Tenth Annual “Beacons of History” Awards Held

BEACON – The Beacon Historical Society presented its annual “Beacons of History” awards on Nov. 5 to a group of individuals and a business that have made substantial contributions to Beacon and helped to preserve its history and sense of community. It was the most successful installment to date of the ten-year tradition, raising more money to support the non-profit’s operations than ever before. More than 200 people attended the friend- and fund-raiser at the historic Roundhouse event space. The 2026 recognition was presented to:

Individual Honorees:
Beacon Historical Society Volunteers of a Half Century
On May 5, 1976, a group of 20 people interested in Beacon’s history gathered at the Mount Gulian homestead to discuss formation of a historical society to preserve Beacon’s heritage. Now, 50 years later, the dream of those charter members, all of whom have since passed away, has blossomed into a dynamic, active organization with a repository that holds tens of thousands of historical documents, photographs, books and artifacts. Displays, lectures and special events held throughout the years have also served to raise awareness of the city’s fascinating past. Thanks to thousands of members and the devotion of hundreds of volunteers through the last half century, the organization has made a difference in how the Beacon community remembers its past and sees its future. The evening served as the official 50th anniversary celebration for the Society.

Organizational/Business Honoree:
Mirbeau Inn & Spa
The exciting restoration and adaptive reuse of the Tioronda Estate was cause for great celebration this year! Built in 1859 by community benefactors Joseph and Eliza Howland, the home had been uninhabited for a quarter century before Mirbeau visionaries Linda and Gary Dower (who built their first inn and spa in their hometown of Skaneateles in 2000) purchased it for revitalization. Located on 64 mountainside acres, the property now features 72 guest rooms and a luxurious 25,000-square-foot spa. The firm’s estimated $73 million investment was the largest in our city’s history. Tioronda was designed by noted 19th-century architects Frederick Clarke Withers and Richard Morris Hunt; importantly, many of its most significant features have been carefully restored. These include the Hunt Music Room and Terrace, as well as a massive 58-pipe musical organ installed in 1873. The landmark was also the location of the renowned Craig House Hospital from 1915 until 1999, when it was shuttered, awaiting a new destiny that finally arrived in 2026 thanks to Mirbeau.

“We congratulate these worthy honorees. We’re also deeply grateful to the local businesses and residents who supported this event to celebrate Beacon’s past and future,” said Historical Society President Denise VanBuren. In celebration of its 50th anniversary golden jubilee celebration, the Society premiered a 15-minute video describing the history of the Mt. Beacon Incline Railway. Look for it on the Beacon Historical Society’s website and Facebook page. It is hoped that the program will be the first of a BHS series of “We Remember” videos exploring various chapters of the city’s past.