Because I am teaching a class on Lily Dale History, for the past few months much of my time has been spent on the computer typing or with my nose in a history book.
I have become obsessed with sifting through many tidbits of information relating to the creation of, maintenance of, and history of the special community I call home, Lily Dale. I have been so immersed in my subject that I am living and breathing the history. Like a good cup of tea, I have been steeped in it. For with each new fact, I find myself looking at Lily Dale and the surrounding area with new eyes.
As I drive home to Lily Dale on Glasgow Road, I see the space where the trees are not growing (the large swath cut between the trees next to the road that I thought were for power lines) and know now "that is where the train rumbled on its tracks toward Lily Dale, bringing people from far and wide to experience spiritual upliftment."
Turning the corner onto Dale Drive, I envision the train depot on the left where only trees and tall grasses stand now. I clairvoyantly see its long platform big enough to accommodate eight traincars and its occupants. And the boat launch transforms into the three story Iroquois Hotel brimming with life, dancing, and laughter. As I cross the bridge over beautiful Cassadaga Lake, I see the old planks that were there for crossing to "the Island" where so many picnicked and enjoyed Alden's Willow Lake Grove before Lily Dale was officially established.
I pass through the current Lily Dale Assembly gate and see the "C.L.F.A" sign and the "City of Light" sign arch overhead. And I enter into a world of bygone days, of Victorian men and women celebrating the pioneering spirit --- working with hands and bodies to clear the land and build houses, working with minds and souls to create a space for Spiritualism and spiritual learning. They were paving the way for us, for mediumship, for spiritual healing.
As I slowly drive the streets to my house on North Street, the tall old trees of the Leolyn Woods whisper and I hear the voices of the past sharing their visions for the future and my heart lifts in glorious song to meet it - I am Home, in a place between the worlds and of the worlds.
For those of you who are coming to class on Wednesday night, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich history of Lily Dale too! May you be inspired and illuminated to share in the joy of this place!!
I have become obsessed with sifting through many tidbits of information relating to the creation of, maintenance of, and history of the special community I call home, Lily Dale. I have been so immersed in my subject that I am living and breathing the history. Like a good cup of tea, I have been steeped in it. For with each new fact, I find myself looking at Lily Dale and the surrounding area with new eyes.
As I drive home to Lily Dale on Glasgow Road, I see the space where the trees are not growing (the large swath cut between the trees next to the road that I thought were for power lines) and know now "that is where the train rumbled on its tracks toward Lily Dale, bringing people from far and wide to experience spiritual upliftment."
Turning the corner onto Dale Drive, I envision the train depot on the left where only trees and tall grasses stand now. I clairvoyantly see its long platform big enough to accommodate eight traincars and its occupants. And the boat launch transforms into the three story Iroquois Hotel brimming with life, dancing, and laughter. As I cross the bridge over beautiful Cassadaga Lake, I see the old planks that were there for crossing to "the Island" where so many picnicked and enjoyed Alden's Willow Lake Grove before Lily Dale was officially established.
I pass through the current Lily Dale Assembly gate and see the "C.L.F.A" sign and the "City of Light" sign arch overhead. And I enter into a world of bygone days, of Victorian men and women celebrating the pioneering spirit --- working with hands and bodies to clear the land and build houses, working with minds and souls to create a space for Spiritualism and spiritual learning. They were paving the way for us, for mediumship, for spiritual healing.
As I slowly drive the streets to my house on North Street, the tall old trees of the Leolyn Woods whisper and I hear the voices of the past sharing their visions for the future and my heart lifts in glorious song to meet it - I am Home, in a place between the worlds and of the worlds.
For those of you who are coming to class on Wednesday night, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich history of Lily Dale too! May you be inspired and illuminated to share in the joy of this place!!
Comments
Blessings, ~Willa