vintage Elmira post card

Elmira:
Everything is Right
About This Town

Elmira was once a golden city, economically robust with thriving cultural and architectural splendors. As with many towns across America, it has experienced its share of economic and social perplexities. Perhaps in some small way, having The Seth House established here may actually contribute to an economic upturn. “Seth Tourism” could only help the area, and this is probably the first time those two words have been put together. This is a lovely town with beautiful nature surrounding it and gorgeous old houses (some are also in the same category of “fixer-uppers”). By beautifying one house on this very busy thoroughfare we could actually help boost the self-esteem and hope of local residents. A new positive energy on any street is all it takes to inspire more of the same.

“If you think strongly of being in another location, a pseudoimage of yourself will be projected out from you to that place, whether or not it is perceived and whether or not you yourself are conscious of it, or conscious in it.” [Seth Speaks, Session 540]

Elmira needs to finally take pride in these notable residents: Seth, a “personality essence no  longer focused on physical reality,” (his words) and his two comrades, Jane, a successful author and Rob, a successful artist. This could (surprisingly enough) be a big boon to an energetic, financial and cultural upswing here. Wouldn’t it be amazing if Elmira’s claim to fame is that this unique “inter-dimensional communication” that happened here, is ultimately part of what makes much needed positive contributions to our collective reality? Hey, what could be better? It’s time to give the town of Elmira something really big to be proud of, and this is pretty darn huge when you stop to think about it.


 

chemung river view, grass and trees

The Chemung River

The house is located right across the street from the Chemung River and the Walnut Street Bridge. Here you will find delightful pathways through beautiful nature areas. You are only steps away from ducks and geese. You may walk for peaceful miles and enjoy some nature time.

 


 

An Easy Walk to Downtown Elmira and Local Shops

Located in Elmira’s Near Westside Historic District, the area is surrounded by lovely old houses. Heading east you are only three blocks from the downtown district with local shops and eateries.

You are walking distance from nice stores, cafes, parks, old churches and quaint old homes up and down the streets to admire. There’s also a gym, museums, bicycle rental, and a couple of pubs. You won’t go hungry because there are tea & coffee shops like Turtle Leaf Cafe, and Downtown Grind Coffee & Tea, Light’s Bakery, Beijing Garden Chinese restaurant, and McDonald’s isn’t far away either. Holistic places like The Healing & Learning Center, Heart to Heart Yoga Studio and Live Well Upstate are close by.

To walk through the area, click this link to Google Maps and drag the “yellow man” to 458 West Water Street.


 

arnot art museum

Walk Where Jane & Rob Walked.
See the Places They Saw.

To the left is a photo of Arnott Gallery & Museum where Jane worked for many years while also channeling Seth at home. Elmira was a huge part of their lives and they wrote about this town in all their books. Walk the sidewalks Jane walked when she sold Avon products. See where Rob worked at Artistic Greeting. The restaurant that their landlord owned is still in the Spaziani family. The house on Bohemia Lane that they almost bought (Seth recommended) in 1964. St. Joseph’s hospital, where Jane passed from physical reality. There are beautiful old Victorian houses and big trees lining the streets. Elmira is a lovely place to explore.


 

flooded elmira

The Flood of 1972

Ask anyone you meet in Elmira and they will be happy to tell you all about The Flood of ’72. This was a major local event which was written about in one of their books: “Nature of Personal Reality.” The flood changed the face of Elmira.

Most people evacuated the area when it occurred. Jane and Rob chose to stay and wait it out from their 2nd floor windows.

The mighty Chemung River is a lot tamer now and there are recreational events all up and down its watercourse way:  Friends of the Chemung River


 

Mark Twain

Seth and Jane Roberts are not the only notable authors this town has produced. Mark Twain grave markerNo less than Samual Clemens (aka Mark Twain) lived here and worked in the studio to the left. He is buried just a few miles away. There are public buildings and other places named after him, including the Clemens Center for the Arts.


 

elmira welcome sign with figures of famous people

Famous Elmirans

This is the billboard you will see when entering Elmira from the east. It shows people who lived here who made a name for themselves in the world.

Why isn’t Jane Roberts on this sign? We need to add her on soon. If you’re interested in more notable Elmirans, here’s an impressive list on the Elmira Wikipedia page. And yes, Jane is on the list. We think the billboard needs to be touched up a bit. Let’s visualize Jane there. Soon.


 

Location, Location, Location
Marie Burdo and infant jane
Jane’s mother, Marie Burdo, holding infant Jane. Circa 1929.

The Seth House is ideally located in the heart of town, across from the beautiful Chemung River,  just 20 minutes from the local Elmira-Corning Airport, and close to many nearby attractions. So we can easily welcome visitors from around the world—and they will enjoy sight-seeing in and around town.

Elmira is less than four hours from Saratoga Springs, where Jane was born, grew up and attended Skidmore College. Less than 20 miles from Sayre, Pennsylvania, where Rob grew up, and Jane & Rob also lived for a time. The area is steeped in rich history. When you visit Elmira, plan to stay awhile.