The landscape was open, the forests cut clear.

Virgil was known for his explosive temper and dedication to hard work.

His wife, Caroline, outlived him and sold the property in 1889 to a group of wealthy gentlemen called the Saranac Club, who expanded the tradition of wilderness hospitality.

It cost 25 cents to have a boat hauled over the carry then, Yardley said.

CARRY CLUB

Use of the site rose and fell with the times.

The main buildings burned twice before a final reconstruction that became a camp around 1952 for Banker's Trust employees called Pyramid Carry.

Will Rogers Sanitarium leased the property from 1965 until 1968, when the Yardleys returned.

Photos from the family's personal collection chronicle demolition by hand of several buildings.

Some structures damaged beyond repair were burned in practice fires by the Saranac Lake Fire Department, Yardley said.

The original property had 12 lodges, she said, some named after forest trees.

In 1972, the first guests arrived to the restored Bartlett Carry Club, which was later sold into cooperative ownership.

The idea since has been to "honor and preserve the things we had brought back," Yardley said, "in a place where Virgil and Caroline might not mind staying."

RETREAT