The Farm

The Farm, located in Summertown, Tennessee, stands out as one of the most well-known and enduring intentional communities founded during the back-to-the-land movement.

The Farm, located in Summertown, Tennessee, stands out as one of the most well-known and enduring intentional communities founded during the back-to-the-land movement of the late 1960s and early 1970s. Its history reflects a blend of spiritual pursuit, commitment to social change, and ecological sustainability that has evolved over decades.

Foundation and Philosophy

The Farm was established in 1971 by Stephen Gaskin and approximately 320 of his followers from San Francisco. Gaskin, a former Marine and college English teacher, had led a weekly meeting called Monday Night Class, where he and his attendees discussed various topics, including spirituality, the ethics of living, and the societal implications of their times. Influenced by various spiritual traditions and the collective desire for a change from the urban lifestyle, the group embarked on a cross-country caravan to find land where they could establish a new way of living based on their shared values.

The philosophy of The Farm was rooted in nonviolence, spiritual awareness, and sustainability. It aimed to demonstrate that people could live cooperatively, without the social stratification and environmental degradation they saw in mainstream society. They bought 1,064 acres of land in Lewis County, Tennessee (later incorporated into Summertown), and began the process of building their community from scratch.

Growth and Development

In its early years, The Farm evolved rapidly, growing both in population and in its approach to communal living. By the late 1970s, the population had swelled to over 1,500 people. The community operated on a communal economy, with all members working for the collective good and sharing resources. They were involved in a variety of ventures, including farming, construction, and the operation of various businesses that ranged from soy-based food production to book publishing.

One of The Farm's most notable contributions to the wider world was its work in midwifery, led by Ina May Gaskin, Stephen's wife. The Farm Midwifery Center became renowned for its low intervention birth practices and success rates, contributing significantly to the field of modern midwifery in the United States. Ina May Gaskin's book, "Spiritual Midwifery," published in 1975, is considered a seminal work in the field.

Challenges and Transformation

The communal living arrangement faced significant challenges, particularly as the population grew. Financial difficulties emerged in the late 1970s and early 1980s, compounded by a nationwide recession. In 1983, in response to these challenges, The Farm underwent a significant transformation. The community shifted from a completely communal economy to a cooperative model. Members were encouraged to find employment outside The Farm and contribute to a collective fund, while still sharing many resources and maintaining a commitment to their founding principles.

Legacy and Continuing Influence

Today, The Farm continues to operate as an intentional community, though on a smaller scale than at its peak. It remains committed to principles of nonviolence, ecological sustainability, and social justice. The Farm has diversified its activities to include educational programs on sustainable living, renewable energy, and permaculture. The community's influence extends through its books, its model of midwifery, and the example it sets as one of the longest-lasting experiments in communal living from the back-to-the-land movement.

The story of The Farm is a testament to the enduring appeal of alternative, sustainable ways of living and the challenges and adaptations required to maintain such a community over decades. It stands as a vivid chapter in the history of American utopian experiments and continues to inspire those seeking a more harmonious and sustainable way of life.