On Thursday, October 10th a natural phenomenon occurred over Rosecliff. Could it be that the “spirits” were trying to make contact? After all, The Social Diary attended Spiritualism in the Gilded Age lecture. Alas, no! The beautiful dancing hues resulted from a G4 (severe) storm. So we are calling this story, “Gilded Spiritualism and Northern Lights.”
Spiritualism in the Gilded Age
The Ouija board was a favourite pastime during the Gilded Age. Even Julian Fellowes wrote one into the Christmas Special (Season 2, Episode 9) for Downton Abbey. Anna and Daisy question who actually was moving the Ouija board. Each accuses the other, with both denying. Yet the Ouija board spells out, “May they be happy…with my love.” Daisy asks, “What does that mean?” Anna replies, “I don’t know.” After a momentary pause, Anna adds, “I suppose some spirit wants some couple to be happy.” Of course we know what happens between Matthew Crawley and Lady Mary in the final scene❤️!
Gilded Spiritualism and Northern Lights
The evening’s “medium” of sorts was Kathryn Sheehan, Executive Director of the Hart Cluett Museum in Troy, NY. Whilst interesting, the lecture lacked substance. Talking points included the possible origins of Spiritualism. Moreover, blame it on wars, pandemics and deaths! Additionally, interest in spiritualism gave rise to quacks and fakes, like the Fox Sisters. Whilst Thomas Edison embraced it, Harry Houdini rejected it. Maybe it was bad for business. Houdini was a master of illusion, after all.
The lecture could have done more on seances and spooks and less on eugenics and silver mining. Although “communing with the dead” at beautifully landscaped cemeteries was interesting, there just wasn’t enough material. However, the Northern Lights appeared the same evening. Attendees were more bemused by the aurora borealis, than the lecture. So, it was a Gilded Spiritualism and Northern Lights kind of night.
