Algon Forks II – Fiction

Surrounding the town of Algon Forks (name in progress) and bartering halls are several other crucial businesses and services.  To pay property taxes and host a community fund, many of these services double as businesses. All funds go directly to the trust fund. Downtown hosts a tailor, mechanic, bakery, carpenter, coffeehouse, bar, tool pool, dance hall, schoolhouse, general store, and maintenance park. The bar, dance hall, and schoolhouse are strictly for community members. However, it isn’t unusual for outsiders to have their cars in the mechanic’s shop or buy confectionaries at the bakery. The coffeehouse is an excellent meeting spot for community members and non-members. 

The tool pool and maintenance park are also community-only areas. Here, members have access to tools such as wheelbarrows, sheers, welding equipment, chainsaws, and sewing machines.  Small tractors, plow trucks, and other larger vehicles are in the maintenance park. Access is granted by a fob. Tools and vehicles may be signed out ahead of time in a logbook accessed virtually or in person. Maintenance is a requirement for members after they have finished using the equipment. Training and workshops are often held to help assist the community. These are held by resident carpenters, farmers, mechanics, and others. 

Power is supplied mainly by solar panels constructed on the houses. There is a biofuel generator as well that feeds on waste oil. The community harvests firewood and plants trees for the future. Conservation of power is a key component in the soul of the community. Meals are cooked on wood stoves generally to limit electricity consumption. While access to the internet and other technology is provided, the emphasis is on human contact, meant to inspire connection.

Three roads diverge from the downtown area leading to the cul de sac living communities. The fifteen homes are different, but all in the 1950s ranch house style. To account for various family sizes, homes offer a three-bed, two-bath concept.  Wood stoves serve as the primary source of heat in the winter. Modern amenities like dishwashers and heat pumps are included, as well as internet access. The north and southern cul de sac families focus on food cultivation. The third sector is for skilled trade workers. Still, everyone has a small garden for personal preferences on herbs and plants.

Algon Forks can’t be perfect. There will be conflict and unexpected events. The houses and lifestyle are only linked to the 1950s by the idea of community. Racism and sexism are prohibited. You may hear Elvis in one house and Sabrina Carpenter next door. Members of the community simply believe that life is to be lived together with kind intentions towards one another and the earth. The community is built on connection.

When interpersonal conflicts occur, mediation is the first step. The town select board is one of the first steps. If a select board member is involved, a non-biased individual is brought in. Mediation should resolve most problems. If the issue is larger, a town meeting is called to discuss the matter. These meetings utilize a “speaking stick” style to make sure all voices are heard. Conflict resolution should be managed in-house if at all possible. A lawyer associated with the trust is available if necessary.

Medical emergencies will be dealt with as anyone would. The community will have first-responders as members of the society. But ambulance services may be required. There will be a contact with the local hospital to deal with those issues. All members will have insurance and be covered by the trust’s emergency fund. Other emergencies, such as fire or storms should be handled by the community as a whole. First-responder members will be tasked as leads for different emergencies. The town selectboard will assist in managing recovery work.

Minor expansions may happen, but expanding the community further only incentivizes corruption and problems. Forty-five families is a good size to maintain self-sufficiency as well as community. Additional communities may be built in close-proximity enough to trade with Algon Forks. These communities will have to function in a similar way. Outside trade is not prohibited at all. As discussed, the downtown businesses function with outsiders to fund the trust. A connection with the outside is essential for security and trade. Algon Forks is not fully self-sufficient, but it is close. Paper cups at the cafe, car oil, and pens won’t be produced by the society. So trade is absolutely necessary. 

I think that sums up most aspects of the community. This is a fictional place…for now. If I could find $30 million dollars, maybe I could build it. A community like this would come with its own set of problems, but I think it has potential too. If not in real life, at least a fictional one. Would you join? What skills would you bring?

My first post about this idea.

Curious about cohousing? Check out this place in Maine.