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>>>>> The Fruitlands consisted of a red farmhouse and an orchard which was to be the commune’s source of food.  Likewise, the members of the Fruitlands, which at one time numbered fifteen, were to sow and harvest the land themselves, never employing animals.  Visitors to the farm, such as Emerson, commented on the neglect of the commune and the unlikelihood that it could sustain.  As Emerson noted after a visit on July 4, 1843, “I will not prejudge them successful.  They look well in July.  We shall see them in December” (12).  The diet was set to the strict consumption of only fruit, beans, potatoes, and barley.  Likewise, the members were only allowed to drink water.  They were not allowed to wear cotton or wool because both materials are products from slavery and animals.  Therefore, their clothes were spun of flax, hardly sufficient for the cold New England winter.

>>>> Alcott’s distinguished background in education left an impression on his philosophy at Fruitlands.  A pioneer in the field, Alcott advocated an interactive structure to school as opposed to the more formal structure of its time.  

>>>>He was both revered and criticized for his open mind, and controversial moves of allowing a black girl to attend his school and teaching sex education.  At Fruitlands, Alcott made sure to incorporate daily discussions on philosophy, history, and the literature from his extensive library into the children’s home schooling.  The home schooling of the children and philosophical discussions of the day would commence in the early morning, inviting and involving all at the commune.

>>>>Towards its downfall, Fruitlands seemed to run wild with aimless travelers, excessive philosophizing, and even Samuel Bower, an Adamite who spent his mornings jogging the property around the farmhouse – naked.  And, yes, in front of the children.  This lack of organization eventually led to the desertion of the commune during one of the most brutal New England winters in a decade.  Interestingly enough, it was Mrs. Alcott, Abigail May, who finally gave her husband the ultimatum that he leave Fruitlands with her and the family, or remain there himself.  As all husbands should, Bronson Alcott dutifully surrendered to his wife’s call and the Fruitlands “experiment” was left a failure.  Or was it?

>>>>Undoubtedly, the commune’s ideals were far to naïve, especially coupled with the inhabitants’ work ethic.  The Fruitlands did produce, however, a valuable piece of American literature – Transcendental Wild Oats by Louisa May Alcott.  It is the only account of the time spent on Fruitlands, however, it is by no means a historical account.  Rather, it is a satire of the transcendental experiment as seen through the eyes of the then-ten-year old Louisa.  Written years after her time there, Louisa pokes fun at the absurdities of her father’s seemingly ludicrous endeavor.  Exaggerating each of the real life members, Louisa gives names to each of her characters that are reflective of their roles throughout the novel.  Most notable are those of Bronson Alcott (Abel Lamb) and Charles Lane (Timon Lion).  From the onset, Louisa clearly pits Lamb and Lion against each other with opposing attitudes.  Lamb is depicted as far too reliant on God to ensure the success of the experiment.  As he travels to “Paradise” with his family in a “laden ark,” Lamb remarks, “this enterprise must be rooted in a reliance on the succors of an ever bounteous Providence” (Alcott 27).  It is safe to presume that these not-so inconspicuous allusions to idealized views of the world around were Louisa’s true feelings about this transcendental travesty. 

>> >>  Furthermore, Lion’s character acts as the tight-lipped enforcer of the Fruitlands’ harsh laws, eventually evolving into “Dictator Lion.”  Both of these characterizations give insight into the atmosphere inside the farmhouse and what kind of interactions the observer must have seen.  Certainly to all that were brought semi-unwillingly by their husbands and/or families, it was a serene experience. 

           When I visited the Fruitlands, initially I simply marveled at the site’s outstanding beauty.  Set among the hills of Harvard, Massachusetts, the museum’s grounds provide breathtaking views of the surrounding area.  Also, although I am sure it is gorgeous the whole duration it is open, I highly recommend going during the fall to observe the foliage for miles around.  There is no better way to tap into your transcendental side. 

             The Fruitlands Museums was established with the aid of Clara Endicott Sears who collected Utopian artifacts throughout her lifetime.  She made it her life’s aim to restore the property of Fruitlands and the farmhouse was the first building restored on the grounds. Throughout the house, there are various artifacts which date back to the Alcott’s time there, including texts and a few of Louisa’s possessions as a child.  In fact, you can ascend the creaky, wooden stairs to the cold attic that Louisa slept in for the majority of her time at Fruitlands.  Likewise, you can stand in the living room and imagine you are listening to a philosophical discussion transpire.  I recommend at least leafing through Louisa’s recovered diary from the time she was at Fruitlands.  It includes her candid outlook on the commune’s interactions.  Although for many of her entries she simply records what she had done that day, she does express impatience with school or Charles Lane, remarking bluntly, “I like it [Fruitlands] but not the school part or Mr. L.” (Alcott 75). 

          Around the farmhouse are the same pathways and woods wandered by the Alcott family, other members, and visitors of Fruitlands.  Here is where one can truly see that, although the idea of subsisting off the rocky New England soil in a totally disorganized community is far-fetched, the idea of finding true divinity and happiness through nature is very possible.