Call Number:

RG6.Q023

Repository:

Friends Historical Library of Swarthmore College

Extent:

1 linear ft. (2 boxes)

Language:

English

Preferred Citation:

[Indicate the cited item or series here], RG6/Q-023, Community Housing Project Group Records, Friends Historical Library of Swarthmore College

Date:

1976-1982 (inclusive)

Creator:

Swarthmore College. Community Housing Project Group

Abstract:

In 1976 a group of Swarthmore College students organized to propose a communal living experience within the context of the College housing. The experiment ended after the Spring 1982 semester due to student disinterest. The collection contains proposals and studies, The Ashton House log which includes meeting minutes, informal log entries, and topics of discussion, and miscellaneous notes.

In 1976 a group of Swarthmore College students organized to propose a communal living experience within the context of the College housing. The group intended to work, study, and live together as an integral, intentional unit. The group was inspired by the Alternatives Movement and worked with faculty and administrators to find a suitable space and implement the experiment.

Ashton House was assigned to the Group which was composed of sixteen students. The first group of residents were part of the planning, knew each other well, and shared their vision of an ideal community and activisim. Beginning in the second year (Fall 1979), the residents became more diverse and tensions arose. By the spring of 1982, only one student signed up for housing in Ashton House, and the experiement dissolved.

The collection contains proposals and studies made by the Community Housing Project Group, the house log which includes monthly business meeting minutes and topics of discussion, and commentary.

The collection is contained in 2 boxes.