Laona, New York facts for kids
Laona is a small community known as a hamlet in Chautauqua County, New York, United States. It is located near the village of Fredonia. Laona is part of the larger town of Pomfret, and a main road, New York State Route 60, passes through it. This hamlet sits about 850 feet (260 m) (259 meters) above sea level.
About Laona
A hamlet is a small settlement, often even smaller than a village. Laona is a quiet place known for its history, especially its connection to a special spiritual movement.
A Place for Spiritualism
Laona became very important for groups interested in Spiritualism starting in the mid-1800s. Spiritualism is a belief system where people believe they can communicate with spirits of those who have passed away. This movement began in Laona during the winter of 1844-1845. Over the next few years, many people who claimed to be able to talk to spirits, called mediums, came to Laona.
Soon after 1850, a group called the Laona Free Association was formed. Then, in 1855, the First Spiritualist Society of Laona was officially created. These groups helped to spread the ideas of Spiritualism in the area.
Music Inspired by Laona
The famous American composer Alan Hovhaness visited Laona. He was so inspired by the hamlet that he wrote two pieces of music about it. One piece is called Laona, which is for piano. The other is Dawn at Laona, Op. 153, which is a cantata for a low voice and piano. A cantata is a type of musical piece that includes singing.
