Exhibit on Intentional Communities at the Tennessee State Museum
October 3rd through November 30th

Tennessee's history includes several social experiments founded on principles of equality and justice that go back nearly 200 years.

Nashoba was located on 2000 acres outside Memphis, founded in the early 1820's by Francis Wright. She would use her own money to purchase and free people held in slavery, with the idea that the community would serve as an example of how the races could work together side by side.

Rugby, established in the 1880's on the Cumberland Plateau in Middle Tennessee, attracted hundreds of settlers drawn by its egalitarian principles expressed through a cooperative agricultural enterprise. Many of its Victorian style buildings have been preserved as a tourist attraction.

Ruskin, founded in 1893, sprung to life after an economic depression in 1893, growing to about 250 people before finally dissolving in 1901. Its blend of capitalism and communal living made members equal shareholders in a corporation as one of the first worker owned cooperatives.

The Farm Community makes up about two thirds of the exhibit, with glass cases filled with various "artifacts" and unique items dating back to our communal period. A large video screen displays images of people working in the fields, the midwives and Stephen Gaskin speaking after a Sunday Service.

It is an honor to be recognized as an integral part of the State's history.

A three dimensional painting by Bernice Davidson and other contributing artists has windows that let you see inside to view the passengers and their belongings. "Always room for one more!"

Messages from Farm members about why they were drawn to the community adorn the bus.

The exhibit contains a number of archival photographs by Farm photographer, former member, and community historian David Frohman, who played an integral role in organizing the exhibit.

Left: The Motor Pool with Mr.Kaputi

Garden Hoops: For years we used recycled TV cable to make hoops for covering our vegetables in the garden. It was time for an upgrade.

Above: This hoop bender is available from Johnny's Seed for around $50 The hoops are made from steel conduit. Half-inch will cost $2-$3 for a 10 foot stick. The bender can be used on up to 1 inch conduit, recommended to give more strength at either end of your row of hoops.

We use hoops and row cover to protect plants from both insects and frost. As temperatures drop, you can replace the cloth with clear plastic. Be prepared to take the plastic off on warm, sunny days and then cover again at night.

Above: Rabbits have been nibbling on my carrot tops, so I covered them. The bed further back contains broccoli, covered to protect from cabbage moths and their caterpillars.

both books for $35 including shipping