First visit to New York.....2nd April 1894

After the vacation at Camp Percy, Swamiji left for another destination where He was much awaited, to The Thousand Island Park. The moment I utter or even think of Thousand Island Park I get goose bumps and my entire being goes into oblivion. 

When ever I have to speak on this topic, i keep visualising me on stage and talking about 'The Thousand Island Park'.  All the time I keep waiting for those moments of happiness which would be commonly shared by me and the listeners.

But before we move to Thousand Island Park, I want you to meet some people in the three families of New York. Swamiji had earlier visited New York in early 1894 and now had decided to stay in this city. For time being His hectic touring in the Midwestern, eastern and southern America had come to a halt before He began the lecture classes in New York city.

After the trials & triumphs at Detroit He directly came to New York on 2^nd April 1894 and was there till almost 10^th April 1894. He was invited by a small group who were interested in studying Metaphysics which consisted of Mrs. Smith, Dr. Egbert Guernsey & his wife, Ms. Helen Miller Gould (the elder daughter and heiress of one of the richest American) etc.

Swamiji stayed with the Guernsey family at 528, 5^th Avenue, between 43^rd & 44^th streets. We come to  know about this family from the letters Swamiji wrote to Mrs. Hale. As I earlier said, HE was a very good SON, always prompt in writing letters to His mother.

Even today having all the facilities I sometimes delay or even forget to call my mother at home. Swamiji constantly reminds me of the duty, the nityakarma to be done. 

He wrote 2 letters to Mrs. Hale, one on 2^nd & other on 10^th April giving detailed account of His stay. These letters were earlier not published and we got to read them only after the research works of Marie Louis Burke were published.

Dr. Egbert Guernsey was one of the chief physicians of the city and a very good gentleman. He lived with his wife and daughter. He had lost his only son in July and the couple were yet in a shock.

The Guernseys looked upon Swamiji as their recently lost son and lovingly welcomed Him in their home and hearts.

More about them tomorrow....