Maude Adams

This residence remains standing in Lake Ronkonkoma on the former Sisters of the Cenacle property, dating back to approximately 1880. Here is the story of the once owner of this home.

Few individuals have traversed a path as extraordinary and noteworthy as this woman.

Born in Salt Lake City, Idaho, in 1872 to James H. Kiskadden, a Western pioneer, and his wife Annie Adams, an actress. She can trace her maternal lineage back to two U.S. presidents.

Although her immediate family roots were in Mormonism, she diverged from that path. At merely nine months old, she graced the stage as a child actor. She would go on to debut on Broadway at age of 16 in 1888.

In due course, she attained the stature of an actor on par with Sarah Bernhardt, one of her era’s preeminent stage performers. By 1900, she wielded full command over her productions, commanding a million-dollar salary annually in the early 1900s. Renowned primarily for her portrayal of Peter Pan on stage, she graced countless productions on Broadway, across the nation, and globally. She pioneered stage production, crafting costumes and scenery that utilized paint to soften glare, thus enhancing the theatre experience. Introducing overhead lighting, she revolutionized theatrical presentations. This interest in production eventually led to her work with General Electric from 1920 to 1923, securing four patents for production lighting, including the creation of the largest incandescent lamp.

Acquiring 900 acres near Lake Ronkonkoma, New York, in 1894, she erected and built her sanctuary. She also owned residences in New York City and upstate New York. She spent time in France building enduring ties with the Sisters of the Cenacle. She ultimately bequeathed her Ronkonkoma estate to the sisters in 1921. She is buried at the estate, which still stands today.

She devoted years to teaching at Stephens College in Missouri from 1937 to 1950, establishing their theatre program.

She never married, but spent from 1905 to 1951 living with a woman. The woman she was buried with was Louise Boynton. They are buried in the cemetery of the Sisters of the Cenacle Convent Grounds, Lake Ronkonkoma

Who was this remarkable woman?

Maude Adams

1872–1953