History of American SocialismsNoyes, John Humphrey
History
History of American Socialisms
Noyes, John Humphrey
Communism -- United States; Socialism -- United States
"The members then scattered in various directions. Several were
considerable losers by the attempt, while many had nothing to
lose. At the present time I learn that there are men and women
of that Community who are still ready with hands and means to
try the good work again. The cause of failure assigned by the
Communists was their not owning the land they settled upon; but
I think it very doubtful whether they could have kept together
if the land had been free; for as I have before said, there was
something else wanted to make harmony in labor."
CHAPTER XXVIII.
THE TRUMBULL PHALANX.
This experiment originated among the Socialist enthusiasts of
Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. Its domain at Braceville, Trumbull County,
Ohio, was selected and a commencement was made in the spring of 1844.
From this date till its failure in the latter part of 1847, we find in
the _Phalanx_ and _Harbinger_ some sixteen notices of it, long and
short, from which we are to gather its history. We will quote the
salient parts of these notices; and so let the friends of the
experiment speak for themselves. The rose-color of their
representations will be corrected by the ultimate facts. This was one
of the three most notable experiments in the Fourier epoch--the North
American and the Wisconsin Phalanxes being the other two.
[From a letter of Mr. Jehu Brainerd, June 29, 1844.]
"The location which this society has chosen, is a very beautiful
one and is situated in the north-west quarter of Braceville
township, eight miles west of Warren, and five miles north of
Newton Falls.
"The domain was purchased of Mr. Eli Barnum, at twelve dollars
per acre, and consists of two hundred and eighty acres of the
choicest land, about half of which is under good cultivation.
There is a valuable and durable mill privilege on the domain,
valued at three thousand six hundred dollars; and at the time
the purchase was made, there were in successful operation, a
grist-mill with two run of stones, an oil-mill, saw-mill, double
carding-machine, and cloth-dressing works.
"The principal buildings on the domain are a large two story
brick house, grist-mill and oil-mill, very large, substantial,
and entirely new, framed and well painted, and a large barn; the
other buildings, though sufficient for present accommodation,
are old and somewhat decayed.
"There has been already subscribed in real estate stock, most of
which is within two miles and less of the domain, nine hundred
and fifty-seven acres of land, mostly improved farms, which were
valued (including neat stock, grain, &c.) at sixteen thousand
one hundred and fifty dollars. Five hundred dollars cash capital
has also been subscribed and paid in; and about six hundred
dollars in lathes, tools, machinery, &c., including one hundred
thousand feet of lumber, have been received.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account