In his 1890’s novel A Traveler from Altruria, William Dean Howells describes a fictional country inhabited by altruists whose priority is to seek the well-being of others with less regard for their own self-interest. In the story, the protagonist from Altruria is visiting an exclusive East Coast resort popular among upper class American families. These other guests are perplexed by the Altrurian’s eagerness to help the hotel workers with their labors. His kindness and sense of equanimity is entirely out of place in this setting and piques the curiosity of his fellow resort guests. He explains that in Altruria people of different classes and backgrounds are regarded equal and the interconnectedness of individuals is viewed as inherent truth. The Utopian ideals expressed in Howells book inspired Altrurian clubs to spring up throughout the United States in the 1890’s. These social organizations were largely founded by well-educated women of the upper classes. The motto of one Ohio based Altrurian Club was “For the Good of Others.” Social justice and equality were salient themes at the time and occupied the balance of their discussions. This philosophy stood in stark contrast to the ambitions of the purely capitalist society of Industrialist America at that time.
The Altrurian group that formed their colony along Mark West Springs in 1894 built a number of small cottages, planted farmland and an orchard, and even started construction on a hotel. Despite their commitment to communal ideals, the group found itself battling a series of financial problems. Just seven months after their adventure began, the wagons began rolling back to civilization. By 1896 the last 14 settlers had abandoned the property altogether leaving only a shadow in history and a strangely named dot on the maps of future generations. Every sip of Altruria wines is a step back to a time and place that embodies the pioneering spirit of the West, freedom of thought, and the tradition of American collectivism that has played a unique role in the great history of California.
