A lot of my research was focused on The Harbinger, and how it sought a connection to the outside community to spread the word about the Associationist beliefs originating from Charles Fourier and about the Brook Farm community. However, I did find a sense of pride enveloped in the minds of Brook Farm’s members as I read through letters, articles and memoirs. No member seemed opposed to the outside world, and in fact welcomed visitors with open arms. They were not trying to completely sever ties with all society, they just wanted a space to be able to practice their beliefs.

John Codman, a member of Brook Farm, wrote a series of memories about his life and his observations of the community. He gave rich details and spoke with excitement and pleased nostalgia. When discussing the community dinners, it was evident that he understood the importance of connecting as a unit to form harmonious relationships. “It is hardly necessary to say that I looked around with peculiar interest on those who were to be my new friends and companions…There was a happy buzz that indicated to me a probability of great future happiness,” (Conman, 49). To Codman, Brook Farm was an enclosed space where he was free to explore his own interests, while forming strong bonds with other members who have similar ideals. Codman also enjoyed the simplicity of it all, as he could carry out his work and wander around the community in the open air, with a carefree attitude. It was obvious that Codman knew that he had companions that would share all of the duties with each other and as a result, no individual had their own worries, which in a way was freeing. Codman was a little upset that The Harbinger did not expose more aspects of Brook Farm life, showing that he was proud of the community and wanted more specifics to be mentioned.

George Ripley, the editor of The Harbinger, did not talk about Brook Farm as much as the Associationist ideas in his articles, but he did write a letter to a curious outsider, proving his love for the community. He found a lot of things wrong with Brook Farm and new it was far from perfect, but he knew that it was a space that was free from obstacles or deceit. “There is a freedom from the frivolities of fashion, from arbitrary restrictions, and from the frenzy of competition; we meet our fellow men in more sincere, hearty, and genial relations…” (Delano, 240). With the restrictions of living in a utopia came a sense of freedom to the Brook Farm members.