The agitation of social questions, the doctrines of Fourier and others,
brought many societies into existence; but like enthusiasts in other
schemes, the founders of them preached unity, but did not unite. The
leaders of Brook Farm urged upon the prominent men in the social
belief, to take part with them in their already established society,
with all the power they could command; but Mr. Greeley and the New York
men joined hands with the North American Phalanx, an association
founded at Red Bank, New Jersey, and lent their influence and means to
its development. Mr. Greeley thought the land at Brook Farm was of too
poor quality; that the debts of the organization were heavier than they
should be for a beginning, and that by starting anew, a better chance
for thrift could be had--especially if a location could be selected
with an excellent soil--and he desired it should be located near the
great market of New York. This departure from a true idea--the idea of
concentration--was certainly a great mistake, and the end proved that
the young societies, with little means, and needing much, should all
have joined together for financial success.
At a very early date in the movement, there was a Community formed at
Hopedale, Milford, Massachusetts, under the leadership of Rev.
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