An early 20th-century photo of "The Grand Lady of the Poconos" (
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Editor's note: The following statement was posted on Nov. 3 by the owners of the Pocono Manor Resort & Spa, which was destroyed by fire.
The Bailey and Jerome families are heartbroken with the loss of our cherished Pocono Manor -- The Grand Lady of the Poconos. We didn't lose a building. We lost a legacy of dreams and decades of memories through the thousands of people that enjoyed all The Manor had to offer.
Jim Cahill, Don Snyder and the Pocono Manor family would like to thank Chief Kresge of the Pocono Townshship Fire Department. Through the valiant efforts of the hundreds of men and women firefighters -- all volunteers, I may add -- there were no fatalities, and everyone made it out safely. Over seven battalions from two states participated in trying to save whatever they could of our beautiful manor. There are not enough words of gratitude for all of them, but please note you will always have a special place in our hearts.
Thanks to the Salvation Army that was here throughout this terrible time to support everyone that was here to stop the fire.
To our neighbors, all the cottagerswho call Pocono Manor home, thank you for all of the support you offered and weare sorryfor the inconvenience you have end ured over the past few days. Our top, immediate priority is to restore all theservices that havebeen disrupted.
To the out pouring of support and concern from the Pocono Manor families, our guests and loyal customers -- we appreciate all of you thinking of us at this difficult time.
We also want to say how appreciative we are to all the people who worked at Pocono Manor to make it what it was -- they are truly remarkable people.
On behalf of Jim Cahill, Don Snyder, The Bailey and Jerome families; we share the pain of this horrible outcome at Pocono Manor. we are a agenerational family-owned company and rest assured, we will rebuild a new and spectacular facility that we are sure you will be proud of. We will incorporate this new facility with our future plans to create a destination retail and entertainment center. Our master plan for these 3,000 beautiful acres will continue. We are here to stay, so stay tuned.
Joe Jerome, President
JEMB Realty
Pocono Manor, Pa.