Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1889-08-19
PRACTICAL COMMUNISM.
An Ohio Society Based on Community OF
Property.

James W Fitch in the congresstionalist
About eighty miles south OF Cleveland, In
Tusearawas county, Ohio, is quiet. quaint
little village called Zoar. II contains about 500
inhabitants, and the population has neither in
creased nor decreased TO any noticeable extent
for more than three-quarters Of q century.
This obscure communistic colony was founded
In 1917 by Huber and Ackermann. two Ger
mans. the former a native Of Wurtcmburg and
the latter from Bavaria. They, with a few fol-
lowers, all Germans, chose this location. COM
prising some Of the richest land in Ohio. and
named the village Zoar because they looked
upon IL as place of refuge from the world,
which they termed Sodom and Gomorrah.
The first two houses which Huber and Acker-
mann built, IN 1917, are still inhabited by the
descendants OF the pioneers. They are queer
looking structures, built Of logs and mortar,
and contain but one large room each. sparsely
furnished. The windows are small, each con-
tanning nine panes of glass. about six inches
square. One of the FIRST things that attract
the strangers eye is the tile-ooyered roofs
which are on all the houses erected prior 20
about 1850 The art of tile making died ont in
Zoar then, and since that time slate and shin
giles have been used. The houses are of differ
ent styles OF archltecture-some large. Others
very small, but nearly all neat in outward ap-
pearance and commodious within.
4
industrious, strongly attached 20 their beauti-
full village home, and content to live free from
the cares and worries OF the busy struggling
world outside. They eyince no desire 70 amass
wealth, but work for the community, which
Owls and controls not only the village proper
but thousands of acres of fertile land outside
The money received goes INTO one common
treasury; the necessaries of life. including food
and clothing. are furnished by the officials
consisting OF three trustees and committee OF
fxa h..a IL. a 4
siders are employed to help in their work. and
are paid regular wages; but no one can reside
permanently IN the community unless he
become a member. Those who wish 10 do so
are received on probation for one year. Atthe
end of that time, If found TO be OF unimpeach-
able character, they can JOIN the lower class OF
Zoarites; and later on. II disposed. may be-
come members of the first class. giving them the
right TO vote for officers. and all other privileges
Nearly all OF the present members were born
In Zoar. Outtlders are not willing 10 exchange
tine ambition to amass wealth and reap poliu-
cal honors for this quiet life, with all blessed
freedom from care and anxiety. The Young
men. too, long for the gayeties and excite
ments outside. and leave to make their fortunes
elsewhere. those that remain profess 70 be
perfectly satisfied, and claim that want aud
Jealousy are unknown among them. 1t ID but
the truth 10 say that their looks and manners
do not belle their assertions
There Is nothing peculiar in their religious
ments, and have services Sunday, both MORN
ing aud evening. They have no minister but
generally one of the older members is chosen
TO read a chapter from the Bible and make a
few comments. They have no ceremonies of
any KIND, and their place of worship ID not
called a church, but congregation house IL
Is very plain structure inside and outside.
Their only holiday is Christmas and on that
day their services are not different from those
on Sunday.
In mnrriaca ,ba co,,roc,;,r, ,,.-.;o. .-1...-.
a license according 10 the laws of the state,
and justice OF the peace, who lie a member OF
the community, ties the knot.
In politics they are nearly all republicans
probably not over half a dozen democrats.
They are not prohlbItlonlsts. From the grapes
and hops they raise they make their own wine
and beer and sell IL at their bar. They are
more German than American IN the observance
OF sunday; but their bar is closed on that day
though there Is nothing IN the laws of the state
TO prevent their keeping II open then and reap
ing rich profit from the many strangers who
stroll through the village. They drive a brisk
trade, however, IN lemonade and cakes on Sun
day in the picnic grounds. They own a large
hotel and accommodate many summer board
ers, a large proportion from Cleveland.
Years ago their rules were very strict and the
members all dressed alike-in plain clothes Of
the simplest cut. Simplicity OF dress is the
rule now, but they are not uniformly alfred
The women wear plain calico and straw hats,
own woOlgarments. They own a tannery, pre-
pare their own leather and make their own
boots and shoes. Zach family raises its own
produce. IL any are IN need OF money for any
reason they make application for 1t All the
balance goes into the treasury and Is expended
IN improving the roads, erecting buildings and
for other public benefits. They run a Touring
mill aud sell a large quantity OF the product as
| well as wheat. They have two wooden ana two
grist mills. They also derive handsome profit
from the cattle they raise and sell. Every per-
son IN the community knows his place, is as
signed to his duty and performs his work ac-
cording to his ability.
They have two good schools where English
and German are taught. The proceedings in
council and their religious services are both in
German. They talk 10 their children in the
same language.
Altogether they are cheerful, kind hearted
people. satisfied to live by themselves, lnde-
pendent OF the help of others. Their quiet
secluded life may not accord with the desires
ct most men and women. but il has Its advan-
tages, and they appear to have reaped the full
benefit thereof.