Lily Dale, New York, is a small town that is on the eastern section of Upper Cassadaga Lake. Lily Dale has an interesting community that is closely tied to the Spiritualist movement.

Lily Dale started its beginnings as early as 1879 by the Cassadaga Lake Free Association. The association began to hold its social gatherings for its Freethinkers and Spiritualists every summer. From there, they bought twenty acres of land near the lake. In 1903, the piece of land was named The City of Light; however, by 1906, the name was changed to Lily Dale Assembly, with the understanding that it was a place for encouraging advancements in any aspect of Spiritualism.

The name Lily Dale originated from the numerous water lilies that once covered the area, and it was also the name of a road leading to the area, known as Dale Drive. This area started with about 250 residents, with the belief and understanding that the soul of a person lives on after they die.

The group then began constructing cabins, cottages, a hotel, and various outdoor venues, including picnic areas, outdoor stages, and other spaces designed to encourage involvement in the Spiritualist movement.

Even Susan B. Anthony was known to visit the area numerous times to discuss the women’s suffrage movement as well as the rights of women.

This area still exists today, serving the same purpose as mediums and spiritualists; however, it is encountering some legal issues. In 2022, Lily Dale decided not to include Reuthers, who own a bed and breakfast in Lily Dale, from their community because they had not paid their fees since 2019. Lily Dale Assembly has claimed that Reuthers has violated the contract between them and has been trying to evict them from the area. Therefore, Lily Dale had no other alternative but to remove Reuthers from their official listings. However, the Reuthers have counterclaimed that Lily Dale does not have a legal complaint since they are not “authorized under state law, and state constitution.” (Whittaker, 2024). In addition to claiming that there was no agreement made on Lily Dale’s conditions. An agreement was reached that Lily Dale must have its Board of Trustees revise its standards for businesses operating in the area, as well as update its application process for businesses seeking approval to operate in the area.

Additionally, a lawsuit was filed against the Lily Dale Assembly by three women who claimed they were denied registration as mediums in the area because they failed the required test.

Lily Dale remains an area rich in nature and spiritualism, known for being the largest community of Spiritualists and mediums. The area still hosts events such as the National Spiritualist Association of Churches.

Has anyone visited the area? Comment Below!

Until Next time!

Reference:

Wikipedia

Lily Dale Assembly: https://www.lilydaleassembly.org/

Whittaker, J. (2024, Dec 10). Lily Dale, Business Owners Settle Lawsuit. The Post-Journal. https://www.post-journal.com/news/top-stories/2024/12/lily-dale-business-owners-settle-lawsuit/#:~:text=Lily%20Dale%20has%20been%20trying,to%20have%20the%20Reuthers%20removed.