Co-Operative Dreams: A History of the Kaweah Colony

by Jay O'Connell

The story of the Kaweah Co-Operative Colony had, according to Carey McWilliams, a tragic significance. It is also a story that, until now, has remained largely untold. Co-Operative Dreams finally presents this colorful and fascinating chapter of California history with the depth and detail it deserves. A story of utopian ambitions and pioneering spirit... of passionate personalities and political intrigue... of a dream's demise and a giant forest preserved... Co-Operative Dreams is not only a story about an 1880s Socialist utopian experiment in the Sierra Nevada, but tells of the establishment of California's first national park and the surprising, ironic forces behind Sequuoia's creation. Finally, Co-Operative Dreams is a story of incredible human spirit and character, highlighting two of California history's most fascinating the erratic genius of Burnette Haskell and Annie Haskell, his remarkable and unforgettable wife. --- from book's back cover

260 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1999

Reviews

[Krista]

This book was really better than I had expected. I am surprising myself and enjoying this history stuff more than I expected. Really interesting stuff. Dirty hippies got screwed by the gov't man. But super interesting history of the park.

[Nicky]

The history of the Kaweah Colony is an important one to understanding Sequoia National Park and Californian socialist utopias. The history of this colony is fascinating. O'Connell's work is a good start, but needed a bit more structure and narrative in order for readers to truly understand the grasp of what the colony stood for and what "cooperative dreams" are mentioned in the title.