A Little History…

One of the delightful features of the Mansion and Country House is the rich history. Angelica is one of three communities in the nation so named, and is the only one with a post office. Angelica is the oldest town in Allegany County and was, for a half-century, the sole county seat which was formed on February 25, 1805. The Village of Angelica is “A town where history lives” and a special part of its history is the Angelica Inn.

The historic building now housing Angelica Inn was originally a private residence built by Frank Sullivan Smith (1851 – 1920) and his wife Clara Higgins Smith (1854-1934). Frank was an attorney and the Receiver for Pittsburg, Shawmut & Northern Railroad. The Shawmut Depot in Angelica still stands, only a short walk from the inn and Clara’s private rail car is located at the Allegany Fair Grounds. Clara was the sister of the New York State Governor, in the early 1900’s, Frank W. Higgins.

One of the grand mansions of the Victorian period, “Sunnycroft” was completed in 1886. It replaced the Smith’s original home on the same site which burned three years prior. A glass window in the parlor, rumored to be Tiffany, is the only remaining piece from the destroyed home.

Among the home’s original features were the walk-in vault and a third-floor ballroom, with a raised orchestra podium. Frank gave singing lessons to local citizens and was an accomplished vocalist himself. While the ballroom is now long gone, the square back Steinway piano from the ballroom (the only belonging of the Smith’s that remains) can now be found in the parlor. The vault still exists and is a favorite among current guests. It is located off the first floor lobby.

Directly across the street from the Inn is the Angelica Free Library. Dedicated in 1900, the library was given to the village by Clara in memory of her mother. The third floor of the library is currently a theater in which the “Angelica Players” provide several performances a year.

The Inn’s Country House dates all the way back to 1825. Originally the building stood curbside right next to the Mansion. To improve her view, Clara had the home moved to its current location. Village lore also has it that four other homes were completely moved off of the property for the very same reason. One of the buildings is now home to the American Legion, which is located at 16 West Main Street.

When Clara died in her apartment, at the Waldorf-Astoria on March 15, 1934, Sunnycroft was left to the county to be used as an orphanage. A stipulation in her will permitted the county to sell the property if necessary. Sunnycroft would never be turned into an orphanage, but would continue as a private residence. Eventually it would be turned into a boarding house in the 1950’s. It is in the late 1980’s that Sunnycroft would be transformed into the Angelica Inn, which it has been ever since. Now a whole new generation visiting the Village of Angelica can experience the history, beauty, charm and workmanship of Mr. and Mrs. Smith’s wonderful home. As the new owners of the Angelica Inn we are proud to call it home too.

~ The Zobrist Family, Innkeepers