In 1875, George P. Colby and T.D. Giddings, two Spiritual Mediums, took a train from Wisconsin to Jacksonville, Florida. At the end of this rail line, they began to search for an area familiar to Colby through a vision. This vision was not just an idea, but an actual image given to him by his Native American Spirit Guide Seneca. George Colby settled the area, but continued to travel the country as itinerate medium. In 1880 he filed for a homestead grant and in 1884 was awarded 145 acres. Years later, in 1894, assisted by members of Lily Dale, Colby organized the Southern Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp Meeting Association.
This had been the culmination of events that started with Colby's baptism into the Baptist church at age 12. This event seems to have opened the flood gates of Colby's psychic abilities. In his spiritual awakening he learned that he had three primary Spirit Guides; Seneca, The Philosopher, and The Unknown.
Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp is situated between Daytona and Orlando. It is imbued with a strange energy that is difficult to describe with conventional language. It it almost as though you can hear the continuing work of the spirits that have passed on there. It is easy to find, being just off Interstate 4. Clearly marked signs lead the way.
Upon entering the Camp, a change in the atmosphere is perceptible. It is a pleasurable sensation. And the term 'camp' is a misnomer because it is really more of a village. One of the first places you are likely to see is the main bookstore located at the corner of Cassadaga Road and Stevens Street, which is also the information center. It is an amazing place filled with books, candles, jewelry, CDs, oils and incense. My friend and I encountered employees of the bookstore, Rayna and Carol. Rayna was a pretty, bubbly young woman who was truly in her element. Carol was a volunteer at the Camp and training to be a Certified Medium. Both ladies were full of practical information and entertaining stories.
The village currently has 52 homes within it's 57 acres of land. It is ironic to wander around Cassadaga, realizing that you are walking through someone's neighborhood. Despite this 'intrusion' residents are friendly and open!
We were lucky enough to also meet with Anita Evans, the Camp Historian. Anita, like all the residents of Cassadaga, was an intriguing and engaging personality. She hails from a long line of mediums herself and seemed to be eminently suited for her position. Her endearing bright purple shirt read, 'got spirit?' Through her we learned that the Camp is going on it's 116th years of operation, providing readings, teaching meditation and the history of Spiritualism.
We were also granted special access to the new museum, which has historical pictures and artifacts from the foundation of Cassadaga. While spiritualism is often ridiculed by the mainstream media, most serious Spiritualists are educated, credible people, including doctors, teachers, and scientists. Some artifacts in the museum were connected to Abraham Lincoln and his personal trance medium, a young woman named Nettie Colburn Maynard. It is rumored that the Emancipation Proclamation was channeled by Nettie!
There are many activities that take place at the village, which include Sunday Spiritual Services, meditations, and healing circles. This Saturday, May 15th, there is the Color My World event! Admission is free! There will be many vendors, including food (my favorite), historic tours, free introductory lectures and $20 mini readings with Certified Mediums! You will probably see me there, just don't expect me in a suit!
In July, Victorian Tea Seances will be held there and on Friday, October 30th and Saturday, October 31st Haunted Halloween takes over the Camp. You can expect some harmless, ghoulish fun! From November 1st through December 13th, Joan Piper collects teddy bears as holiday gifts to needy children in Volusia County. So please help the Spiritualists of Cassadaga make this the best season ever for children in need!
You can find out more about the Camp by going to www.cassadaga.org or by calling the information center at 386-228-2880. It is open from Monday through Saturday, 10AM to 5PM and from 11:30AM to to 5PM on Sunday.