The Middlebury register and Addison County journal. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1883-1885, 1885-06-19
GEORGE RAPP,
Founder of the Harmony Society.
Born l157, died lS47
Harmony, Pa, 1873: Harmony, Ind, 1915.
Economy, 1925.

When Mr.. Rapp settled here he bought
some property from Mr.. Blaine, father of
James G.. The old Blaine homestead is
still standing. and was used not long
since for a scho ol room. In the center
of one orchard of twenty five acres is a
large mound, where, after the French
and Indians had battle, the braves
were buried together with many valu-
ables. Mr.. Rapp never allowed this to
be disturbed, and now Mr. Heinrich sees
that Mr.. Rapp's wishes are obeyed to the
letter. The mound is held sacred, and
still holds lis secret. Many beautiful
flowers at present are planted on it, Near
by, in the orchard, is the Economic
graveyard. Side by side the dead sleep
in peace. No gaudy stones, no flowers,
simply covered with the bright grass.
There are many men and maidens
hired 10 do the work. These, of course,
live together, but the unmarried are not
allowed to tlirt with each other If two
are seen talking or walking together, or
if they marry they are Immediately sent
away. If a man smokes in the town
limits he is discharged. Whisky and
beer are strictly forbidden. If any citi-
zen wishes to 90 out of town, or, in fact,
wishes to do anything, he must first ask
permission of Mr. Heinrich or Miss Rapp
Groceries, dry goods, milk, bread and
meat are furnished at stated intervals in
any quantity desired milk twice a day,
meat once, bread three times, etc. The
members of the society-with the eXcep-
ton of the managers handle any
money as they have no need for it.
Many would not know piece of money
if they should see it, never having han.
died penny in their lives, and yet each
is worth at least 81 900, 000 The wash
ing for every family in the town is taken
to the laundry, where hired help handles
it.
At five \. NJ, they breakfast, at six
the bell rings for them to 90 to work, at
ten o'clock they have lunch, consisting
of bread, butter, cheese, meat and cider
twelve to one is dinner hour, three
o'clock lunch again, and 6 80 supper.
At nine p. NJ. the bell rings and every
one must 90 to bed. Nine watchmen
nightly guard the town and enforce the
rules of the society, which visitors must
observe.
The church is built of brick, and sup
ports large bell and two town clocks
Straightbacked, uncushioned benches
hold the congregation. At each side,
directly opposite, are raised rostrums
one for the pulpit, the other for the choir
Mr.. Heinrich breaches about an hour every
Sunday morning and evening. Nearly
thirty young people compose the choir,
over which the venerable Miss Rapp pre-
sides at the organ.
The clothing worn is made perfectly
plain. The dresses consist of gathered
skirt, plain waist, full sleeves and a
square kerchief across the breast. The
best of silks and woolens used to be man
ufactured at Economy, but the factories
stand silent and deserted now. The
members are too old to work, and the
hired help does not take interest enough
in the work TO insure success.
Everything is raised in abundance
and the large wine cellars of the thrifty
community contain over so, 900 gallons
of the best article Some of the choicest
wines are fully fifty years old. Last year
500 barrels of cider were made. 1t is
drank instead of water. No one ever be-
comes drunkard here, and quarrel
has never occurred or cross word
spoken.
Mr.. Heinrich has built schoolhouse,
and pays a teacher to instruct the chill
dren of the people who work for the So
ciety. Thus they live day after day
peacefully, quietly, religiously prepar-
ing themselves to meet the God whom
they faithfully believe in. They do not
faunt their great wealth in the faces of
the deserving and struggling poor
neither do they count their gold like
misers. What will become Of it all when
the last survivor passes away no one out
side of small circle knows. They are
a living monument to the old adage that
ECONOMY is wealth." They are not
misery OF uncharitable. No tramp ever
passes Economy hungry. The poor of