History of Wahmeda

Read some fascinating history of the early Holland Land Co, the Treaty of Big Tree, and the slow development of Wahmeda.

 

 

Here is the origin of Wahmeda's name as recounted by the late Mabel Powers, collector of Iroquois stories.  Our name is surely one of the oldest named communities around Lake Chautauqua.

 

Wahmeda resident, Mabel Powers, was adopted by the Snipe Clan of Seneca Indians and given the name 'Yesennohwehs’ (the One Who Carries and Tells the Stories).  [Chautauqua Daily article, 2016.]

 

 

Still interested in Mabel?  Here is more about her from the Westfield Patterson Library archives.  The photo below shows her with current Wahmeda residents--siblings Charlie Cobaugh and Nancy Cobaugh Fenstemacher--children who enjoyed her "summer storyfires."