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The Rap-Shaw Club, Some History and Information
The club was started in the late 1800’s by a group of businessmen
from across New York State. Their intentions were to have a sports
club for hunting and fishing. A guide was hired and a club lodge
built up past Burnt lake. It became a place for men to hunt, fish
and retreat from the pace of business, city life and the maddening
world of their time. In the early years, members arrived via the
Adirondack Railroad and then by canoe and overland to the back
country. In the 1940’s, after a fire at the old lodge, the club
acquired its current location on Stillwater Reservoir.
Over time, spouses and children were included in the journeys to the
club. It became a place for the whole family to be together and
experience the great outdoors in the Adirondacks.
Now the Rap-Shaw Club is situated on private islands in Stillwater
Reservoir, within the Adirondack Park, in the midst of large tracts
of state lands including areas to be kept Forever Wild. The club
facilities, mostly on the larger island, consist of five cabins, a
dining hall, connecting trails, a waterfront with docks, beaches
around the island, and a boathouse. A sixth cabin is perched on the
peak of the smaller island.
Meals are served family style, three times a day, in the traditional
style dining hall. The staff consists of a steward, cook and house
staff.
The club also has an Adirondack Lean-to, hand built of native logs
in the authentic design. With its stone fireplace and its open front
facing sunrise, it stands ready to provide a camping adventure in
the manner of the traditional shelters once found along the
back-packing trails of the Adirondack Park.
Nowadays, members still come to Rap-Shaw to enjoy the Adirondacks,
as families, couples and with friends. For most members, hunting has
been superseded by boating, hiking, quiet enjoyment of the
surroundings, and yes, plenty of fishing! Many members enjoy just
staying at camp, playing horseshoes, shuffleboard or just reading a
good book. A "Great Room" in the Main Camp is often the setting for
afternoon gatherings. In the evenings, members often gather for a
campfire on the beach or at the campfire circle.
Today, Rap-Shaw members and guests are establishing family
traditions alongside members whose parents and grandparents enjoyed
and sustained the club in decades past.