Description: This photograph shows an exterior view of the brick meeting house, Zoar, Ohio, ca. 1885-1895, built by the Society of Separatists of Zoar in 1853. When the Society of Separatists of Zoar was dissolved in 1898 the former members of the Society formed an Evangelical church which held services in this building. Led by Joseph Bimeler (sometimes spelled Bäumeler) in 1817, a group of Lutheran separatists left the area of Germany known as Wurttemberg and eventually established the small community of Zoar in Tuscarawas County, Ohio. The community of Zoar was not originally organized as a commune, but its residents had a difficult time surviving in 1818 and early 1819. As a result, on April 19, 1819, the group formed the Society of Separatists of Zoar. Each person donated his or her property to the community as a whole, and in exchange for their work, the society would provide for them. Additional modifications to the society's organization were made in 1824 and a constitution established in 1833. In the decades following the establishment of the Zoar commune, the Separatists experienced economic prosperity. The community was almost entirely self-sufficient and sold any surpluses to the outside world. In addition to agriculture, Zoar residents also worked in a number of industries, including flour mills, textiles, a tin shop, copper, wagon maker, two iron foundries, and several stores. The society also made money by contracting to build a seven-mile stretch of the Ohio and Erie Canal. The canal crossed over Zoar's property, and the society owned several canal boats. The canal traffic also brought other people into the community, who bought Zoar residents' goods. By the second half of the nineteenth century, the community was quite prosperous. After Bimeler's death in 1853, the unity of the village declined, and by 1898 the Zoarites disbanded the society. The remaining residents divided the property, and the community continued to prosper in Zoar. View on Ohio Memory.
Image ID: AL00829
Subjects: Zoar (Tuscarawas County, Ohio); Society of Separatists of Zoar; City and town life
Places: Zoar (Ohio); Tuscarawas County (Ohio)
 

Description: Caption reads: "New Zoar Meeting House." The brick meeting house was built by the Society of Separatists of Zoar in 1853. When the Society of Separatists of Zoar was dissolved in 1898 the former members of the Society formed an Evangelical church which held services in this building. A group of separatists from Germany, eventually known as Zoarites, established the small community of Zoar in Tuscarawas County in 1817. In the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, they had separated from the official German religion, the Lutheran Church. The community of Zoar was not originally organized as a commune, but its residents had a difficult time surviving in 1818 and early 1819. As a result, on April 19, 1819, the group formed the Society of Separatists of Zoar. Each person donated his or her property to the community as a whole. In exchange for their work, the society would provide for them. In the decades following the establishment of the Zoar commune, the separatists experienced economic prosperity. Due in part to influences from the outside world and the death of original residents, in 1898, the remaining members decided to dissolve the society, and its property was divided among the Zoarites. It was an end to the communistic experience at Zoar.  View on Ohio Memory.
Image ID: SA1039AV_B02F01_020_1
Subjects: Tuscarawas County (Ohio); Zoar, O; Society of Separatists of Zoar; Zoar (Tuscarawas County, Ohio)--History--Pictorial works
Places: Zoar (Ohio); Tuscarawas County (Ohio)
 

Description: This photograph shows the last trustees of the Society of Separatists of Zoar, in Zoar, Ohio, in Tuscarawas County, from left to right; Joseph Breymaier, John Bimeler, and Christian Ruof. Led by Joseph Bimeler (sometimes spelled Bäumeler) in 1817, a group of Lutheran separatists left the area of Germany known as Wurttemberg and eventually established the small community of Zoar in Tuscarawas County, Ohio. The community of Zoar was not originally organized as a commune, but its residents had a difficult time surviving in 1818 and early 1819. As a result, on April 19, 1819, the group formed the Society of Separatists of Zoar. Each person donated his or her property to the community as a whole, and in exchange for their work, the society would provide for them. Additional modifications to the society's organization were made in 1824 and a constitution established in 1833. In the decades following the establishment of the Zoar commune, the Separatists experienced economic prosperity. The community was almost entirely self-sufficient and sold any surpluses to the outside world. In addition to agriculture, Zoar residents also worked in a number of industries, including flour mills, textiles, a tin shop, copper, wagon maker, two iron foundries, and several stores. The society also made money by contracting to build a seven-mile stretch of the Ohio and Erie Canal. The canal crossed over Zoar's property, and the society owned several canal boats. The canal traffic also brought other people into the community, who bought Zoar residents' goods. By the second half of the nineteenth century, the community was quite prosperous. After Bimeler's death in 1853, the unity of the village declined, and by 1898 the Zoarites disbanded the society. The remaining residents divided the property, and the community continued to prosper in Zoar. View on Ohio Memory.
Image ID: P365_B15F1_001
Subjects: Zoar (Tuscarawas County, Ohio); Society of Separatists of Zoar; Communal Societies
Places: Zoar (Ohio); Tuscarawas County (Ohio)
 

Description: Taken by photographer Louis Baus, this photographic reproduction shows firefighters of the Zoar Fire Department in 1869 posing at the rear of the Zoar Hotel. A note on the reverse of the photograph identifies the men as (from left to right) Johnathan Breymaier, John Beiter (tall blacksmith), Frank Kinzley, Dr. Clemence Breil-chief, Sebastian Burkhardt, William Kuecherer, Anthony Burkhardt, Simon Beiter Jr., and Louis Heid. Led by Joseph Bimeler in 1817, a group of Lutheran separatists left the area of Germany known as Wurttemberg and eventually established the small community of Zoar in Tuscarawas County, Ohio. They would become known as the Society of Separatists of Zoar in 1819. View on Ohio Memory.
Image ID: P223_B04_S02_A1_97
Subjects: Photography; Society of Separatists of Zoar; Religious Societies; Communal societies; Fire fighters; Fire engines & equipment
Places: Zoar (Ohio); Tuscarawas County (Ohio)
 

Description: Taken by photographer Louis Baus, this photographic reproduction shows a view of part of the Society of Separatists of Zoar community in 1890 looking south towards the home of Joseph Bimeler (the brick house with a cupola) in the center of the photograph. There is a bakery on the left side and part of the Hotel shows to the left of Bimeler's house. The Town Hall and Store are in the upper center of the photograph. In the foreground is an old log cabin belonging to Joseph Bimeler. Behind this is the home of the gardener, Simon Beiter Sr., with greenhouse at the left. In the upper right is the home of William Bimeler. Led by Joseph Bimeler in 1817, a group of Lutheran separatists left the area of Germany known as Wurttemberg and eventually established the small community of Zoar in Tuscarawas County, Ohio. They would become known as the Society of Separatists of Zoar in 1819. View on Ohio Memory.
Image ID: P223_B04_S02_A1_41
Subjects: Photography; Society of Separatists of Zoar; Religious Societies; Communal societies; Rural life
Places: Zoar (Ohio); Tuscarawas County (Ohio)
 

Description: Dated ca. 1910-1950, this photograph shows the home of Joseph Bimeler, the unofficial leader of the Society of Separatists of Zoar, a communal society in Zoar in Tuscarawas County, Ohio. A note on the reverse of the photograph reads "Bimiler House." The Bimeler home is made of red brick and gray sandstone, standing on the main street of the village. Led by Joseph Bimeler (sometimes spelled Bäumeler) in 1817, a group of Lutheran separatists left the area of Germany known as Wurttemberg and eventually established the small community of Zoar in Tuscarawas County, Ohio. The community of Zoar was not originally organized as a commune, but its residents had a difficult time surviving in 1818 and early 1819. As a result, on April 19, 1819, the group formed the Society of Separatists of Zoar. Each person donated his or her property to the community as a whole, and in exchange for their work, the society would provide for them. Additional modifications to the society's organization were made in 1824 and a constitution established in 1833. In the decades following the establishment of the Zoar commune, the Separatists experienced economic prosperity. The community was almost entirely self-sufficient and sold any surpluses to the outside world. In addition to agriculture, Zoar residents also worked in a number of industries, including flour mills, textiles, a tin shop, copper, wagon maker, two iron foundries, and several stores. The society also made money by contracting to build a seven-mile stretch of the Ohio and Erie Canal. The canal crossed over Zoar's property, and the society owned several canal boats. The canal traffic also brought other people into the community, who bought Zoar residents' goods. By the second half of the nineteenth century, the community was quite prosperous. After Bimeler's death in 1853, the unity of the village declined, and by 1898 the Zoarites disbanded the society. The remaining residents divided the property, and the community continued to prosper in Zoar. View on Ohio Memory.
Image ID: AV9_B02F03_002_001
Subjects: Zoar (Tuscarawas County, Ohio); Houses; Society of Separatists of Zoar; Communal societies
Places: Zoar (Ohio); Tuscarawas County (Ohio)
 

Description: Taken by photographer Louis Baus, this photographic reproduction shows the home of Rudolph Ruckstuhl on Fourth Street in Zoar, Ohio, 1898. Ruckstuhl was a member of the Society of Separatists of Zoar and worked as foreman of the Society's tailor shop. Led by Joseph Bimeler (sometimes spelled Bäumeler) in 1817, a group of Lutheran separatists left the area of Germany known as Wurttemberg and eventually established the small community of Zoar in Tuscarawas County, Ohio. The community of Zoar was not originally organized as a commune, but its residents had a difficult time surviving in 1818 and early 1819. As a result, on April 19, 1819, the group formed the Society of Separatists of Zoar. Each person donated his or her property to the community as a whole, and in exchange for their work, the society would provide for them. Additional modifications to the society's organization were made in 1824 and a constitution established in 1833. In the decades following the establishment of the Zoar commune, the Separatists experienced economic prosperity. The community was almost entirely self-sufficient and sold any surpluses to the outside world. In addition to agriculture, Zoar residents also worked in a number of industries, including flour mills, textiles, a tin shop, copper, wagon maker, two iron foundries, and several stores. The society also made money by contracting to build a seven-mile stretch of the Ohio and Erie Canal. The canal crossed over Zoar's property, and the society owned several canal boats. The canal traffic also brought other people into the community, who bought Zoar residents' goods. By the second half of the nineteenth century, the community was quite prosperous. After Bimeler's death in 1853, the unity of the village declined, and by 1898 the Zoarites disbanded the society. The remaining residents divided the property, and the community continued to prosper in Zoar. View on Ohio Memory.
Image ID: AL00911
Subjects: Zoar (Tuscarawas County, Ohio); Society of Separatists of Zoar; Communal societies; Houses
Places: Zoar (Ohio); Tuscarawas County (Ohio)
 

Description: Reproduction of a photograph depicting a group of men on the steps of the general store and post office on the corner of Main and Second Streets in Zoar, Ohio, 1870. The Society of Separatists of Zoar established the general store to sell excess goods they produced to Zoar visitors. Led by Joseph Bimeler (sometimes spelled Bäumeler) in 1817, a group of Lutheran separatists left the area of Germany known as Wurttemberg and eventually established the small community of Zoar in Tuscarawas County, Ohio. The community of Zoar was not originally organized as a commune, but its residents had a difficult time surviving in 1818 and early 1819. As a result, on April 19, 1819, the group formed the Society of Separatists of Zoar. Each person donated his or her property to the community as a whole, and in exchange for their work, the society would provide for them. Additional modifications to the society's organization were made in 1824 and a constitution established in 1833. In the decades following the establishment of the Zoar commune, the Separatists experienced economic prosperity. The community was almost entirely self-sufficient and sold any surpluses to the outside world. In addition to agriculture, Zoar residents also worked in a number of industries, including flour mills, textiles, a tin shop, copper, wagon maker, two iron foundries, and several stores. The society also made money by contracting to build a seven-mile stretch of the Ohio and Erie Canal. The canal crossed over Zoar's property, and the society owned several canal boats. The canal traffic also brought other people into the community, who bought Zoar residents' goods. By the second half of the nineteenth century, the community was quite prosperous. After Bimeler's death in 1853, the unity of the village declined, and by 1898 the Zoarites disbanded the society. The remaining residents divided the property, and the community continued to prosper in Zoar. View on Ohio Memory.
Image ID: AL00848
Subjects: Zoar (Tuscarawas County, Ohio); Society of Separatists of Zoar; Stores and shops; Communal societies
Places: Zoar (Ohio); Tuscarawas County (Ohio)
 

Description: Dated September 21, 1930, this photographic reproduction shows Zoar villager Elizabeth Beiter, age 79, at the water pump. She was married to village blacksmith John Beiter and a member of the Society of Separatists of Zoar before the Society dissolved in 1898. Led by Joseph Bimeler (sometimes spelled Bäumeler) in 1817, a group of Lutheran separatists left the area of Germany known as Wurttemberg and eventually established the small community of Zoar in Tuscarawas County, Ohio. The community of Zoar was not originally organized as a commune, but its residents had a difficult time surviving in 1818 and early 1819. As a result, on April 19, 1819, the group formed the Society of Separatists of Zoar. Each person donated his or her property to the community as a whole, and in exchange for their work, the society would provide for them. Additional modifications to the society's organization were made in 1824 and a constitution established in 1833. In the decades following the establishment of the Zoar commune, the Separatists experienced economic prosperity. The community was almost entirely self-sufficient and sold any surpluses to the outside world. In addition to agriculture, Zoar residents also worked in a number of industries, including flour mills, textiles, a tin shop, copper, wagon maker, two iron foundries, and several stores. The society also made money by contracting to build a seven-mile stretch of the Ohio and Erie Canal. The canal crossed over Zoar's property, and the society owned several canal boats. The canal traffic also brought other people into the community, who bought Zoar residents' goods. By the second half of the nineteenth century, the community was quite prosperous. After Bimeler's death in 1853, the unity of the village declined, and by 1898 the Zoarites disbanded the society. The remaining residents divided the property, and the community continued to prosper in Zoar. View on Ohio Memory.
Image ID: AL00872
Subjects: Zoar (Tuscarawas County, Ohio); Society of Separatists of Zoar; Daily life; Ohio Women
Places: Zoar (Ohio); Tuscarawas County (Ohio)
 

Description: This is a photographic reproduction showing the south side of the Zoar greenhouse as it appeared in 1879. The greenhouse was on the north side of the Zoar Garden and maintained by members of the Society of Separatists of Zoar. Led by Joseph Bimeler (sometimes spelled Bäumeler) in 1817, a group of Lutheran separatists left the area of Germany known as Wurttemberg and eventually established the small community of Zoar in Tuscarawas County, Ohio. The community of Zoar was not originally organized as a commune, but its residents had a difficult time surviving in 1818 and early 1819. As a result, on April 19, 1819, the group formed the Society of Separatists of Zoar. Each person donated his or her property to the community as a whole, and in exchange for their work, the society would provide for them. Additional modifications to the society's organization were made in 1824 and a constitution established in 1833. In the decades following the establishment of the Zoar commune, the Separatists experienced economic prosperity. The community was almost entirely self-sufficient and sold any surpluses to the outside world. In addition to agriculture, Zoar residents also worked in a number of industries, including flour mills, textiles, a tin shop, copper, wagon maker, two iron foundries, and several stores. The society also made money by contracting to build a seven-mile stretch of the Ohio and Erie Canal. The canal crossed over Zoar's property, and the society owned several canal boats. The canal traffic also brought other people into the community, who bought Zoar residents' goods. By the second half of the nineteenth century, the community was quite prosperous. After Bimeler's death in 1853, the unity of the village declined, and by 1898 the Zoarites disbanded the society. The remaining residents divided the property, and the community continued to prosper in Zoar. View on Ohio Memory.
Image ID: AL01713
Subjects: Zoar (Tuscarawas County, Ohio); Society of Separatists of Zoar; Gardens; Communal societies; Greenhouses
Places: Zoar (Ohio); Tuscarawas County (Ohio)
 

Description: This photographic reproduction shows the shoe shop on Fourth Street in Zoar, Ohio, ca. 1885-1895. The man in the doorway may be shoemaker Jacob Sylvan. From 1817 to 1820 this building was the cabin of Joseph M. Bimeler, the first leader of the Society of Separatists of Zoar, and also served as the Society's first meeting house. Led by Joseph Bimeler (sometimes spelled Bäumeler) in 1817, a group of Lutheran separatists left the area of Germany known as Wurttemberg and eventually established the small community of Zoar in Tuscarawas County, Ohio. The community of Zoar was not originally organized as a commune, but its residents had a difficult time surviving in 1818 and early 1819. As a result, on April 19, 1819, the group formed the Society of Separatists of Zoar. Each person donated his or her property to the community as a whole, and in exchange for their work, the society would provide for them. Additional modifications to the society's organization were made in 1824 and a constitution established in 1833. In the decades following the establishment of the Zoar commune, the Separatists experienced economic prosperity. The community was almost entirely self-sufficient and sold any surpluses to the outside world. In addition to agriculture, Zoar residents also worked in a number of industries, including flour mills, textiles, a tin shop, copper, wagon maker, two iron foundries, and several stores. The society also made money by contracting to build a seven-mile stretch of the Ohio and Erie Canal. The canal crossed over Zoar's property, and the society owned several canal boats. The canal traffic also brought other people into the community, who bought Zoar residents' goods. By the second half of the nineteenth century, the community was quite prosperous. After Bimeler's death in 1853, the unity of the village declined, and by 1898 the Zoarites disbanded the society. The remaining residents divided the property, and the community continued to prosper in Zoar. View on Ohio Memory.
Image ID: AL00849
Subjects: Zoar (Tuscarawas County, Ohio); Society of Separatists of Zoar; Log cabins; Communal societies; Small businesses
Places: Zoar (Ohio); Tuscarawas County (Ohio)
 

Description: This photograph shows the sawmill operated by the Society of Separatists of Zoar and dam on the Tuscarawas River, ca. 1890-1899. The sawmill was known as the power house after an electrical generator was installed. The dam provided power for all the mills in Zoar. Led by Joseph Bimeler (sometimes spelled Bäumeler) in 1817, a group of Lutheran separatists left the area of Germany known as Wurttemberg and eventually established the small community of Zoar in Tuscarawas County, Ohio. The community of Zoar was not originally organized as a commune, but its residents had a difficult time surviving in 1818 and early 1819. As a result, on April 19, 1819, the group formed the Society of Separatists of Zoar. Each person donated his or her property to the community as a whole, and in exchange for their work, the society would provide for them. Additional modifications to the society's organization were made in 1824 and a constitution established in 1833. In the decades following the establishment of the Zoar commune, the Separatists experienced economic prosperity. The community was almost entirely self-sufficient and sold any surpluses to the outside world. In addition to agriculture, Zoar residents also worked in a number of industries, including flour mills, textiles, a tin shop, copper, wagon maker, two iron foundries, and several stores. The society also made money by contracting to build a seven-mile stretch of the Ohio and Erie Canal. The canal crossed over Zoar's property, and the society owned several canal boats. The canal traffic also brought other people into the community, who bought Zoar residents' goods. By the second half of the nineteenth century, the community was quite prosperous. After Bimeler's death in 1853, the unity of the village declined, and by 1898 the Zoarites disbanded the society. The remaining residents divided the property, and the community continued to prosper in Zoar. View on Ohio Memory.
Image ID: AL00833
Subjects: Zoar (Tuscarawas County, Ohio); Society of Separatists of Zoar; Mills; Communal societies
Places: Zoar (Ohio); Tuscarawas County (Ohio)