The earliest documentation we have is a guest sign-in book dated July 3rd, 1913, when we were known as the North View House (presumably, because of the spectacular view to our north). It was also an operational farm (our nightclub doesn't look like a barn for nothing - it was the barn!).
We operated as Sky Hi Lodge through the 50s, 60s and 70s. Our Cherry House, cabins, and the pool have been around the entire time (in fact, there was a second Cherry House - behind the one remaining - that burned down). The Deluxe rooms were added in the 60s. Like most small resorts in the Poconos, the hey-day was the 50s and 60s - as folks escaped the big cities for the cool country air. Air conditioning and affordable air travel led to a decline in the industry. In fact, Sky Hi Lodge had ceased operation by the late 70s. Laura Irish and Georgeann Moses were vacationing in the Poconos and, sitting on a porch, soaking in the beauty of nature, thought aloud that the area would be a wonderful place for a gay and lesbian getaway. That very same weekend, they went driving around the area and came upon what was to become Rainbow Mountain Resort. Laura and Georgeann opened Rainbow Mountain Resort in 1981. Over the years, they made countless improvements to turn the seasonal facility into the year-round getaway it is today. The next time you're here, set for a spell in the Lobby and travel back in time to the early days of Rainbow Mountain compliments of a bevy of scrapbooks.
We are deeply indebted to Dr. Bob from Mount Sidney in Virginia. He was but a wee tyke when he and his family vacationed here between 1943 and 1950, when it was known as Frederick's North View Farm and Lake House. The photos that follow were taken between 1943 and 1948. During one of those visits, Dr. Bob's dad helped put the first coat of paint on the inside of the pool, so that its use could be expedited.
A view of the pool looking toward the northeast.
A view of the pool looking toward the northwest.
Similar view, but from the Patio.
Looking west toward the pond and barn.
Same view, a little closer.
