New Harmony, Indiana: Like a River, Not a Lake: A Memoir

by Jane Blaffer Owen, John Philip Newell (Foreword), J. Pittman McGehee (Foreword)

For nearly seven decades, Jane Blaffer Owen was the driving force behind the restoration and revitalization of the town of New Harmony, Indiana. In this delightful memoir, Blaffer Owen describes the transformational effect the town had on her life. An oil heiress from Houston, she met and married Kenneth Dale Owen, great-great-grandson of Robert Owen, founder of the communal society in New Harmony. When she visited the then dilapidated town with her husband in 1941, it was love at first sight, and the story of her life and the life of the town became intertwined. Her engaging account of her journey to renew the town provides glimpses into New Harmony s past and all of its citizens scientists, educators, and naturalists whose influence spread far beyond the town limits. And there are fascinating stories of the artists, architects, and theologians who became part of Blaffer Owen s life at New Harmony, where she "could let my roots sink deeply and spread where they would."

400 pages, Hardcover

First published March 2, 2015

Reviews

[Skeetor · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads. (Thanks to all involved!)
This was an interesting memoir. It is chiefly about Jane Blaffer Owen’s restoration efforts but also includes some of her religious and social beliefs. Ms. Owen relates the behind-the-scenes activity of the restorations of Harmonite buildings, the construction and design of a “roofless Church” that welcomes all, a city park and, her reasons for doing all that she did. She also includes bits of personal information from her childhood, about her husband and children, as well as encounters with various artists, architects, and theologians. I found the brief accounts of the town’s history interesting and wished more of those had been included, but I guess that would be a history book and not a memoir, right?

[Don · Rating 4 out of 5]

A few years ago I was walking Nell, a rascally Cairn Terrier, during a visit to a festival or art show in New Harmony. I older woman in flowing linen skirts and a floppy garden hat stopped the golf cart in which she was riding and "made over" Nell. She was somewhat soft spoken and very polite and kind. Honestly it made the day for me to speak to her.

I didn't realize she was Jane Owen until much later that day.

What Mrs. Owen has accomplished through her love of preservation and the arts is amazing.

I will be honest to say that I didn't read this memoir as thoroughly as I probably should have, but read significant parts and of course appreciated the wonderful photos of the last 70 years of her involvement. Having been inside many of these buildings it was a treat to read about them.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recommend reading after a visit to New Harmony.