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New Harmony
Anyone who learned Indiana history in grade school surely learned one thing about New Harmony. It was once a “Utopian society”. That was enough to pique the curiosity of a school child, but as the years passed I’ve often wondered about this “Utopian society” with such a fitting name - New Harmony. What was the society like? Are there still signs of its utopian heritage today?
I was again reminded of New Harmony in the book “The 100 Best Small Art Towns in America”, by John Villani, which lists only two Indiana towns, Columbus and New Harmony. New Harmony was described as “an art town that keeps its present firmly grounded in its past.” So after years of curiosity, it seemed a visit to New Harmony was in order. New Harmony is in the southwest corner of Indiana, on the banks of the Wabash River. It is a very small town, with a population of only around 850. But the town is proud of its heritage and is home to many treasures including fine inns and dining, an exquisite etched-granite labyrinth, award-winning modern architecture, historic sites and friendly people. History of New Harmony New Harmony’s past is honored and well-preserved today in part by Historic New Harmony, which is a unified program between the University of Southern Indiana and the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites. Historic New Harmony will be open seven days a week starting March 15th. Instead of guided tours, interpreters will be in the historic buildings so visitors can tour at their own paces. Historic New Harmony also offers many learning opportunities such as Heritage Week in April, when visitors can learn about 19th century crafts and industries. The Harmonists, 1814-1824 The first people to settle in the area were called the Harmonie Society. “Father” George Rapp led a group of 800 German Lutheran immigrants from Wurttemburg, Germany. These followers were also called Rappites. George Rapp felt the second coming of Christ was imminent, and people should be prepared. As a dissident of the established church, he was persecuted and jailed, and finally left Germany in 1803. The first community he established was in Butler County, Pennsylvania, which flourished there for ten years. This settlement was called “Harmonie” They soon outgrew Harmonie, and also wanted a better climate for grape production. They bought 20,000 acres on the banks of the Wabash River, and moved west. Within a year the town was laid out by a surveyor, and 180 log, frame and brick structures were built in “New Harmonie”. The Harmonists were a very religious group that believed in the literal interpretation of the Bible. They pursued “Christian perfection”, practiced celibacy and lived “highly ordered, productive lives.” They grew grapes and made wine, and manufactured wares that were sold in Pittsburgh, New Orleans, and even Europe. They also made their own tools, cookware and everything they needed to be truly self-sufficient. Though they were celibate, marriage was allowed and families lived together, with each family having a log home. There were also Community Houses for single men and women. Bruder (Brother) Haus was built in 1822 and was one of the major communal buildings, housing 40-60 people.
Now called Community House #2, visitors can see this example of Harmonist construction, which used heavy timber framing and “Dutch biscuits”, or mud-plastered, straw-wrapped boards which were used between floors. Under a stairwell one can still see a farewell message written on a stairboard by one of the Harmonists before leaving Indiana. There were originally four communal dwellings, two of which remain today. The Harmonist period lasted only ten years, until the group left in 1824 to return to Pennsylvania. The distance from Eastern markets and the threat of Malaria were important reasons. They packed up virtually all their belongings and moved. Nothing was left behind in New Harmonie except the buildings.
Robert Owen’s Utopia After the Harmonists left, Father Rapp sought out a buyer for New Harmonie. Robert Owen was a Welsh-born industrialist from New Lanark, Scotland. He had longed to establish a new social order, emphasizing educational and social equality. New Harmonie was an already-established and well-laid out community, and in 1825 Robert Owen purchased it. Owen felt that one’s environment determined character, and given a perfect environment, a society could be “perfect”. Other than a belief in communal living, Owen’s ideals were quite different than George Rapp’s. Owen was an atheist and felt marriage, the church and private property ownership were detriments to society. Owen’s “New Society” was short-lived, dissolving after two years, but it had a profound impact on the world. Geologist William Maclure had joined Owen in 1826, and this partnership attracted leading scientists and educators, making it an intellectual haven. In fact, several natural scientists arrived in a boat called “The Philanthropist”, often referred to as “the Boatload of Knowledge”. Robert Owen’s oldest son, Robert Dale Owen, stayed in New Harmonie after his father moved to Britain. He served in the Indiana General Assembly and the U.S. Congress. During his term Owen sponsored a bill that established The Smithsonian Institute. Another son, David Dale Owen was a geologist for the State of Indiana, and was Chief Geologist for the U.S. Government. He completed a survey of 12 Midwestern states, mapping out all of the mineral resources, thus opening the door to the Midwest’s industrial development. In fact, New Harmony was the headquarters of the U.S. Geological Survey from 1839-1856. The New Harmony Workingmen’s Institute was founded in 1838 to promote self-instruction and learning, especially for working men. In 1893 the present building was constructed and today houses a museum where visitors can see some of the great inventions and geological discoveries that were made by these eminent scientists. It is also home to an art gallery, a public library, and archives devoted to New Harmony and Posey County History. New Harmony Today New Harmony’s rich history provides a backdrop that showcases its current splendor. Modern architectural works still reflect the ideals of harmony and spirituality. Most of New Harmony can be visited by foot, and outdoor parks, gardens, labyrinths and restored Harmonists houses bring visitors a sense of tranquility.
Across the street from The Roofless Church is Tillich Park, set in a pine grove and dedicated to theologian Paul Tillich. Mr. Tillich was alive when the park was dedicated in 1963, and gave an address on the occasion. In 1966 his ashes were interred in the park. Today visitors can stroll the quiet paths and reflect on passages engraved into granite boulders. Tillich Park, The Roofless Church and other sites are lit at night for evening visitors.
The Atheneum is another architectural cornerstone of modern New Harmony. It was designed by Richard Meier and dedicated in 1979. It received the American Institute of Architects award for excellence in 1982. The Atheneum was named for Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom and the arts. It houses the Visitors Center, a good first stop where one can pick up a walker’s guide.
Thrall’s Opera House was built in 1824 as the Harmonist Community House Number 4. In 1888 it was purchased by Eugene Thrall, who added the Romanesque Revival facade. Performances were held there since 1827, and in the 1880’s New Harmony’s famous Golden Troupe performed there. From 1914-1960 it was used as a garage, but has since been purchased by the State of Indiana, which completed the restoration and returned it to its original use as a theater.
New Harmony also offers visitors the modern conveniences of fine dining, accommodations, and shopping. The Red Geranium offers a superb dining experience, while several other restaurants offer excellent food in casual settings. There are several nice antique and gift shops. Those who enjoy the arts can also find plenty to enjoy. The New Harmony Gallery of Contemporary Art is a 2,000 square foot area which holds exhibits of Midwestern artists. The New Harmony Theater presents summer productions at the Murphy Auditorium. New Harmony also hosts a number of writers workshops, including The RopeWalk Writers’ Retreat sponsored by the University of Southern Indiana. Harmonie State Park is also just a short drive away, where bluegrass and folk concerts are held. If you’ve ever wondered about this important place in Indiana’s history, treat yourself to a visit to New Harmony. There is still something a little like Utopia here.
Important Visitors’ Information: Historic New Harmony is open seven days a week March 15th through October 31st, 9am-5pm. During November and December, hours are 9am-4pm seven days a week. The tour program will be changing this year. Instead of leading guided tours, interpreters will be in the historic buildings. Visitors can buy a ticket at the Atheneum then can tour the historic sites at their own pace. The Harmonist sites will be manned in the morning, and the Owen period sites in the afternoon. This will allow visitors more freedom. Tickets are $8 adults; $7 seniors & AAA and $4.50 for children 7-17; under 7 free. The tickets will be good for two days. Call 800-231-2168 or 812-684-4488 or visit www.newharmony.org. *From Walker’s Guide to New Harmony’s History, by Janet R. Walker |
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All Feature Articles, artwork and photographs ©1999 by Dervish Design. Some information on the 'County Info' pages is taken directly from brochures published by Visitors Bureaus and Chambers of Commerce.
Today some of the Harmonist’s tools, dutch-biscuit molds, clothing, furniture, a horse-drawn carriage and other relics have been returned to New Harmony and can be seen in the Workingmen’s Institute, Community House #2, and other historic sites.
The Roofless Church was designed as an interdenominational spiritual retreat, and is a popular setting for weddings and other ceremonies. Jane Blaffer Owen established the Robert Lee Blaffer Trust, which commissioned the Roofless Church. It was Mrs. Owen’s belief that “only one roof, the sky, could embrace all worshiping humanity.”* 
Another recent addition to New Harmony is the Cathedral Labyrinth Sacred Garden and Orpheus Fountain. Labyrinths have been around since ancient times, and have recently seen a revival. New Harmony’s labyrinth is patterned after one dating back to the 12th century, The Cathedral of Notre Dame’s labyrinth in Chartres, France. It has been used by Christians in symbolic pilgrimages. Unlike a maze, a labyrinth has no dead ends or wrong turns. It is not a puzzle, but meant to calm the spirit.
