We at Woodfield Manor have welcomed visitors from all of the east coast, mid-west, and south-east since opening our doors in Febuary of this year.  So far the farthest traveled guests have been from Wisconsin.  Until this last weekend,  on  Saturday we were treated by the arrival of two cousins Carol, and Judy from Houston Texas.   As soon as they opened their mouths, you knew they weren’t from around here, that Texas drawl was unmistakable and very welcome to our ears.  These two young ladies were the hit of the night at Woodfield happy hour on Monday night in the Manor Bar.  When our entertainer, Chuck Paul, passed out his song list of some 414 songs, they were agast that “The Yellow Rose of Texas” wasn’t to be found.  And they let him know about it in no uncertain terms.  As the evening wore on the rest of our guests really warmed to these two southwestern charmers.  I don’t think they paid for a drink the rest of the night.  The remainder of the week they kept us on our toes with their quick wit and bubbly personalities,  making more friends as the days passed.

    Well our Yellow Roses have left us now, vacation over, to return to the flatlands of Texas.  We would like them to know that the mountains of Pennsylvania will welcome them back any time.  Girls, the Poconos are magnificent in the Autumn of the year.  Just a hint!

   Summer is offically here.  The Summer solstice was celebrated last Friday, June 20th.  One of the more dramatic aspects of the warmer weather is the occasional thunderstorm.  Most people are not to fond of the result when a cold front collides with in place warm air, however there are those of us who enjoy the “fireworks”.   On Sunday, storm lovers were treated to one of natures’  more violent displays.  The skies blackened,  the winds rose, heavy downpours of rain preceeded hail stones the size of peas, distant rumbles of thunder became loud crashes, and then it happened.   A bolt of lightning struck one of Woodfields’ stately Pine trees.  The top of the tree took the initial brunt of the electrical shock, but as the energy traveled toward the ground, strips of bark three feet in length flew from the trunk.  In a split second, the heat generated by the strike had heated the water in the tree to a vapor, and the expanding steam caused the skin of the tree to burst. 

     Now the tree lovers among us must  wait to see if this beautiful conifer will survive its’ encounter with  Summer’s fury.   Our landscaper, Chris Lipfert, informs us the next three weeks will tell the story.  Most he says will not live, the damage done internaly will eventually show as  needles turn brown and fall to the ground, signaling the trees’ demise.   Perhaps our magnificent pine  will prove to be the exception.  We can only watch and hope.

Woodfield Manor: Keith Wolfe

   Many of our neighbors in the area surrounding Woodfield Manor have been gracious enough to stop by  for a visit to welcome us to their community.  The visit can take place over dinner in our Chophouse Restaurant, while enjoying a cocktail in the Manor Bar, or just polite conversation in the lobby.  but wherever the setting one topic of discussion always comes to the forefront, the history of Woodfield Manor.  Two of the more knowledgable quests we have entertained are Mr and Mrs. John Layton.  Johns family for generations have owned a property just up the street from us called the Ace Store.  Last week the Laytons ate diner in the Chophouse, as is their habit, and presented us with some old  photocopies of Woodfield Manor in it’s earlier days.  The photos show our building from several angles, all pictures are of an era of about 100 years ago.  In those days the Inn was called “The Antlers”.   It is fasinating to view these images in contrast to the present structure. 

    We will gladly display these photos for all history buffs to enjoy.  It would be wonderful if any of our  neighbors who may have similar treasures concerning our building would stop by to share their memories. 

Joanne Wolfe, Woodfield Manor

   The reception area at Woodfield Manor has added a new attraction.  Mr. James Hillestad, a renowned Historian and expert on miniature figures, has presented us with a diorama showing Woodfield as it would have appeared in an earlier era.  The lighted display uses an enlarged photo of the Manor as a backdrop with a  vintage automobile and several period figures enjoying a quiet summers day.  The mood of the diorama will change with the seasons, all at the skillful hands of Mr. Hillestad.

   James Hillestad and his wife Carol own and operate the Toy Soldier Museum in Cresco, Pa.  The two-story building contains dioramas featuring miniature figures caught in action battle scenes, such as Vicksburg, Yorktown, and San Juan Hill.  Other displays, some of which are more than 20 feet long, are hand built to be as historically accurate as possible.  Some of the scenes dipicted are a coronation at Buckingham Palace, and the streets of New York in 1902.  The displays change according to the whims of the owner, and there is always a work in progress.

    The museum is open daily, but call ahead to confirm hours, and for directions.  Our guests can call at 570-629-7227 or go on line at www.the-toy-soldier.com

  The Pocono Mountains, long considered “The Honeymoon Destination” in the country is living up to it’s reputation this week at Woodfield Manor.  No fewer than five newlywed couples are spending their Honeymoon vacations here with us.  We won’t mention their names so that their privacy is secure.  We know how family and friends sometimes feel it’s fun to show up with the desire to help celebrate the post wedding, we don’t think our guests want to be disturbed.

   We are planning on hosting our young lovers at tonights’ “Happy Hour” so that they can mingle with their fellow honeymooners and our less starry-eyed guests.  Hopefully the feeling of love will be contagious.  Come to the Poconos and fall in love again.

Keith, Woodfield Manor

  The Pocono Mountains are ready to play host to thousands of race fans this weekend as the NASCAR Pocono 500 is slated to be run this Sunday, June 8th.  The Track at Long Pond will be busy with preliminary events all weekend leading up to the big race.  Every year the race weekends are a boon to all area businesses.  Here at Woodfield, all of our suites have been reserved weeks in advance.  Our Chophouse Restaurant is fully staffed for the expected added influx of hungry fans both before and after the 500 mile event.

  So come to the Poconos and cheer for your favorite driver or race team.   Before the race stop by Woodfield Manor Chophouse to enjoy our Sunday Champagne Brunch, from 10:00-3:00, or after the event for dinner till 11:00pm.  Hope your car wins.

   We are pleased to announce that Woodfield Manor has hosted our first Wedding Reception.  A small private affair was held to honor the marriage of Diane Williams and Michael Stewart.  The newlyweds were toasted by family members in our window lined private dining room.  Following a Champagne toast, all attending were able to order their own meal selections from the Chophouse Restaurant regular menu.  A feast of soups, appetizers, salads, and entrees, followed by desserts was enjoyed by the happy assemblage.

  The Owners, Management, and Staff of Woodfield Manor wish a lifetime of health and happiness to this delightful young couple.

   Things are greening up at Woodfield Manor.  The pool area has been spruced up with the addition of  evergreen trees around the perimeter fence.  The placement gives added privacy from the outside and a more natural feel for the sun worshippers and bathers enjoying the summer weather.  The next few days  will see additional landscaping improvements as 43 tons of stone and  new plantings  will be in place surrounding the pool area.

   Other areas at Woodfield are also taking on a green look.  A cut flower garden has been cultivated and seeded.  The result, in future weeks, will be “home grown” flower arrangements adorning the public areas in the Manor as well as the tabletops in the Woodfield Chophouse Restaurant.  There are plans for more landscaping and naturalization projects to come.  Our guests have been asked to add their comments and ideas to our green project.  We would love to hear from any past visiters to Woodfield Manor for their thoughts on our “green look”.

Although Summer doesn’t offically begin until June 20th., summer like weather came in like a lion last evening at Woodfield Manor.  A strong storm front pasted through at about 6:00PM yesterday, May 31st., bringing strong winds and heavy rain.  The winds felled power lines and the result, candlelight  dinning at the Woodfield Manor Chophouse Restaurant.  We had about 40 guests enjoying their fine dining experience, when Mother Nature decided to make the evening a romantic adventure.  As Chophouse staff placed lighted candles on each table, for just the right amount of soft illumination, the dining rooms took on a look of quiet elegance.  The guests seemed pleased and all went smoothly thereafter.  The old saying that you “can’t fool Mother Nature” perhaps should be changed to, we can always “learn from Mother Nature”. 

      Keith Wolfe, GM, Woodfield Manor