Our latest event attracted a small but Utopian audience.  Brooklyn was apparently a cornucopia of other forms of fun that weekend; still, a nice bunch gathered for a taste of an ideal society.

Doug began by talking about Utopias as unattainable ideals; and segued into a picture story on the subject, “The Glorious Town.”  He then read a short piece on the Order of Judas Iscariot: a fictional (but plausible) society that influenced the US’s development as a Christian nation based on Judas (enrichment at others’ expense), rather than Jesus (repudiation of wealth).

Lisa followed with a biographical talk on the artistic and scientific polymaths Walter and Lao Russell, embellished with many beautiful (but puzzling) diagrams by the former, and a filmed interview with the latter.

During the intermission the audience examined rare Russell publications, turned play money into legal tender with the magic formulas of the Order of Judas, stocked up on stylish Ullage Group pinbacks, and ullaged their drinks.

Anthony closed with a history of the Oneida Community, the scandal-ridden but influential experiment in communal living and perfectionism from 19th century New York.  This was illustrated with many historical photos, and Anthony’s stereo slides of the headquarters today.

The congregation then wandered off, except for those of us who went out for Chinese food.

(Posted by Doug Skinner)