Until about five months ago, I lived in Redlands, California, a locale well known to the Smiley brothers, famed for creating Mohonk Mountain House (“Rock Steady,” Autumn 2022).
During my three years in Redlands, I was a docent at Kimberly Crest House & Gardens, built by Mrs. Cornelia A. Hill, who lived in Middletown, New York, not far from Mohonk, and improved upon by subsequent owner John Kimberly, co-founder of the Kimberly-Clark paper company.
In 1887, with the Hudson Valley resort closed for the winter, Alfred’s son Frederick ventured to Southern California and, 62 miles east of Los Angeles, came upon Redlands, with its salubrious weather and spectacular view of the San Bernardino Mountains. In 1889, Frederick prevailed upon Alfred, who had rheumatism, to visit Redlands to see if its climate might alleviate his condition. Soon, Alfred had convinced Albert to join him in Redlands, and together the brothers created Canyon Crest Park, an estate that became the Smileys’ winter home.
The beautiful gardens, open to the public, annually attracted thousands of tourists to Redlands. The twins led an effort to fund and build a library and donated parks and public spaces beautifying the growing city, giving fellow residents opportunities for culture and enjoyment that continue today. Smiley Heights, among San Bernardino County’s most affluent neighborhoods, and the A.K. Smiley Memorial Library, arguably still the county’s finest, honor the memory of the brothers, who both died in Redlands — Alfred in 1903, Albert in 1912.
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