XXVIII. The Trumbull Phalanx

AMERICAN SOCIALISMS. CHAPTER XXVIII. THE TRUMBULL PHALANX. THIS experiment originated among the Socialist enthu siasts 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 ffiends 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 Pha lanxes being the other two. [From a letter of Mr. J~hu Brainerd, June 29, 1844.] " The location which this society has chosen, is a very beautifu1 one and is situated in the north-west quarter of Braceville township, eight miles west of Warren, and five miles north of Newton Falls.

H 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 TRUMBULL PHALANX. mill privilege on the domain, valued at three thousand six hundred dollars; and at the time the purchase was nlade, 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. H 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 de cayed. "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.

"There are thirty-five families now belonging to the Association, in all one hundred and forty persons; of this number forty-three are males over twenty-one years of age. Until accommodations can be prepared on the domain, some of the families will reside on the farms subscribed as stock. It is the intention to commence an edifice of brick. this present summer, and e4tend it from time to time, as the increase. of members may require, or the funds of the society admit.. For present necessity, temporary buildings are erected. [From a letter of N. C. Meeker, August 10, 1844.] "The nurnber of persons belonging to the Phalanx is about two·hundred i some reside on the domain proper; 33° AMERICAN SOCIALISMS. others on Inore distant farms belonging to the Phalanx. Indeed as regards room, they are much crowded, re siding in loose sheds. Nevertheless, on no consideration would they exchange present conditions for former ones.

More convenient residences ar:e to be erected forthwith, but it is not contemplated to erect the Phalanstery or final edifice for a year or so, or until they are possessed of sufficient means. Then the magnificent palace of the Combined Order will equally shame the temples of antiquity and the card-houses of modern days. "For the present year hard work and few of the attractions of Association are expected. Almost every thing is unfitted for the use of Associations, being too insignificant, or characteristic of present society; made to sell rather than to use. The members of the Trum bull Phalanx, knowing how to work truly, and fully un derstanding that it is a gigantic labor to overturn the despair which has been accumulating so long in men's bosoms, have nerved themselves manfully, showing the true dignity of human nature. "Labor is partially organized by the instituting of groups, and to much advantage. Boys who were idle and unproductive, have become producers, and a very fine garden is the work of their hands. They are under the charge of a proper person, who permits them to choose their foreman from among themselves, and at certain hours, in grounds laid out for the purpose, to engage in sports. Even the men themselves, at the close of the work, find agreeable and salutary exercise in a game of ball. Sonle going to school, earn six or seven shillings a week, and where they work in the brick-yard, from three to four shillings a day. These sums are not final TRUMBULL PHALANX. 33 1 wages, but permits,. for when a dividend is declared there will be an additional remuneration.

"On the Sabbath I attended their social meeting, In which those of all persuasions participated. The liberal views and kindly feelings manifested by the various speakers were such as I had never heard before. They spoke of the near relations they sustained to each other, and of the many blessings they look to receive in the future; meanwhile the present unity gave them an idea of heaven. One spirit of joy and gladness seemed to animate them, viz; that they had escaped from the wants, cares, and temptations of civilization, and. instead were placed where public good is the same as· individual good; hence nothing save preconceived prejudices, fast giving away, prevent their loving their neighbors as themselves. This is the spirit of Christianity. Their position calls for union. No good can arise from divers sects; no good ever did arise. They will all unite, Presbyterians, Disciples, Baptists, Methodists, and all; and if any name be needed, under that of Unionism.

After meeting the sacrament was administered; then followed a Bible-class, and singing exercises closed the day. [It would seem from this description, that the religion of the Trumbull was more orthodox than any we hav:~ found in other Phalanxes.] " Those not accustomed to view the progress of combined labor will be astonished to see aggregates. A vast brick-kiln is raised in a short time; a touch plants a field of corn, and a few weeks turns a forest into a farm. Only a few of such results can be seen now; but enough has been done at this Phalanx since last spring, to give one an idea of the vast results which will arise in the days of the new industrial world.

332 AMERICAN SOCIALISMS. Seating myself in the venerable orchard, with the temporary dwellings on the opposite side, the joiners at their benches in their open shops under the green boughs, and hearing on every side the sound of industry, the roll of \vheels in the mills, and merry voices, I could not help exclaiming mentally: Indeed my eyes see men making haste to free the slave of all names, nations and tongues, and n1Y ears hear them driving, thick and fast, nails into the coffin of despotism. I can but look on the establishment of this Phalanx as a step of as much importance as any which secured our political independence; and much greater than that which gained the Magna Charta, the foundation of English liberty. "But as yet there is nothing clearly demonstrated save by faith. That which remains to be seen is, whether families can be made to associate in peace, enjoying the pfofits as well as pleasures arising from public tables, granaries, store-houses, libraries, schools, gardens, walks and fountains; or, briefer, whether a man will be willing that he and his neighbor should be happy together.

Are men forever to be such consummate fools as to neglect even the colossal profits of Association? Am I to be astonished by hearing sensible men declare, be cause mankind have been the victims of false relations, that these things are impracticable? No, no ! We have been shown by the Columbus of the new indus trial world how to solve the problem of the egg, and a few caravels have adventured across the unknown ocean, and are now, at the dawn of a new day, drawing nigh unto strange shores, covered with green, and loading the breeze with the fragrance of unseen flowers. "NATHAN C. MEEKER."

TRUMBULL PHAL'1\NX. 333 [From an official letter to a Convention of Associations in New York, signed by B. Robins and H. N. Jones, President and Secretary of the Trumbull Phalanx, dated October I, 1844.] "We should have sent a delegate to your Convention or written sooner, were not the assistance of all of our members daily demanded, as also all our time, in the building up of Humanity's Home. In common with the inhabitants of the region round about (it is supposed un account of the dry season), we have had many cases of fever and ague, a disease \vhich has not been kno\vnhere for many years. This has prevented our executing various plans for organization, etc., which we are now entering upon. And now, with each day, we have abundant cause to hope for a joyous future. We have harmony within and sylnpathy without; and being per suaded that these are sure indications of success, we toil on, 'heart within and God o'erhead.' "Further, our pecuniary prospects br.ighten. Late arrangements add to our means of paying our debt, which is light; and accumulations of landed estate make us quite secure. Nevertheless we feel that we aT e in the transition period, using varied and, noble elements not the lTIOSt skillfully, and that we needmore than man's wisdom to guide us.

H The union of the Associations we look upon as a great and noble idea, without which the chain of univer sal unity were incomplete. vVhen we shall have emerged from the sea of civilization, so that we can do our own breathing, we shall be able to cooperate with our friends throughout the world, as members of the grand Phalanx. Meanwhile our hearts will be with you, urging you not to falter in the work in which all the noble and healthy spirit of the age is engaged.

334 AMERICAN SOCIALISMS. H Accompanying is a copy of our constitution. Our number is over two hundred. We have 1,500 acres of land, half under cultivation, and a capital stock of $100,000. The branches of industry are sufficiently varied, but mostly agricultural. [Letter to the Pittsburg Spirit. of the A,qe, July 1845.] " I have just returned from a visit to the Trumbull Phalanx, and I can but express my astonishment at the condition in which I found the Association. I had never heard much of this Phalanx, and what little had been said, gave me no very favorable opinion of either loca tion or people, and in consequence I went there some what prejudiced against them. I was pleased, however, to find that they have a beautiful and romantic domain, a rich soil, with all the natural and artificial advantages they can desire. The domain consists of eleven hundred acres in all. The total cost of the real estate of the Phalanx is "18,428; on which they have paid 1/> 8,239, leaving a debt of " 10,189. The payments are remarka bly easy; on the principal, $, 1,000 are to be paid in September next, and the same sum in April 1846, and $ 1,133 in April 1847, and the same sum annually there after. They apprehend no difficulty in meeting their engagemen ts. Should they even fail in makin.g the first payn1ents, they will be indulged by their creditor. From this it will be seen that the pecuniary condition of the Trumbull Phalanx is encouraging.

"The Phalanx has fee simple titles to many tracts of land, and a house in Warren, with which they will secure capitalists who choose to invest money, for the purpose of establishing sorne branches" of manufacturing H There are about two hundred and fifty people on the domain at present, and weekly arrivals of new memTRUMBULL' PHALANX. 335 bers. The greater portion of them are able-bodied men, who are industrious and' devoted to the cause in which they are engaged. The ladies perform their duties in this pioneer movement in a manner deserving great praise. The educational department of the Phalanx is well organ ized. The children from eight to fourteen attend a manual-labor school, which is now in successful opera tion. The advantages of Association are realized in the boarding department. The cost per week for men, women and children, is not more than forty cents. " They soon expect to manufacture their own clothing.

Carders, cloth-dressers, weavers etc., are now at work. These branches will be a source of profit to the Asso ciation. A good flouring-mill with two run of stone is now in operation, which more than supplies the bread stuffs. They expect shortly to have four run of stone, when this branch will be of immense profit to the Asso ciation. The mill draws the custom of the neighborhood for a number of miles around. Two saw-mills are now in operation, which cut six hundred thousand feet per year, worth at least $ 3,000. The lumber is principally sent to Akron. A shingle-machine now in operation, will yield a revenue of $ 3,000 or $ 4,000 per annum. Machinery for making wooden bowls has been erected, which will also yield a revenue of about $ 3,000. An ashery will yield the present season about $ 500. The blacksmiths, shoemakers, and other branches are doing well. A wagon-shop is in progress of erection', and a tan-yard will be sunk and a house built, the second story of which is in tended for a shoe-shop.

" CrojJs: thirty acres of wheat, fifty acres of oats, seventy acres of corn, twelve acres of potatoes, five acres of English turnips, ten acres of buckwheat, five AMERICAN SOCIALISMS. acres of garden truck, one and a-half acres of broom corn. There are five hundred young peach trees in the nursery; two hundred apple trees in the old orchard; (fruit killed this year). Live Stock: forty-five cows, twelve horses, five yoke of oxen, twenty-five head of cattle. "From the above hasty sketch (for I can not find tinle to speak of this flourishing Association as I should), it will be seen that it stands firm. Under all the disad vantages 'Of a new lTIOVement,the nlembers live together, in perfect harmony; and what is gratifying, Mr. Van Amringe is there, cheering them on in the great cause by his eloquence, and setting them an example of devotion to the good of hluuanity. J.D. T. [Editorial in the Harbi1~fer August 23 1845.] "TRUMBULL PHALANx.-We rejoice to learn by a letter just received from a member of this promisihg Association, that they are going forward with strength and hope, determined to make a full experiment of the great principles vvhich they have espoused. Have patience, brothers, for a short season; shrink not under the toils of the pioneer; let nothing daunt your courage, nor cloud your cheerfulness; and soon you will joy with the 'joy of harvest.' A few years will present the beautiful spectacle of prosperous, harmonic, happy Phalanxes, dotting the broad prairies of the West, spreading over its luxuriant valleys, and radiating light to the whole land that is now in' darkness and the shadow of death' The whole American people will yet see that the organization of industry is the great prob lem of the age; that the spirit of democracy must expand in universal unity; that cooperation in labor and TRUMBULL PHALANX. 337 unIon of interest alone can realize the freedom and equality which have been made the basis of our national institutions.

Ie We trust that our friends at the Trumbull Phalanx will let us hear fronl them again at an early date., We shall always be glad to circulate any intelligence with which they may favor us. Here is what they say of their present condition: · Our crops are now coming in; oats are excellent, wheat and rye are about average, while our corn will be superior. We are thankful that we shall raise enough to carry us through the year; for we know what it is. to buy every thing. We are certain of success, certain that the great principles of Associa tion are to be carried out by us; if not on one piece of ground, then on another. Literally we constitute a Phalanx, a Phalanx which can not be broken, let what .will oppose. And this you are authorized to say in any place or manner.' " [Letter of N. C. Meeker to the Pittsburg .7ourllal.] " Trulnbull P halaltx, September 13, 1845. "R. M. RIDDLE-Sir: I have the pleasure of inform ing the public, through the columns of the Commercial Jourltal, that we consider the success of our Association as ent\rely certain. We have made our fall payment of five hundred dollars, and, what is perhaps more encouraging, we are at this moment engaged in indus trial operations which yield us thirty dollars cash, each week. The waters are now rising, and in a few days, in addition to these \vorks which are now in operation, we shall add as much more to the above revenue. The Trumbull Phalanx may now be considered as an entirely successful enterprise.

" Our crops will be enough to carry us through. l ..ast AMERICAN SOCIALISMS. year we paid over a thousand dollars for provisions. We have sixty-five acres of corn, fifty-five ·of oats, twenty four of buckwheat, thirty of wheat, twenty of rye, twelve of potatoes, and two of broom-corn. Our corn, owing to the excellent soil and superior skill of the foreman of the farming department, is the best in all this region of country. Thus we have already one of the great advan tages of Association, in securing the services of the most able and scientific, not for individual, selfish good, but for public good. We are fortunate, also, that we shall be able to keep all our stock of fifty cows, etc., and not be obliged to drive them off or kill them, as the farmers do around us, for we have nearly fodder enough from our grains alone. I'hus we are placed in a situation for building up an Association, for establishing a perfect organization of industry by means of the groups and series, and in education by the monitorial manual-labor system, and shall demonstrate that order, and not civili zation, is heaven's first law.

" Some eight or ten families have lately left us, one fourth because they had. been in the habit of living on better food (so they said), but the remainder because they were averse to our carrying out the principles of Asso ciation as far as we thought they ought to be carried. On leaving, they received in return whatever they asked of us. They who enter Association ought first to study themselves, and learn which stage of Association they are fitted for, the transitional or the perfect. If they are willing to endure privations, to eat coarse food, sometimes with no meat, but with milk for a substitute (this is a glorious resort for the Grahamites), to live on friendly tenus with an old hat or coat, rather than have the society run in debt, and to have patience when TRUMBULL PHALANX. 339 many things go wrong, and are willing to work long and late to make them go right, they may consider them selves fitted for the transition-period. But if they sigh for the flesh-pots and l~eks and onions of civilization, feel melancholy with a patch on their back, and growl because they can not have eggs and honey and warm biscuit and butter for breakfast, they had better stay where they are, and wait for the advent of perfect industrial Association. I am thus trifling in contrast; for there is nothing so serious, hearty, and I might add, sublime, as the building up of a Phalanx, making and seeing it grow day by day, and anticipating what fruits we shall enjoy when a few years are past. Why, the heart of man has never yet conceived what are the to-be results of the equilibrial development of all the powers and faculties of man. It is like endeavoring to comprehend the nature and pursuits of a spiritual and superior race of beings.

"We are prepared to receive members who are de sirous of uniting their interests with us, and of becoming truly devoted to the cause of industrial Association. " Yours truly, N. C. MEEKER." (From a letter to the Trib 11 nf<, September 29, 1846.] " The progress made by the Trumbull Phalanx is doing great good. People begin to say, 'If they could hang together under such bad circumstances for so long a time, and no difficulties occur, what must we hope for, now that they are. pecuniarily independent?' You have heard, I presume, that the Pittsburghers have furnished Inoney enough to place that Association out of debt. I may be over-sanguine, but I feel confident of their com plete success. I fear our Eastern friends have not sufficient faith in our efforts. Well, I trust we may dis34° AMERICAN SOCIALISMS. appoint them. The Trumbull, so far as. means amount to any thing, stands first of any Phalanx in the United States; and as to harmony among the tuembers, I can only say that there has been no difficulty yet.

H Yours truly, J. D. s." [From the HarMngel', January 2, 1847.] H We have received the following gratifying account of the Trumbull Phalanx. Every attempt of the kind here described, though not-to be regarded as anexperi ment of a model Phalanx, is in the highest degree interesting, as showing the advantages of combined industry and social union. Go forward, strong-hearted brothers, assured that every step you take is bringing us nearer the wished-for goal, when the redem ption of humanity shall be fully realized. This is what they say: H' We are getting along well. Our Pittsburg friends have lately sent us two thousand dol1ars, and are to send more during the winter. We are also adding-to our numbers. We have an abundance to eat of our own raising; but aside from this, our mill brings sufficient for our support. We have put up a power-100m at our upper works, and are about prepared to produce thereby sufficient to clothe us. Hence, by uniting capital, labor and skill in two mechanical branches, we secure, with ordinary industry, what no equal number of families in civilization can be said to possess entirely, a sufficient amount of food and clothing. And these are items which practical men know how to value; and we know how to value then1 too, because they are the results of our own efforts .

., 'We have two schools, one belonging to the district, that is, a State or public school, and the other to the TRUMBULL PHALANX. 341 Phalanx, both taught by persons who are members. In the latter school, among other improvements, there are classes in Phonography and Phonotopy, learning the pew systems embraced by the writing and printing reformation, the progress of which is highly satisfactory. " 'On the whole, we feel that our success is ensured beyond an earthly doubt. Not but that we have yet to pass through trying scenes. But we have encountered so many difficulties that we are not apprehensive but that we are prepared to meet others equally as great. Indeed we feel that if we had known at the commence ment what fiery trials were to surroun:d us, we should have hesitated to enter upon the enterprise. Now, being fairly in, we will brave it through, and we think you may look to see us grow with each year, adding knowledge to wealth, and industrious habits to religious precepts and elevated sen timen ts, till we shall be pre pared to enter upon the combined order, and, with our co-partners, who arc now breast and heart with us, lead the kingdoms of the earth into the regions of light, lib ertyand, love.' "