Written by: Ron Nagy

Category: History Topics

Published: February 20, 2010

A History of Cassadaga Camp.  Compiled by W. H. Bach, Lily Dale, N. Y., and Presented as a Premium to the Patrons of The Sunflower.  Lily Dale, N. Y.: The Sunflower Print, July, 1899.

The Cassadaga Campmeeting is located at Lily Dale, N. Y., on the Dunkirk, Allegheny Valley & Pittsburg Railway, midway between Jamestown and Dunkirk, N. Y.

It consists of a tract of fifty-two acres, covered with a growth of fine shade trees, principally Maple, Beech, Birch and Hemlock.  It is located on one of the four Cassadaga Lakes, three being connected by channels that are navigable.

The grounds are divided into blocks by nine streets running east and west and three running north and south, besides the foot paths through the parks.

There are three parks.  Melrose, between the Auditorium and the entrance, Lincoln, extending from the Auditorium north, past the Grand Hotel and around the shore of the lake to the Bowling Alley and Electric Light works and Caldwell in which swings, croquet grounds, etc.; for the amusement of the younger generation can be found.  These parks are filled with flower beds, nice grassy lawns, beautiful shade trees, settees and all that goes to make a delightful summer resort.

Of course, the feature of Cassadaga Camp is its Lecturers and Mediums.  People come from all over the United States and Foreign Countries to spend from a few days to the entire season in order that they may learn the lessons that are taught from its platform.

No attempt will be made to give even a partial list of the names of individuals who have aided Cassadaga Camp to reach the position it now occupies.  Neither will an attempt be made to give the credit for its successs to any set of individuals.  Every visitor has added his or her mite towards its consummation.

In considering the receipts, it must be understood that they represent the receipts from all sources.  Money taken in for all privileges, sale of stocks and bonds, money borrowed and donations.  This money has been expended in beautifying the grounds, buildings, etc., in constructing roads and pathways, buildings, filling in low places, putting in a sewer, electric light and water works system, as well as to meet the expenses of the yearly convocations.

With heartfelt thanks to all who have aided to make this book possible and with the fervent wish that it may be the means of giving a better idea of one of the prominent gatherings of the Spiritualists, it is presented to the Patrons of THE SUNFLOWER, by

THE PUBLISHER.