Lily Dale Assembly: No One Dies in Lily Dale

Situated in the town of Pomfret in Southwestern New York State, not far from Lake Erie and surrounded by 144 acres of registered old growth forest, sits the historic hamlet of Lily Dale.

The main gate of Lily Dale Assembly is set upon one of the seven energy vortexes located in the town.

Incorporated in 1879 as a summer retreat open from June to August and offering a camping and meeting place for the Freethinkers and Spiritualists, Lily Dale was originally named Casadaga Lake Free Association after the lake in which it rests upon. In 1903 the name was changed to The City of Light, and the name once again changed for the third and final time in 1906 to what we now know it as today, Lily Dale. 

Casadaga Lake in the town of Pomfret, New York

I’m sure there are a few of you who are reading this who are unfamiliar with what Spiritualism is, and honestly, prior to visiting Lily Dale, I wasn’t quite sure about it myself.  What I did know was that it is a religion that became popular during the American Civil War and that it centered around the belief that the soul not only does not die, but that it can (and does) communicate from the other side with the living.  I also knew that actor/comedian/writer Dan Aycroyd grew up within the Spiritualist Church in Canada, and that his family history and involvement with Spiritualism is actually what inspired him to write the 1984 blockbuster Ghostbusters.  But other than that, I couldn’t tell you much more about it.  One misconception I had about Spiritualism was that it was a Christian based religion, and I was surprised to find out that it encompasses all faiths.  While I was there I met and chatted with many people, all from different beliefs systems such as Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism, Agnosticism, and yes, Christianity. 

The middle house of "The Three Sisters" located in Melrose Park.

A large statue of Buddha sits on the lawn outside of one of The Three Sisters.

Another interesting fact is that Lily Dale played a pivotal in the Women’s Suffrage Movement.  Many women’s rights activists, such as Susan B. Anthony and Anna Howard Shaw saw Lily Dale as a safe haven for feminism and social reform, and would often hold large rallies there for the movement. Lily Dale still holds Woman’s Day Events every year.  Be sure to check out their calendar for a list of the day’s events.

A memorial plaque stands outside of the Lily Dale Auditorium as a reminder of the Women's Suffrage Movement.

Getting to spend almost a full week in this quaint, peaceful, little town was a one of a kind experience, not to mention a personal bucket list trip that I can happily cross off.  As someone who has been into the paranormal since childhood, I had read about the village of Lily Dale years ago in a book and had made a mental note about some day visiting this peculiar place.  So, when I was presented with the opportunity to visit, I didn’t hesitate to accept.  

A long exposure image capturing the ghostly image of my model as she waked past the Marion Skidmore Library.

This tiny village, where nature meets the graceful charm of the Victorian Era, is the perfect place for a pastoral reprieve from everyday life.  Known as the world’s largest center for the Spiritualists Religion, you can expect to find daily services within the Leolyn Woods at Inspiration Stump, as well as the Forest Temple for mediumship readings, or head over to the Healing Temple to receive energy healing services. All of which are located on three of the seven energy vortexes located within the town.  These services are provided by registered mediums, psychics and healers that are members of the Lily Dale Assembly.  In addition to these free services that you can take part in with just your daily gate admission, Lily Dale also offer classes, workshops and lectures, as well as readings with one of their many psychics, mediums or healers, for a fee.  Everyone from various members of the TAPS team ( from the show Ghost Hunters) to New York Times best selling authors such as Wendy Corsi Staub, to Tibetan Monks to celebrity astrologers like Melody Thomas Scott can be found in this quaint little place delivering lectures, heading meditation groups, or instructing classes.

The entrance to the Leolyn Woods, an old growth forest where you can find Inspiration Stump for daily mediumship services.

Inspiration Stump located in the Leolyn Woods.

Once your done taking part in one of their wonderful services or classes, I would definitely recommend taking a peaceful walk on one of their many nature trails found in the surrounding old growth forests, visiting their pet cemetery, meandering through one of their many lovely gardens or strolling the streets just admiring the stunning architecture of a bygone era. With only a 3 mile walking radius, there is little use for cars.  Once you’re inside the gates, you park your car and walk to wherever you are going.  Being a huge fan of the show Gilmore Girls, I couldn’t help but feel like I stepped into the fiction town of Stars Hollow, quirky towns folk and all!

Lily Dale Pet Cemetery located in the Leolyn Woods.

After you’ve worked up an appetite traversing this unique community, be sure to stop by one of Lily Dale’s eateries.  Get a delicious meal at The Lily, lighter fair and snacks at The Sunflower Cafe or head over Sacred Grounds Coffee House (my favorite spot in LD) to grab a coffee with a pastry or a healthy salad, and recharge on their inviting, wrap around porch. 

Sacred Grounds Coffee House located on Cleveland Street.

During my delightful visit to Lily Dale, I stayed at The Amber Tree Inn.  A lovely Victorian guest house that has been recently renovated and updated with modern amenities, while still retaining the old world charm of the era.  The inn has many inviting common spaces, including a cozy living room with plenty of reading material and tarot decks that are available to borrow, a welcoming kitchen and dining space to share enlightening morning conversation over coffee and a plant lined front porch that is the perfect place for afternoon tea and evening chats.  My hosts, Frances and Stephen, were wonderfully accommodating and welcoming.  Although my room did not have an ensuite bathroom, I did have a private full bath right down the hall from my comfortable and well appointed room.

One thing I found very interesting about Lily Dale was that while anyone can visit and stay there, only members, in good standing with the Spiritualist Church are allowed to own homes in Lily Dale, but only after being vetted by the town.

Home belonging to Rev. Gregory Kehn, 4th generation registered medium, and just one of many mediums, psychics and healers that you can book an reading with.

A beautifully maintained Victorian home that is one of many in the hamlet of Lily Dale.

One of the more uniquely designed homes found in Lily Dale.

Lily Dale has no shortage of lovely Victorian homes with inviting porches.

Over all, Lily Dale was one of the most interesting and unique places that I have ever had the pleasure of experiencing, and one that I won’t soon forget.

The Dragonfly House

The Dragonfly House

If you’d like to learn more or experience Lily Dale for yourself, you can find a documentary about them on Amazon Prime or all the information you need here: https://www.lilydaleassembly.org/