Ron Nagy's Blog

Historian • Author • Spiritualism

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INSPIRATION STUMP
I have attached pictures with an early progression of Inspiration Stump. Gretchen Clark was writing an article in 2007 for Light Bridges magazine and I gave her some of my information to add to what she already had. She wrote a beautiful article and I have attached that also….
Just a few time line dates: Since the late 1870’s, mediums from the Alden Grove spiritualist meetings used the area of Inspiration Stump for practicing their mediumship. They possibly walked the old trail from the Alden Grove that now joins the woodland trail. Most likely the tree was at it’s full height when it was hit by Lightning before 1899, then cut, the old rot dug out and then cement filled.
The tree was possibly a hardwood. The inner rot was eventually cleaned out. [notice the picture with the small child] pped flat–probably circa 1899…. Around 1933 the steps were added along with the first memorial stones.

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To a visitor who has never before beheld, or taken part in such a scene, a Spiritualistic camp meeting produces an indescribable feeling of strangeness and bewilderment, which scarcely allows him to determine whether he is under the influence of pleasure or pain. The gatherings are so vast, the scenes so new, and each member of the busy crowd seems so intent on pursuing his own special avocation, that a sense of loneliness, even of desolation, such as if often experienced by strangers in thronged cities, almost invariably possesses the sensitive mind. Gradually, the multitude of objects crowding in upon view on every side, arrange themselves into order, and then the sight is one of endless interest and amusement. To a lounger passing through the various groups, some arranged in picturesque knots at the tent doors, others reclining beneath shady trees, or stretched out upon grassy knolls, the fragments of conversation that meet the ear are as curious and heterogeneous, as the objects that appeal to the sense of vision. From the first peep of day, the campers are astir, lighting gipsy fires, preparing breakfast, and trading with the various hawkers who ply with their provisions regularly through the white-tented streets. After the morning meal, visits are exchanged, and the business of the day proceeds with as much energy and order as in the cities.
The preceding statement has always challenged me as to how all these people came here with tents, cooking utensils and the things they needed to camp here. Most people came here by train and how was this transported by passenger trains. I have always felt that the things needed for the campers was rented here. I have never brought up this subject because I like to be able to prove what I say. The attached picture is not absolute proof but I feel deeply we had a place that rented whatever was needed. This picture was a tin type I copied from a friend. Look at the tall wide white building in the background and the covered wagon in front of it. I believe that was the place where things were rented for the campers and then taken to the campers’ lot.
 

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The Chronicles is a who what and when early history of Spiritualism and the people who were involved at Lily Dale in the beginning years. Every outstanding activity of the growth of Spiritualism and the beginning events at Lily Dale are highlighted including the “free thinker” philosophy and the Woman’s Suffrage movement.
My friend and mentor Joyce LaJudice had over 200,000 words of written and cataloged information. I wanted Joyce and I to have it published in its entirety. She said it was not readable—meaning it was too long and contained too much information. Joyce passed over in 2005 and I wanted to leave some legacy to Joyce’s memory. So I pondered those 200,000 words and came to the conclusion that the complete history should be published for the historical content it contained. I edited, deleted in some places and added comments for easier understanding. This book is for the historian and researcher and also a tribute to our previous historian Joyce LaJudice.
This book is available on Amazon and an e-book is also available. http://amzn.to/2ldHncJ

List Price: $24.95
7″ x 10″ (17.78 x 25.4 cm)
Black & White on White paper
320 pages

 

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An Elder in our community has gone to the Summerlands. For those of you who do not Know, RAYMOND BUCKLAND was the man who brought Gardnerian Witchcraft to the new world from England in the 60s. He was apprenticed to Gerald Gardner, kindred back to Dorothy Clutterbuck… it tied him to the very foundations of modern practice quickenening his work with alignments to the likes of Crowley, Israel Regardie, the origins of Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. Be awed children! He brought to this new world his own BOS, Seax-Wica. When Daughters of Isis opened a staple on our shelves was his Complete Book of Witchcraft. He was and proved a loving allegiance to his Romany blooolines, the wanderer within him I do not doubt is enjoying wind in the face at probably over 90mph in a hot convertible somewhere in Summerlands joyously driving it down a road in glory = his new NOW. Ray was above all, a Kind Gentleman. And in humanity’s terms of living and being…. that is the finest accomplishment any Witch can achieve. Prolific author, teacher and founding curator of the American Museum of Witchcraft, Ray worked to bring Witchcraft to any who sincerely sought it as an expression of healing, achieving their goals and creating community. Be awed children. Be awed. Many might consider him the original American import of British spiritualism. Above and Below, whenever you dress a candle, charge the herbes, program a crystal, understand you do so with intimate threads of energetic awareness opened up by Ray… and today’s altar should be dedicated. Dearest brother Robat, feel our connection and know we shall hold you in our Traditions as long as long exists. The atheme, the chalice, the flame, the altar are for you today. A loaf of fresh bread, the season of salt tied to a bottle of rich red wine with a bright red ribbon I will imbibe this evening with you. Goddess blessed Ray. For all that he brought this time. Merry Meet, Merry Part and Merry Meet Again.
#raymondbuckland #SeaxWica #witchcraft #summerlands #elders #witchcommunity

 

Ron Nagy's Blog