Sporting Art, Adirondack photograph

A crisp, clear original photo, probably silver gelatin, 10.5″x14″, laid down on board, of Paul Smith. In fine condition, it is autographed and dated Oct.5, 1904. I am told this image has not been seen before. Smith was a fabulously successful entrepreneur who purchased and developed that area of the Adirondack Mountains that now bears his name. A far sighted real estate genius, he committed to creating recreational facilities which offered luxury accommodations, fine dining, boating, hunting,entertainment  and every convenience, all in the beautiful Adirondack Mountains.Guests at Paul Smith Hotel were many of the rich and famous of the day and included four presidents. His amazing story is told in “The Biography and Funny Sayings of Paul Smith” by Geraldine Collins, a Librarian of  Paul Smith”s  College. The photographer could be Henry M.Beach.