Title: Charles W. Clarke Diary (copy)

Date/Date Range :   1897-1902

Extent: 0.1 linear feet

Abstract:

This collection contains photocopies of the diary of Charles W. Clarke. The diary entries date October 21, 1897 thru November 5, 1898, and March 1, 1901 thru April 27, 1902. Clarke's entries cover life at Ruskin from July 1, 1898 thru November 5, 1908. The rest of the journal was maintained while in Fairhope, AL, where some members of the Ruskin Commune moved.

Call number: MS-2194

Repository: University of Tennessee Special Collections Library, Knoxville, TN

Aquisition Information:

Linda Owen, Clarke's granddaughter, donated this collection in June 1999.

Access Restrictions:

Collection is open for research.

Copyright:

The copyright interests in this collection remain with the creator. For more information, contact the Special Collections Library.

Preferred Citation:

[Identification of Item], Charles W. Clarke Diary (copy), MS-2194. University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Special Collections Library.

Collection consists of a single folder.

The Ruskin Co-operative Association (RCA), named for English social critic John Ruskin, was active from 1893 to 1899 in Ruskin, TN, and from 1899 to 1901 in Ruskin, GA. Apparently the first Marxist-influenced commune in the United States, the colony grew from the leadership of Isaac Broome and the efforts of Julius Wayland. Colonists grew their own food, and alcohol was forbidden on the grounds. Members implemented the use of scrip money, several entrepreneurial ventures, and innovative educational practices. They produced and sold suspenders, natural chewing gum, and cereal coffee. An extensive library, frequent lectures, and performing arts events fostered education. However, the cooperative finally ended after two years of lawsuits between two factions over issues relating to ownership and control of the RCA.

Charles Wiot Clarke (1869-1933) married Marjorie Miriam "Mina" Kennedy (1874-1964) in 1891 and had 10 children, including one born at Ruskin. Her family also came to Ruskin, where Mina's mother also had a child.

This collection contains photocopies of the diary of Charles W. Clarke. The diary entries date October 21, 1897 thru November 5, 1898, and March 1, 1901 thru April 27, 1902. Clarke's entries cover life at Ruskin from July 1, 1898 thru November 5, 1908. The rest of the journal was maintained while in Fairhope, AL, where some members of the Ruskin Commune moved. There are two items listing the birth, death, and marriage dates of Clarke's family as well as his father-in-law "Gabe" Kennedy's family.

The Ruskin Settlement Collection, 1893-1901, in MS-1014 and The Ruskin Cooperative Association Papers in MS-0023 are also available on this topic. MS 2360: The Jan Bakker/Ruskin Commune Papers, 1992-1993.

• Ruskin Co-operative Association.
• Collective settlements -- Tennessee.
• Communism -- Tennessee.
• Socialism -- Tennessee.