Utopia in the Corn Belt -- New Harmony, Indiana

Although we often think of communes as a product of the free-spirited 1960s, southern Indiana was the home of two impressive, though short-lived experiments in communal living. They were far earlier than the days of Woodstock and flower-power.

In 1814, Father George Rapp and his society settled what is now known as New Harmony, on the banks of the Wabash River in Indiana. Rapp was a Lutheran dissenter from Pennsylvania. He and his industrious followers built 150 sturdy structures during their very first year in Indiana. Now that's ambitious! We're talking rugged, nearly undeveloped woodlands, but determination can prevail.

In their day, the Harmonists were nearly as famous as the Shakers. Even today some might question their choice of a location for Utopia. Nothing against Indiana, mind you, it's been my home for years, but the area is not unlike many other parts of the Midwest.

Over ten year's time, they carved a flourishing, self-sufficient community out of the wilderness, no small thing. Skilled craftsmen and proficient farmers contributed to the economic success of the Harmonists. As a group, they were especially recognized for both frugality and productivity.

While the hard work brought them financial security, their dream community did not last. The Harmonists believed in celibacy, which is one obvious reason the society died out near the end of the 1800s.

During the timeframe of 1924-25, the Harmonists sold the entire town, lock, stock and barrel as the old saying goes, to a Welsh-born social reformer named Robert Owen.

Owen saw himself as a prophet of sorts, leading a new society based on common property. Under Owens leadership, scientists, educators and scholars gathered to debate and study. This group is sometimes referred to as the "Owenites." They were the second group seeking their version of Utopia in the Hoosier state.