A Lawrence Intentional Community
by Anne L. Burgess

"The Farm," also known as "Obiji Farm," was begun in 1974 with the purchase of 15 acres of beautiful, wooded land a few miles north of Lawrence. The original idea was a family farm for the Burgess girls, most of whom lived in Lawrence at that time. Friends joined the group, too, and for several years, about ten people worked to re-build the little cabin, build a big house, grow a communal garden and just generally enjoy living in the country together.

Over the years, the group changed a lot, with only a few of the founding members still remaining. The group evolved from being a commune to a closely-connected group of families. Many children were raised here and a little alternative elementary school even operated for several years in the late Eighties. As of 2006, three families share the land: Chuck Seibel and Judy Bonifield; Anne Burgess and Mel Smith; and Laura Ramberg, Ed Scheurich and Copper Ramberg.

Although sustainability was never a primary goal, it has come about in a few areas. Our water system relies on our beautiful 3-acre pond. Water is pumped up electrically and is held in two cisterns. All of us use this water for daily needs and some of us filter and drink this delicious water. The pond has also provided enjoyment for summer swimmers, not only from the farm, but also from town.

Gardening used to be done communally. Later, individual families gardened separately. Now, Ed has interested us in the idea of communal gardening again. A good place is being developed to start up in 2007.

Other areas of communality include many of the tools and implements needed to maintain the farm, such as a tractor and truck. Storage areas and the laundry room are also used by all. Expenses for upkeep and property taxes are shared by everyone. Several large parties thrown every year also require our shared energies.

With regard to sustainability, we haven't come up with a plan for future energy needs yet, but our neighbors to the west at Oak Lae farm have several solar panel projects that interest us. Looking into our retirement years, we all know that the sharing we have done so far will help us in being ready to take care of each other in the future.