship to God and the outworking of that relationship in one’s life. – Eric Moon, Friends Journal
The magnificent Testimonial Gateway set at the foothills of the Shawangunk Ridge was for 50 years the entryway to Mohonk, at first by horse and carriage (a 2 ½ hour trip to the hotel) and later by car. Bestowed upon Albert and Eliza Smiley for their 50th wedding anniversary in 1907 by their devoted Mohonk guests, the gateway cost $20,000–$500,00 in today’s dollars– collected in contributions of as little as $10 by more than 1,200 people. Since 1980, the gateway has also served as logo for Mohonk Consultations, a non-profit organization started by Keith Smiley, seeking solutions to local and global concerns through dialogue at Mohonk.