Fox Cottage - Newark, NY & Lily Dale, NY
The Fox Cottage is often considered the "Birthplace of Modern Spiritualism". Located at 1510 Hydesville Road in Newark, NY, the tiny home became famous after its residents developed a communication system with deceased spirits.
In March of 1848, almost 3 months after moving into the Cottage, the Fox family began to experience knocking sounds "so vibrant that the beds thrilled and shook". On the night of March 31st, "one of the great points of psychic evolution was reached" when daughter Kate Fox challenged the unseen force to repeat the snaps of her fingers.
When the snaps were instantly answered with a rapping sound, the concept of Spiritualism was born. The phenomena of spirit communication quickly spread throughout the United States and the Fox Sisters became instant celebrities. The home developed into a shrine for Spiritualists and in 1915 was moved to a psychic community in nearby Lily Dale, NY.
On September 21, 1955 the Fox Cottage burned to ground under mysterious circumstances. A memorial plaque is all that remains at its final location.
In March of 1848, almost 3 months after moving into the Cottage, the Fox family began to experience knocking sounds "so vibrant that the beds thrilled and shook". On the night of March 31st, "one of the great points of psychic evolution was reached" when daughter Kate Fox challenged the unseen force to repeat the snaps of her fingers.
When the snaps were instantly answered with a rapping sound, the concept of Spiritualism was born. The phenomena of spirit communication quickly spread throughout the United States and the Fox Sisters became instant celebrities. The home developed into a shrine for Spiritualists and in 1915 was moved to a psychic community in nearby Lily Dale, NY.
On September 21, 1955 the Fox Cottage burned to ground under mysterious circumstances. A memorial plaque is all that remains at its final location.
Source:
Conan Doyle, Arthur. The History of Spiritualism: Volume 1. (1926)
"Fox Cottage". Mc Clenathan Printery, Inc. (Circa 1940)
Conan Doyle, Arthur. The History of Spiritualism: Volume 1. (1926)
"Fox Cottage". Mc Clenathan Printery, Inc. (Circa 1940)