The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1885-07-22
GEORGE RAPP,
Founder of the Harmony Society
Born 1857, died 1S47.
Harmony, Pa, 1906; Harmony, Ind, 1915.
Economy, 1926.

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 q scho ol room. In the center
of one orchard of twenty-five acres is
large mound, where, after the French
and Indians had a battle, the braves
were buried together with many valu-
ables. Mr.. Rapp never allowed this to
be disturbed, and now Mr.. Henrici 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 to do the work. These, of course,
live together, but the unmarried are not
allowed to flirt with each other If two
are seen talking or walking together, or
if they marry they are Immediately sent
away. If man smokes in the town
limits he is discharged. Whisky and
beer are strictly forbidden. If any citi-
zen wishes to go out of town, or, in fact,
wishes to do anything, he must first ask
permission of Mr.. Henrici or Miss Rapp.
Groceries, dry goods, milk, bread and
meat are furnished at stated intervals in
any quantity desired milk twice day,
meat once, bread three times, etc. The
members of the society-with the eXcep-
ton of the managers-never handle any
money us 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, 600. The wash
ing for every family in the town is taken
to the laundry, where hired help handles
it.
At five A. 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 6:3O supper
At nine 2. 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.
Straightbacl1ed, uncushioned benches
hold the congregation. At each side,
directly opposite, are raised rostrums,
one for the pulpit, the other for the choir.
Mr.. HenTici 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 a 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 90, 900 gallons
of the best article. Some of the choicest
wines are fully fifty years old. Last year
500 barrels of cider were made. II is
drank instead of water. No one eever be-
comes a drunkard here, and a quarrel
has never occurred or a cross word
spoken.
Mr.. Henrici has built schoolhouse,
and pays teacher to instruct the chill