Mountain Rest facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Mountain Rest
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The retreat's Avery Cottage, c. 1910
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 Location in Massachusetts
Location in the United States
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| Location | Goshen, Massachusetts |
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| Area | 32.77 acres (13.26 ha) |
| Built | 1902 |
| Architect | Henry Hathaway & Sons |
| NRHP reference No. | 83003984 |
| Added to NRHP | November 10, 1983 |
Mountain Rest is a special historic place in Goshen, Massachusetts. It was built over 100 years ago, in the early 1900s. This peaceful spot was a summer retreat for Christian missionaries. These were people who traveled to other countries to help others. They came here for breaks and to learn more about their work. Mountain Rest was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983. The camp closed in 1970. Later, in 1987, the buildings were changed into homes called condominiums.
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What is Mountain Rest?
Mountain Rest is found in the northwest part of Goshen. This is a quiet, countryside area in the Berkshires. It is a group of buildings on Wildwood Road. This road used to be the main way to get into the camp. The buildings are arranged around a loop in the road.
Buildings at the Retreat
There are seven buildings at Mountain Rest. All of them are made of wood. The biggest building is called Scudder Hall. It has two stories and was built in 1902. This building was a dormitory, which means a place where people slept. It was also the main gathering spot for everyone at the camp.
Another important building is Avery Cottage. This building has four stories. It has many gables, which are the triangular parts of a roof. It also shows off a fancy style called Victorian.
History of the Camp
The Mountain Rest camp was started in 1902. It was created by Dr. George Dowkontt. He was a very important doctor who helped missionaries. He also started the New York Medical Missionary Society. The land for the camp was given by Alvan Barrus, a state senator.
Why Was it Built?
The main reason for the camp was to give missionaries a place to rest. They could bring their families here between their assignments. It was also a place where they could share their knowledge. They learned from each other about missionary work.
Famous Visitors
Many notable people visited Mountain Rest. Dr. William Wanless and Dr. Ida Scudder were among them. Scudder Hall was named after Dr. Ida Scudder. Ronald and Lillian Brook also brought their family here. They were Presbyterian workers in Cameroon, West Africa. Their children visited Mountain Rest during their family breaks in the 1950s and 1960s.
The Camp's Later Years
The camp continued to operate until 1970. By this time, the need for such a large missionary camp had changed. The camp eventually closed down. The buildings were then rented out. Later, in 1987, the camp was changed into private homes. Scudder Hall, for example, was divided into separate apartments.
Images for kids
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Mountain Rest, a historic retreat in Goshen, Massachusetts.
