Utopias on Puget Sound, 1885-1915

Dr. Charles Pierce LeWarne is a historian who seemingly specializes in the Washington area (e.g., see his book, Washington State). In this book, Dr. LeWarne focuses on an often-told tale---19th/20th century utopian communities---but rather than give a broad survey of a great deal of such communites, he concentrates on a 30-year period, and only five communities: The Puget Sound Co-Operative Colony; Equality Colony; Freeland; Burley Colony; and "Home." LeWarne notes at the beginning of the book, "Near the term of the present century, a half dozen of so communitarian experiments, commonly called utopian or socialist colonies, appeared near the inland waters of western Washington that embrace Puget Sound. Part of a long communitarian tradition and of a contemporary revival, they drew together radicals, reformers, and generally good and well-meaning people in a common search for a better life. The experiments disappeared, and their settlers merged forgotten into the general populace." His own observations are quite pertinent, and rather charmingly understated: e.g., "the persons attracted were not necessarily the most valuable workers; needing money, the colony accepted some who had the required fee but were not strong contributors thereafter." And "Ironically, the two most vocal defenders of free love at Home ... were in their seventies." In his conclusion, LeWarne notes, "The communitarian experiments of western Washington failed not only to achieve their grandest aspirations but also to maintain their very existence.... Despite relative longevity, the Washington experiments, like those elsewhere, failed to endure." This exceptional book is of continued interest to anyone interested in intentional communities, utopian societies, communes, ecovillages, or similar experiments in living arrangements.

This is one of the best written and researched books out there. The respect that Dr. LeWarne gives these communities helps bring out their achivements and their follies. A must-read for any local historian or person interested in Western History.