As with much of what I’ve discovered in researching the history of Spiritualism in Rochester, there are quite a bit of oral traditions and stories passed down, some are a bit difficult to prove, or are only partly true. This little gem though I was proud to learn was true and so much more, I was told by several Spiritualists that “Arthur Conan Doyle visited Rochester” or “Arthur Conan Doyle visited Plymouth!” and I have since discovered not only is this true, but he actually wrote about his experience himself in his work Our Second American Adventure:
“I was interested in my sally to Rochester, for this city is near the place where the Hydesville rappings occurred in 1848, the first time in modern days that actual systematic intercourse has taken place between the two spheres. I had imagined that it was on the edge of the town, when it was actually twenty miles away, so that I had not time in my hasty visit to see the place. The Fox house has been removed by pious hands to Lilydale and the spot is unmarked by any monument [1]. As to the Americans generally, they are quite ignorant of the whole thing, and they open their eyes with surprise when I assure them that this is not some imported religion, but that its origin was entirely American. Still wider do the eyes open when I go on to assure them it was far the most important thing ever came out of their Continent. The years, however, will justify me: of that I am sure.”
“Rochester will always be a place of deep interest for the student of psychic history. To these small farmers of Hydesville it was a great metropolis, and thither they went in the summer of 1848, when the curiosity and interference of their neighbors made their little house uninhabitable. Here the strange rappings, so insignificant in themselves, but so final in their proofs of independent intelligence amazed the populace, and around those murderous passions which every fresh psychic development, from the time of Jesus, has stirred to fury. The whole town was convulsed with excitement and the two little girls, only twelve and fourteen years of age, were summoned before three meetings at Corinthian Hall and were forced to show their powers, each meeting ending by the appointment of a Committee of Examination. Each Committee in turn was forced to admit the reality of the phenomena. So high did the feeling run that there was talk, very serious talk, of lynching or at least of tarring and feathering the girls. A few brave men gathered round for their protection and eventually smuggled them out and concealed them. The story reflects little credit on the American mob, but they were at least no more brutal than the English mob who at Liverpool and elsewhere chased the Davenports from the stage. Probably the Spiritualists were fortunate in their early trials in so temperate a State as New York. Had they ventured into Illinois or Missouri, as the Mormons did, they might have had their martyrs, and the Fox sisters might have perished as did the brothers Smith. I know no clearer sign of the existence of positive forces of evil than the insensate rage which is excited in some minds by the development of any new spiritual idea, and it is usually the priests of the older dispensation who lead in this devil’s work.”
“While at Rochester I made the acquaintance of Mr. Burr [2], a practical lawyer and also a convinced mystic, who is President of the Spiritual bodies of New York State. I also met Mr. Ebwood [3], an excellent type of spiritualistic clergyman. He has a fine church seating 1,200 people [4]. Most churches of all denominations have a good psychic atmosphere, but I can never remember so fine a one as in this church, and I sat for some minutes enjoying great spiritual peace. It might have been an anteroom to Heaven. There is a good grass plot outside the church, and it seemed to me that if Hydesville is too remote, some small but effective monument might be erected here [5]. But alas! The greatest possible argument which our opponents can use against Spiritualism, and one which none of us can deny, is that it has not prompted its adherents to make those sacrifices of work, time, and money which all other great rising movements have demanded. But the time may come. At present, our richer adherents have certainly cause for shame, for they have left it to the same small group of men to do all the work and, out of modest resources, to find all the money. Their own tenets and knowledge will teach them that this also has to be answered for in the beyond.”
To end on a fun piece of oral history, although it’s not recorded in this particular passage, there is an oral tradition with Rochester Spiritualists that Sir Arthur Conan Doyle gave a lecture at the original Plymouth Church, and although that church is no longer standing, the original podium from the original church is still in use by Plymouth Spiritualist Church.
Footnote 1: the spot is unmarked by any monument There is actually now a beautiful little structure at the original Fox property called Hydesville Memorial Park. The original house was moved to Lilydale and was lost in a fire, however the foundation of the original home in its original location is intact and is being very well cared for. It’s located at 1510 Hydesville Rd Newark, New York 14513, and I highly recommend adding their facebook and contacting the organization and setting up a tour so you can visit, otherwise you can’t actually get inside.
Footnote 2: Mr. Burr, a practical lawyer and also a convinced mystic Mr. William Burr was President of the General Assembly of Spiritualists, which at the time was the New York State Auxiliary of the National Spiritualist Association. William Burr was also the President of the Board of Trustees of Plymouth Spiritualist Church for a period of time (I will eventually be writing a piece on him).
Footnote 3: I also met Mr. Ebwood, an excellent type of spiritualistic clergyman. The “Mr. Ebwood” Doyle is referring to is Rev. William Joseph Erwood who was the pastor of Plymouth Spiritualist Church at the time of his visit. I actually contacted the publishers of this work, and they were unsure if the error was a typo or a spelling mistake on Doyle's part as they did not have access to the original manuscripts at this time.
Footnote 4: He has a fine church seating 1,200 people This is, of course, the original Plymouth Spiritualist Church, which was unfortunately torn down in order to make room for a freeway. Plymouth Spiritualist Church is still very much a functioning congregation and has been continually serving the Rochester community. The current location is 29 Vick Park A, Rochester NY 14607.
Footnote 5: it seemed to me that if Hydesville is too remote, some small but effective monument might be erected here There is now a monument to Spiritualism right where Doyle suggested, which makes sense seeing as he was one of the primary donors to have the Spiritualist Obelisk built. If you’re in Rochester you can visit it at 49 Troup St, Rochester, NY 14608.
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