Born: 1896
Died:
Married:
Children:
Elizabeth LaFlam was a sleep walker.
Ogdensburg Journal, June 23, 1915
GIRL WALKS MILE IN SLEEP, CLAD IN HER PAJAMAS
UNUSUAL EXPERIENCE OF ELIZABETH LA FLAMM OF SARANAC LAKE.
Saranac Lake, June 23.—Dressed in nothing but her pajamas and a boudoir cap, Elizabeth LaFlamm, 19 years old, walked in her sleep from the home of her parents on McClelland street to St. Bernard's church during the early hours of Sunday morning. The distance traveled by the young lady was about a mile, over concrete walks and brick pavements, without shoes. She did not awake until she began to ascend the stone steps leading to the doors of the big church.
Miss LaFlamm's experience was an unusual one. She found after she awoke from her strange somnambulism friends who provided her with raiment and shoes in which to make the return journey to her home in a garb befitting the demands of a broader daylight and consciousness.
The young lady sleeps on the veranda at the home of her father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. Eli LaFlamm. She went to bed Saturday night with the intention of arising early Sunday morning and going to first mass at St. Bernard's. With this intention in her sub-consciousness Miss LaFlamm arose sometime between three and four o'clock Sunday morning and while yet asleep walked the entire distance to the church. She was unconscious all the way and did not see any one and does not know whether anyone saw her.
The awakening came just as she put her foot on the second step of the stone flight before the main entrance to St. Bernard's. Her mind cleared instantly, and she knew she had again been “sleep-walking.” Her first thought was to get somewhere where she could secure clothing. A block from the church, at 5 Academy street, lived the nearest people with whom she was acquainted. She hurriedly traversed the distance and when out- side the house she called.
Julian Hutchinson, William White and George Neyenhouse, three musicians, live at No. 5 Academy street. Mr. Hutchinson sleeps beside an open window. He heard Miss LaFlamm when she called, and he awoke the others. They looked out the window and saw the young lady in her night clothes. They consulted and George was elected to go downstairs and see what was wanted.
Miss LaFlamm quickly explained her appearance and her predicament. Mr. Neyenhouse hustled upstairs and secured a raincoat, cap and a pair of shoes. When he descended to the street with them again, Miss LaFlamm quickly put them on, and started for home. To make sure that nothing be fell her, Mr. Neyenhouse accompanied her. By the time they reached the LaFlamm home it was broad daylight and about 4 o'clock. All the members of the household were still asleep and the young lady had not been missed.
Just how the young lady could have walked over a mile of cold stonewalks in her bare feet without being awakened sooner than she was is one of the unusual things in connection with the strange case. Miss LaFlamm has experienced no ill effects from her sleep walking.
