- Written by: Ron Nagy
- Category: History Topics
- Published: March 11, 2010
Fox Cottage Burns: by Arthur Myers
September 21, 1955
Four o’clock in the morning, September 21, 1955, I sit here in my home staring dejectedly into emptiness. I have just witnessed the end of a cottage. An era has ended, and historical relic important to the whole world has been consumed by outlaw yellow flames. An international shrine leveled in a few short minutes to the category of memory. The Fox Cottage is no more.
In the still of a clear cold night the ravages of fire reduced romance, history, tradition and pride into glowing ashes and scattered dust, we can but weep. At half past three this morning a motorist on the main highway, a mile from Lily Dale saw the glow of fire in the sky. Quickly he drove to the Dale, up and down the quiet streets, tooting the horn of his car. Lily Dale is a quiet place and at that time the motorist had difficulty rousing the residents. Quickly the fire alarm sounded and our fire dept, along with the fire department of Cassadaga, fought valiantly to save the cottage, but to no avail for the fire had too strong a hold. Only blackened portions of the front and side walls remain and a wealth of precious relics and mementos are lost forever.
- Written by: Ron Nagy
- Category: History Topics
- Published: March 5, 2010
Tryphena Colton Pardee
January 18, 1813-February 16, 1905
Gerry, New York
Mrs. Pardee starts with a brief summary of her early life:
I was born in the town of Newstead, Erie County, State of New York. My maiden name was Tryphena DeLong the oldest of nine children, six girls and three boys, on the 18th day of January 1813.
My mother’s maiden name was Mary Edmunds of the town of Dudly, Worcester County Massachusetts. My fathers name was Martin DeLong. His parents lived at the time of his birth somewhere near Albany, New York but died when he was quite young.
Many are the bitter tales of his wanderings over the friendless homeless world.
My parents were among the early pioneers of the Holland Purchase on the Town of Erie (afterwards called Newstwed) Erie County New York. Our home was a log house, (and in that humble house the nine brothers and sisters were born) and our education was acquired in a log schoolhouse, and how sacred are the memories of that humble childhood home———–
Mrs. Pardee, a Spiritualist, lived to a very old age and wrote poetry. It seems she wrote obituary poems to the families of those who had lost loved ones. She taught school as a young woman.
Mrs. Pardee was a proud self-sufficient woman who humbly supported her self by writing poems for The Sunflower newspaper in her later years. In her early years her penmanship was flawless and as her years advanced one can notice the loss of eyesight and steadiness of hand.
- Written by: Ron Nagy
- Category: History Topics
- Published: February 23, 2010
It is in regard to this guide, Azur (the helper) the well-known guide of A. Campbell, that we, the undersigned, do approve of this article and append our names to it.
Azur (the helper), as he is often known, has been the principal guide of A. Campbell since his development as a medium until the present day. About six years ago the Campbell Brothers were fortunate enough to receive a portrait of him through their own mediumship. Their work has progressed and has become what is now termed the finest art. It has long been their wish to receive another portrait of him, which Azur promised to give. He directed them to procure a canvas 40×60 inches, and appointed the evening of June 15,1898, for the sitting. We, the undersigned, were invited and attended the séance for the production of the portrait. On the evening mentioned we met at the cottage of the Campbell brothers on the hill and proceeded to their Egyptian séance room. Across the bay window at the end of the room was a large silk curtain, where stood a small table and the canvas, 40×60. Each one in turn went up to the canvas and magnetized it by passing his hands over the surface. We then place whatever marks we pleased on the back, some placing names, some numbers, some marks to suit their fancy. Mr. A. Campbell then invited one of the circle present to sit with him in the impromptu cabinet and the silken curtain enclosing them; each member in turn sat within the cabinet with Mr. Campbell. Each time the curtain was withdrawn we saw the partly finished picture of Azur. During the entire séance there was light enough for us to see everything perfectly and note the gradual growth of the painting on the canvas. Mr. A. Campbell was entranced and Azur, using his organism, gave us some very beautiful words of welcome and lessons of a higher order. He spoke of the stars and their significance, which we fully understood afterwards.
After some music some additional lights were brought, the curtain withdrawn and lo! The picture was complete. It presented Azur with arms uplifted as in the act of speaking and fully life size. While we were admiring it, there came at the back of the head a six-pointed star, which is now distinctly seen.
We believe this to be the finest production the Campbell brothers have ever received, taking size and quality of work into consideration. Those who in the past who have been fortunate enough to receive portraits of their dear relatives or friends, can well imagine the pleasure it gave these mediums to receive this portrait of their loved Guide. We were much pleased to witness this marvelous production. Words cannot describe this work of art; so the Campbell brothers are having photogravures (cabinet size and 8×10 inches) made, with remarks from Azur printed on the back, and will place the same on sale at reasonable prices. Everyone interested in Occultism should avail themselves of the opportunity to get one. These pictures are protected by copyrights. The time of sitting was one hour and thirty minutes, and the figure is three-quarters size, reaching to the knees, but full life size.
The Campbell brothers have just moved into their new cottage at the entrance to the grounds, Lily Dale, N. Y., where they have fitted up large and comfortable séance rooms, also an artistic gallery for the exhibit of their Spirit Portraits. It will be free to visitors during certain hours of the day, and the portrait of Azur will also be on exhibit there.
Precipitated Spirit Painting of Azur the Helper
We the undersigned were present at the production of the above portrait and are pleased to affix our signatures:
Emma Prendergast
Abby L. Pettengill
Helen M. Sage
Sidney Kelsey
F. Gorden White
- 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.