The Downfall
The second generation as a major contributing factor the community’s downfall–
- Primary Source: “Any estimate of the factors making for the breakdown of Oneida communism must take account of the emergence of a new generation who knew not the John Humphrey Noyes of early salvation-from-sin days. The majority of these young people had none of the religious devotion which the original members brought to Oneida in 1848.” -Pierrepont Noyes
- Secondary Source: “The second generation of the Oneida Community, and even more so the third, felt little of the affective enthusiasm of their parents in the early years of the community. This lack of commitment from succeeding generations is a common characteristic in the life cycle of utopian communities.” -Monique Patenaude Roach
The second generation as the savior of the community–
- Primary Source: “I have got a son who is able to lead in spirituality and in business, and he has a strong company of young folks to uphold him. This second generation is a peculiar one; perhaps there will never be another one like it. Folks have said we should fail when the second generation grew up, but we should if it were not for this second generation. It is the second generation that is going to be the salvation of us.” -Tirzah Miller
Interpretation–
- The remarks made about the second generation by Pierrepont Noyes I find to be of utmost importance because he was a member of this particular generation. In comparison, Tirzah Miller merely had a son who was in the second generation which might be cause for a more hopeful outlook.