davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Vernon Parish Democrat. (Leesville, La.) 1917-193?, 1921-04-28
Colony Cooperation
Is Most Complete

shop, broom factory, print shop, black
smith shop, wagon making and auto
repair shops, and other minor indus
tries connected with the farm work.
All these are carried on for the benefit
of the whole community.
We not only cooperate in our indus
tries and other domestic activities, but
we also cooperate in our amusements.
Our theater is free for the use of the
colonists, and plays, entertainments,
vaudeville, and movie picture shows
are given frequently. Where else can
such cooperation be pointed TOP Col
onists furnish the music, the drama,
the humor, and sometimes the tragedy.
This all costs nothing but the effort.
The theater is not rented, the electric
lights are colony-made, and the only
expense is the wood to run the engine.
livery Saturday night the colonists
dance on the hotel floor and have a
splendid social time. Little tots from
three years to 20 mop around to the
strains of the orchestra, and it costs
nobody any money. This kind of CO.
operation means something. 1t is CO.
operation to the utmost.
There is still another step to be tax
en- in cooperation. and that is at the
distributing end. Why should con
sumer's co-operatives get their supplies
from commission men when they could
combine with other similar societies
and buy direct from the producers CO.
operatives?
The Llano Colony has a surplus of
some of its products and arrangements
could be made whereby co-operators
in the large cities could eat cooper
atively produced foods.
The time will come when the large
cooperative wholesale societies will
own their own farms and. produce
their own foods, as we'll as operate
factories and industries for their own
use; but, in the meantime, co-opera-
tive colony-and other similar colonies
will doubtlessly be started in this coun-
try-and all producers societies ought
to receive the patronage of co-opera-
tors when they have a surplus to dis
pose of.
Complete cooperation will evolve
as matter of course, and its coming
can be fastened materially by closer
and closer cooperation between the
consuming and producing organiza-
tons.
Vernon Parish Democrat. (Leesville, La.) 1917-193?, 1921-04-28
One Minute Chats With CoIonists
Colony Members Talk Frankly With Their
Friends and Invite Them to Come and See


The Colony is a schooI-the best
in the world-in which we are all stu
dents, land likewise teachers. The OPP
portunity is ours to learn many things
that many NEVER learn-things that
we never should have learned-in the
schools and universities Of the outside
world; we learn tolerance and self
control; we learn the science Of adapt
ation-the science of harmonizing our
actions with those of the community,
SO that we really cooperate, both in
action and in psychology lesson
which many Socialists think they have
learned when they have not.
The Colony is the home of those
who desire Freedom-freedom to think
and express our own thoughts; free
dom to ride our own hobbies, if we
have them; freedom to read and study
the things that interest US; freedom
from the worries and fears that haunt
YOU in your struggle to beat the
other fellow to it; freedom to work
for our ideals. which the law of the
jungle forbids US to work for else
where.
These are a few Of the things the
Colony offers to THOSE WHO BE-
.LIEVE THAT THESE ARE THE
THINGS WORTH WHILE. Come
and see"
HOWARD L. BUCK.
y **%
Although have been here only a
few months, since last August, have
learned that would not exchange
places with anyone in the capitalist
system. left good $l-an-hour job
to come here, and had some money,
too; but am happier here than ever
was out there. We work hard here,
Vernon Parish Democrat. (Leesville, La.) 1917-193?, 1921-04-28

Not many people, even among those
who have made close study Of co-op-
Grafton, can have full conception of
the extent to which the Llano Colony
co-operates. Especially is this true Of
that vast army of co-operators who be
long to retail stores and wait for the
monthly or quarterly dividends. Their
idea of cooperation is getting their
profits back.
Cooperation among consumers is all
right as far as it goes. But when SUI
gar reaches Doc lb. wholesale. the CO.
operative retail store has to buy its
sugar and has to pay the profiteering
price or go without. Cooperating to
sell what someone else produces and
then buying the produce through sew
eral middlemen is not cooperating
very much. Why not get supplies di-
rect at first hand?
Cooperation among producers is an
admirable institution as far as it goes,
but when they comparatively grow,
say sweet potatoes, and then find that
their market is controlled by the com
mission men who offer them less than
the price of the crates in which the
produce is sold, what avail is their CO.
operation?
Consumers co-operatives sell sweet
potatoes at high prices, and the Pro-
ducers' co-operatives get less than the
potatoes cost to grow them. Why cant
the Consumers cooperate with the pro-
ducers?
Cooperation in the Llano Colony
obviates the very distasteful situation
above outlined. The consumers and
the producers are the same fellows, and
they simply take their sweet potatoes
to their store and get what the other
fellow produced while they grew crops
In other words. all the produce of the
whole community is the collective pro-
perty of that whole community. There
is no loss between the consumer anc
the producer.
All the land, machinery, tools, stock
industries, and conveniences which ev.
eryone uses are the property of the col
lectivity. No one can make profit
on another's needs. They collectively
own and operate their saw mill, with
its log saws, rip saws, planners, ETC., Z
comrades who understand with VIVA
brick factory, steam laundry, store
butcher shop, shoe repair and harness
Vernon Parish Democrat. (Leesville, La.) 1917-193?, 1921-04-28

of obtaining subsistence are sacred to
life-yes, as sacred as the Creator
I Himself; the cooperative colony,
an extended family unit or home Sc
cure from the debasing effect of econ
omic pressure, demands the earnest
of all who appreciate what
these things mean. Llano Colony,
pioneer movement, demonstrated sue
presents its object lesson.
"A. STACKIOUSE.
1888 81
Perhaps the finest feature of the
Llano Colony is the enjoyable social
life. We are free from care and wor-
ny and are economically secure; con-
sequently, we have time to get ac-
quainted, to study ourselves and our
fellows, and to appreciate the better
things of life. Without the proper
kind of social life, there would be
nothing in life worth living for. Espe.
cially do | appreciate the dances, the
music, the entertainments, etc.
Another phase of Colony life that
appeals to me is the educationaI-es-
pecially the training of the children.
They learn to do by doing. They
learn to THINK. rather than to mem
orize. They learn by observation. By
being treated with fairness and JUS
tice, they learn to be fair and just.
And their heads are not filled with
false ideas and superstitions that would
have to be unloaded later. Our ed
ucational facilities are by no means
complete, but we are assuredIy pro-
ceeding along the right lines.
"A. E. HORNE.
Vernon Parish Democrat. (Leesville, La.) 1917-193?, 1921-04-28

more outdoor life; they are growing
into their knowledge by doing what
they learn about. | feel the children
are safer here than they would be else
where. Every colonist loves them and
all the children belong to us. Then
and the CHI la;tn enjoy the social life
of the Co|1ry, especially the weekly
dances, at which our four-year-old girl
gets as much attention as the grown
ups do. MRS. G. E. CANTRELL.
* 3 * *
Il joined the Colony in 1914 and
went to live at Llano, Calf. in 1915.
| was interested in establishing new
system principally, but was particular
ly glad to get away from the grinc
on the outside. | have recently trav-
eled over Europe. but after getting
back to the Colony, | find that am
happier here than elsewhere. The i'm
provements in the Colony and the spir-
it of success which almost everyone
has is what makes me glad. My par
ticular job here is making bread, cakes
and cookies, and this keeps me busy
But am making these the best have
ever made anywhere, because | make
them to eat, not to make a profit.
JOE VALEK
$3.50
Ten acres Of cut-over pine land III
Vernon Parish, Louisiana is better than
lifetime on $5-a-day job. | car
take ten acres here and get more gooc
food and comfortable living. and indie.
pendently secure feeling out of it than
| can get out of any job | could get
| can build house out of the mater.
ial on the land with $40 expense-and
out-buiIdings the same way. can gel
as much of the necessaries of life out
Vernon Parish Democrat. (Leesville, La.) 1917-193?, 1921-04-28

and this is no convalescent home for
parasites. There is no CRATER getting
we productive keep it all.
We have the best system of schooling:
my little children have made splendid
progress in the four months we have
been here. Mrs. Caron. too, is salts
fled with conditions here. We are all
enjoying fine health. My friends are
invited to join US.
p. A. CARON.
- 81 -
Since my return last summer, find
things very much changed for the bet
ter. | believe the mental attitude of
the colonists is responsible for this
great change; for in no other way
can | account for it. AS woman ac-
customed to city life and its home con-
veniences, the pioneering and hardship
did not appeal to me. because lacked
the ideal. Now | find pleasure in
working all the time to build up the
social service in the Colony. 1t is the
educational system which appeals to
me most. My children get more gen
eral and practical education through
actual contact with their studies and
Vernon Parish Democrat. (Leesville, La.) 1917-193?, 1921-04-28

out. AS my ideals were yet unproven,
| many times thought the matter over
twice before taking part in discussion.
| finally decided to look for AIN OPP
portunity by which a proof could be
obtained. Through friend got in
touch with the Llano Colony, and, as
far as know, that was the only place
on earth where such demonstration
was being made. with the possible ex-
ception of Russia. AS soon as my fin
ancial condition permitted. got on the
train for Llano. When arrived, |
found things in a better shape than |
expected. And now after living in the
Colony few months, | have learned
that the higher types of human beings
are not here, neither do they have to
be. All that is necessary is that those
who are here use their ability to serve,
and in that way stage of development
is sufficient for all kinds of co-opera-
ton. can also see a great thing in
obtaining economic freedom, even if
our fellow workers in the other parts
of the world keep capitalism on their
shoulders for years yet to come.
JOHN w. BERGMAN.
%#*%
From the coal mines of Illinois to
the open air life in Western Louisiana
is the journey | have made this year;
and am we'll pleased with the change.
Hard work is made easier, because one
realizes that all the work is for the
common good. Every days work
helps bring us nearer to our goal-a
cooperative commonwealth.
Pulling stumps and clearing is my
job at present and every stump pulled
makes it possible to grow more food,
as we'll as makes the land more valua-
Ible.
| have invited some of my friends
in the coal fields to come here, and
they will come. | invite all my friends
to come and see what we are doing.
They will be well satisfied. Life is toe
short to make wealth for coal baron,
or any other parasite.
-MAURRIS GALLO
4 4 4 x
Considering the large proportion o.
the human family under the necessity
of maintaining existence by their owl
exertions, often under conditions thai
call for the best that is in man, and re
alizing that economic pressure does no
appeal to mans higher qualities, tina
home that does not keep body anc
soul together will not keep together til,
family unit-the basis of the nation
that the farcical futility Of the social
ed means of grace or moral appea
that do not include the keeping of SOU
and body together. that the equally de.
fective government or system that dis,
regards the security and integrity OIL
each basic family unit among the mil
lions of this fair land, that the mean:
Vernon Parish Democrat. (Leesville, La.) 1917-193?, 1921-04-28

Dear Friends and Comrades. MANY
Of you that are Of my friends and ac-
quaintances would like to hear Of me
and what am doing. As the lob OIL
writing TO each a personal letter with
the information ! would like to impart.
would be too big. | take this method
to reach you; and | hope that you
who receive a copy Of the paper will
int-rested--if not in me personally,
IN in this institution ! am connected
sith, and in the kind Of advancement
# human welfare it stands for. Yom
subscription will keep you fully in
formed. To you who receive this CO.
py win Be sent number Of copies.
which ! would thank you to hand to
my many friends.
IN conclusion | wish to say that |
Haveled around since you saw me, and
arne here year ago. And if | had
the space there is lot of interesting
things in regard to life in the Colony,
Of which you will learn by subscribing
tot the paper. am much pleased
with our Colony society; like it better
every day. with best regards to all
my friends. remain, fraternally yours,
FRED ANDERSON
. @@%
The editor of the Democrat wants
the colonists to tell you outside read
ers their opinion of the Colony in
few words. The nearest | can come
to expressing my feeling in few
words is to say that Il would do the
SAME thing over," as far as joining the
Colony goes.
Having spent two years here, | have
seen a great deal of human nature
coming into and out Of the Colony. |
think the main reason some people who
have left are dissatisfied because the
\ Colony is a practical way to establish
what they thought to be better way
f-r the people to live than in compe-
ion with one another, following the
lie Of 'dog-eat-dog;" and they ex-
scted all the difficulties to be already
lived and ready-made Utopia.
where everything would be at their
command without any adjustment on
their part. Such a condition, believe
will never be possible. We must re-
cognize that all of our training has
been in the wrong direction-namely,
to get the other fellow before he gets
US. Consequently ! don't believe that
this generation is capable of living as
a,harmonious unit, without some fric-
ton; therefore look on the Colony
as an educational experiment in trying
to change and improve human nature,
expecting the next generation to be
more capable Of following the Colleen
Rule. If you are looking for place
where all the necessarIes of life are
10 be secured by beating the other fel-
low out of his-then this is not the
place for YOU; but if you are willing
to dig your living out of the ground,
where nature is kind and nobody gets
q rebate, where manhood and woman
hood count instead Of wealth or an
cestry-then this is pretty good place
to Be in. Having been in the prospect
ing and mining game the largest parI
Of my life, feel that the 1000 dollars
] put into the Colony for member
ship is the best investment | ever made
Some people may not be able to look
al It that way, but that is my view.
-. BROSTROM
SIS = &
The Colony is my home-its mer
and women are my brothers and SIS
tiers, its children are my children, it
interests are my interests, its ideals are
my ideals, and its success is my sue
cess.
Vernon Parish Democrat. (Leesville, La.) 1917-193?, 1921-04-28

of an acre of this land as could out
of the land in Southern California,
which costs $500 an acre-and water
here does not cost a cent; and |
can show anyone that is interested
how to do it. This is not one or two
crop country, that you must sell the
products from to buy the things you
can eat and wear: whatever you want
or need you can raise at home and use
it at home, without going through the
buying and selling process that keeps
lis hard up and breaks us up wher
hard times come. This is a two or
three crop country-two crops in sum-
mer, and a green feed crop in winter.
Sweet potatoes will make 200 bushels
an acre-and, dried and made into
flour, they make good bread; | have
eaten it and know. One acre Of cane
in bottom land will make 8 barrels of
syrup. One acre will make 1000 lbs.
Of peanut butter that is IS per cent
oil. One acre will make 40 bushels
Of beans and corn together, if it is
aided by 300 pounds of fertilizer, and
soon can be made to do it without the
aid of fertilizer. There are lots Of
wild berries. There is no snow, and
very little cold weather; and fruit
trees grow fine. -CHAS. TACKETT.
1888
All know that there is something
radically wrong to-day. 1t is a sad in
i dictment of our boosted intelligencea
that the masses do not know that the
present economic competitive system is
the fundamental cause for the perpet-
uation of that condition of mind which
still dwells in the darkness of by-gone
ages. when superstition and cruelty
ruled supreme.
Competition is the direct cause Of
that all pervading spirit of fear anc
selfishness which assumes that any
neighbor will take advantage of one
and therefore it is up to me to beaI
him to it-even to destroying him be-
fore he destroys me. Wars. civil anc
international, are the ripe fruits o.
competition.
1t is fundamental truth, a psychoI
ogical fact, that man has that holy al
truistic seed planted within his soul
which is ever ready to unfold anc
bring forth fruit of its kind.
Co-operation-the real article
the ripe fruit of this seed. The spiri
of cooperation Is universal. All cal
scent its fragrance. But, because o
our competitive environment, we mus
see before we will believe.
The days Of effectual propaganda
are past. We must put our ideas an,
Vernon Parish Democrat. (Leesville, La.) 1917-193?, 1921-04-28

The Colony is my home-its men
and women are my brothers and SIS
tiers, its children are my children, its
interests are my interests, its ideals are
my ideals, and its success is my sue
cess.
Vernon Parish Democrat. (Leesville, La.) 1917-193?, 1921-04-28

The main reason for my joining the
Llano Cooperative Colony is the fol-
lowing. While was around New
York agitating socialism among the
Scandinavians, | often heard them say
that the ideals and plans were all
right. but it required higher develop
ed type of human beings to carry them
Vernon Parish Democrat. (Leesville, La.) 1917-193?, 1921-04-28

| joined forces with the Colony in
California and was there two years. l
have been at this location for eight
months. Cooperation, in my opinion.
is the only salvation for the masses of
the people. AS ! see the advancement
we in the Colony are making, | can
not help but believe that only a few
years hence there will be chain of
colonies. This location and its oppor-
tunities for quick results are far super
Tor to California. The social life is
excellent. No one is exploiting his
neighbor; all are treated alike. wheth-
er employed in office or workshop.
The children of the Colony enjoy life
better than any group of youngsters
| have ever seen before. The chance
for learning practical things is fine.
We can, and do. practice the golden
rule here. All we have to do here i:
to do our duty to self and our fellows
and we certainly will succeed, if we
carry out that principle.
OIuC DOEnENHETCTEQ
Vernon Parish Democrat. (Leesville, La.) 1917-193?, 1921-04-28

zG3CAlGZ@2CE D1CZ2NCzICZl
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1921-12-07
TERRE COUPE

Mrs. Emma Ranstead has return
ed from Indianapolis, where she was
the guest of her daughter. Mrs. Mails
bury. and family.
Mrs. Nevin. Mr.. and Mrs. Harold
Pettigrew, of South Bend, visited
Mr.. and Mrs. Ross Williams Sunday.
Mr.. and Mrs. Harold Wolcott, Of
Rolling Prairie. were Sunday guests
OF T. NJ. Saunders and family.
Mr. and Mrs Robert ButterwOrth
of Laporte, and Mr.. and Mrs. Charles
Bartmas and daughter visited Mr..
and Mrs. Victor Bates Sunday.
T. NJ. Saunders held a public sale
at his residence Saturday. having
decided to quit farming.
Mr.. and Mrs. j. w Cauffman and
Mr.. and Mrs. b. r. Smith and fam
lily, Mrs. Laura Smith and daugh-
ter. Carolyn. were entertained on
Wednesday at the home Of Mr.. and
Mrs. c.. X. Scott. of Portage Prairie.
The Home Economics club Will
meet at the home of DR. and Mrs.
Shield at New Carlisle Wednesday,
Dec. IA.
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1921-12-07
BUCHANAN

The Indoor Fair given by Ralph
Eumbaugh Post 30. 81, American
Legion, assisted by the Legion Aux
niary opened its doors on Thursday
The first day was al that
could be- expected of a rainy. dark
day outside. bat in Rough's hall with
its warmth OF color, patriotism, and
good cheer nobody remembered tho
weather. Half Of the floor was roped
Off for dancing-the Geiger Ladies
orchestra Of New Buffalo furnishing
the music The fact that the dance
floor was filled % capacity each ev-
ening proves the worth OF this splen-
did orchestra 4 vaudeville act OcCu-
pied a part of the evening, the
following performers appearing:
Ross Lindscg. Friday. Mr.. Cur
rey Shafer II Benton Harbor,
and Mr.. Lindsey; Saturday. Mss Jane
Harpstrite, solOist and reader, and
Miss Gwendolyn Lem. dancer, both
Of Benton Harbor. little Miss Dora
Hart. reader and fancy dancer OF
New Buffalo, and Miss Iva MCGOWAN,
Buchanan, accompanies.
a continuation OF frolic, good nature,
and JOY. and on Saturday evening
tie hall was filled 20 It's capacity with
never a solemn face nor a crouch
from anyone. The affair was gwen %
help in paying for the Legion home
and il is thought that about $500
was added 70 their fund through this
effort. The next big event thai these
TWO organizations expect 20 stage viii
be the Municipal Christmas tree.
Plans are being made and r IS hop
ed that the tree viii bring Joy 20 the
heart Of every child in the communi-
y.
The regular meeting OF the Legion
Auxiliary viii be held Monday even
ing. December 8, a. the Lesion
rooms.
Mr.. and Mrs, Frank Steiner and
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1921-12-07
PACKING PLANTS
RUN; STRIKE ON
Prices Increase, However, as
Leaders Dispute Success
of Walk-out.

CHICAGO. Dec 6.-Meat prices
advanced sharply here today-the
second day of the packer employees
strike, although company officials
continued 90 maintain only few
men had quit work.
Some grades OF meat. especially
pork. advanced three and four cents
a pound.
Employers claimed about LOO
men remained away from work in
Chicago today. while union heads
placed the figure at $1,000 Meet
ings of strikers called by union
heads were attended by about 2.20O.
Al packing plants seemed to be
operating normally and the entire
shipments OF livestock 10 the Chi
cago yards were being bought up by
packers.
According 20 reports 10 union
most effective in Omaha South St.
Paul East St Louis, Sioux City.
Denver Lincoln and Omaha. In
those cities from so percent TO 100
percent OF the men were reported
20 have left their work
Conduct of the strike continued
peaceabIe. In Chicago 200 police
guards pa-rolied the packing house
district 90 prevent picketing. A few
FIST fights between men going 10
work and thCss who struck. occurred
near the gates bur they were the
oulE disturbances.
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1921-12-07

AZ. and Mrs. OTTO Baker OF South
Bend. spent Thursday evening with
friends in buchanan
?. p Sanders returned saturday
evening after spending the week On
Grand Rapids.
TIE following Niles people ware
present 90 the Legion Fair or sat
urday evening DR.. F. y. BONNIE.
ar and Mrs DICK D1uEal. ar. and
Mrs Rudolph Kompass Fred Kom-
pass William Bowerman and dauFh-
ter. Miss Marjorie Gertrude Jarn.
Mildred Merritt Frances HeCkel Es-
ther Cnrstor and Helen Forbes.
The SD club met Monday afternoon
at the home ~ Mrs Fred Howe The
subject Cor the day was Military
Schools. with the following splendid
papers West Point NIss George
Wilcox; Annapolis. Mrs Maud Peck
Mr.. and Mrs Henry BIo5Eett. who
have been visiting u Ohio for sew
eral months. returned 20 their home
last Friday
Mr.. and Mrs. p. A. Fichenor left
"Wednesday t1r their winter home tn
New smyrna Fla.
The 3. O.. T.. society girls OF Blu
cha7an and Nies. VIII give an invi-
tation dance .r BouEns dance hal
on TUESDAY evening. Dec. o..
ms. Wava Wilcox iq teaching n
the Sth grade In place ~ Mrs ". p.
Penneth. who is suffering from l1-
juries received TN an AUTOMOBILES ac-
cident recently.