Comments on: People of the Standing Stone: The Skenandoah Boulder in Oneida

By: Melanie Zimmer

Melanie Zimmer — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 20:37:02 +0000

The Shenandoah boulder is just a historical marker. It is not the Sacred Stone of the Oneidas which was removed to Oneida territory. Schoolcraft published some erroneous material. The stone is not all that large. The lithograph in Schoolcraft’s book bears no resemblance to the stone, but it merely an artist’s interpretation of what the stone might look like.
Also, regarding one of the comments that “we” whoever that might be, placed the stone in the cemetery, apparently it was placed there by the Oneidas for safekeeping as they did not wish it to be on private property which could be sold at the time, however the marker was placed there by the cemetery and also contained some unfactual material which I presume is the reason the Oneidas did not take the base or marker. The cemetery offered it to them.
I see Tony Wonderley’s book is recommended in the comments and it should be good. Dr. Wonderley served as the Oneida Nation Historian for many years. You may also read about the stone and see a photo of it in my book, Central New York and The Finger Lakes: Myths, Legends, and Lore published by The History Press.

By: Steve Darman

Steve Darman — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 12:15:47 +0000

Living nearby on Oneida Street in 1974, I found that the Sacred Stone of the Oneida Nation was in Forest Hill cemetary. To me, it was a tragic symbol of what white men did to ravish the Oneida culture. What were we thinking? If a very special stone that doesn’t belong to us looks like a gravestone- we should take it and then put it with other gravestones?

I called a close friend who was married to a Cherokee Indian who was active in the American Indian Movement (William Myer) who contacted the Oneida Nation leaders- and the stone was returned to it’s home shortly afterward. I understand that today, whites are not allowed to even view the stone.

By: Mrs. Mecomber

Mrs. Mecomber — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 14:55:13 +0000

Howdy, Neighbor. Thanks for your comment.

Yes, I know that brick house. It’s an Italianate, so it was probably built between 1870 and 1890. It’s beautiful and it does command a great view of the valley!

I suppose the stone would have been placed at the main thoroughfare, even if Shenandoah’s house was up that hill, just because it would be more visible.

Thanks for visiting!

By: Neighbor

Neighbor — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 05:39:42 +0000

I live on the road behind the Shenandoah (Skenandoah)boulder, down over the hill behind it. I often wonder if the actual home was at the highest point in the immediate area where there is now a red brick two story home. From there one can see a wonderful view of the West and North over the city of Oneida, perhaps more appropriate for the greatest chief the Oneidas had. I have never tried to research my speculation.

By: olie

olie — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 02:42:16 +0000

I saw mention of the Oneida Stone in a book I was reading. I did a web search and found your blog. Very interesting. The shape of the stone in Schoolcraft’s drawing is similar to that of other Manitou stones.
I am wondering what more you have found?
One feels great sadness for the Indian, they have taken or tried to have taken everything from them.

By: Mrs. Mecomber

Mrs. Mecomber — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 03:00:50 +0000

I’ve been reading a book about the history of the Oneidas– and I intend to post more about it in detail. I have discovered that the Oneida Stone was returned to the Nation in 1992 or 93. The history of the Stone and of the Nation is amazing. I’ll be updating with photos soon.

Thanks for your comment.