William Pryor Letchworth first became interested in Native American culture after hearing his father's stories about Cornplanter, the Seneca Chief, meeting with Letchworth's great-uncle, John Letchworth, a Quaker preacher in Philadelphia. Sensitive to the injustices that Native Americans suffered on reservations and their fast-disappearing cultural heritage, Letchworth became determined to collect and preserve Native American artifacts. One of his most significant acquisitions was the Revolutionary War-era Seneca Council House, which he rescued from decay in Caneadea, New York, and moved here in 1871.

On October 1, 1872, Letchworth organized what he called a "rededication ceremony" at the Council House, inviting Seneca and Mohawk descendants of Revolutionary war leaders and other notable Native Americans. They called the ceremony "The last Council Fire in the Genesee Valley."

Former President Millard Fillmore, on behalf of Mr. Letchworth, gave each Council Fire participant a silver coin, which depicted two hands joined in friendship. In recognition of this event and Letchworth's efforts on their behalf, the Seneca delegation adopted him into the Wolf Clan and named him "Hai-wa-ye-is-tah," the man who always does right.

This stereograph shows William P. Letchworth (left) and John Stearns Minard, o [sic] surveyor interested in local history, examining the Council House at Caneadea.

This photograph, taken at "The Last Council Fire" in 1872, includes all of the Native American guests that Mr. Letchworth invited. Former President Millard Fillmore is fourth from the right.

The Council House was carefully dismantled and each of its logs numbered. It was shipped by barge on the Genesee Valley Canal and reassembled here in 1871.

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Mary Jemison
The Council Grounds Ca. 1907...and Under Restoration
Nancy Jemison Log Cabin
To the Memory of Mary Jemison
This Ancient Seneca Council House
In Grateful Memory of William Pryor Letchworth
Genesee Valley Canal
Seh-Ga-Hun-Da
Hornby Lodge
Pages of Geologic Time

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