Chautauqua Speaks: Dr. Nellie Golding and Dr. William Morgan: A Chautauqua Love Story

Lecture Description:
This presentation will be about the couple who owned the Golding Cottage Hotel, which was constructed c.1877-78 and demolished in 1968, and replaced with the Carnahan-Jackson Memorial Garden, which is next to the Presbyterian House. Dr. William Morgan and his wife, Dr. Nellie Golding Morgan, were both Osteopathic physicians, and ran the Golding for several decades and lived next door in what is now Park Place, on the brick walk next to the garden. A professional genealogist was hired to research the Golding and Morgan families. The Morgans were from Erie PA. The Goldings lived in French Creek on a farm. Both families spent summers at Fair Point (the name before Vincent & Miller acquired the land and named it the Chautauqua Assembly). The couple had no children but William Morgan had a descendant that the genealogist spoke to, who shared some intriguing information about their lives. This information will be the basis of the presentation. Also shown will be a private collection of artifacts from their careers and time at Chautauqua. Last year, a free book was produced and distributed to Chautauqua property owners, also their family, friends and neighbors upon request, chronicling this couple’s remarkable relationship. Only about 40 copies remain of the 1,000 sets published, made available to the attendees on a first-come basis.

SPEAKER BIO:
Paul Scheeler has been coming to Chautauqua since childhood for education and recreation. Born in Buffalo and raised in Orchard Park, he graduated from Orchard Park High School, SUNY Fredonia, and Syracuse University, and works as a senior risk analyst for a global bank. In 2017, he established the privately-funded Scheeler Foundation Historic Trust, which conserves historic artifacts and presents these at no cost to appropriate recipients. He financed the publishing and distribution of the “CHQ book” as a gift to Chautauqua property owners, families, friends and neighbors, and to honor the 150th anniversary of the Chautauqua Institution. He will present and discuss family heirlooms, unusual artifacts, and rare documents related to the CHQ book.

Venue located on Chautauqua Institution grounds; a gate pass is required.